I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
Come now; let us leave.
As we come to the close of chapter fourteen, we transition from the last supper to the journey to the Garden of Gethsemane. Before going out into the night Jesus, once again, explains what is going to happen. This time he adds a note about “the prince of this world.”
Satan may think he has the power to kill the Son of God, but he is mistaken. He will try, but he will fail because he does not know or understand the power of Love. Devine love that is totally selfless.
Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite verses. In it, Paul writes, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Never was this truth more evident than when God transformed the crucifixion of His Son into a means of teaching the world how much Jesus loves the Father.
Let’s Discuss: Is the story of Jesus’ crucifixion still an effective tool for telling people of the world about Jesus’ love for his father.
Yes, I think the demonstration of God’s love still has power to grab a heart that yearns for its Creator (Romans 5: 8).
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is a great verse, Rich. I have been learning about the difference between communication between minds and communication between hearts. Jesus is able to touch the heart no matter what state or language the mind is in.
Yes, it is effective; but people have a hard time relating to such a sacrifice in world that is as selfish as ours.
RS,
You make an interesting point. Can people still relate to God’s selfless gift? I think the answer is yes, people can still relate, but there are also a lot of people who choose not to.