Today’s Reading: John 11:25; 17:3
One of the most complex ideas that we as humans think about is what will happen after we depart from the world of the living. Life and death is the one thing that is guaranteed to everyone, but it is also one of the most mysterious. These events happen daily to many people and each time there is a birth or a death, people’s lives are changed.
I have been fortunate to be present at all of my children’s births. This is one of the most profound and life changing events of my life. During the actual birth of the children, it seems that time stands still. The process can take several minutes or longer, but when you are in the midst of the birth its seems as if time stands still and each minute last for several minutes. The excitement and anticipation is so present, you are hanging on each second of the miracle.
Conversely, I have been in the room when patients have expired. In these situations, the time seems to stand still. When someone breathes their final breath, the room is silent and the seconds turn into eons. In both of these situations time seems to obey different rules. It is a time when the spirit comes or goes and our minds and bodies cannot comprehend what is happening.
In the book of John, we are given the principle verse: John 11:25
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[a] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
John 17: 3
3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Jesus is telling us that eternal life is simple: know God and know Jesus. By knowing Jesus we will know God and not die but live forever. How can we know him: Know his example, know his words, now his promise. The bible gives us a map of how to get to eternal life.
Know his example.
The life of Christ is one that points us into the direction of eternal life. The life that we know currently consists of permanence and object significance. We know where we were born, where we were raised, where our parents are from, where we live, where we will be buried at the end of the journey. But the life Christ led was not completely associated with the permanent places, but the eternal destination. He was born in a manager in Bethlehem (temporary placement), he was raised in Nazareth, during his ministry he had no home to dwell, his final days in the body were in a borrowed tomb. He knew that his life on earth was a temporary assignment. He knows that the holding on to the things here would not have a true significance compared to the place he was destined. This showed that the life we are living and the things that we are coveting would not be the final portion of living. He knew that the life that we are living is a practice for what’s to come.
Know His words.
In the book of John, there are 18 different references to the eternal life that is given by Christ. In the readings for today, these particular passages are during the most grievous and agonizing times of Jesus life. In Chapter 11, Jesus has been informed that his best friend, Lazarus has died and been buried for days. This section reveals that Martha knew the promise of resurrection and the life after, but not through Christ. Christ used this opportunity to show that he was the resurrection and had authority over death. He also shows his humanity and sorrow for a friend. This same sympathy and compassion that Jesus showed to Lazarus by weeping, is also showed to us in our time of need and despair.
In Chapter 17, Jesus is in the garden of Gethsemane in his final hours before the passion and crucifixion. In this High Priestly Prayer, Jesus is presenting us to God. He is revealing the completion of his earthy duties and preparing himself to enter into the eternal life. A life that he is preparing for us. In this prayer, Jesus is showing us that the only way to eternal life is through him and the sacrifice that he is making.
Know His Promise.
John 14: 1- 7
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;[a] believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”[c] 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
This is his ultimate promise to us, that if he goes to prepare a place, he will come again to accept us into his kingdom. This kingdom will not have an end, eternal life.
Christ came out of eternity to reconcile us to God and open the way for the Holy Spirit to manifest in humans. Christ stepped out of eternity into time, reunited us with God, and then stepped back into eternity. From his example, his words, and promise we can have a taste of what is to come. At the beginning of this blog, I have seen and witnessed the mystery of time with the beginning and ending of life. I still have so much more wonder of the coming life in eternity with Christ. Be Blessed.
Heavenly Father,
Allow us to understand and accept your will for us as we strive for the eternal life. Amen.