The
gospel passage is about the credibility of Jesus. Old
Testament legitimacy is always dependent upon at least two witnesses, two testimonies.
Jesus tells us today that regarding him and his mission and his work, in fact
his very identity as Son of God and Son of Man, there are at least two who
testify: the Holy Spirit soon to be sent from God: the Spirit of Truth, and on
an equal footing, the Apostles themselves (and all believers) – they too offer
testimony because of their own personal experience with Jesus – both really and
mystically!
Once validated and established
as who is really is, as one who has indeed come to change the world spiritually
into the Kingdom of God, then naturally there will be opposition, persecution
and most likely death for true believers. And this is an interesting quote from
the gospel (in the light of current political unrest in the Middle East) “the
hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to
God.” Anyone or any religion who purports such doctrine is seriously in error.
And consequences will be meted out by God himself to them.
It is up to us to be
strengthened by Jesus’ encouragement and reality as God’s own Son – sent, who
also sends, apostles and us – to do his will. The question today is: do you
accept the challenge to live the Christian faith as it truly is – even to the
point of self-sacrifice?
The Lord takes delight in his
people!
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