QT 21/04/2024 Sunday John 12. Reject or Devote? 拒绝或拥抱?

QT 21/04/2024 Sunday John 12
http://www.esvbible.org/john12

As time and more miracles went by, the responses to "I AM" were clearly in two camps: unbelief (e.g. John 12:36b-41) and devotion (e.g. John 12:1-3).

Expressions of devotion to Jesus did not mind the use of one's private treasures in public declarations of worship. The use of "A pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard" (John 12:3) expressed the devotion of the donor. Judah's criticism of this act citing the needs of the poor hid the true greed behind it (John 12:5-6).

Expressions of unbelief deteriorated to not only rejecting Jesus Christ but also resorting to killing His witnesses as well. The chief priests "made plans to put Lazarus to death as well" (John 12:10) for the mere reason that "on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus" (John 12:11).

Others struggled between these two camps because "they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God" (John 12:43).

Jesus declared the benefits of believing in Him and the judgment for those who rejected Him (John 12:44-50). Even the Father testified from heaven (John 12:28).

REFLECTION: It is decision time now. What's your choice? Which camp are you in?

星期四2024年4月21日 今日读经：约翰福音12章
http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Jhn/12/
拒绝或怀抱?

随着时间的过去和更多神迹的出现，对于“自有永有者”的回应可分两派：不信(例如约12:36b-41)和敬虔(例如约12:1-3)。

对耶稣敬虔的表达方式是不介意用个人的珍藏公开地敬拜。用“半公斤珍贵纯正的哪哒香膏”(约12:3)显示了这个施予的人的敬虔。对于这个举动，犹大批评她为何不把香膏卖钱赒济穷人，这批评的背后其实隐藏着犹大的贪婪(约12:5-6)。

不信的表现不断，不仅仅限于拒绝耶稣基督，还包括杀害祂的见证人。祭司长还“想把拉撒路也杀掉”(约12:10)，就因为有许多犹太人“为了拉撒路的缘故，离开他们，信了耶稣”(约12:11)。

其他人挣扎于这两派人之间，因为“他们爱人的荣耀，过于爱　神的荣耀”(约12:43)。

耶稣宣告信祂的人能够得到哪些益处，弃绝祂的会得到审判(约12:44-50)。就连父也在天上见证这事(约12:28)。

反思:现在是你做决定的时候了。你的选择是什么？你是属于哪一派的？