A Mixed Response - Part 1
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | June 12, 2024 | John 11:45, 20:30-31
KEY VERSE:
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what He did believed in Him. John 11:45 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
The word "therefore" in John 11:45 refers to the preceding event—the resurrection of Lazarus.. The many Jews who believed in the Lord Jesus were not acting on third-person evidence. They were eyewitnesses. In the Christian Faith, experiential belief is essential. As Apostle John asserts in his epistle (1 John 1:1-3), we cannot deny our personal experiences.
According to John 20:30-31, Jesus' signs were meant to bring people to a saving knowledge of Christ and eternal life. However, the results of these signs varied:
The miracle of turning water into wine led His disciples to believe in Him (John 2:1-11).
The healing of a royal official's son brought an entire household to faith (John 4:53).
The healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda had an uncertain outcome. Jesus later warned him to avoid sin to prevent worse consequences (John 5:14).
The man born blind believed and worshipped Jesus, but the Pharisees rejected Him (John 9:35-41).
When Jesus fed the five thousand, many pursued Him for more bread, but He used the occasion to teach about the true bread of life (John 6:1-15).
In John 6:29, Jesus declared that the work God requires is to believe in the One He sent. When some disciples found His teaching hard and left, Jesus was not disturbed. He rather challenged the Twelve to declare their stand. And through Peter, they declared a non-return stand with the Lord Jesus Christ.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Our core responsibility is to lead people to the saving knowledge of Christ and eternal life. Not everyone will believe, even in the face of miracles
PRAYER:
Lord, it's a tough task. Give us your grace. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: THEREFORE οὖν (oun) is the Greek word that is often translated as "therefore," "then," or "so." It indicates a logical consequence or conclusion drawn from preceding events or statements. The term "οὖν" (oun) serves as a conjunction in John 11:45, connecting the miraculous event of Lazarus’s resurrection with the resultant faith among the witnesses. This logical connector emphasizes that the miracle served its purpose: to reveal Jesus’ divine power and to lead people to believe. Theologically, it underscores the notion that signs and wonders performed by Jesus are meant to validate His divine authority and mission, leading people to faith in Him. Reflections:
How do the miraculous works of Jesus lead you to deeper faith and understanding of His divine nature? Reflect on moments in your life where witnessing or experiencing God’s work has strengthened your belief.
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