Stephan Hoffman

Then Jesus cried out, ‘Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. John 12:44-45

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, the time of his crucifixion had drawn near ...

Mary anoints Jesus' feet with perfume while Judas complains about the money wasted.  The Pharisees decide to kill Lazarus because many people have come to faith through his resurrection.  A crowd praises and glorifies Jesus when he enters Jerusalem on a donkey, a while later a crowd would be shouting, Crucify him!

The disciples did not fully understand all these things (v16), they would only understand after his resurrection and ascension who this man really was and what happened here.

Jesus does not shy away from the terrible pain and suffering that awaited him. He said: ‘Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ (v27-28)

Jesus' love for you and me is so strong that he was prepared to meet the path of suffering that awaited him.  He came to bear the punishment for our sins.  God in his righteousness punishes sin, but in his mercy he takes that punishment on himself.  That is why Jesus says: "The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.”

Jesus came to show us the love of God. God's love is so strong that He paid the price for our lovelessness. The hatred, envy, jealousy and unloving response of humankind to God's love, is typical of every person. Our selfishness answers many times God's love with hate. Despite this, Jesus is willing to pay the full price, so that we can receive forgiveness.

Jesus also walked this path in your place...

Prayer: Lord, we can never deserve your infinite love. So many times we react with lovelessness, selfishness and hatred. Help us to realise what you came to do for us and to respond to your love in loving gratitude towards you and others. Thank you that you forgive us and that you suffered in our stead.  Thank you that you are just and merciful. Amen