Over the next few weeks I want to write about the believer’s ‘secret of life’. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples during His last days on earth: “Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.” (John 14:19-20)
Because Jesus lives, we live. He is Life. Jesus made this bold claim and offers His abundant life to all who put their faith in Him. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
The apostles witnessed His life on earth and received life from Him. Not comprehending the meaning, they were assured that Jesus would ask His Father to give “another Advocate” to be with them forever — “the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:10-11)
The Spirit is the Person who helps us understand what Christ has accomplished. He speaks what Jesus gives Him. The Father, Son, and Spirit act in love on our behalf.
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from Me what He will make known to you.” (John 16:12-15)
How does the Spirit bring glory to the Son? He reminds us that we live only because Jesus lives. He helps us understand the true life found only in Christ. And He reveals that Jesus lives in us. This was the message of the apostles as they went into all the world proclaiming the Gospel. They witnessed Life; they heard God; they received the Light of the world; and they proclaimed Jesus as the Way.
“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain.” (II Peter 1:16-18)
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah joined Jesus who shone in brilliant light (see Matthew 17). Peter proposed building three structures to honor each, but God said: “Listen to My Son!” The Law and the Prophets were subject to Jesus and fulfilled in Jesus. He is King and Savior. May we keep our minds and hearts fixed on this One who lives – Jesus is our life.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4
(continued next week)