Jesus is Essential
John 12:42–46: Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
A number of the basic themes in John’s Gospel run through this message: God sent the Son; to see the Son means to see the Father; Jesus is the Light of the world; His words are the very words of God; faith in Him brings salvation; to reject Him is to face eternal judgment. In fact, the very Word that He spoke will judge those who have rejected it and Him! It is an awesome thought that the unbeliever will face at the judgment every bit of Scripture he has ever read or heard. The very Word that he rejects becomes his judge! Why? Because the written Word points to the Living Word, Jesus Christ. Many people reject the truth simply because of the fear of man. Better to fear God and go to heaven than to fear men and go to hell! 1
Walking with Jesus
Jesus is dealing with the real heart issues of life. To make a name for yourself on earth, and to ignore the only Name that can save you, is a very tragic mistake. Are you living in His light, or are you hiding in the darkness of this world?
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18
To live for the applause of people is to die a very unsatisfied life.
Praying
Lord, please use my life as a light that shines for Your glory.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
