Bible Reading Blog
“Take Jesus Seriously”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: John 15-16
“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin" (John 15.22)
Many people thought Jesus was crazy. Just the way that he talked was shocking and distinct from everyone else’s (John 7.46). In fact, his claims were so brazen people couldn’t decide if he had a demon or if he actually was the Son of God (John 10.19-21).
Jesus’ teaching forced listeners to come to moments of decision. This claim of Jesus highlights the bold and polarizing nature of his teaching. He equates rejection of his words to sin.
Sin, on a basic level, is separation from God. It is a fracture in the relationship because we’ve done what we wanted and fallen short of his glory and expectations (Romans 3.23). We are all guilty of sin because we are unable or unwilling to see things God’s way. Every human finds themselves in sin at some point because we are not God.
But not Jesus.
On multiple occasions Jesus claimed that he was one with the Father and that he only spoke what the Father would say (John 5.19, 30; 12.49). He asserted with perfect clarity because he had come from the Father to show humanity the way back to Him (John 8.42; 16.28). For Jesus to claim that his teaching would alleviate the problem of sin imposes his deity and highlights the significance of his time on earth.
If these things were not so, he would be the madman many thought he was. But his life proved otherwise (John 10.37-38), allowing him to offer hope and freedom from sin and judgment (John 3.16-18; 5.24).
The magnitude of Jesus’ incarnation is that now, sin is not simply exposed but condemned (Romans 8.3), and a way to life is revealed (John 5.25-29; 14.6). His words offer direction and hope; but more importantly they prompt change (John 6.63; 12.48).
Some have suggested that ignorance to these things would be better, but that is simply not an option for humanity. The existence of God is evident, the effect of sin is devastatingly obvious, and the need for hope in the future is felt by all (Acts 17.24-31; Romans 1.19-20; 8.18-24)
Every human needs what Jesus offers. Jesus came to shed light in the darkness and give life to the world (John 1.4-5). If you don't listen to him and abide in his words (John 15.7) you cannot come to the Father (John 14.6) and you will die in your sins (John 8.21, 24). God is not sending another prophet or revelation. He came to us in a form we could fully relate and showed us the way to life… will we take Jesus seriously?
“See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven?” (Hebrews 12.25)
