John 7:28-30 (click to view Scripture below)
During the fast pace of the Christmas season we can easily find ourselves focused on the most novel appeal demanding our attention. Whether it is a toy, a song or the ease of making our gift purchase at the last minute, we can get side-tracked.
The reading for today shows Jesus trying to refocus people’s attention. There is no doubt that Jesus has people’s attention, but opinions about who He really is are varied. That kind of varied opinion about who Jesus is had been present since His birth.
Jesus is trying to get folks to understand that He has come for a particular purpose. His mission is from God Himself. Jesus says several times He has been “sent by God.” Whether in the 1st century or the 21st century, people can get sidetracked. The Christmas season will produce numerous enjoyable moments and lots of exhaustion (much of which is unnecessary).
Jesus’ word to us this season is the same as it was 2100 years ago. He is saying, “Let me tell and show you what God is like!” To all of you who think that you know what love is, let Jesus introduce you to the God who desires to show you the fullest definition of what love is.
Let this season fill you with the one who is True. (v.28) This is the God who has sent Jesus to reveal who God really is. (v 29) Will you let the birth of Jesus reveal God’s love to you today and throughout this coming year?
Vice President, ChildHope
Prayer: Lord, I admit I can get sidetracked during this hectic Christmas season. Please speak clearly to me today about who You really are. Don’t let my misconceptions, or even my hopes for what You can do for me, stop the Truth of what this season needs to become for me.
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John 7:28-30 (ESV)
28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” 30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
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Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®),
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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