Sunday 25th August
Read John 12:49-50
“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.’” (NIVUK)
The judgement that will fall on those who do not believe in Jesus is not grounded in what Jesus Himself came to do, but in what the people fail to acknowledge. The simple truth is that Jesus’ words are the Father’s words. His words reframe and replace the words of Moses, because He fulfils them. It is only in His words that life is now found. Life is found nowhere else. This truth remains hard even for those who profess belief.
John 6 is a long lesson showing that the words of Jesus are really quite difficult to believe. They are hard words that many who had followed Him up to that point ultimately could not stomach. They turned away, they ‘unbelieved’. But Peter, at least at that stage, understood what was at stake. When Jesus asked them if they too would turn away at His hard words ‘Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’ (John 6:68-69) (NIVUK)
