(Read John 5)
18This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. John 5:18
So here we are, five chapters into John and already people want to kill Jesus. Never has there been a more divisive figure. Many skeptics will say this is because he was controversial – speaking against the stubborn dark nature of man. Yet, this is not so. History and Scripture tells us it is because of his unwavering statement of deity. His contemporaries knew this. He was confidently promising eternal life (v.24) for those who followed him.
And there’s more: for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:28b-29
He is promising life and judgment. He will bring life to the dead – both spiritually and practically. These are bold and strangely coherent things to say. Not only this, but he is speaking to those who knew Scripture better than anyone in history. To them he had another bold claim:
39You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me. John 5:39
How crazy or brilliant this Jesus of Nazareth must have been. Jesus declared himself God many, many, many times. The mere fact that people wanted so desperately to kill him proves this to be true.
So then it is up to us. Is Jesus liar, lunatic, or Lord? Life is made up of a constant yes in one of these categories. Where are you placing Jesus?
Pray: thank you for scripture. Thank you that it screams of your character and identity. May more people see your clear declarations in their daily lives. May more agree that you are God. Help us to recognize who you really are. Show yourself to us and through us. Might our lives be giant billboards for your movement. We love you. Amen
Matt simon blog 