September 16, 2024 - John 7-12

“. . . the Jews were seeking to kill him” (7:1).  Yes, but they could do nothing to Jesus unless he let them!  Later, Jesus explained, “I lay down my life that I may take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.  I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again" (10:17,18).  After entering Jerusalem that last time, Jesus was troubled, yet he acknowledged, “But for this purpose (to die) I have come to this hour” (12:27).  And so, the story goes precisely as the Father has determined and with Jesus obediently laying down his own life for his people.

One of the great testimonies from all history, I think, is that of the man born blind, but given sight by Jesus:  “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see” (9:25).  He had been touched by the One who said to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, “I am the resurrection and the life.  Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (11:25,26).  Blind but now I see!  Dead but now I live!  The old slave trader got it just right, didn’t he?

Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!   -- John Newton (1779)