John 7:25-26 So some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Is this not the man whom they are seeking to kill? Look, He is speaking publicly, and they are saying nothing to Him. The rulers do not really know that this is the Christ, do they?
Apparently, Jesus’ reproof of the crowd for not judging righteously hit its mark. The Jewish leaders fell silent, and it didn’t go unnoticed. We note that Jesus wasn’t the only one who knew they wanted to kill Him. The word had spread through the community. In fact, it might even have been one of the reasons for the crowd. They were there to see the fireworks. When the rulers didn’t confront Jesus after He spoke, there were some who wondered if they too had become convinced by the lame man’s healing and Jesus’ words that He was indeed the long-expected Christ.
To the religious rulers, Jesus was a threat, a cancer that needed to be removed. To the crowd who followed Him, He was an enigma, a mystery, and a source of entertainment. To the people of Jerusalem, Jesus was a news item, a front page story. To Jesus’ disciples, He was their rabbi, but also the expectant deliverer from Roman oppression. To us, He is the savior of the world.
I am hoping that there may be some listening to this podcast that could relate to each of those groups when it comes to Jesus. I’m so glad you’ve found this podcast. I want to encourage you to rethink your life and your judgment of Jesus. Consider: how would you expect a world who wants to be god and lord of their own lives to react if they met the one true God who created them and deserves to be worshiped and obeyed? How are you reacting to Him?
I pray that even as I speak, the Holy Spirit of God would convince you that Jesus is the Christ—God in the flesh, God with us—so that you might experience His forgiveness and love. From the time that the Gospels were written and circulated, Jesus has been speaking publicly. He still speaks now through His Word and His disciples, people like me, so that you might hear and believe. He died to take away sins, and He lives to love in those who will receive Him and submit to Him. I invite you to surrender yourself to Him, and to do it now, as I pray. Will you humble your heart now with me?
Father in heaven, thank You for another day of life. I ask you to give Your Son and eternal life to all who hear my voice and at this moment surrender their lives to You. By the power of Your Spirit, give them hearts to repent—to turn from trusting in themselves. May they abandon their own desires to be god of their lives. Then give them faith that Jesus is Your Son and the only way that they might have peace with You. You have said that everyone who believes in Him will not be disappointed and will have eternal life. I trust You to keep Your word to them as they pray now and humble themselves in Your sight. May you be glorified. Amen.
If you prayed with me, I hope you’ll contact me at norm@livetolovewithjesus.com. Put “trusting in Jesus” in the subject line. I hope you’ll visit livetolovewithjesus.com and join the Live to Love with Jesus prayer challenge. Become a part of a world-wide movement of the love of God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.