Tag: son of man

Watching for Jesus

Barbara WeberLeave a comment

John 7:11-12 WEB

The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, “Where is he?” [12] There was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others said, “Not so, but he leads the multitude astray.”

Why did people say Jesus was leading others away from God? It’s because Jesus claimed to be related to God (John 10:30), come from Heaven (John 6:38), and be one with God (John 5:18). Essentially, he made himself one with the Father. What would happen if someone today started teaching they had come from heaven and were conjoined with God? People would probably start asking about their mental health (John 10:20). More, leaders would teach their flocks to avoid the danger (John 9:22).

Our leaders would do the same as the Pharisees. They would try to discredit Jesus (Mat 16:4). Because like the Pharisees, there is a chance Jesus would be hard to recognize. We all have messianic expectations. Just like the Pharisees. In John 7:27 WEB it says, “However we know where this man comes from, but when the Christ comes, no one will know where he comes from.”

The Pharisees thought they knew how to recognize the Messiah. More, the Pharisees had traditions, Godly counsel (John 12:42), the Word of God (John 5;45), and still, they could not recognize Jesus (John 7:52). We have all those same things today. Of course, we have one thing the Pharisees did not have. We have the Gospels. This gives us an advantage. God testifies about himself that he is unchanging (Heb 13:8).

This is an advantage because God has testified about himself that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus is still the Son of Man (John 5:27). He may come back as a baby (Luke 2:11). He may have to win the battle by trusting and having faith in the Father (Mat 17:21). Regardless, we do not know. So, it seems pertinent to pray and keep watching for Jesus.

Lord Jesus, please help me know you and your voice. Bless me Lord as I watch for your return. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

#Jesus #God #Father #Armaggedon #Testimony #Word #Bible #Leaders #Flocks #Pharisee

Humility and Judgment

Barbara WeberLeave a comment

John 5:27 WEB

He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man.

I’m sorry, what did that say? That Jesus can execute judgment because he is a son of man? That is amazing. If Jesus had an ability based specifically on his humanity, then perhaps we have that same ability. What an enormous thought, do modern believers have the same authority to execute judgment as Jesus?

First, what does Jesus say about his authority to judge? He says, “For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.” (John 3:17 WEB) So, Jesus has the authority to judge but that is not his priority. His top priority is to see the world saved. Second, in the book of Matthew, we read, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37 WEB) Jesus has said the judgment comes from our words. It is not specifically that He is going to judge every microscopic thing, rather, how we conduct ourselves will judge us.

These are just two things that Jesus taught about his authority to judge. Jesus’ top priority is salvation, and he lets us judge ourselves with our words. It is ironic that the Father gives Jesus the right to judge because Jesus is humble and does not seem to want to judge anyone.  Instead, Jesus stays focused on God’s will and does not rejoice over the authority he has.

Therefore, it seems like Jesus’ current judgment is based on human attributes shared by modern believers. We all have priorities, and those priorities are reflected in our words and actions. Also, we all look at people’s behavior and make judgments. Thus, if like Jesus, we have God’s will as our top priority, we will not be that interested in judgment. However, if the time comes and a judgment must be made, we can look to the example that Jesus left us in the Bible.  

Lord Jesus, please help me love people and do all I legitimately can to see them saved. Help me have humility so that I stop judging people based on the world’s standards. And Lord, when I do have to make a judgment, let me keep your priorities so that I make righteous judgments. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.