We Understood From Scripture

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: John 12:20-36  (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die. 34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?” 35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. (John 12:32-36 NLT)

Jesus declared: “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” We make a very inspirational quote from this about honoring and exalting Jesus. No one listening to him that day heard anything other than a statement from Jesus that he would soon be dead, “lifted up” and crucified on a Roman cross! Shock wave!

The Crowd responded:  “We understood from scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”  The Jewish people clearly understood from scripture about the Messiah. The problem is, they were wrong!

  • I once understood from scripture that only men could lead, teach, and preach in the church and women had to sit quietly and listen. Then I realized we had misunderstood scripture and the church had consequently missed out on so much!
  • I once understood from scripture that women should put up with all sorts of mistreatment and abuse in a marriage and should simply submit and suffer in silence. Then I realized that it’s never right for one person to abuse another!
  • I once understood from scripture that the gifts of the Holy Spirit had ceased when the Bible was canonized. Then I discovered that the Holy Spirit is alive and well and giving Grace Gifts to each member of Christ’s Body!

What did you once “understand from scripture” and then later learn that you’d been misunderstanding all along? What is our gracious Father working on right now to help you reach a fresh and freeing understanding?

Prayer:

Father, We have such a need for “certainty” that we’re sometimes certain of things that aren’t so! Please help us to understand scripture as you mean us to understand it!