No One, Except… (John 3:13)

 


Thursday, January 2, 2025


Psalms 61; 101

Isaiah 32

John 3:1-21


Observances: Basil of Caesarea (d. 379) and Gregory of Nanzianus (d. 389), bishops and teachers; Eliza Hassall, pioneer of CMS (Australia) & missionary training (d. 1917)


No One, Except… (John 3:13)


What makes Jesus so special?


Yes, this is a question I am certain we will never finish answering. If you could only pick one answer, that is, your favourite thing about him, what would it be? I know my answer has changed – I keep learning more wonderful things, and every time I do, that then becomes my new favourite.


But the point remains: Jesus is very special. Why? Well, let’s see what he has to say to Nicodemus: “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.”


No one – not Moses, not any of the prophets, no one has been in that place from which Jesus came. Sure, we could say in general terms that Elijah, carried by a fiery chariot, is in heaven. And Moses is there, too, appearing as he did at the Transfiguration. But Jesus speaks of a place where no one has been except himself. He is special in a way no one else has been or ever will be.


To have eternal life requires total belief and trust in him. And that type of belief only comes by an action of God the Holy Spirit. Our salvation comes entirely by a work of God, because no one has been at God’s level except God. And out of his great love for us, he condescended to leave that perfect place, walk among us, and be killed by us, so that our evil could be wiped away and he could take us to that place where no one has been.


Are you born again by Holy Spirit? Do you love, fear, and trust in the Lord Jesus?


Son of Man, Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth: wash me of my sins in your blood, teach me how to love you, and lead me home with you.

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