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. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

 John 12:44-50

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. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” John 12:49-50

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 12:44-50, where Jesus cries out (apparently from hiding - see v36 - as the text does not share how circumstances have changed), that people should believe because He has authority, a message, and a mission given to Him from the Father.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus was sent by God the Father and He reflects the Father - vv44-45.  Earlier text in John shares how Jesus and the Father are One - see John 10:30.  Jesus is the Light of the World, giving Light to those who live in sin/darkness - v46 (see also John 9:5).  Jesus once again shares how His mission is not to judge but to save (v47) - see also John 3:17.  While Jesus' mission as the Incarnate Son of God is to save, He does share that on the last day, when Jesus returns after ascending to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God, that His Words will judge (and by implication eternally condemn) those who do not receive His Words and believe in Him. Jesus ends the text for today in vv49-50 by sharing that God the Father has given Him authority and a commandment - "what to say and what to speak." The commandment given to Jesus is eternal life - see also Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33, and John 1:1-2 where the text shares that Jesus' words will not pass away (eternal), how Jesus and the Word existed in the beginning with the Father, and how the Word was Jesus and the Father. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid rejecting Jesus' words.  Claim the promise that if you believe Jesus' words and believe in Him, you will be saved and have victory over sin and death as it is already won.  Love God as the most important commandment.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who saves!  I am not deserving of how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.