On to the Spectacular
by Jeanne Rogers
“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the prince
of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will
do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know
that I love the Father. Come let’s be going.” (John 14:30-31, NLT)
My mind recreated this scene in John 14 as I read Jesus’ words to His disciples. I believe Jesus was on His way to the Garden of Gethsemane when He said, “Come, let’s be going,” In that setting, He supplied them with three chapters of survival information, thoroughly covering His death and all that the Holy Spirit would do in His place. (John 15, 16, 17) He told them what to expect, so they would believe when the events happened.
Jesus sensed it was time to move, saying, “The prince of this world approaches.” Disciples must have risen cautiously--perhaps looking for a sinister, satanic figure -- and wondered where Jesus was really going.
The disciples had been following Jesus since He called to them in Galilee, “Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Once again, they were challenged to leave the familiar and follow Jesus into the mysterious events He had described.
“Don’t be troubled or afraid, remember what I told you; I am going away, but I will come back to you again.” (John 14:27b-28a) Those comforting words must have prompted them to move after Him. But Jesus had often used strong words to demand the loyalty of His followers. “If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39, NLT)
He wanted them to count the costs. Taking up their crosses meant that they would follow Him and publicly identify with Him, even to the point of death.
A teacher of religious law told him,” I will follow you no matter where you go!” Jesus responded, “The foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Matthew 8:20, NAS)
Priorities were challenged and personal sacrifices were required. He didn’t twist anyone’s arm. He gave them a chance to remain behind.
The rich young ruler chose not to follow when Jesus told him, “Sell all that you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The young man walked away sadly because his “many possessions” were the priority of his life.
Today, Jesus’ followers must still focus on a higher mission. A friend and pastor writes, “Graduate from the familiar to the spectacular.”
Jesus had lived in the spectacular; He explained how He did it in John 6:56-57. “I live by the power of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, those who partake of me will live because of me.” Jesus moved obediently toward the Garden and ultimately to the cross because He was sinless, and He knew Satan had no power over Him.
In John 6:68-69, when other disciples had deserted Jesus, Peter stated his reason for following. “You alone have the words that give eternal life. We believe them, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”
If we align ourselves with God’s purposes as Jesus did, satan will have no power over us, and we can graduate to live His life in the spectacular.
This Week
Jesus says, “Come let’s go,” because He can lead us to a better way. “I am the light of the world. If you follow me you won’t be slumbering in the darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12)
Prayer
“Lord, You are in me and I am in You. Therefore, satan has no power over us. I want to step away from what is safe, comfortable and familiar in my spiritual life. I want to move on to the spectacular things You desire to do through me.”
