John 8:29

“The One who sent me is with me,” Jesus continues. “My heavenly Father does not leave me to fend for myself, the fact is I always act in such a way that pleases him.” John 8:29 EFP 

This is an interesting text.  I had to check back to be reminded this conversation was initiated after the episode with woman begin dragged into the temple to be put to death, only to be forgiven by Jesus. This is followed by Jesus entering into a bout with the Pharisees regarding his relationship with his heavenly Father. The religious leaders are unwilling to give in an inch to his claim, often resorting to snide remarks and innuendoes.

The declarations of Jesus need to be understood in the light of the fact that Jesus is establishing a contrast between his relationship with his heavenly Father and their experience with God. Given that background, this text once again contrasts three points: Jesus’ father is with him always; Jesus is never alone; and his actions always please his father. Seen as one inseparable unit, they are descriptive of the integral nature of his relationship with his Father. It is life to him. His Father never leaves him, but neither does he ever leave his Father. As a result of this abiding sense that his Father and he are inseparable, he lives a life that pleases his Father. It happens. Living in the confidence and total assurance that God, through Jesus, is always with me and does not leave me to fend for myself, leads to a life that honors and pleases him. But how does that type of life happen in a schedule packed with responsibility and pressures from family, friends, finances, and foreign forces fighting for my few free moments? Lord, help me find the time! Help me make you a priority. Teach me what it means to have you be my life, not part of it.