Faith without religion.
John 12: The Lifted Messiah and Light of Truth
In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound messages found in John 12, focusing on the verses where Jesus speaks about being “lifted up” and the implications of His words. This passage is rich with meaning, as it not only foretells the manner of Jesus’ death but also challenges the traditional beliefs held by the people of His time.
Jesus’ statement, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me,” is a clear reference to His crucifixion. This imagery of being “lifted up” was not lost on His audience, who understood it as a reference to crucifixion, a common Roman method of execution. Yet, the people struggled with this concept because they had been taught that the Messiah would live forever, as suggested by passages like Psalm 110:4. This belief created a cognitive dissonance, preventing them from accepting the full scope of Jesus’ mission.
The teaching emphasized the importance of being open to re-evaluating our understanding of scripture. The human tendency to cling to certainty can sometimes blind us to deeper truths. Jesus, in His wisdom, did not directly confront the people’s misconceptions but instead invited them to walk in the light while it was still with them. This metaphor of light is a recurring theme in the Gospel of John, symbolizing truth and divine revelation.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be “children of light,” living in a way that reflects His teachings and truth. This means being willing to question and grow in our understanding, rather than being bound by tradition or fear. The teaching concluded with a reminder that while the world may view the Christian path as foolish, it is through this “foolishness” that we find true wisdom and life in Christ.
Next week, we will continue to explore the profound implications of these verses and how they fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah, shedding further light on the nature of belief and unbelief.
