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As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth what do you know about him? In this chapter of John the Pharisees challenged Jesus' testimony. Consider the answer he gives:
"Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony
is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But
you have no idea where I come from, or where I am going." (v.14)
Imagine being in the position of the Pharisees and not knowing. Yet many will use his name in all sorts of ways this Christmas time and not have any idea of who he is or where he comes from. Do you know who he is whose birth we will celebrate? Do you know him, not in the third person but personally? Jesus went on to say:
"You judge by human standards; I pass judgement
on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not
alone. I stand with the father, who sent me…Then they asked him, "Where
is your father?"
"You do not know me or the Father." (v.v.15-19)
Do you know where the Father is? Many who are asked might say that Christmas is about the babe in the manger who somehow is the Son of God. But they do not know the Father or where he is in relation to their lives. The passage ends with these words:
"So Jesus said, 'When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will
know that I am [the one I claim to be] and that I do nothing on my own
but speak just what the father has taught me. The one who sent me is
with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.'
Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him." (v.v.28-29)
Is the Father with you? Are you with the Father? With what confidence Jesus spoke of his relationship with the Father. In verse 28 he plainly tells his listeners what he is going to face when he is "lifted up", and in on many occasions he spoke of his impending death. Yet his oneness with the Father, his obedience and trust, gave him all the strength he needed to face his future.
At the end of the passage we read that 'Even as he spoke, many put their
faith in him'. Have you put your faith in him? Only in this way can
you really know him, know the Father, and know an inner confidence that
cannot be shaken as you face your own future. May these things cause
you to reflect on the priceless gift of this Christmas season and may
Jesus be a gift you will take with you into whatever future the coming
year holds.
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