Author: JRMITCH85

A profound yearning to make a difference often stirs within us. This desire finds itself in pursuing a career that brings hope to others or dedicating our time to serve those in need. As followers of Christ, this desire to better our world for the Gospel is a shared calling. However, a sense of unworthiness or uncertainty about how to proceed can be distressing. If we strive to make this impact ourselves, we risk burnout, much like a plant desperately trying to bear fruit by itself. In contrast, Christ invites us into a deeply rooted existence, nourished by Him as the life-giving vine. This connection allows us to abide in all Christ does for us. Even when we don’t feel close to Him and temptation pulls us away, we are reminded of His call to stay firmly connected to the vine, no matter what life brings. Drifting from this source diminishes God’s sustenance in our lives; thus, it is crucial to remain in Christ and resist the urge to act apart from Him.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 15:1–11.

Abiding in Christ, which translates to maintaining a continuous and enduring presence with Him, is foundational to a believer’s ability to bear fruit. This deep connection involves a close fellowship, a sustained conscious communion, and the constant occupation of the heart with Christ, all nurtured by active faith and a steadfast dependence on Him. The primary purpose of this spiritual union, much like a branch connected to a vine, is to produce fruit as the organic product and tangible evidence of the inner life derived directly from Christ. Indeed, bearing fruit glorifies the Father and stands as clear evidence that one is truly a disciple of Christ. This essential state of abiding necessitates a daily, active faith that consistently upholds the believer’s reliance on the vine, continuously drawing life and sustenance from Him by turning the gaze away from self and towards the Savior in a spirit of complete dependency. Ultimately, to abide in Christ is to dwell in His love, which primarily means continually enjoying and resting assured in Christ’s immeasurable love for the believer, even amidst trials, without doubting its steadfastness.

The path toward sanctification begins by abiding in Christ’s love. This abiding demands obedience by keeping His commandments, an obedience that is not a form of legalism but a joyful and willing expression of love, demonstrating a genuine friendship with Him, much like Jesus’ love for His disciples mirrors the Father’s love for Him. To abide signifies remaining, continuing, and even dwelling in Christ, referring explicitly to maintaining a conscious and sustained fellowship or communion with God through Him. This deep connection is further understood as Christ’s words abiding in the believer, meaning the Scriptures actively regulate their life as precepts and promises are personally embraced and treasured within the heart. Such constant and habitual communion with God through His Word allows its contents to permeate one’s innermost being, shaping thoughts and desires to align with God’s will. Consequently, this state of abiding in Christ, with His words deeply rooted in the believer, is directly connected to the promise of answered prayer, implying that when one is in close fellowship and their desires are harmonized with Christ’s will, their petitions will be granted.

Jesus commands the disciples and all believers to love one another “as I have loved you,” which invites believers to enter the profound mystery of Christ’s sacrificial death. This love requires all Christ followers to be willing to lay down their lives for one another, which reveals Jesus to the world. This required Christian love and obedience, which naturally flows from abiding in Christ, yields the fruit of service, which is defined not just as a Christian devout life, but also through tangible acts of care for the needy, with designs aimed at honoring God and actively doing good. Christ exhorts His followers explicitly to a compassionate lifestyle that includes giving, caring for fellow human beings, not neglecting the hungry, refraining from anger or insult, and readily sharing resources that reflect an understanding of one’s need for God’s mercy and the serious consequences of inhumanity. Ultimately, the joy experienced by those who abide in Christ and obey His commands, a joy that can be witnessed by others and draw them to Him, is implicitly linked to this active service towards the most vulnerable, showcasing a deeply personal and profoundly practical faith.

When fruit remains on the vine, it has unrestricted access to the plant’s life-giving nourishment. Similarly, to truly abide in Christ, we must diligently cultivate our connection with God through consistent fellowship, dedicated prayer, immersion in His Word, and embracing the lessons He imparts. This profound spiritual connection allows our faith to blossom and mature. Our fruit will be evident and appealing: good works that shine in the world, bringing glory to God and testifying our rootedness in Him, the true vine. As we live this out, the world witnesses the Gospel embodied in our lives and sees the blessings God extends. The palpable joy that radiates from our abiding in Christ can powerfully draw others to Him, transforming obedient followers into beacons of His peace and joy in the world.

Reflecting on the disciples’ misunderstandings, even after extensive time with Jesus, often prompts me to question their shortcomings; however, introspection reveals my errors, despite having followed Jesus longer than many of them and receiving years of theological training, fostering a greater sense of grace for their struggles. Christian Contemporary Music that I listened to growing up in my church youth group shaped my spiritual and theological framework. While I know many artists involved had great hearts, genuinely wanting to lead people to the Gospel and even contributing significantly to global health initiatives like combating HIV/AIDS, the genre had its limitations. Indeed, numerous leaders within this music scene eventually walked away from their faith because they couldn’t reconcile their life experiences with the feelings the music evoked, discovering nothing substantial beyond those emotions—a stark reminder that faith must be more than feeling. Where contemporary Christian music might fall short, Jesus offers enduring comfort. We often mistakenly look to external signs, songs, or leaders for guidance on how to live, yet Jesus repeatedly reminds us that proper direction comes from being led by Him alone. As His earthly time with the disciples drew to a close, He sought to comfort them, promising they would find genuine safety, solace, and strength through God. This profound assurance starkly contrasts with the empty promises offered by anyone else.

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; 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? 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.” 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. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 14:1–14.

Understanding Jesus transcends merely seeing Him as someone who shows us the way; fundamentally, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This profound reality necessitates that followers actively submit every facet of their existence to His guidance, moving beyond simple instruction to a profound, personal union with Him. Even the disciples, despite their proximity, initially struggled to grasp that knowing Jesus intimately meant inherently knowing the path to God (the Way), the ultimate reality of God (the Truth), and the source of spiritual vitality (the Life). Jesus wasn’t just pointing towards a destination; He is the destination, the embodiment of Truth and Life, through whom we are brought into the Father’s presence. Grasping this requires spiritual discernment, recognizing how Christ perfectly addresses humanity’s threefold need for reconciliation (the Way), illumination (the Truth), and regeneration (the Life), rescuing us from aimless wandering, deception, and spiritual death.

This divine identity and unity with the Father were intentionally demonstrated through Jesus’ works, which were designed to lead witnesses to faith in God by revealing that the Father was working through Him. Jesus Himself confirmed this intrinsic unity, explaining that His words originated from the Father and that His works were performed by the Father abiding in Him. Thus, to honestly know Jesus is to know the Father, as Jesus perfectly reveals God’s nature—the visible image of the invisible God. This underpins the call to believe in Jesus just as one believes in God, affirming His absolute deity and establishing Him as the exclusive way to the Father, a truth rooted in His unique divine person and incarnation. Embracing this belief offers profound peace and guards the heart against trouble.

Flowing directly from this understanding of Jesus and His unity with the Father, believers are called to imitate Christ comprehensively, in both word and deed. By actively performing the kinds of works Jesus did, the Church demonstrates His living presence within them and the enduring power of the Gospel. Jesus promised that believers would perform His works and even “greater works”—not necessarily more spectacular miracles, but broader spiritual realities like conveying truth, bestowing kingdom blessings, converting multitudes, and enabling the global spread of the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit, facilitated by His ascension. Crucially, these works are accomplished not by the believer’s strength but by the resurrected Christ working powerfully through them. The Father continues the Son’s work through disciples united to Him in faith, empowered by the Spirit. Therefore, yielding to Christ’s power within us and ensuring our actions reflect His self-emptying example, free from self-serving motives, is essential. Only by faithfully following Jesus’ ways in this manner can we effectively minister the Gospel to the poor and needy, truly embodying His life and mission in the world.

Thus, Jesus challenges all who might be disciples to truly embody the Gospel and live, speak, work, and act as He did. Through this living, the world will see Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit acting through us, thus shining God’s light for the world to see. However, to live like Jesus, we must study and understand what Jesus stands for, and even when we have been engrossed in the Word reading and intensely studying, we tend to miss that we need to keep looking to Jesus to show us the way, the truth, and the life.  Many big feelings will move our hearts, but Jesus reminds us not to take our eyes off Him in all circumstances. Life will always throw different experiences at us, some good, some bad, and a lot that may be a mix of the two, but we cannot get caught up in the feeling that they give us, because following God is more than just a feeling; it is a way of living. When we realize that we must cast aside anything that will try to rival the place God demands in our life and start living for God, we will do the works that Jesus does, and God will show the world light shining through us.

There is something genuinely odd about the history of Christianity; the more we grow and progress in spreading the Gospel, the more it inevitably leads the Church closer to a split. This oddity is not unique to the modern church, as it began to split formally in the 11th Century, with its roots dating back to the 4th Century. This trajectory is evident today in more churches popping up to cater to the specific whims of an evangelical swarm that only wants to exist in its little echo chamber. A divided church is antithetical to the Gospel, for the Gospel intends to unite disparate groups and align with a sacrificial servant sent by the Father to save the world from sin. Jesus came so the world might be saved, not just one small group. Ideological differences will exist, but they were never supposed to divide. After Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and told them about the reality that ideological differences would eventually lead to his betrayal, Jesus still sought to remind the disciples that the old commandment was getting a makeover. Even as Jesus drew nearer to the end of His time with the disciples, he wanted to engrain within them that the core of sharing the Gospel starts with how well they care for and love one another.

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 13:31–35.

After the departure of Jesus’ betrayer, Judas, Jesus knew it was critical to address the remaining disciples about how the glory of God would be revealed, regardless of how things were going to appear. God’s glory is displayed through sacrifice, even amid betrayal and strife. The betrayal led to arrest, prosecution, and ultimately crucifixion. However, Jesus showed the world that glorification acts in resistance to those seeking worldly power or acclaim. True glory from God was ultimately achieved through Jesus’ impending suffering, death, and subsequent resurrection and exaltation. Jesus’ perfect obedience and love in his self-sacrifice glorify God, while God, in turn, glorifies Jesus. There is no delay in receiving God’s glory because Jesus receives it already on the cross, and thus provides a lens that allows us to recognize that the cross points toward the resurrection and ultimate ascension. God’s ultimate act of love for humanity was demonstrated on the cross, and the glory of God was gifted to us in the resurrection.

As the cross came nearer to ending the time the disciples had with Jesus, Jesus understood the immediacy of the message he had to deliver. Similarly, we don’t get infinite opportunities to share the Gospel, so we must make the most of every moment. Whether it be a move, a life situation change, or even death, there is a temporary nature to our relationships that we should never take any encounter for granted. For the disciples, this is shown through the reality that they cannot immediately follow him to the glory He is about to enter, emphasizing the unique nature of his journey through death and resurrection. While some of us have spent years following Christ, many have not, and may not immediately come to faith, but they will remember how we treated them and how we treat one another. Therefore, we need to allow this to be the Gospel that people take with them wherever they go. Turning back to Jesus, He referred to the disciples as His little children, not as an insult, but in an endearing manner, because they relied upon Him. Thus, Jesus wanted to make the most of the time he had left, so that they would understand how to love like he loved them. So too must the church make the most out of every moment we have with people and love them.

The old becomes new as Jesus shows us that the most crucial way we disciple one another and share the Gospel is by LOVING ONE ANOTHER. The defining characteristic of this new commandment is the standard set: “as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34 ESV). The elevation of the standard of love now goes beyond the Old Testament command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Christ’s sacrificial love, demonstrated in the foot washing and soon to be completed on the cross, becomes the model. This love is not merely sentimental but involves tangible actions, self-sacrifice, and unity within the Christian community. The absence of such love can be a stumbling block to those outside the faith. Jesus declares, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 ESV). Mutual love within the community of believers becomes the distinguishing mark of Christian identity, a powerful witness to the world.

Jesus delivers this command to the disciples at a time when he knows that there are forces out there that will thrive on the disintegration of the core through turning on each other, especially since this happens in the aftermath of Judas leaving the group to complete his betrayal. Thus, the disciples are vulnerable and need encouragement from Jesus at this critical juncture. Now, we must take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to hear what Jesus tells us in this passage and work to reverse the trend of church splits and failures, bringing a Gospel message that speaks volumes to a divided world. We start by loving one another, even if we think differently. We don’t just give lip service to loving one another, but genuinely reach out and show them love. Our generation of believers needs to be truly counter-cultural, defeat the rampant division, and embrace Jesus’ command to love one another. Through these actions, the Gospel may be seen as effective and powerful, drowning out the hateful divisiveness of certain parts of Christianity and the rest of the world.

No matter where we look, it seems as if there is something that we are told that we should fear. Opposing sides of every argument tell us that if we don’t side with them, there will be some grave issue that we will unearth and fall victim to. This manufactured fear already amplifies and feeds upon the fact that there is natural uncertainty in the world. What are you afraid of? In this calendar year, we have had wildfires ravage multiple communities in Southern California, floods overwhelm multiple communities in the South, and all of this is in addition to the global economic uncertainty. This leads to the question: What do you cling to in times of uncertainty? Increasingly, the answer is that we often cannot find anything upon which we can find security. However, since you are reading or listening to this, you may have decided to give faith a try, and I don’t want to give you false hope, because even followers of Christ find that fear makes its way into their lives. Even the disciples were afraid of the authorities and clung to each other in the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion. However, on the first Easter Sunday, Jesus responds to that fear with a message that works to alleviate and dissipate their fear: “Peace be with you.”

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 20:19–23.

When faced with threats, either real or simply perceived, the human response is often profound fear, a state that typically gives rise to pervasive anxiety and a deep sense of powerlessness. This dynamic is clearly seen in the disciples’ reaction following the Crucifixion; they perceived the Jewish authorities as an immediate threat, and their resulting fear manifested as intense anxiety and helplessness. People today experience a similar phenomenon when various forces or circumstances loom as threats to well-being or security; even if the source is less defined, this fear still breeds significant anxiety and feelings of powerlessness. Sometimes, this sense of being powerless in the face of fear can lead to actions like scapegoating, an attempt to regain control by assigning a name or face to the threat. The disciples felt acutely powerless against potential arrest and persecution, showing that fear can paralyze and overwhelm. Their retreat to a locked room was a direct consequence of this fear-induced anxiety and powerlessness, an attempt to find security against the forces they felt unable to control. Similarly, modern individuals seek security—be it financial, social, or personal—often driven by the same need to counteract the anxiety and helplessness stemming from their fears. Into this atmosphere charged with anxiety and powerlessness born of fear, Jesus’ words, “Peace be with you,” directly addressed the disciples’ state, offering solace and salvation won on the Cross. This interaction underscores a timeless human need: finding peace of mind to counter the anxiety and sense of powerlessness that fear so often cultivates.

When we find ourselves gripped by fear, it’s significant that Jesus consistently responds not with judgment or rhetoric, but with a profound offering of peace. This pattern was evident in his immediate reaction to the disciples’ reaction out of their anxiety to ensure they were behind locked doors; his greeting “Peace be with you,” was far more significant than a simple greeting, rather it conveyed peace into their hearts as the present resurrected body of Christ stood before them. This Easter evening, “Peace be with you” complemented his declaration “It is finished!” from the cross, signifying that the peace of reconciliation and abundant life from God was now realized, and the blessings of God’s kingdom were realized through his death and resurrection. Jesus’ ability to appear despite the physical barrier of the locked doors—intended by the fearful disciples to keep perceived threats out—demonstrated the incomprehensible nature of his resurrected body. It was a powerful act of care, showing that their fear could not impede his presence. His arrival in their midst was an assurance that God’s presence would always remain. While the specific circumstances of the disciples differ from modern anxieties, the fundamental human experience of fear amidst uncertainty connects us to their story. Just as Christ met his disciples in their fear, offering peace, commissioning them, and bestowing the Holy Spirit, thereby transforming their fear into joy and providing purpose, individuals today facing uncertainty can similarly seek out God’s presence as a source of hope, meaning, and empowerment to navigate their own fears, recognizing the power of hope to overcome anxiety, all stemming from God’s foundational response of offering peace instead of condemnation.

Once fear is dispelled by the peace Christ provides, God’s people are truly empowered to fulfill their commission of sharing the Gospel. After Jesus appeared to his disciples, he addressed their fear by offering peace and showing his wounds. Then, He breathed on them, gifting them the Holy Spirit, a symbolic act that imparted life much like God breathing life into Adam. This empowering Spirit, identified by Christ in the power of the resurrection and promised before His death, provides believers comfort and peace, replacing fear and uncertainty with divine strength. Immediately following this impartation, Jesus sent His disciples out— “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you”—a mission the church continues by proclaiming reconciliation and peace with God, thereby offering a tangible manifestation of Jesus’ peace to a fearful world. Central to this mission is the authority Jesus granted to forgive sins, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld,” underscoring how the act of forgiveness, extended by the community breathed upon by Christ, is essential for bringing peace with God and others, releasing individuals from the burden of sin and overcoming the fear that prevents embracing the Gospel message.

Fear is all around us. We fear our neighbors and our future, and the world around us invokes a dread that leads to fear. None of us is immune to the rhetoric and situations that attempt to spark anxiety in our lives. It has been something that the Church has had to fight against for years. Far too many churches are simply just playing out their life cycle because they are afraid of what any change might mean. Fear paralyzes us. However, the antidote to fear is peace and hope. Both of these are found in Jesus. The scriptures remind us that perfect love drives out fear, and that is precisely what Jesus did that first Easter morning. Now we can lock the doors and live in fear, or draw nearer to the source of that perfect love. As we draw closer to Jesus, we are given peace and the power of the Holy Spirit that empowers the church to conquer fear and share the hope of the Gospel. Look at the world around you and notice that there are numerous people who are afraid and are looking for comfort in their homes, jobs, bank statements, government, and have come up empty. However, as followers of Christ, we must share Jesus’ words, “Peace be with you,” as we share the true hope and peace found in the resurrection on that first Easter Sunday.

With every new beginning or goal we set, we have to ask what the rationale is for making a change, or in some cases, why we keep going in the same direction. We must question, “What is your why?” In the social media context, everything is done to increase engagement, which could lead to more money made. However, this direction may prevent the content creator from speaking the truth or their true feelings. Similarly, the church can find itself seeking engagement to get more members and bring in more money. However, that can contradict God’s mission for the church in our communities. Therefore, the church needs to question its purpose and always ensure that it reflects the will of Christ Jesus. At the end of John 12, Jesus reminds His followers of His purpose: to bring salvation to humanity. Therefore, as we reflect upon the scripture below, we need to seek where God might call the church and its members to co-labor with Christ in sharing the Gospel. 

44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), John 12:44-50.

The advent of Jesus Christ in human history was not a random occurrence but the deliberate fulfillment of the salvation of humankind. This purpose originated from the very nature of God and addressed the separation caused by sin. The need for reconciliation was paramount, and Jesus’ coming was the ultimate expression of God’s redemption. His mission originated with the will of the Father. Thus, Jesus didn’t act independently but was perfectly united with God the Father, driven by love and desire to restore humanity. As such, Jesus’ mission was explicitly oriented towards redemption rather than condemnation. Even though humanity, through sin, deserves judgment, God intervenes through Christ to prioritize mercy and redemption. Jesus aimed to offer pure grace, bringing humanity back to God rather than retributive justice. Jesus clearly articulated this focus by stating, “I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” The invitation extends to every person, in every era, reflecting God’s desire that none should perish but that all might find life through Christ. The care shown in this act reflects the boundless nature of God’s love and the sufficiency of Christ’s work for all people. Therefore, Jesus’ advent wasn’t about establishing guilt, which already existed, but about providing the remedy for all people.

He does not directly impose the judgment described in the teachings of Jesus but is instead a natural consequence of rejecting His words and the eternal truths they convey. Jesus explicitly stated that His mission was not to judge the world but to save it, emphasizing that His role was redemption rather than condemnation. However, He also clarified that the response to His words carries eternal significance. For those who hear His teachings and fail to believe or obey, Jesus does not judge them immediately. However, failure to obey the law and remain in sin repudiates Jesus’ message of hope. It thus underscores the authority of His message, which aligns perfectly with the will of the Father, who entrusted Him with the gospel of eternal life. To persist in faith and obedience is to live aligned with God’s salvation message, which promises everlasting life. Conversely, rejecting Jesus and His teachings ultimately leads to judgment, as sin inherently brings guilt, alienation from God, and spiritual death. However, the church must set its mission to align with God and share the message of grace that Jesus bore the ultimate judgment for sin on the cross, offering salvation through His obedience and sacrifice; those who refuse to accept this gift remain under condemnation by their own choice. Thus, while salvation remains Jesus’ primary aim, judgment is inevitable for those who reject Him, as His words testify to truth and life.

In contrast, Sin is fundamentally associated with darkness, a state of separation from and ignorance of God, while Jesus Christ embodies the pure, illuminating Light of God’s truth and presence. Because light inherently dispels darkness, the two cannot coexist; where Jesus truly abides, the darkness of sin must recede. Jesus Himself declared His purpose in coming into the world, stating, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” Revealing the natural condition of humanity as being enveloped in darkness—a spiritual blindness characterized by ignorance of God’s righteous judgment and limitless mercy. Jesus’ salvic actions offer deliverance from this state. Believing in Him, trusting in His identity and work, is the very means by which individuals are transferred from the realm of darkness into His marvelous light, thereby attaining salvation. By embracing the Light, people are freed from the darkness they were found in, fulfilling Jesus’ mission. Furthermore, this dynamic extends to those who follow Christ; just as He is the Light, His followers, collectively forming the church, are also commissioned to be lights in the world. Illuminated by Jesus through faith, their lives and actions reflect His light, showcasing good works that draw others not to themselves, but to glorify God.

Through the church’s active engagement in our communities, they must choose whether to primarily focus on the darkness of sin with a potentially alienating judgmental stance, or to intentionally bring the light of Christ through acts of love, grace, hope, and service. While acknowledging sin’s reality, the church’s purpose is to draw people closer to Jesus, not to condemn. Following Jesus’ lead in the passage. To carry out this task, the church must submit to humility, recognize our need for grace, and understand that salvation is God’s work through Christ. Therefore, believers are called not to save, but to be witnesses—sharing the Gospel message and demonstrating its transformative power through their lives, thereby showing the community the hope and love in Christ Jesus.

During seasons of anticipation such as Advent and Lent in the church, we are tempted to keep our eyes affixed on the end game, either Christmas or Easter. The anticipation mimics the child awaiting the gift under the tree or at their birthday. No matter how grand that finale might be, without dwelling in the waiting time, we will miss the tremendous beauty in the season leading up to Christmas or Easter. Advent and Lent are times of great reflection and anticipation, guiding us in preparation and living in the already, but not yet. Even though it is in our nature to always look toward a goal, and in many ways, setting goals toward which we work benefits us. However, without understanding how to live in the process of meeting the goal, we will deprive ourselves of learning, which may hinder us from reaching the goal. The benefit we have as Christ followers is that the goal is already met (by the death and resurrection of Jesus), so we don’t need to worry about the work. However, Jesus calls us to live as He lived so that we might be co-laborers with Him. Martha did not struggle with the labor aspect, but she did struggle to live in the comfort of what it meant to live in Christ, and rest in the hope of the resurrection. In the passage below, we will see how, when Jesus delayed traveling to Lazarus, and in doing so opened up Mary, Martha, and even Lazarus to an understanding that within Christ Jesus, we see that even when resurrection means hope for the future, Jesus embodies that hope as we live today. 

17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 11:17–27.

Walking with Jesus in the resurrection, there is a promise that death does not have the final word. The event of raising Lazarus itself serves as a powerful sign pointing to Jesus’ authority over death and the reality of resurrection life. After four days, when the body was thought to begin decomposing, it would generate a stench. This act of raising Lazarus foreshadows Jesus’ death and resurrection and demonstrates his power to bring life even after death has seemingly taken hold. The idea of death as “sleep” used by Jesus indicates a temporary state from which there will be an awakening, diminishing its sense of finality for believers. This is contrasted with one of the primary views of the Sadducees and some mainstream thought, where sleep often connoted a final state. Jesus’ perspective is bound up with God’s relation to his people and his role as the Son of God. The church holds onto this hope that resurrection after death is the source of our hope. We no longer fear death or what the world might do to us through war, pestilence, or disease because Jesus has entered the world to conquer death, and thus we share that hope with the world. 

The miracle of Jesus isn’t just about future resurrection; he is life for us right now, calling us to follow him in the present. Faith in Jesus grants access to this life immediately, even before we physically die. Jesus explained this to Martha, stating, “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). His words reveal that a present, eternal quality of life begins through faith, making physical death secondary. This life in faith means that the Christian existence in Christ is life before death, and not primarily something awaited, but the principle of life in the present. The raising of Lazarus serves as a key sign validating Jesus’ claims. By conquering death in the present, Jesus demonstrated that he truly is the resurrection and the life. The purpose of recording this event is to show Jesus leading followers in faith to believe. This life offered by Jesus is a profound spiritual reality. It’s described as a heavenly and divine life obtained by being born again through faith in Christ. Rooted in this union, this spiritual life will never be extinguished, but perfected in eternal life. Jesus requires a response of faith and, by implication, a commitment to follow him. Martha’s powerful confession— “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world”—stands as a pattern of the faith Jesus seeks.

Christ’s resurrection power over death and his ability to grant fulfilling life inspire faith within the church. This faith, in turn, emboldens believers to answer Christ’s call fully. Trusting in his power over death and his gift of true life should naturally motivate believers to align their actions with his teachings and purposes. The transformation seen in the disciples after the resurrection demonstrates how such faith strengthens conviction. Martha’s confession (John 11:27) serves as an ideal example. When she declared, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world,” she expressed deep faith in Jesus’s identity and authority. This kind of faith, resulting from encountering Christ’s power and promises, should define the church. Jesus provides the basis for living this way, and the promise of present life through faith allows believers to live with assurance and purpose today. It affirms that, as we live our Christian experience, living within Christ is life before death, not something we wait to come to fruition, but the principle of living now in the present.

In the passage, Jesus instructed Martha about what living in hope was about. Even in her grief, she mimicked what so many of us utter in our mourning, about how we have hope in the raising of a loved one in the resurrection, and while not incorrect in her assertion, Jesus pointed out that she was missing out on what God was about to do right there. Thus, when confronting something hard like grief, God reminds us that we must continue living in the presence of hope. Hope is not just in the resurrection but also in living here in the already but not yet. In the present, we see God’s Glory in part, but the future will tell us a more complete picture; however, that means that we need to strive to live, observe, and dwell in the richness of God’s presence right now. Therefore, we don’t just sit waiting for the finish and end times, but God calls for us to live life to the fullest. When Jesus tells us that He is the resurrection and the life, He is commanding us not just to sit and wait to die, but that He has a plan for us, and it is to live an abundant life right now. Even though we might look at all the goodies under the tree, or the glory that awaits us at the resurrection, Jesus does not dissuade us from looking forward with anticipation, but instead He adds the instruction that we need to live, to work, and to continue to grow in faith as we await the resurrection, and Christ coming again.

While walls look imposing and prevent neighbors from regularly interacting, they also work great to keep pets safe in our yards. Whenever we let our animals out, I ensure all our gates are shut so they can enjoy running free in a safe environment where other animals or people cannot access and where they cannot accidentally run out and get hurt by running in the street. Our work ensures their security, keeping the walls secure and the gate shut. The church also works to keep our members and community safe. Since a relationship with God requires intimacy, the church must be trustworthy for people to share. We follow Christ’s call to welcome people to the gate and lead them to an encounter with Jesus. Once inside the walls, we ensure that they remain safe from the wolves that try to pull people away from the gospel and toward politics or some other endeavor. This activity follows Jesus as He led his followers toward an understanding that God’s concern for people was like leading them as a shepherd leads sheep and as someone who protects them at the gate, ensuring their safety. In the passage below, Jesus reminds the people that many want to take advantage of the vulnerable. In contrast, Jesus offers comfort and protection willingly, sacrificing His freedom for the benefit of humanity. 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” 

19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 10:1–21.

The declaration made by Jesus that He is the door or the gate through which the sheep enter into the fold points us to the reality that Jesus is the gate to a relationship with God, and we are guided to God’s mission through Jesus’s sacrificial love. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down his life for his sheep, demonstrating ultimate care and sacrifice. This act of sacrifice, done out of love for the Father, is essential for the salvation of humankind. As the legitimate way to enter the kingdom of God, Jesus provides salvation, security, and nourishment. Through Jesus, humanity can encounter God because the sins that once separated humanity are dealt with on the cross. Thus, the church’s role is to guide people toward Jesus, emphasizing his sacrificial love. All teachings and leadership should be interpreted through the filter of Christ. Anything contrary to Jesus must be discarded.

When looking for any instruction about how the church should lead Christ’s flock, we find Jesus models how the church should lead people to the gate so they are not persuaded to jump the walls. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, provides the model for leadership within the church. True leaders are those who enter by the door and are genuinely called and commissioned by God, and whose priority is the well-being of the flock, even to the point of self-sacrifice. This contrasts sharply with the false shepherds who are self-serving and neglectful and seek their glory rather than the good of those they lead. The church is called to recognize and follow true shepherds who embody Christ’s character and be wary of those who do not. God intends to unite people from all nations into one flock, guided by one shepherd, as indicated by Jesus’s teaching about other sheep. Therefore, this teaching highlights the church’s mission to adopt a global perspective, extending the message of salvation to those outside the fold, which traditionally referred to Israel but now includes Gentiles. The church’s unity is rooted in a shared connection with Christ, not in conforming to a single cultural or ethnic identity. Therefore, the church should strive to collaborate with all people, regardless of their origin or background, and demonstrate that God’s peace comes from Jesus’s love and care for us. Our words and actions must reflect those of Christ because the flock knows the voice of the Shepherd; therefore, if the church doesn’t sound like Jesus, the flock will not follow. 

In perfect obedience to His Father’s command and His divine mission, Jesus intentionally and willingly sacrifices His freedom to fulfill God’s plan. His entire life and ministry purposefully led to the ultimate act of obedience – sacrificing Himself for His sheep. When the wolves come to take the sheep, Jesus steps in to willingly sacrifice for their relationship with the  Father. This behavior acts in stark contrast to thieves and robbers who prioritize self-preservation over the well-being of the sheep. As the good shepherd, Jesus intentionally chooses to face danger and lay down His life for His flock, demonstrating sacrificial love. The church must follow His example and be intentional in sharing the Gospel, even when facing danger. We are called to actively demonstrate God’s mercy and lead others to Jesus, the gate through which we access the Father.

Jesus’ declaration as both the gate and the good shepherd encapsulates the essence of His divine mission and the path to salvation. As the gate, He provides the exclusive entry into a relationship with God, offering security, nourishment, and eternal life to those who enter through Him. As the good shepherd, Jesus exemplifies sacrificial love, willingly laying down His life for His flock. This dual role demonstrates His supreme authority and His intimate care for humanity. Following Christ’s example, the church is called to guide people towards this gate with intentionality and sacrificial love. It must reflect Jesus’ voice in both word and deed, ensuring that all teachings align with His message. By embodying Christ’s character and mission, the church becomes a beacon, leading people from all nations to the one true shepherd. This global vision of unity in Christ transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, emphasizing the universal nature of God’s love and salvation. Ultimately, Jesus’ intentional sacrifice, rooted in obedience to the Father’s will, sets the standard for Christian living and ministry. The church is challenged to demonstrate this same level of commitment, facing potential dangers and putting aside self-preservation for the sake of God’s mission. Doing so faithfully leads others to the gate, where they can experience the transformative power of God’s love and mercy through Jesus Christ.

As fires erupted in Southern California this past January, the discourse was riddled (and largely still is) with questions swirling around who is at fault. Every time I went to the news or social media to find out information about what was going on, I encountered more vitriol and accusations than actual news, and I did not even achieve a modicum of understanding about what was happening. Unfortunately, that is the current climate of discourse, and many people are walking away from any engagement because they see too many voices caring more about scoring points for their side than the humanity across the table. The reality is that there were numerous victims of this horrible tragedy, and instead of looking upon them as points to score on their opponents, the church must view them as beloved children of God and seek to help them in their suffering. Even as the disciples were walking beside Jesus, they fell into the discourse trap and could not get out of their own heads as they struggled to understand Jesus’ purpose. Their thoughts went to how they could answer the theological questions rather than living out the life of faith as Jesus demonstrates. However, Jesus corrects them with words and actions, as Jesus brought healing and transformation of the body in this passage below. 

1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), John 9:1-12.

Ultimately, we need to learn to ask better questions of God. The initial question of the disciples, “Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” is uncharitable, unnecessarily curious, and based on the assumption that suffering is always a punishment for sin. In the disciples’ inquiry, we find the reflection of a common belief spread by the teachers of the day. This is a misguided question, as sin before birth is incomprehensible, and why would this be the punishment for the sin of his parents? Further, the disciples had seen Jesus heal someone with paralysis. They must have been familiar with what caused the paralysis, as they knew of Christ’s earlier teachings and interactions with the sick. Therefore, instead of relying upon Jesus, the disciples engaged in popular theology. The way they asked the question brought Jesus’ attention to them, instead of them affixing their eyes upon Jesus’ caring response to suffering. They asked outward questions, looking at man as an object, while Jesus corrected their assumptions by directing them to the power of God that would be revealed at this moment. Instead of seeking answers to win the theological arguments, Jesus wants us to ask questions that will prompt us to act so that we might reveal God’s work in the church. Our questions should prompt action over discourse.

Jesus’ actions bring healing in an unorthodox manner, which is often a messy endeavor. The blind man was healed through unconventional methods, such as spitting on the ground to make clay and then anointing the man’s eyes. Applying mud to the eyes would seemingly make the man more blind. Thus, physical healing occurred in a way that no one would expect, but Jesus used this to highlight God’s work of sending and healing. Jesus directs the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, which is interpreted as “Sent”. As Jesus sends the man, he ultimately directs the man to Himself as the one sent by God. Sending the blind man to wash in the pool of Siloam allowed the man to be obedient. The man does not question the method, but obeys the command. Healing often comes in ways that are contrary to our understanding. It may involve us getting dirty and working with our hands in an even counterintuitive way. However, when we participate in the healing God wants for our communities, it requires us to submit to the sending of Christ.

The world does not know what to do with the miraculous. After the man’s sight was restored, his neighbors immediately confronted him, who were astonished and even doubted his identity. However, when the man affirmed his identity, they pressed him to explain how his eyes had been opened. His simple account of Jesus’ actions and his obedience to wash in the pool of Siloam was met with further inquiry about the whereabouts of Jesus, whom the man could not identify. Their bewilderment was because they needed a rational explanation for an event that defied their understanding. Just as the neighbors had differing opinions, our ministry will likely be met with a spectrum of reactions, from disbelief and skepticism to curiosity and even acceptance. Not everyone will readily believe or understand the transformative power of God. We must be patient with those we share the Gospel with, as the miraculous nature of grace goes beyond normal comprehension and takes time to absorb. Even the healed man’s initial understanding of Jesus was limited. The best he could initially do was mention a man named Jesus, and it took him interactions with others to begin the comprehension of who Jesus is and the power of what he encountered directly. Similarly, it is crucial to recognize that those we minister to may not immediately grasp the complete identity and significance of Jesus. Growth in faith is a process, and we need to make that space available to those we share Jesus with.

As we contend with our friends and neighbors, we cannot view each other as allies and enemies, but rather co-laborers with Christ in sharing the Gospel in the world. Jesus didn’t go to the cross so that we might become more right than our neighbors, but rather His sacrifice was so that we could share that Good News with everyone. Therefore, as members of His body, we must sacrifice a debate victory to share with people that God loves them, wants to see them healed, and wants them to be victorious over sin. It may not always look the same or the way we think it should, but Christ’s intention for our community is to share the Good News. Therefore, as followers of Jesus, we must allow our hearts to be moved by people who need to hear Jesus’ proclamation about returning sight to the blind, breaking the bonds of injustice, and fighting for the marginalized people. The church’s work doesn’t stop with sharing the Gospel, because the world will not understand God’s intentions for creation. Jesus calls us to walk beside those who find transformation and healing in the Gospel and continue to carry out God’s care for them. It isn’t about accumulating numbers, but rather it is about walking with and caring for people, because that is what God calls the church to do in all circumstances. God’s work in and through us comes so that God’s works might be revealed.