October 5, 2020 -- John 10:40-42 -- Four Basic Questions Answered

He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained.  And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there.

John 10:40-42 English Standard Version

Jesus spent some in one place. Those who’d seen His signs, or miracles, had time to digest what they’d seen and heard. The Spirit brought these things to fruition in the lives of those who saw them. It is important for us to see this and understand. When the Spirit sends us we speak as we are led and we trust Him for the results. You might find it tempting to over-inform someone. You might want to add more and more information. Just answer the question.

My favorite illustration on this point is the young lad, 8 or so, who asked his dad: “Where did I come from?” Slightly reddening, the dad launched into an involved monologue on the facts of life! Horrified, the young lad quickly interrupted and asked: “No Dad, did I come from Moncton, or Fredericton?” Awkwardly funny, isn’t it?

In our lives we have basic questions:

“Who am I?” The Bible says we are people, each one known by God, who are fearfully and wonderfully made in the womb.

“Where do I come from?” God, Who made the heavens and the earth, created Adam and Eve from the dust of the ground. It is not evolution. It is the intentional, creative work of the Triune God.

“Why am I here?” The Bible teaches us we are here to glorify God and delight in Him forever.

“What happens when I die?” We will face the judgement. Those who believe in Jesus Christ know the punishment for their sins was measured out on Him at the cross. Those who refused Jesus will spend eternity in hell, bearing the weight of their sin.

Everything the Bible says about this man, Jesus, is true. We need time to think on Him, meditate and reflect. The truth of Who Jesus is needs to germinate in us so that His glory takes hold on us. I love the parable of the seeds. We all know seeds take time to germinate. So it is with the truth of Jesus Christ. He takes hold in the soil of our hearts. The roots of this grows deep into us and the plant rises up and bears much fruit Our souls rejoice as we grasp more. We savor the knowledge of Who He is He is the radiance of the Father’s glory and He is our life’s great delight.

Living Jesus, thank You that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We know we can come to the Father only through You. Spirit of God, fill our souls with holy delight and ever deeper hunger which can only be filled with the banquet that is Christ. Faithful Father in heaven, thank You for all that You have done to draw us to Yourself in love. Glorious is Your Name, Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.