Jesus continues to address the issue of the healed man while opening up much bigger and life-changing topics. He even throws in a foreshadowing of Lazarus’ resurrection, not to mention the resurrection of the dead yet to come. This is not the first time John’s gospel gives a glimpse of future events out of sequence.
Jesus touches on judgment during his education hour this time. Based on what Jesus says, as believers, we need not fear judgment because not only has Jesus chosen us, but we’ve also chosen Him. We do that when we honor his name and accept his offer of eternal life with our love, worship, and obedience.
John 15:24 should be one of those verses we commit to memory. This is Jesus speaking. “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” With eternal life as our desired future, Jesus couldn’t make it any clearer. Our job is to listen and believe. Our sins have been redeemed. We were destined to die before, and now our future is life with Jesus.
There are plenty of people walking around on this planet today who have not chosen to listen and believe. It can be hard to watch from afar as someone makes bad choices and falls prey to the evil one’s lies. How do we rescue them? What message will get through to them? Speaking the truth in love is always a good place to start. (See Ephesians 4:15: “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”)
Jesus’ words were challenging then and continue to be challenging for us. What do you think the people thought when Jesus started talking about dead people coming to life? I couldn’t help but think of all the crazy zombie movies that have been made over the years. Unfortunately, those zombies are probably the ones who didn’t make the cut because of mistakes made in their lives.
When Jesus’ voice is heard one day, those who have rejected him will tremble. Their fate will be judgment. That’s between them and God. We will never understand God’s grace. Our concerns should be focused on our own relationship with God. How are we drawing closer to him? Are we ready to hear Jesus calling our name?
If we are buried before Jesus speaks to the dead, don’t you want to be known for your devotion to God, rather than your delight in evil? Remember, evil is often disguised as good or at least aligned with good things. We need to be vigilant.
Finally, what did you think of Jesus’ humility when he said, “I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.” Even Jesus acknowledges God’s will as supreme. Jesus listens to and obeys what God tells him. We should have that same loyalty. We might even utter similar words when we seek God’s help in our weaknesses. Not a day goes by that I don’t have something that needs God’s power behind it.
Let’s pray. Father, I do submit to your Will for my life and desire to follow your ways. Help me to find the energy for all that you have in store for me. Use me or my life experience to help someone else. I pray for all my loved ones to stand strong and firmly on your truth. Protect them from evil. Help our world turn from the evil one. Give them eyes to see, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
