There are several points we could talk about in this passage, but one really big idea that I want to focus on in this post are Jesus’ words in verse 17: “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself.”
This verse jumped off the page at me because it is so simple, but also so profound. Those who are doing the will of God are the ones who will be able to clearly tell whether Jesus’ teaching is from God or whether Jesus was false. It is by obeying God that we are able to test Jesus’ truth, and by obeying God, He will make it clear to us the nature and role Jesus should have in our lives.
Too many people want to talk, preach, or speak a powerful message, and many can inspire and motivate large crowds. The real test though isn’t what someone says, but what they do. Actions are more important to God than intentions. We cannot be perfect as Christ is perfect, but we can be willing to be used by God to bring joy to others, and we can admit that we need Jesus and His sacrifice to bridge the gap sin created between God and us.
It is by doing God’s will that we are able to bring clarity in our lives regarding Jesus and His teaching.
This thought was inspired by studying the Walking With Jesus “Reflective Bible Study” package. To discover insights like this in your own study time, click here and give Reflective Bible Study a try today!
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