42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 12:42-50 (NKJV)
Jesus' ministry took place amidst great opposition from the religious leaders and rulers of the time. The very first chapter of John's gospel sets the foundation for understanding who Jesus truly is and what his ministry is all about. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” John 1:1-5. The interesting thing about darkness, is that it is an absence of light. Our vision is obscured and our understanding hindered by what we do not perceive. Jesus came to bring light that we might see and gain spiritual insight. This light illuminates the reality of sin and our need for salvation. It gives us the power to overcome!
The mission of Christ is also our mission. We are His hands and feet here on earth. If you are considering following Him, do not allow others to dissuade you. If you are already a Christ follower, then live with your vocation in mind. May the LORD continue to bless and strengthen you!
“14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
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