[Jesus said,] “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”
At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him.
Key Thought
The Bible opens with the creative and life-giving power of God’s word revealed: He speaks, and order is formed out of chaos and life out of inanimate dust. His Spirit hovers, and God fills his precious human creations with the breath of life! Jesus claims to have this same creative and life-giving power in his words. His words bring life. His words set loose the holy wind of heaven, and the Spirit brings life to those who are spiritually dead. The people of Jesus’ day couldn’t handle such powerful claims, especially on the heels of such demanding and hard teaching. The story begins with them wanting to make Jesus king, but he will not be king on their terms. He calls them to follow him as heaven’s King, but most cannot accept that kind of king and turn away. Will you? Is Jesus the King of your life or do you want him to be just another religious “king” you can control on your own terms?
Today’s Prayer
Father, I confess that I sometimes try to make Jesus into the kind of messiah, the kind of king, that I want him to be. Please forgive me! I want to honor him as you want him honored. I want to hear his words and be changed. I want to receive the Spirit he has promised and be transformed. I really do want Jesus to be my King. I confess this, and ask for your power and grace, in the name of Jesus, my Lord and King. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Genesis 1:26-27, 31Genesis 2:4-71 Corinthians 15:45Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.