Living in the Divine Purpose

What am I doing here anyway? Ever ask that question? It might come up when we find ourselves at the end of a career, or the end of a season in life, or as you begin to realize that you have lived more years than you are likely to live from this time forward. At such times, especially at such times, we find ourselves struggling with the question of purpose.

In our reflections this morning, we find John addressing the issue of purpose as he recounts for us an event that gives us a glimpse into the purpose of Jesus' life and ministry. Take a few moments to read and reflect on the passage to the right, listening to how Jesus describes the purpose for which He has come. What would it have been like to hear Jesus speaking those words in that context? What is it like to hear Jesus speaking them in ours? Up to this point, Jesus has been saying, "My hour has not yet come." But now, Jesus says he hour has arrived. What does that hour look like? How is it that Jesus is really glorified and we see Him and His ministry for Who He is and what He is about? Notice here what the "hour" really is like, and what it is that is really revealed?

Purpose is easy to lose track of, to get lost in the midst of distractions (even good distractions). It is sometimes not easy to keep in focus, particularly when those closest to us may not understand. Or when we are eager for "our hour" to come, even before we really understand what that means. Jesus was clear about his purpose and what it was that He was here for. Reflect again on how this surfaces in the scripture passage. This is what Pastor Jon invites us to consider this morning.

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John 12

(NIV)

17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”

35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.