My son Jeremiah preached a lesson with this title a few weeks ago. This article basically takes his outline, and puts a portion of it in article form. The points made are worthy of consideration.
Everyone enjoys being complimented, but the value of a compliment is very much dependent upon the person who is giving it. A compliment from a wicked man would mean little, as would one that comes from insincere flattery. However, if a compliment were to come from the Lord Himself, that would truly be a great honor. So, consider the following individuals, and the compliments they received from the Lord. If the Lord complimented them, we know that if we do or are the same, we will please Him as well!
The Genuineness of Nathanael
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” (John 1:47). Consider Jesus’ description of the man, “an Israelite indeed…” This distinguishes between a merely physical lineage (born a Jew), and one who is truly faithful to the law of Moses, seeking to serve God. “For they are not all Israel who are of Israel” (Romans 9:6).
Nathanael was a genuine Israelite. He was not fake. He wasn’t a hypocrite. The proof can be seen in his response to the evidence presented by Jesus. “Nathanael answered and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” (John 1:49).
Genuine faith from the open minded, seeking man, is pleasing to God. “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). If we like Nathanael are genuine seekers of God, we will be pleasing to Him.
The Great Faith of the Roman Centurion
“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’” (Matthew 8:10). Jesus’ compliment came from the Centurion’s declaration that He need not come to his home. “But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed” (vs. 8). The Centurion had an understanding of authority. He recognized Jesus as One who held great dignity and power. He had heard of Jesus’ miracles, and rightly understood that a Man who produced such wonders could do so under any circumstances. His faith was not misplaced as the text reveals, “his servant was healed that same hour” (8:13).
Too many today limit God. They have no true understanding of His capability. This limited faith is perhaps an outgrowth of their own finite experiences and understanding. However, a perceptive individual can look beyond his own limitations, and imagine the limitless. God is all powerful. He is all knowing. He is infinitely just and righteous. God is love. A man who can perceive this is one who is capable of great faith. He is the one who willingly submits himself to whatever God requires.
Consider the words of Peter on a night where his fishing efforts had come up empty. Jesus instructed him to let out his nets a final time. Peter answered, ““Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5). His great faith in His master led to such a catch that their net began to break, and he had to call his partners in the other boat to help him bring in the haul. Peter understood how this happened, “When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’” (5:8). May we all have such great faith!
Other Individuals Who Jesus Complimented
John the Baptist. Jesus commended him for his great humility. Here was a man who had a great work to do, in preparing the way for the coming Messiah. And yet, he humbly and simply fulfilled his ministry. He said, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:29-30).
In response, Jesus proclaimed to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). John’s work was as important as any that came before. In his humble stewardship, he received a great compliment from the Lord.
The widow who offered all she had. While others offered from their prosperity, Jesus lauded the widow as having done more than any other, “for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood” (Mark 12:44). Her liberality was noted by Jesus, and her sacrifice is still remembered today.
Mary’s great devotion. She anointed the head of the Lord with costly oil. While her actions were criticized by some, Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me… Assuredly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her” (Mark 14:6,8).
Integrity, faith, humility, liberality, devotion. These are the characteristics that please the Lord, and bring compliments from Him. We must ask ourselves, are we striving to emulate these great examples, and to please God?
