“I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God.” Let’s try and get closer to see what these Christians think about that? What shows on their faces? They are the ones looking forward to heaven and angels.
As we watch and listen it gets worse for these key followers of Jesus. “But the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” Denied in front of God’s angels? These Christians are being given the what for! I bet they don’t believe that. I bet they don’t believe that if they deny here that they know Jesus they themselves will be denied by Jesus in the end.
What are they going to do? As we watch, there’s no movement amongst Jesus’ disciples. We going to have to wait and see if any of these folk actually name the name of Jesus tomorrow. Maybe they will – but don’t hold your breath.
Everything in me, Richard Syvret, would like to omit the next bit – the bit about the unforgivable sin, that is. This bit: And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. I don’t like this bit because it says “everyone” and that has to include me. I don’t mind hearing Jesus’ disciples being taught – as long as Jesus doesn’t try to teach me.
And yet, somehow I know that what Jesus says is true. First, despite all I may have said – and all I may say in future – against Jesus, it can be forgiven…That’s so reassuring. Second, if I leave it too late to obtain forgiveness – and if I continue to fight against the Holy Spirit of Almighty God beyond my sell-by date, I’m bound to be in dire trouble……
But the show goes on - Jesus telling his disciples things and letting us listen in…. Now he’s giving them a final encouragement about speaking up for him. When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. Amazing that. These ordinary folk like us are going to be brought before the high-ups – religious, political and military.
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