Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include intentionality, teaching scripture, and Godly relationships. It’s purposeful on God’s part and ours. But first, let’s define it. Simply put, disciples are Christ-followers who desire to please God and pursue a life of righteousness by obeying his commands.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include intentionality.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (ESV, John 15:16)
Jesus and his twelve disciples were intentional in discipleship. Jesus personally recruited them individually as followers and they, in turn, called him Rabbi, which means teacher. Both parties agreed on the discipleship arrangement and the same is true today. Jesus taught them verbally, by example, and through practical ministry. The disciples listened and asked questions, participated in his ministry, and eventually, went on their own missionary journey.
Although the twelve disciples were his inner circle, Jesus called all new followers into discipleship and expanded his teaching to include them. He warned that genuine discipleship was not all spiritual fun and games or constant warm fuzzies. It also involved sacrifice, persecution, and testing. And we should accept that today as well. Perhaps that’s why, then and now, many new followers of Jesus drop out when things get tough and those who persevere are relatively few.
Jesus promises disciples spiritual blessings and an amazing, eternal reward. But our earthly journey can still be difficult and uncertain. And those who prevail are driven by faith and sustained by hope.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include teachingscripture.
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. (ESV, John 14:10)
Jesus was the divine Son of God who didn’t merely speak off the top of his head. His words were the very words of the Father. Today, we have not only Jesus’ words, but all the inspired words of God recorded in scripture.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. (ESV, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Therefore, when Jesus commissions us to make disciples and teach all his commands, it includes teaching the entire Bible.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (ESV, Matthew 28:19)
What’s the best teaching method?
For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 2:11-12)
A church development in recent years is the decline of Sunday School and rise of weekday small groups. What’s the difference? Sunday School focuses specifically on teaching, but small groups lean more towards community. This is because small group leaders often function as facilitators rather than teachers and disciple makers. And want curriculum they can lead without the study preparation that goes into teaching. So the level of teaching has slowly declined.
Instead, many churches now use sermon-based study guides and teaching videos through Right Now Media for small groups. As a small groups pastor I used them too. And I appreciate how technology offers many ways for us to learn from scripture and encourage their use. But directly reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word under the illumination of the Holy Spirit and exegetically teaching scripture should be our primary approach. Both individually and with other disciples.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include godly relationships.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (ESV, Acts 4:13)
Discipleship is relational and occurs over time. Rubbing off godliness little by little. It’s not a single evangelistic encounter, dump the gospel, lead unbelievers in a prayer of salvation and check off a weekly discipleship quoto. It requires authenticity about your strengths and weaknesses. Humbly confessing your sins, confidently proclaiming the grace and faithfulness of God, and faithfully pursuing righteousness while encouraging others to do the same.
An example of Jesus’ affect on the disciples
In Acts 3, Peter and John healed a lame man who begged outside the entrance of the Jewish temple. Jesus had ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit arrived in Acts 2 and filled all the believers gathered during Pentecost. Religious leaders demanded an explanation from them about the miracle and Peter responded by proclaiming the Gospel.
Amazed at their boldness, the religious leaders remembered Peter and John had been with Jesus. The two rough, uneducated, and common men had been radically transformed by the divine presence of Jesus who invested in their spiritual growth during his three year ministry.
It works in the opposite direction too.
Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:33)
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. (ESV, Proverbs 12:26)
Who you spend your time with matters. Of course, disciple making requires contact with unbelievers. But disciples should guard their close friendships carefully. And seek to build healthy, godly relationships within the body of Christ. Where we give and receive encouragement, affirmation, support, and accountability. So that our godliness rubs off on others and theirs to rubs off on us.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals the disciples will do greater works than Jesus, the coming of another Helper, and spiritual transformation through the indwelling Spirit.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals the disciples will do greater works than Jesus.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. (ESV, John 14:12)
Jesus surprised his disciples with the news of his impending crucifixion on a cross, resurrection, and ascension to the father in heaven. But then encouraged them by saying they will do greater works. What does he mean? A natural impulse is to wonder if they will demonstrate greater miraculous, divine power. Or speak God’s truth with greater eloquence. Hard to imagine since Jesus spoke words directly from the father and they had no such divine connection.
However, the Greek word for “greater” is mĕgas, which means exceedingly, great, large and in a very wide application. Jesus conducted his earthly ministry primarily in the Roman provinces of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. And we are reminded what he told the disciples during the time after his resurrection, but before his ascension.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (ESV, Acts 1:8)
In other words, the disciples will accomplish greater Kingdom expansion geographically and numerically as the Gosepel spreads globally to all people. And the reason why is because Jesus is going to the father.
The formula for prayer
“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” “If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.”
The spiritual engine that drives greater things is prayer. Specifically, praying in Jesus name. Does this mean tagging on the words “in Jesus’ name” at the end of a prayer like a spiritual stamp to invoke divine action? No. But it begins in heart of the person praying. And earnestly praying for God’s purpose and for his glory. Submitting to his will rather than seeking personal benefit.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals the coming of another Helper.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever. (ESV, John 14:15-16)
After describing what it means to love him, Jesus introduces the third person of the trinity–the Holy Spirit. The greek term for “Helper” is Paraklētos, whichmeans Advocate, Helper, Counselor, and Comforter. The Greek word for “another” is allon and is further clarifying because it means another of the same kind. It suggests that Jesus has served as the disciples’ advocate during his earthly ministry and the Helper will fulfill the same role.
Paraklētos is only used five times in the New Testament. Four times are in John’s gospel and the fifth in 1 John 2:1 that names Jesus Christ as our Advocate with the Father. The other Greek word most commonly used for Holy Spirit is pneuma, whichmeans spirit, breath, and wind, depending on the context. The difference between the two is that pneuma identifies his person and paraklētos, his office or ministry. John uses Paraklētos in his gospel to highlight the Spirit’s personal ministry after Christ’s departure. And the rest of the New Testament uses Pneuma as the word that identifies him.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals spiritual transformation through the indwelling Spirit.
Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (ESV, John 14:17)
Something new and different is about to happen. God will become more than a supreme being we worship. When the Holy Spirit comes he will spiritually transform every believer into a new creation by actually dwelling within us. His arrival occurs on the Day of Pentecost and is recorded in Acts 2:1-4. Therefore, every believer is now filled with the Spirit after confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord. And the Apostle Paul confirms it.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” (ESV, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Jesus assures the disciples they will know the Holy Spirit when he comes because they know him. But the world cannot see or know him because it doesn’t know Jesus. The Greek word for “world” is kosmos and commonly refers to unbelievers. As our new advocate the Holy Spirit continues the ministry of Jesus in our lives. Among other things, he comforts and teaches, convicts of sin, and guides us into truth.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 13:18-30 reveals Jesus’ chosen disciples, the progression of a hardening heart, and the final rejection of Jesus.
A study of John 13:18-30 reveals Jesus’ chosen disciples.
I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ (ESV, John 13:18)
The disciples gathered with Jesus at the Passover meal looked like a rag tag bunch of unlikely leaders, but they were individually chosen by Jesus. Including Judas who betrayed him. The scripture Jesus quotes is Psalm 41:9 which reads: Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
This Psalm written by David conveys his emotional anquish of betrayal by a close, trusted friend. And it expresses the same painful rejection that Jesus feels in his betrayal by Judas. Chosen as one of his twelve inner disciples. Someone he trusted and poured his life into. But in the end, who personally handed him over to his enemies.
Judas knew Jesus at a level of closeness matched by only eleven other men. He lived and ministered with Jesus. Watched him perform amazing miracles, teach incredible sermons, live a sinless life, and still rejected him as the Son of God. Although by outward appearance, Judas was a loyal disciple. Only Jesus knew the truth. Because he saw directly into Judas’ heart where geniune belief in Jesus is formed. God’s direct gaze into a person’s heart is how he identifies true believers today as well.
A study of John 13:18-30 reveals the progression of a hardening heart.
Disciples grow in spiritual maturity as they strive to imitate Jesus and conform to his image. Likewise, unbelief and a hardened heart also advance over time. Although Judas’ betrayal is foretold, he still exercised a choice and is ultimately responsible for it. But let’s track his progression.
First there was unbelief. Despite the compelling evidence that Jesus was the Son of God, Judas did not believe in him as Jesus regularly called on people to do.
“However, there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him. (ESV, John 6:64)
As that unbelief took hold, sinful behavior followed. Outwardly, Judas appeared to be a faithful disciple. But the sinful thoughts in his heart began to express themselves.
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked,” “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” “Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.” (ESV, John 12:4-6)
The steady descent of sinful thoughts
Sin presents a constant spiritual battle for believers. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul tells us to take our thoughts captive and in Philippians 4:8 to direct our minds towards pure, lovely and admirable thoughts. But even then, we still sin. So 1 John 1:9 says to regularly confess our sins and God will faithfully forgive and cleanse us from them. But for unbelievers, sinful thoughts collect and sink lower into moral corruption. As Judas allowed Satan’s influence to grow stronger his thoughts formed a conspiracy.
“The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” (ESV, John 13:2)
Judas begins to actively plan the betrayal. He hasn’t fully committed to an action and can still turn back, but he’s on a precipice leaning forward.
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?’” So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus. (ESV, Matthew 26:14-16)
Finally, Judas gives Satan complete control of his heart, makes his final decision, and moves forward to carry it out.
Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. (ESV, John 13:26-27)
Belief and unbelief are both a choice everyone makes and we are individually responsible for our decision. The one that determines eternal outcomes.
A study of John 13:18-30 reveals the final rejection of Jesus.
After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” (ESV, John 13:21)
Troubled in spirit, Jesus suddenly blurts out to his disciples that one of them will betray him. It causes an immediate reaction among them as they wonder who it is. Was Jesus signalling to Judas he knew it was him? Maybe as a final chance for Judas to confess and repent? Certainly, Jesus was carrying a heavy weight of emotional stress. In spite of it, Jesus feeds Judas a morsal of food. A final, loving gesture toward Judas who accepts the food, but returns no loving response.
It reminds us that God’s love is an ongoing offer along with the opportunity for repentance. But in V.27, Judas’ own internal conflict comes to a close.
Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him.
Satan moves beyond influence to complete control of Judas. And recognizing that Judas is completely lost, Jesus tells him to act quickly. So Judas leaves and John adds the words:
And it was night.
They appear to represent both a physical reality and a symbolic meaning. Judas went out at night time but also into spiritual darkness to betray Jesus. A similar idea is presented in chapter three when Nicodemus visited Jesus at night with questions that revealed his spiritual darkness. It tells us that when people give themselves over to evil, their hearts are darkened with sin. But God reveals himself to those who genuinely seek him.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals an act of godly humility, a spiritual meaning in the godly act, and a godly example for disciples to follow.
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals an act of godly humility.
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.(ESV, John 13:1,4-5)
As Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples he knew his crucifixion was near and time with his disciples limited. How might he best make a lasting impression with a defining moment that would impact their ministry when he was gone? His decision was a teaching moment through an act of love as V.1 reminds us:
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
The Greek word for “end” is telo, which means complete, end, fullest extent, and the point aimed at as a limit. In other words, Jesus loved his disciples to the fullest measure and to the very end of his earthly life. So he removed his outer garments, tied a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin, and washed their feet one by one. All them, including Judas who was about to betray him.
The common task of foot washing
People in that day wore sandals. So footwashing dusty feet was a common practice after entering someone’s home. But it was a menial task reserved for servants. For a rabbi like Jesus to willingly perform it was very uncommon. You can imagine the raised eybrows and exchanged, puzzled looks between the disciples at Jesus’ actions.
The Greek term for “laid aside” in John 13:4 is tithēmi and is the same term used in John 10:11. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” It described a physical act, but also carries a theological meaning. Jesus laid aside his deity to die for us. The Apostle Paul affirms this in his letter to the Philippians.
Who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (ESV, Philippians 2:6-8)
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals a spiritual meaning in the godly act.
Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean.(ESV, John 13:8,10)
Peter objects when Jesus prepares to wash his feet. For Jesus to perform the task of a slave was unthinkable to him. Maybe even shamed him a bit considering the times he and the other disciples argued about who among them was the greatest. But his understanding of Jesus’ actions was based on a physical level. Therefore, Jesus pointed out the spiritual meaning those actions represented.
He bluntly says that without the washing Peter would have no share with him. Jesus once again uses something from everyday life to communicate a profound, spiritual meaning. In this case, it was the necessity of spiritually washing away Peter’s sin through his sacrifice on the cross.
Without the spiritual cleansing provided by Jesus there is no forgiveness of sin, union with Christ, or eternal life. Peter likely didn’t fully understand what Jesus was saying, but sensed its spiritual importance and became immediately enthusiasic in his acceptance. And even suggested additional cleaning beyond his feet.
The spiritual need for ongoing cleaning
Jesus continues with another another spiritual truth to the footwashing. Once Peter’s body is spiritually cleansed by Jesus he is granted eternal life. But he still continues to sin. And he is soiled by that sin like dust soils his sandal clad feet. Therefore, regular confession and forgiveness of sin becomes an ongoing practice of discipleship.
This is also true for Christ-followers today. We are saved when we believe in Jesus, confess our sins in repentance and follow him. But we still sin and it collects in our hearts in daily life. Our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ. But the daily collection of sin must be washed off like the collection of dust on our feet through regular confession and forgiveness. Full washing represents salvation. Foot washing represents ongoing sanctification of the believer pursuing a holy life.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV, 1John 1:9)
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals a godly example for disciples to follow.
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (ESV, John 13:13-15)
There is beautiful simplicity in the spiritual message of the footwashing. There’s the deep, theological meaning of Jesus washing away our sins and granting us eternal life. And at the same time, an example of what genuine spiritual leadership involves. It moves beyond giving directions to demonstrating servanthood. Beyond telling to showing.
Did Jesus instruct and give commands? Yes. But in the end, in the final moments of his ministry with the disciples, the last lesson was on loving those he led and demonstrating that love through service. Ultimately by sacrificing his life. His lasting impression was an action that spoke louder than words.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
A study of John 12:20-36 reveals one truth from two opposites, a sacrifice for all mankind, and a spiritual lesson from light and darkness.
A study of John 12:20-36 reveals one truth from two opposites.
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (ESV, John 12:26-27)
During religious feasts like the Passover, both Jews and Greeks traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate it in the Jewish capital. In this passage, some Greeks approach Phillip and ask to see Jesus. The term “Greeks” in V.20 suggests they weren’t specifically from Greece, but Gentiles from a Greek speaking region. Possibly one close to Bethsaida where Phillip was from. And maybe they approached Phillip because he had a Gentile name and they felt a kinsmanship with him, even though he was a Jew.
Who were these Greeks that wanted to see Jesus?
They could have been proselytes who converted to Judaism, non-converts who feared God, or simply curious due to Jesus’ growing reputation. John doesn’t say. And Phillip seems unsure what to do. So he asks Andrew who takes him to ask Jesus. And the engagement we anticipate evaporates like a puff of smoke. Because instead, Jesus announces his time to be glorified has come and then he shares a metaphor.
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (ESV, John 12:24)
Looking back today, the metaphor makes sense. But probably didn’t to those at the time. Because Jesus was talking about his crucifixion, the resurrection, and the new spiritual life that would grow from his death. It would have a life producing, multiplying effect.
The lesson of love and hate
Jesus goes on to say those who love their life will lose it and those who hate their life will keep it for eternity. What does he mean by this?
His point is not about the two emotions, but on a loyalty they represent. People that love their life focus on themselves. It is the I in sin that also defines it. In contrast, Jesus teaches us to serve him by serving others. To look outward rather than inward. And he demonstrated it by washing the feet of the disciples during the last supper. It is the power of his indwelling Spirit that moves us beyond self-interest to demonstrating interest in others.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (ESV, John 12:24)
Jesus again alludes to his death. Just as a kernel of wheat germinates when it dies and grows to produces a crop, Jesus would also die. But his resurrection would produce a crop and therefore a spiritual harvest of people who through faith in him would gain eternal life.
A study of John 12:20-36 reveals a sacrifice for all mankind.
Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” (ESV, John 12:27-28)
Jesus pauses to express anxiety as he anticipates what is ahead. The Greek word for “troubled” is tarassō, which means to trouble, stir or agitate as to roil water. And he even mentions a potential rescue by his father. Like us, in his humanity, he considers “what if” regarding his choices. But then reasserts his commitment to carry out the father’s purpose to glorify his name. And a voice from heaven affirms Jesus is indeed, glorifying the father.
What does it mean for Jesus to be glorified?
The Greek word for “glorified” is doxazō, which means to be glorified, honored, exalted, and made manifestin splendor. In his Gospel, John means to honor, magnify and reveal greatness. And Jesus does this through obedience to the father in his sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection.
Jesus then speaks about his death with more detail and an additional meaning.
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. (ESV, John 12:32-33)
Two meanings for “lifted up from the earth.”
First, there is the physical act of lifting Jesus up on the cross. But there is also his ultimate exaltation to the right hand of God after his resurrection that will draw all people to him. By sacrificing himself for us and rising from the dead, Jesus defeated both sin and death. And through him we can too.
The Greek word for “draw” is hĕlkō, which literally means to drag, draw, pull, haul or compel by forceful movement. It’s used to describe Peter drawing his sword when Jesus is arrested and hauling in a catch of fish. In this context it is used figuratively to mean powerfully attracting people to Jesus in faith. The words “all people” doesn’t mean everyone will put their faith in Jesus. But to communicate the inclusivity of the Gospel. Jesus invites all mankind–Jew and Gentile–to compose the New Testament church.
John records Jesus speaking about this earlier in his Gospel.
“I have other sheep which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.” (ESV, John 10:16)
A study of John 12:20-36 reveals a spiritual lesson from light and darkness
So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” (ESV, John 12:35-36)
The people are confused when Jesus says he must be lifted up. It illustrates their misunderstanding about his real purpose as a sacrificial savior. And they express this misunderstanding.
We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man? (ESV, John 12:34)
In other words, the Messiah they expected was a conquering king who would establish an earthly kingdom and rule forever. However, the kingdom Jesus spoke of was spiritual rather than physical. But rather than accept this they questioned if Jesus was actually the one they expected. Perhaps the Son of Man, as he called himself, was someone completely different.
It once again illustrates the stubborness of human hearts. People fail to recognize who Jesus is because he doesn’t meet their expectations. So it is important that we study the scriptures and form expectations on what scripture reveals about the character of God, his purpose, and plan for the eternal order.
Light and Darkness
Light and darkness are common spiritual themes in John and throughout the New Testament. And here it includes a warning of future judgment. Perhaps in a modern, hip paraphrase, Jesus might say, “Wake up people and open your eyes! The light is right before you. It’s me.”
The Greek word for “overtake” is katalambanō, which means to take eagerly, seize, and possess. For us, sunset represents a gradual descent of the sun as darkness overtakes the earth. But when Jesus is gone, the darkness will be immediate and overwhelming. Perhaps the idea of being seized and possessed by it better describes a spiritual reality without God’s illumination. So don’t let darkness seize you. Instead, seize the moment, believe in Jesus, and become sons of light. Or as John says in his first chapter.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (ESV, John 1:12)
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
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