Jesus is Essential
John 11:54–57: Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
The crowds come to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover. As they go through this endless ritual and rub shoulders with each other, there are differences of opinion and talk about Jesus. They wonder whether Jesus will come to the feast this year. They know the Sanhedrin is really after Him. You see, if they will not believe Moses, they will not believe even though one rose from the dead. At this point John’s Gospel has reached the breaking point. We are approaching the last week of the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1
Walking with Jesus
What if you only had one week left on earth, how would you minister to others? Jesus poured out His heart to His disciples and subjected Himself to the wicked religious and political leaders. Are you living sacrificially for Him today? Are you intentionally pouring yourself into the lives of others? In what way would the Body of Christ miss you?
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
Whatever we lay at the feet of Jesus will become a blessed subtraction.
Praying
Lord, please make me willing to live and die for You on a daily basis.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
