By: Juliet Constantine
The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” (John 12:34 NKJV)
Talk about bursting bubbles. They just crowned Him King. How could He speak about dying so quickly? It’s a time to live, to effect change, to free them from Roman occupation! They finally accepted that He is the Christ their prophets wrote about. Could it be that the Son of Man and this Christ are two different persons, or could they be the same? What was Jesus saying? Hence their question: “Who is this Son of Man?”
Confusion reigned because deep down, they didn’t believe in Jesus – hence His guarded answer to their query. Even though they had made Him King, they doubted. This showed that their belief in Him wasn’t deeply rooted. No wonder, in just a few days later, they saw Him as an imposter and cried out for Him to be crucified. Lack of knowledge led them to do the unthinkable. The same lips that cried “Hosanna!” when they crowned Him King, later cried “Crucify Him!” Had they stopped to really listen with their hearts, they would’ve realized that Jesus was one and the same person: He was the Christ and He was the Son of Man.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus made mention of Himself as the “Son of Man”; yet, this revelation had not sunk in, or the people had plainly ignored His words. His listeners seem to have selective memory. But this was just their way of saying, “you aren’t welcome or accepted”. They missed it because they hardened their hearts to believe His words. Sometimes people ask questions, but either fail to wait for an answer, or to look deeply into the one that’s been given. Can you think of any Bible characters who did just that?
Now, what about you? Do you really know who the Son of Man is? Do you really know who Jesus is? Did you know that He loves you? He loves you and will be with you till the end. Yes He truly does. He will not leave you or forsake you. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been. Jesus loves you – in-spite-of yourself! And He wants to save you – to give a beautiful ending to your story.
Jesus is the One; the only One Who sees when you’re sad, and Who listens when you cry. He promised to dry your tears, to hold your hand, and help you stand. He can put back light in your eyes, a smile on your lips and bubbles of joy in your heart. He gives complete peace of mind and happiness that will never depart. The Son of Man came to seek and save lost souls like you and me. He made all the difference in my life. How is it with you? Won’t you give Him a chance to make your life worth living? That’s what He came down for. Who is this Son of Man? Jesus is!
Only Jesus can satisfy our souls and the deep longing inside. We thank You Heavenly Father for sending Your Son to save us and to make our lives worth living. Please help us to cooperate with Him as He weaves beauty back into our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
