Today’s Reading: John 7:40-52
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, ‘Why did you not bring him?’ The officers answered, ‘No one ever spoke like this man.’”
* * * * *
The Temple police had been deployed by the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus. Upon their return, they were questioned why they had not arrested him.
Their response is telling and profound: “No one ever spoke like this man!”
What they said was true. No human had ever taught like Jesus did. They can’t. No other person in history has been fully divine and fully human at the same time. Because Jesus was divine, when he spoke, he did so with the authority of his Father in heaven. He was giving insights from him. He spoke with perfect truth and wisdom.
That was what the officers heard. That’s why they were confounded and couldn’t arrest him. His teachings pointed to his true identity. Deep inside, they knew they couldn’t arrest God in human flesh.
As you take time to carefully read Jesus’ teachings, they will become indelibly etched in your soul. You will sense God’s authority speaking to you. You will experience his goodness. Similarly, you will feel your total depravity—how much you’ve hurt God’s heart. Recognize the cry of your soul: “I need a Savior.” Jesus is that Savior.
See yourself as a lost sheep who has wandered away from the rest of the herd. Yet you are still precious to Jesus. He would have left heaven and died for you even if you were the only person on earth.
See yourself as the rebellious son wallowing in a pigsty. You’ve made a mess of your life. See yourself as being awakened to your hideous condition and wanting to go home. See yourself as one being welcomed home by an unconditionally loving Father in heaven—with a smile on his face and his arms opened wide toward you.
See yourself as the pearl of great price being purchased by a merchant no matter what the cost. You are that pearl. See yourself as a hidden treasure covered in a field. Jesus has found you. Now he gives everything, even his life, to own you. Jesus was willing to go to any extreme to purchase your freedom from sin. In fact, he died on a cross to own you! That’s the extent of his love for you.
Jesus’ love for you could not be greater. He rescued you from the kingdom of darkness and transferred you into his kingdom of light. He purchased your freedom and forgave your sins. You now stand before him blameless, without a single fault. His teachings should overwhelm your heart with how much he cares for you.
No one has ever taught like Jesus.
That’s because there has never been one like Jesus.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]