Gene’s Daily Scriptural Postings.
Reflective Bible Study.
Judged By Jesus’ Words: John 12:37-50
Focus Passage: John 12:37-50 (GNT)Today’s passage has several things we can touch on, and it is one of the more ominous passages regarding the judgment that we find in the gospels. However, instead of jumping onto one of the more pronounced themes from this passage, let’s instead look at an idea that is stated, but could easily be missed if one is not paying attention: “Those who reject me and do not accept my message have one who will judge them. The words I have spoken will be their judge on the last day!” (v. 48) What stands out to me is the “when” that defines the judgment Jesus is preaching about: the “when” is “the last day”. What brings this idea out so strongly in my mind is the confusion over when the judgment actually is. Some people believe the judgment happens immediately when someone has died, and in that instant, the judgment (for them) will take place, and then they will experience the rewards or punishment immediately after. But look at our verse again, and we see something very clear: The “when” is “the last day”. Judgment does not happen on a person’s last day, but on “the last day”. This foreshadows a day in the future which will end all days. The focus of this passage is Jesus’ words being the judge, and while this can be the case every day of our lives (because we can read Jesus’ teachings and be convicted of sin), the context for the idea here is from Jesus’ perspective and not ours. When it says “the last day”, this is from Jesus’ perspective and not our own. This brings up a point that I want to emphasize: The less we personally read the scripture, the easier it will be for us to fall away from the truth the Bible teaches. Are there other passages that seem to place the judgment as coming sooner than the last day? Some may believe so, but to be really certain for ourselves, we must be reading personally, and not take someone else’s word for it. This brings up another interesting point, and our main idea for this journal entry: “Would you rather be judged by Jesus’ words today, in your life as you read the gospels, or be judged by Jesus’ words on the last day? One judgment leads to life, while the other leads to death. This thought was inspired by studying the Walking With Jesus “Reflective Bible Study” package. To discover insights like this in your own study time, click here and give Reflective Bible Study a try today! Read this article on the web on it's official page: Judged By Jesus’ Words: John 12:37-50