Again we are in the Gospel of John. Again the theme is the death of Jesus. “And when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself”.
The Hour of Jesus.
Many times Jesus speaks about his hour: “the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified”. It is interesting to me to note the difference between the “hour” of the Lord and the “day“ of the Lord. At Cana, Jesus said his hour had not yet come. The word ‘hour’ constantly refers to the passion and death of Jesus. Remember the devil was to return at another ‘hour’. Now Jesus says that the “hour” has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. In this passage we see again the words “Son of Man” and “lifted up from the earth” and “glorified”. Note the layers in John’s Gospel.
The imagery of the grain of wheat leads to a reflection on the value of life. To love life is to lose it, to hate life in this world is to keep it for eternal life.
The Agony of Jesus.
“Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say: Father, save me from this hour? But it was for this very hour that I came. Father, glorify your name”. Like the blindness in the man born blind and the death of Lazarus, the “hour” of Jesus is for the glory of God.
“And when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw everyone to myself”. The Cross of Jesus draws us to Him. This is THE Christian image. This image has changed the lives of millions of people. This image still scandalises the pagan world. Note the Red Cross on our ambulances and the Red Crescent in other parts of the world. This image of God’s unconditional loves will always move the hearts of God’s people. Is there a Crucifix in your home?
NOTE. At this time of the year I leave for ministry in the west of Queensland. I attend all the Holy week and Easter Ceremonies with communities centred on Blackwater, west of Rockhampton. This blog will resume in May.
The Hour of Jesus.
Many times Jesus speaks about his hour: “the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified”. It is interesting to me to note the difference between the “hour” of the Lord and the “day“ of the Lord. At Cana, Jesus said his hour had not yet come. The word ‘hour’ constantly refers to the passion and death of Jesus. Remember the devil was to return at another ‘hour’. Now Jesus says that the “hour” has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. In this passage we see again the words “Son of Man” and “lifted up from the earth” and “glorified”. Note the layers in John’s Gospel.
The imagery of the grain of wheat leads to a reflection on the value of life. To love life is to lose it, to hate life in this world is to keep it for eternal life.
The Agony of Jesus.
“Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say: Father, save me from this hour? But it was for this very hour that I came. Father, glorify your name”. Like the blindness in the man born blind and the death of Lazarus, the “hour” of Jesus is for the glory of God.
“And when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw everyone to myself”. The Cross of Jesus draws us to Him. This is THE Christian image. This image has changed the lives of millions of people. This image still scandalises the pagan world. Note the Red Cross on our ambulances and the Red Crescent in other parts of the world. This image of God’s unconditional loves will always move the hearts of God’s people. Is there a Crucifix in your home?
NOTE. At this time of the year I leave for ministry in the west of Queensland. I attend all the Holy week and Easter Ceremonies with communities centred on Blackwater, west of Rockhampton. This blog will resume in May.
RSS Feed