Speaking and Doing

Scripture: John 8:25-30 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

25 “Who are you?” they demanded. Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be. 26 I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.” 27 But they still didn’t understand that he was talking about his Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” 30 Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. (John 8:25–30 NLT)

Jesus: “I say only what I have heard from the Father. I do nothing on my own, but I speak what the Father taught me… I always do those things that are pleasing to him.”

Jesus often reminded his hearers that he wasn’t just making stuff up. He wasn’t pursuing his own ambitions and he wasn’t trying to impress people or make a name for himself. He was quite satisfied with the name his Father had given him—“My Beloved Son!”  And he was just as satisfied with the assignment his Father had given him—“Take away the sins of the world!”

Jesus was in such continual and intimate contact with his Father in prayer, in listening, and in watching, that he was hearing and learning more of his Father’s purpose all the time. And as he heard it and learned it, he passed it on to those who were following him, listening to him, and being influenced by him. He was discipling his disciples and declaring his message of God’s Kingdom to the world. Actually, friends, it seems like that’s his plan for us as well: To maintain intimate contact, to listen, to watch, to learn, to grow, and then to pass it on to those we influence.

Saying stuff and doing stuff. That’s pretty much how we interact with the world around us. That’s how we make our mark, how we leave an imprint on the world. Whether our words get recorded or not, whether our actions change situations and circumstances or not, both our words and deeds make a mark, have an impact, and can’t be unspoken or undone. Let’s be careful with to our “saying and doing”!

Prayer:

Father, May my friends and I maintain intimacy with you and watch, listen, learn, and grow. May we do and say what we see and hear in your presence. In Jesus’ Name!