Thursday 27 July 2017
- Bible Book:
- John
“Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” (Vv. 50-51)
Psalm: Psalm 42
Background
The great gulf between Jesus and those John's Gospel labels "theJews" is explored further in this passage. At its heart is theissue of who is good and right, who is really honouring God theFather. It is not though a question about ethics, but aboutunderstanding Jesus.
Perhaps though we should admit that what Jesus says here is noteasy to understand. For example, he says "whoever keeps my wordwill never see death". If we take this literally as those arguingwith Jesus seem to do, it can seem very difficult to accept it, theevidence is against it. Notice though how the crowd misquote Jesus;he says "see death", they say "taste death" (v. 52). Somehow theycannot hear what Jesus is really saying, either in terms ofparticular words or the whole picture; they cannot grasp the truth,but instead distort Jesus' words. When Jesus says "will never seedeath", he is saying that for those who accept him death is nolonger the end. For once you truly have a relationship with God,that is not just for here and now, but for all time and eternity,we do not go from life to death, but life to life.
When Jesus tells them that "it is my Father who glorifies me"(v. 54), it is really Jesus' knowledge of his relationship with thefather which makes him strong. This relationship makes referencesto time or death irrelevant, as the relationship is like God's verynature - unlimited by time or death. It is a relationship with Godthat Jesus' life, death and resurrection made possible. This iswhat Jesus did for us and so we can recognise him as God's Son.This is the way to life; but notice the other death references inthis passage, at the end they pick up stones to throw at Jesus andthis time he gets away (verse 59). Later he is crucified and John'sGospel sees this as his ultimate glorification, the point when thehidden nature of God is clearly revealed. The Son dies and israised for us, death is "swallowed up in victory" (
To Ponder
- Spend at least a few minutes simply being still in God'spresence. Can you still feel amazed that you can have arelationship with him?
- Is there a grieving person you could comfort today? Our faithgives us hope, but this does not negate the pain of loss andgrief.