Thoughts on the Gospel of John (177) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Then He asked them again, whom are you seeking? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way, that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.
John 18:7–9

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (177)
Nothing and no one – neither all the hatred and hostility of the Jews, nor all the power of Rome –could have seized Jesus Christ before the time appointed by God had come. Now the time has come: Jesus is to fall into the earth as a “grain of wheat” and die (ch. 12:23–24). Of course, the Son of God could have destroyed the multitude that wanted to arrest Him. The mere mention of His name to them caused them to fall to the ground. And later, by virtue of His name, every knee will bow, of every being in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (cf. Philippians 2:10–11).

But it is not only omniscience, divine dignity and power that distinguish the Son of God. His infinite love, which the good shepherd has for His sheep, shines forth at the same time here. He voluntarily hands Himself over to His persecutors in order to protect His disciples from any harm.

How very differently do we often act! When there is a danger of losing something – recognition, prosperity or freedom – we like to push others forward in order to protect ourselves. But divine love never acts like that. It does not seek its own advantage; it is even willing to lay down its life for others.

The Lord Jesus makes sure that all those whom the heavenly Father has given Him are not lost. These are first of all the disciples. In the broader sense, this means those who are born of God. They will all be brought home – to the Father’s house.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Nehemiah 9:26-38 · Proverbs 15:12-22