Monday
March 29, 2021
John 12:44–47 (CSB)
44 Jesus cried out, “The one who believes in me believes not in me, but in him who sent me. 45 And the one who sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
The message of Christ is the message of God. The decision we make to accept or reject the gospel is a direct response to the author of that message. God is the author of that message.
When a person rejects Jesus, they reject God. This message is not a message of judgment but a message of salvation. Jesus states clearly, “I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” He also says in verse John 12:50 (CSB) 50 I know that his command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.”
The message of the gospel is often portrayed by the world as a message of hate and judgment. Jesus tells us that the gospel is the exact opposite it is a message of love and grace. Judgement is not something that God throws upon us it is the state where we already exist.
God reaches out to us with a loving message of forgiveness and mercy. When we reject His offering of reconciliation, we choose to continue in the judgement that our sinful lives have already secured.
Love compels us to deliver this same message to the world that they may respond to the salvation that comes through Jesus alone.
Dear God, help us to faithfully deliver the message of the Gospel, “Just as the Father has told us.” In Jesus’ Name. Amen.