Today’s scripture: John 12:44-50 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (David Zier):
There is a tendency to lump the message of Christ into one melted mass of teaching. You’ve probably heard messages that sum up the gospel as, “Repent and avoid hell, believing in Jesus is the way.” But, is that all there is? Is that all Jesus is trying to tell us?
Following Jesus has many benefits. It provides us a way to live. It provides us a way to think. It provides us a way to care for and love each other. It provides us a way to communicate with God. It provides for a way to respond to the world’s injustice and lack of care for those in great need. It also provides us a way to focus on life, overcome the powerlessness we dread in death, and transition to the next part of our eternal lives.
Jesus tells us that he does not come to judge, but to save the world. The judgment we render on ourselves is by our own acts and thoughts and words. When we allow the light of Christ to illuminate and inspire our thoughts, words, and deeds, what do we have to fear?
Thought for the day: Jesus came “so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.” How does Christ provide light in your life?
Today, let’s join together in prayer for: our Media Team, which is very close to beginning a webcast of Jesus MCC’s Sunday services. It’s been more work — and taken more time — than anticipated, but we’ll soon have a high-quality product that can reach out to many, many people.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.