Jesus is life
19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. John 5:19-47
(Please check out the full passage in your Bible)
The phrase, “…the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise” caught my attention. In the margin of my Bible, I have written, “this is how Jesus knew what to do!” I’m not sure that statement is theologically sound. Jesus didn’t need God, the Father, to show Him what to do, because they are, with the Holy Spirit, three in one. However, my simplistic phrase was a paraphrased summary of verse 19 and helped me to grasp its truth. Jesus has always done God’s work and while on earth, modeled what we should do in our own lives.
Jesus served others, listened intently to people, cared for them, wept for them and with them, and loved them. He focused His attention on others rather than Himself. He led people to lead – building relationships with them, but also challenging them to use their God given gifts and talents with excellence.
Jesus did nothing by Himself. He depended on God’s leading and support and we are called to do the same. When I continually feel a nudging to share Jesus with my Muslim co-worker or a friend that is atheist, I need to act on these quiet voices, inside my head and heart, and share Jesus’ words with them. How? With the courage and faith that I am doing what I see the Father doing and what I read Jesus did in His encounters.
What happens if my words are not well received? I will still know that Jesus’ words and truth have been spoken. As Jesus said, “whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life… and has passed from death to life” (verse 24). All I need to do is have strength, dependence on God and I know He will give me the words. I want my friends and my community to pass from death to life. I truly do! Don’t you?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, give me faith and strength in your promise that I can impact my community by sharing your words, your love, and your message of forgiveness. Please provide the courage, words and opportunity to share your stories with others I encounter daily. In Jesus’ powerful and caring name, I pray. Amen. Marilyn Bollinger
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