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Humble Hero
Jesus’ baptism and again at His transfiguration. Now a larger number
of people heard it on this third occasion. Jesus had just made His
last appeal and pronounced the doom of the Jews. Now God again
recognized the One whom Israel had rejected. “This voice did not
come because of Me,” said Jesus, “but for your sake.” It was the
signal from the Father that Jesus had spoken the truth and was the
Son of God.
“‘Now is the judgment of this world,’” Christ continued, “‘now
the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from
the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.’ This He said, signifying
by what death He would die.” If I become the atoning sacrifice for
human sin, the world will be lighted up. Satan’s hold on men and
women will be broken. The defaced image of God will be restored
in humanity, and a family of believing saints will finally inherit the
heavenly home. The Savior saw the cross, the cruel, shameful cross
with all its attending horrors, blazing with glory.
But human redemption is not all that the cross accomplishes.
The love of God is displayed to the universe. The accusations of
Satan against heaven are forever answered. Angels as well as fallen
human beings are drawn to the Redeemer. “I, if I am lifted up from
the earth,” He said, “will draw all peoples to Myself.”
Many people were standing around Christ as He spoke these
words. But “although He had done so many signs before them, they
did not believe in Him.” He had given them countless signs, but they
had closed their eyes and hardened their hearts. Now that the Father
Himself had spoken and they could ask for no further sign, they still
refused to believe.
“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.” To save themselves from condemnation
and shame, they denied Christ and rejected the offer of eternal life.
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How terrible for those who did not recognize the time of their
opportunity! Slowly and regretfully Christ left the temple courts
forever.
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