Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomsoever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgement to the Son, so that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. Anyone who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgement, but has passed from death to life.

‘Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgement, because he is the Son of Man..... ‘I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgement is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In this passage we learn some amazing things about Jesus. John is writing later than other Gospel writers, and has had time to think about what he has learnt. In the first passage he looks at Jesus, his Heavenly Father, and his mission to reconcile the world to God. Jesus makes an astounding declaration that he is the 'Son of Man'. This title originated in the book of Daniel during a time of persecution, and offers a vision of the day when God's Kingdom will bring in a time of peace. Enoch was also to use this title for the one who would be sent from Heaven to rule over God's Kingdom. At the time of Jesus this was the common name for the Messiah.

Jesus identifies himself with God, but this is not a unity based on power, rather it is based on obedience. Jesus obeys every word of the Father because of his love for Him, and because of this there is a unity of heart and mind between them. He also says that because he is the 'Son of Man' he is here to bring life to those who are dead and to judge them. This may mean physical and/or spiritual death. What we can believe is that Jesus came to offer life to those who have stopped believing in God, or stopped following His ways. When we accept His judgement we are offered life, and always this judgement comes not with terror from a warrior King, but with love from the Prince of Peace

This Lent may we continue to reflect on this offer and our acceptance, and spend time giving serious consideration to whether we are spiritually dead, half awake, or really alive?

Lord Jesus,
you offered the hand of love
to all who followed You
as your disciples,
and You offer that same love
from the Father to us today.
May we review our life this Lent,
revive our spiritual life
and accept Your offer of love.
Amen.