Bible Reading: John 12:42-48
Let’s continue our series on “The Christmas Creed” by talking about this next line: “I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored…”
This line prompts a question:
Did the religious and political leaders really ignore Jesus?
Answer: Yes! Jesus had repeatedly spoken about the need for all people to turn away from their sin, turn to God, and prepare for life in God’s kingdom. However, the response of many of the leaders who heard Jesus message was similar to the response of the leaders in John 12:42 & 43. These verses say that “…many people believed in Jesus. Even many of the Jewish leaders believed in him, but they were afraid of the Pharisees, so they did not say openly that they believed. They were afraid they would be ordered to stay out of the synagogue. They loved praise from people more than praise from God.” These men chose to ignore Jesus and His message because they were more concerned with what other people would think about them if they said they believed Jesus and accepted His message.
Later in this chapter, Jesus warned that God would judge and condemn these men and others like them (verses 47-50).
I pray that you don’t choose to ignore Jesus and His message. I hope that you will listen to His message of forgiveness, mercy, grace, and salvation through faith in Jesus. I hope that you will welcome that message and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior before this Christmas season is past.
“He came to the world that was his own. And his own people did not accept him. But some people did accept him. They believed in him, and he gave them the right to become children of God.” John 1:11 & 12
Prayer:Heavenly Father, please touch the hearts of all people.Open their eyes and their minds so they will be willing to believe and accept the good news about Jesus.In Jesus’ name.Amen.