The Importance of the Word

Steven’s Scribbles
The Importance of the Word
    The book of John naturally divides into two major sections: chapters 1–12 and chapters 13–21. The transition at chapter 13 marks John's account of Jesus' final evening with His apostles, where He begins preparing them for His death, resurrection, and the work that lay ahead. Knowing that this intimate instruction is about to begin, I was struck by Jesus' closing words in John 12:44–50.
    In this passage, Jesus reminds the people that He is the Light of the world and that belief in Him is essential. He also emphasizes the authority and importance of His words. Jesus plainly states that the one who rejects Him is not without a judge, “the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (John 12:48). Why? Because His words did not originate with Himself, but with the Father who sent Him. Jesus' message carried the full authority of the Father.
    Jesus also reminds us that His first coming was not to judge the world, but to save it (John 3:16–17). Yet Scripture also teaches that He will return a second time, “without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him, for salvation” (Heb. 9:28). On that day, the standard by which every person will be judged is the very Word He has spoken. Those words are not burdensome, they are the words of eternal life (John 12:50). That is why we must know them, love them, and obey them.
I love you all!
Steven