Quote:
Originally Posted by Awoken
Wesley's note:
"Jesus answered - In his ear. So careful was he not to offend (if it had been even possible) even Judas himself. The sop - Which he took up while he was speaking. He giveth it to Judas - And probably the other disciples thought Judas peculiarly happy! But when even this instance of our Lord's tenderness could not move him, then Satan took full possession."
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I key in on one word in particular: "careful". So careful was Jesus not to offend. If you read the gospels, Jesus offended many! But the Father had decreed something and Jesus was careful with Judas, not to manipulate the Father's will, but that "Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven". Reference two nearby verses:
John 13:3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; (NIV)
John 13:18 I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me" (NIV)
Jesus knew the Father's will, what the Father was doing, and was therefore "so careful" to obey. And v. 18 quotes Psalm 41:9, that the sharing of bread will be linked to the betrayal. The Scripture was written and now must be fulfilled, so in faith Jesus is "so careful" to share the bread and not stumble Judas, knowing all things. In this care we can see Jesus' faith and obedience. He didn't force the issue, as
Awoken wrote, as the Divine Will had decreed, the Scripture was written, and cannot be broken. Jesus never failed to fulfill and obey.
I refer to the earlier quote from John 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by Awoken
I especially like the Amplified Bible on this one. Very clear explanation from the Son of God - "I know that God's command itself IS eternal life, therefore I make sure I speak/do EXACTLY what He says."
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Because Jesus did exactly as the Father's will decreed in Scripture, he was raised from the dead to glory (Psa 16:10 [Acts 2:27]; Psa 18:16-24). We do the Father's will by believing into him whom the Father has sent (John 6:29). And "him that is sent" is by definition singular and categorically unique. Psalm 8 "what is man" refers distinctly to One Man, the Last Adam, who was lowered into the earth, and now in resurrection is "crowned with glory and honour". Even Paul conceded, "I have not yet laid hold", but Jesus has, as the singular and categorically unique Christ. We throw our crowns in the dust before him.
Psalm 40:7 says, "I come do to Thy Will, O God, behold in the scroll of the book it is written concerning me." This "me" can only be Jesus. Only Jesus Christ did the will of the Father, the rest failed. In the scroll of the book was written detailed instructions to the Obedient Son, who fulfilled the prophecy. We're the formerly disobedient goats who now believe into the Obedient Lamb and live. But we don't believe in ourselves, our collective expressions on Sunday morning, our faith, our position, our doctrine, our ground, our church order, our ministry or work, our status, or our Bible translations. We focus on Him who gives life.
Yes, "Christ loves the Church" but the Church should not love the Church lest in a flash she become the Great Harlot. Just as Peter instantly fell by looking away from the Master, so can the Church. She should only look to Him. Pretty simple, really.
Back to 2 Cor 8 and "God's economy" as Paul taught in every church, and asked Timothy to make sure got taught in Ephesus. Paul told the Corinthians that Jesus emptied himself, and now the gentile
ekklesia should empty their pockets for the poor of Jerusalem. This emptying was a sign of obedience to the gospel. Just as Jesus performed signs that he was obedient to the Father as Messiah, up to and including the pouring out of his very life, so should his believing disciples now demonstrate signs of their faith, in charity.
In the beginning of Acts, the giving and sharing to the poor weren't an anomaly to ignore in our search for a "normal Church life" but rather a pattern of discipleship signs that extend to Paul declaring that he'd returned to Jerusalem with "alms for my nation" in chapter 24. In the gospels Jesus had taught, "Give, and it will be given to you", and "Love your neighbour", and "visit the sick and feed the hungry and you do this to me". Now the far-off gentile disciples had opportunity to do so. Paul was bringing that very gospel message to the world.