God's Gospel Truths
John 12:44
Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.
~ Jesus
Pondering Point
Read John 12:37-50 (below).
Yesterday’s time of IMMERSION was about recognizing that Jesus is the Holy One of God (John 6:69). When you believe this, you are believing in God – and that Jesus has come from God, full of grace and truth as John 1:17 puts it. Likewise, to reject Jesus as coming from God is to reject God the Father who sent Him (see Luke 10:16).
What impact should believing in Jesus have on one’s lifestyle and choices? Is it acceptable that a person’s lifestyle be out-of-sync with his or her beliefs? Jesus addresses that in part with His teaching in John 12. He speaks of people ‘hearing’ His words but not keeping them (v. 47). In this encounter, hearing but not keeping Jesus’ words is tantamount to not believing in Jesus – and thus rejecting God the Father, too. Belief is not merely an act of acknowledging some truth, but acting out of that truth – that is, letting it shape the choices you make, the roads you take, and the words you speak. Let’s stand with the Apostle Peter in both words and action.
John 4:21-26
21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Just as Jesus’ entire life was one of praise to God, a form of true worship, so our lives are to reflect truly worshipful attitudes no matter what we are doing, whether we are coming or going.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, like Peter spoke, I too have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God. And like Peter took action and followed, I too commit to follow You, asking that You make me a “fisher of men.” In Your name I pray. Amen.