John 12:37-43
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 12:37-43 taking note of any questions that arise as you read.
In John’s Gospel we’ve seen many facets of Jesus’ character, and we’ve seen that an encounter with Jesus is always a defining moment. Jesus consistently paints an accurate picture of what it means to know and follow him. He calls people to a relationship and lifestyle that flies in the face of societal notions of power and privilege. He calls us to the upside-down ways of the Kingdom of God where the first is last and the last first, and where the greatest among us is the servant of all.
As a result, reactions to Jesus are anything but neutral. People caught up in their own efforts to rule their lives and control their personal worlds are often offended when faced with the reality that God’s rule and way is the path to life. Just as people in Old Testament days were offended by the revelation of God’s “powerful arm,” so many people in New Testament times and now are offended by the revelation of God in Jesus.
Stop to consider this for a moment. Have you at any point in your reading of the Gospels been taken aback or “offended” by something Jesus said or did? Talk this over with Jesus.
Read John 12:37-43 again zeroing in on John’s comments in the last two verses.
For religious leaders who believed in the words and works of Jesus, and for members of the Jewish community, the fear was real. To fully align with Jesus would result in expulsion from the community. This would mean the loss of friends, family and religious community.
Following Jesus means exactly that: following him in all that he teaches and demonstrates even when his ways take us outside the mainstream of our culture, and even when his ways take us outside the accepted norms of our faith communities. We don’t follow him in our own power – we would most certainly fail if we tried – but we are given the very Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, to teach, comfort, lead and sustain us.
Have you ever found yourself at odds with a value or practice of the surrounding culture because of your commitment to Jesus?
Have you ever found yourself at odds with a value or practice of your church or faith community because of your commitment to follow Jesus’ teachings and example?
For the last minutes of this time of reflection, contemplate these questions in the presence of Jesus. Consider asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts wherever Jesus desires.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
