Day 14
In the final film of the Indiana Jones’ cinematic series, famed archeologist Indiana Jones is in for the adventure of his life. When he receives a mysterious journal in the mail, Indy realizes that his father, Henry Jones Sr. has sent him a journal containing clues and a map that leads to the legendary Holy Grail, believed to be the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper, for which Indy’s father has been hunting all his adult life. When Henry goes missing, Indy must pick up where his father left off and work to uncover the true location of the Grail. Little does Indy know that Nazi foes are on the hunt for the Grail as well for their own nefarious intentions.
The Holy Grail, also known as the Cup of Christ, was an artifact said to have supernatural powers, specifically the ability to grant immortality - eternal life. Contrary to popular belief, which held that the cup of the King of Kings would naturally be a fabulous jewel-encrusted golden chalice, it actually was a simple, worn and very battered cup. As Indiana Jones remarked, “That’s the cup of a carpenter,” he realized that the Holy Grail would most assuredly reflect the humble origins of the carpenter turned rabbi from Nazareth.
In today’s reading, Jesus has much to say about eternal life and how one can receive it. Spoiler alert: it isn’t found in a cup.
Read John 5:24-47
Following Jesus’ healing of the disabled man by the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, He continues teaching about what He had really come to grant - eternal life, starting in verse 24, “Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.” (v 24) This is one of the most striking statements in the Gospels regarding the present possession of eternal life. According to Jesus, eternal life begins immediately, in a partially realized but significant way, when one believes in Him.
Both verses 24 and 25 begin with “Truly…” indicating the importance of what is to follow. It’s as if Jesus is saying, “Seriously, guys…” or “Absolute truth here…” when He says, “Truly I tell you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” (v 25) Jesus is proclaiming his authority to give life, emphasizing that spiritual resurrection is occurring immediately through belief in him. “The dead” are those spiritually dead in the darkness of their sin, who receive new life upon hearing and believing the gospel.
Later He claims that this eternal life is also full and abundant, “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (Jn 10:10)
Those who believe in Jesus and have received the gift of eternal life can face the last judgment with confidence, John writes in his first letter: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 Jn 5:11-13)
Jesus recognizes the Jews’ lack of faith and abundant life by their attitudes and behaviors towards Him and their fellow Jews. They didn’t have God’s Word in their hearts, otherwise they would recognize the Messiah standing right in front of them. “You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me,” (v 39) Jesus continued, yet they were unwilling to come to Him in order to freely and lightly live.The study of Scripture cannot by itself impart life. The Scriptures merely bear witness to the One who gives life, namely, Jesus. Therefore, the study of the Bible ought to result in true, genuine faith in Jesus, followed by obedient action and transformed lives, not merely the acquisition of Bible knowledge.
Our true faith is evidenced in obedient and sincere works. All those who truly believe in the Son of Man will be brought “from death to life.” (v 24) As a result, those who believe and receive eternal life do good and will therefore enjoy the resurrection of life. We see this promise of eternal, abundant life in the vision that God gave the prophet Daniel:
“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress such as never has occurred since nations came into being until that time. But at that time all your people who are found written in the book will escape. Many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, and some to disgrace and eternal contempt. Those who have insight will shine like the bright expanse of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:1-3)
The One who set each star in place, whose insights were as bright and vast as the bright expanse of the heavens, was present among them, inviting them to believe and receive life in His Name.
Big Picture Questions for Today:
* Is it easy or difficult for you to believe that eternal life is found only in a relationship with Jesus?
* Are you experiencing the abundance of life that Jesus promised? Are you looking at your circumstances to determine whether or not you are enjoying the abundant life?
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:13)
Pray for desire and courage to cooperate with the Spirit, to believe in Jesus alone for eternal life and receive the spiritual abundance He offers right here, right now.
