Scripture Reading: John 12:20-28
Scripture Focus:
“Jesus
replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”
John 12:23
(NIV)
What did
Jesus mean by saying “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified”? My
research has shown me something I should have learned a long time ago but
didn’t. “The Greeks and Jews took it to mean that subjected kingdoms would
grovel before the conqueror’s feet; by glorified
he meant crucified. When the Son of
Man was mentioned they thought of the conquest of God’s armies of God; he meant
the conquest of the cross.” 1
Jesus
told the people, including the disciples, that he would die several times but
they chose to interpret his words to their liking. Is it any wonder the
disciples felt betrayed and disillusioned when Jesus’s words came to pass?
The
people who heard Jesus say these difficult things are no different from those
of us who live in the 21st Century. We have something in us that sometimes makes
us hear what we want to hear.
King
Solomon gives us sage advice when he tells us to, “Trust in the Lord with all
your heart and lean not on your understanding.”(Proverbs 3:5, NIV) Think on
this thought as we go through the Lenten season. Have we watered down God’s
message to us by applying our thoughts to the message God has for us?
Should we wait and look at these words, as He would want us
to?
_____________
1. Daily Study Bible, the Book of John, Vol. 2 by William
Barclay Westminster Press © 1975 page 123
"We have something in us that sometimes makes us hear what we want to hear." Yes, ma'am. For me, it's pride. And thinking about Jesus' sacrifice makes me want to repent from it, and LISTEN and OBEY.
ReplyDeleteJeanette: This pride thing is something that gets us all in trouble. To listen and obey causes us to learn that we are not in control; God is in control.
DeleteHi Cecelia! I wonder if I would have been able to understand Jesus' words about dying? Would I just not believe and hope He'd become the earthly King everyone wanted Him to be? Sadly, I probably would.
ReplyDeleteGod's way is not always easy, and actually, it mostly stretches us to the limits. But 'God is God and I am not', so I must listen, heed and obey.
Hope you had a liberating weekend!
Ceil
Ceil: I love your thoughts here. I might have been swayed by the crowd into thinking like they did. You are right when you say God's way stretch us to the limits. The latter half of last week I attended a revival service that may have far reaching effects on our area. But, I have been asked to pray about this one area of ministry that may open up for our church. Blessings to you and yours.
Delete