John 7:33

Jesus continues his discourse. “Listen,” he says. “My time with you is limited. I won’t be with you that much longer before I must return to the one who sent me to you.”  John 7:33 EFP 

A couple of things become apparent to me in this text. First of all, Jesus, who must have noticed the dynamics unfolding before him, including the move by the temple rulers to arrest him, is not easily fazed. He continues his speech as if nothing is happening. He is secure enough in his own skin and his surroundings. He knows his mission and the one who set it in motion. This goes to my second point.

Jesus knows his “time is not yet come,” but he knows that it is coming soon. There is a sense of urgency to his messages. Today is another step in the direction of the cross that awaits him. He may not know all the details, but he lives ever aware of his ultimate destiny. What is that like? To know you are destined to die for your convictions—not the mere possibility, but the certainty. What is it like to feel the hate and hostility of the very people you have come to save? 

There is a point of contact between Jesus’ experience that day and my experience as I live in his footsteps. If truth is what God calls me to share the principles of His kingdom, that truth may indeed threaten others who have a vested interest in their point of view or their way of life. But truth is not threatened by scrutiny or even attack. Truth is always truth, and if it is from God, it will ultimately triumph. I want the confidence of Jesus to speak the truth in love, regardless of the personal cost. My time is also limited—where is my personal sense of urgency.