Week 33
John 2:24-25 “But Jesus…was not entrusting Himself to them, because He knew all people; He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in mankind.”
The Lord does not need to be taught about the sinfulness of the human heart. The deception, the evil persistence, and the subtle strategies of sinfulness are all well-known to Him. He does not need our testimony about such things (or our testimony about anything).
But what a testimony we could give about the lies, the fickleness, and the duplicity of people. Betrayals and abandonment are commonplace among people. Life daily gives evidence that people do not keep their commitments and promises. Selfishness reigns supreme in the sinful heart, and many could confess to this truth.
And yet, we see such horrible things in our own lives. Each of us should be humbled to know that we ourselves have failed the Lord many, many times. Like Peter we promise to be faithful to Christ only to melt under pressure and scorn. Tragically, some of us actually act like Judas who sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
Faithlessness and lies are not uncommon among the sons and daughters of men. But what is stunning is how Jesus, knowing the depths and awfulness of our sin, still loves us and willingly gave His life for us on the cross.
Christian friend, just imagine this for a moment – Jesus knows every sin you have committed and will commit, and yet, He died for your sins. He gave Himself for your justification. He offered to God the Father Himself as an atoning sacrifice to pay for your guilt and your punishment, a punishment which was justly due.
If we truly knew this truth, this would transform our understanding of God’s love and the gospel of Jesus Christ. It would raise our lives in praise and worship to God, and it would spark a deep and abiding love for Christ. Just to think that Jesus would willingly die for us and give Himself for us not in spite of what we are but because of what we are. This truth is so beyond us as to be incomprehensible. Thus, the greatness of the love of God is in view here.
And it would do something else – it would cause us to be more patient with others, especially those who have sinned against us. It is true that Christians should hold each other accountable, but it is also true that Christians should be loving with each other, no matter how much we have sinned against each other.
So, what is the goal of the Christian life? Many things could be said in response to this. But let us be content with a summary statement that answers this question – Let us be wholeheartedly committed to doing the right thing in the eyes of God with all the love of our hearts for the glory of God and the good of others. May God grant us strength to be faithful to this vision.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please grant that my heart may be filled with joy and gratitude for what Jesus did for me on the cross, and please grant to me that I might love others the way you love me. Amen.