John 8:50-53

50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 

51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

52 Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’

53 Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

The Only Glory That Truly Matters

Jesus did not seek glory for Himself, but He would receive glory from the only ONE who matters…His Father. Why would Jesus come to earth in the way that He did if He were seeking glory for Himself? He had all the glory in heaven with the Father. There was certainly no glory in the life of Jesus. He was born in a stable. He was a carpenter’s son. He was not of any earthly royalty. He was from Nazareth, which was a place not well spoken of. Remember Nathaniel’s statement when he found out where Jesus was from? “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) He had nowhere of His own to lay His head during His ministry. (Matthew 8:20, Luke 9:58) His life was the life of a servant. Jesus didn’t care about the praise and approval of others. He only cared about the approval of His Father. Jesus knew that God would seek glory for Him. All Jesus cared about was doing His Father’s will, and by doing that, He would receive glory from God. Jesus gave God all glory while He was on earth, and God gave Jesus glory for doing His will. God would also prove that Jesus was right, and these people who were dishonoring Him were wrong. God would be the judge of those people who refused to believe in His Son. At that point, Jesus’ words would be justified. Jesus had no reason to defend Himself as He had done nothing wrong. God would defend Him and bring judgment on those who didn’t believe Him.

In verse 51, Jesus said something that gives all of His followers so much hope and comfort. It should have given the Jews hope and comfort, but it did nothing but make them angrier and more obstinate. Jesus said that anyone who follows Him (keeps His word) would never taste death. Jesus was, of course, talking about spiritual death, not physical death. In verse 52, the Jews said, paraphrasing, “Now we know that you have a demon, because that is crazy! Abraham and all the prophets are dead. How can you say that anyone who keeps your word will not die? Are you greater than Abraham and the prophets who are already dead? Who do you think you are?” Jesus was again being misunderstood. He had been misunderstood so many times. But, even if He had explained what He meant to them a thousand times, they still wouldn’t have accepted it. They didn’t want to accept that Jesus was the Messiah, and nothing was going to change their minds. 

Here are some questions for myself from these verses. Who do I seek glory from? Do I seek glory from other people or from God? Do I do things for the approval of others, or am I satisfied with God’s approval only? Do I accept what God’s word says without question? With no doubts? Jesus only needed the glory and approval of His Father… no one else. God gave Jesus glory for doing His will and justified Him before the people who rejected Him. If we strive to follow Jesus in all that we do, then we will be children of God, and sisters and brothers of Jesus. Jesus will justify us before God on that great and terrible day, and God will give us glory for doing His will when He welcomes us into our heavenly home. 

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about being saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves… and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t, or if you’re not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are… believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better… to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan God has outlined in His Word for humankind to receive His grace, which leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)