In the final hours before His death, Jesus gives His disciples final marching orders, preparing them for a future without His physical presence. He begins with an act of humble, selfless, sacrificial, gracious love. As always, Jesus sets the example, inspiring us in how we ought to live and serve and love.
Gospel of John (Page 2)
We are now a little over half-way through John’s gospel, and we are coming to an end of John’s record of his public ministry. Jesus realizes that “the hour has come”, and he gives a final exhortation to all who will hear him: “Walk in the light, lest the darkness overtake you.” A final exhortation to believe that he is God’s Messiah. John records this exhortation for us: respond to Jesus while we still have the opportunity.
The word “enlightenment” has been popular since the 18th century in Europe, but mankind has always been hungry for enlightenment. To be in light and not in darkness. To know and follow truth, not lies. But how do we know what is light and true? Jesus, claiming to be the light of the world, encountered a man blind from birth and miraculously gave him sight. But even more than physical sight, this man found spiritual sight. In contrast, the religious community was confronted with their own spiritual blindness. In calling us to true light, Jesus calls us to himself. How will we respond?
Freedom. Such a beautiful word. The pursuit of freedom might be one of our life goals, or it might feel hopelessly out of reach. But first we must ask, from what do we want to be free? For the word freedom implies there is some type of imprisonment, enslavement, or severe restriction. In the Gospel of John, Jesus points us to freedom, but we will find two surprises: what we are enslaved to, and what—actually who—is our only source of freedom.
While Jesus walked the earth, controversy surrounded him. A few loved him, but most were either confused about or hateful toward him. Even today Jesus Christ is controversial across the world, and in some countries his followers are being persecuted unto death. What is it about Jesus—his words and actions—that makes him such a polarizing yet remarkable person? He is matchless.
Many in the crowds that followed Jesus were more excited about the free food He provided than His claims to be the Son of God. Just like the crowds who followed Jesus, our hearts and minds gravitate toward our concerns in this world. Will we have enough to live on? Will the economy tank? Will people accept me? Jesus tells us where true sustenance and satisfaction can be found. He says, “I am the bread of life.” We must come to Jesus, as only He can satisfy our deepest longing and needs.