Faithful on Fridays Blog

If you want detail on Jesus’ last week of life then John’s gospel is the place to be; almost half of the book is devoted to that world-changing week. The religious leaders who are watching this Man perform miracles to prove His deity are getting concerned, “Look, the world has gone after Him.” All of humanity? No, but their world, their people were and, consequently, their way of life was threatened.

Jesus makes some outrageous statements in chapter twelve:

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25 ESV

Jesus’ message was clear, His time to die in our place had arrived, therefore, He will experience the glory of God. Isn’t that true for us as well? We don’t have to die for our sins but we do have to die to the ways of the world in order to experience His glory. Forgiveness, grace, humility, or servanthood aren’t the world’s ways, they are God’s ways.

Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. John 12:31-32 ESV

The cross was on His mind at this point and He knew death was immanent for the sins of those who will believe. Will He draw all people, the whole world, to faith?

Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him. John 12:37 ESV

Eventually everyone will be required to look at the cross but few will receive revelation (vs. 38-39). Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah with sobering verses that declared God blinding eyes and hardening hearts so they could not believe. Outrageous.

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. Galatians 6:14 NLT

How is that possible? How do we live in a world of unbelievers and yet not act like them?

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2 NLT

We look to Jesus through His Word and Spirit to receive the power we need to walk in the light and not remain in the world’s darkness. He declared that the ‘ruler of this world‘ was cast out, therefore, Satan has no power over you. Live in relationship with His Spirit and experience eternal life … Now.