John 12:44-50
Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” Continuing in John 12… My Study Bible points out that today’s reading, the end of chapter 12, marks the end of Jesus’ public ministry. Chapter 13 in John begins the Last Supper.
If anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. (v. 47) Jesus makes it plain here that His mission was to save the world. I like that He also makes clear that judgment comes at the end of the world, not at the end of His ministry.
For I have not spoken on My own authority, but the Father who sent Me has Himself given Me … what to say and what to speak. … What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told Me. (vv. 49-50) All of the Gospel writers have reported on Jesus withdrawing to a lonely (quiet) place to pray. It’s more clear to me now than ever before that these times in prayer were in part preparing Him for what He would be saying – as the Father had directed Him. We have a similar resource available to us, the Holy Spirit: …for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. (Luke 12:12) We have but to listen!
Slava Bohu!