10 Days to Passover: Day 2

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10 Days to Passover

Day 2

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Point for Meditation: John 12:32 - “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

It isn’t clear or specific what happened on this day, two days leading up to Jesus’ final Passover, from the Bible. That being said, there is an event that could have possibly taken place on this day, and which we can draw a lesson from nonetheless. John 12:20-32 has the first part of the story, and specifically John 12:27-32 is what we will read:

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 30Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

First thing to remark upon: God the Father spoke from Heaven. People heard something like thunder, others figured it was an angel (it seems only Jesus heard it for what it was and could understand it), and Jesus explained that the voice was for their sake.

Anyway, so then Jesus says that if He is lifted up (a play on words to both reference the method by which He would die—crucifixion—and the fact that He would be raised to life and sit at God’s right hand forever), He will draw all people to Himself.

He drove home the point here that His sacrifice would cover all of humanity—not just the Jews, not just the descendants of Abraham—but everybody in their time. Now is the time for those He calls firstfruits, and eventually, it will be open to be understood for everybody who’s ever lived. Those who live through the Great Tribulation into the Millennial reign of Christ when He returns will have their eyes opened then. The vast majority of human kind who have lived and died over the millennia, at the end of that period (Revelation 20:11-15, Daniel 12:2).

It’s important to remember this and to keep it firmly in our heart at all times. It’s easy to separate ourselves—“us” and “them.” We want to remain unspotted from “the world,” yes, but we also must not forget that “the world” is made up of people who—just like you and I—have sinned and need God’s intervention in their life. We must not forget that it’s people from “the world” whom God calls into His glorious way of life! We must strive to be a tool in God’s hand, usable to bring about those peoples’ calling if that’s God’s will. Be a light. Shine bright. Don’t withdraw into a condemnatory attitude of superiority and derision.

Today’s Point for Meditation: John 12:32 - “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

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Comments

  • Jacob Hitsman
    Thank you Mitchell for this article. I especially found the last sentence interesting. Don't withdraw into a condemnatory attitude of superiority and derision. Fine use of the English language to explain attitudes so easily ensnaring us. Compassion is important to God and to our fellow man. Is there not sorrow abiding in our hearts looking at today's world? Are we all not suffering under the burden of sin? Christ has promised us relief from our suffering so we wait patiently praying daily for His Holiness to rescue us from this evil and corrupt world. We must also expect the persecution to raise to new levels. A total suppression of God's Word on the earth is the tool of the devil and will become more oppressive in time. Thanks be to the God of Love that we do not, nor will not, behave in any other fashion than total service and unconditional love towards God first and towards our neighbor after this. If we must give our very life defending His Honor, then so be it thank you Holy God. Since we are responsible for the truth we know and God knows the hearts of all men we can never fool God. We can pray to God and find the Mercy of Christ to forgive our sins. We are all part of the Body of Christ and we are naturally weak in our flesh. We need help from God every day of our lives. Because we know One Christ we are brothers and sisters in God's family. We all know the same Way to be with Christ as God would not teach one different than another. Let us praise God that He has sent His Holy Son to rescue us out of this sea of sin. Our concern has to be to stay steadfast in our faith while we wait on His Kingdom to arrive. Thank you again Mitchell and I too want to be that tool you spoke about in God's hand to bring about His Kingdom to our earth. May Your Kingdom come dear Lord Jesus. Amen
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