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Reading - Do You Know? (John 8:12-30)
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.