February 18th Gospel Reading With Notes From Our Founding Pastor

44 Jesus shouted, “Whoever believes in me doesn’t believe in me but in the one who sent me. 45 Whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world so that everyone who believes in me won’t live in darkness. 47 If people hear my words and don’t keep them, I don’t judge them. I didn’t come to judge the world but to save it. 48 Whoever rejects me and doesn’t receive my words will be judged at the last day by the word I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me regarding what I should speak and say. 50 I know that his commandment is eternal life. Therefore, whatever I say is just as the Father has said to me.”
John 12:44-50 NRSV


A final appeal to belief: Jesus makes a last, passionate appeal to the multitude (44–50)
a. Then Jesus cried out and said: These are the last words in John’s gospel from Jesus to the public. In this last speech to the multitude, Jesus emphasized the themes of all His previous preaching in John.
b. He who sees Me sees Him who sent Me: Jesus stressed His unity with God the Father.
c. I have come as light into the world: Jesus stressed His own truthfulness, and the need man has to follow Jesus.
d. I do not judge Him: Jesus stressed His love and acceptance for the sinner; yet the word that I have spoken will judge Him—there are inescapable consequences for rejecting Jesus.
e. I have not spoken on My own authority: Jesus stressed His own submission to God the Father. His authority flowed from His submission to God the Father.
( John DGCB by David Guzik )
​

Some personal notes:
Jesus seems to emphasize some important points we need to consider in this reading. Here are five I share with you.

1. If you believe in Him, you believe in the Father also. The Godhead is a team and unity is a powerful source for all to consider in their faith toward him, and in family, community, etc..
2. He comes on the scene as the Light who reveals the dark things of this world. Things hidden come to light, truth is His benchmark of His ministry to us.
3. He doesn’t come to judge, but to give us hope. His desire is for us to receive His Word so the Truth will set us free of the vices and painful lifestyle of this world.
4. He comes with divine authority bearing the Word He has received from the beginning. The eternal Word of God that is Logos and Rhema to those who receive the Word the Spirit of God directs through the Son of Man.
5. His word is eternal and is life for today and tomorrow. Its Alpha and Omega.