*LIVING SEEDS DEVOTIONALS*
(Life Transforming Words)
Day:172|Monday|June 21st| 21
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*WHO IS THIS SON OF MAN*
_The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever_ : and how sayest thou, _The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man_ ? John 12:34(KJV).
A crowd of people was speaking with Jesus in Jerusalem, not long before Passover (John 12:20–22). In this conversation, Jesus has mentioned His impending death, and received a response from heaven, in the form of audible words (John 12:23–28). Some in the crowd dismissed this as thunder, while others ascribed it to an angel (John 12:29). *_Jesus pointed out that these signs were meant for the people as proof they needed to respond_* (John 12:30–31). All people are faced with a certain level of evidence for God (Romans 1:18–20), and the crucifixion of Christ represents the ultimate call that people must either accept or deny (John 12:32–33). Old Testament prophecy looked forward to the Messiah. However, that perspective didn't include a clear separation of time between events. Most people in this crowd expect the Messiah will come and immediately establish a permanent rule on earth. *The question being asked here implies that Jesus words are not falling on completely deaf ears* . Being lifted up, to some, might suggest ascending to heaven, while others might understand the veiled reference to crucifixion. Either way, this implies that Jesus will not be on earth forever. Earlier, Jesus used the title Son of Man for Himself (John 12:23). This is part of the people's confusion, so they ask Jesus to clarify what He means. There is no doubt that He has claimed that phrase, but the people don't understand how that connects to being lifted up. In a sense, they're asking if Jesus means Son of Man in a different way than He's been using it. His answer will flow from prior comments that there's a clear choice between belief and disbelief, and a person's time to make that decision is limited (John 12:35–36). None believing Israel expected a triumphant Messiah, so they questioned whether Jesus could be the Messiah. Daniel 7:13-14 said that the Son of Man would establish an eternal kingdom. It was difficult for these Jews to reconciled conquering Messiah with a dying one. It is important to approach the Bible without biase. Nonbelievers reject Christ because of their biases. These prejudices are of greater value and importance to them than what God has to say explicitly in His Word.
*SHALL WE PRAY* :Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I operate in the dynamic faith.
*THE BIBLE THROUGH*
Job 25-29
*MEDITATION*
John 4:1-10
*SURE PROPHECY* . I decree you will operate by divine knowledge and succeed in Jesus name.
©Thomas Adegbile, Senior Pastor, Revealed Life Christian centre. 08035868741
