Sunday 4th February
Read 2 Timothy 3:8-9
“Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.” (NIVUK)
Jannes and Jambres were traditionally the names of the magicians of Pharoah’s court in Egypt who opposed Moses. They could copy many of the miracles of Moses but were ultimately found out as frauds and made fools of.
The striking aspect of this comparison may not be immediately obvious. Paul compares the gospel of salvation that he and Timothy are standing for with the message of salvation for Israel that Moses brought before Pharoah, and which Jannes and Jambres opposed. Paul, a devout Jew, has placed himself and Timothy, in the position of Moses! Those are the stakes.
Everyone who believes and upholds and teaches the gospel of Jesus proclaimed by Paul and Timothy, and opposes those who would lead people astray, holds out true salvation to the world. Though we may feel like fools sometimes, and Timothy may have also felt that way at times, the way, the truth and the life are found in Jesus.
