Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you.
As Jesus continues his prayer, it is almost like he is giving a report to his Father on what has been accomplished. Perhaps in a sense that is what he is doing. His words are heard, not only by the Father but also by his disciples. His disciple John wrote them down for us. Jesus, knowing that would happen, is speaking to us as well.
What he reports is that his disciples (and presumably others) now know something important. They know Jesus is special because they have lived with him for three years. They know he has abilities to heal that no one else has ever had. They have seen him walk on water and feed thousands with a few fish and loaves.
Jesus’ disciples know about the unusual power that he has. They have heard his amazing wisdom. They have watched him debate the smartest people in Israel and always come out on top. They have seen him purge the temple courts of retailers and bankers.
The disciples now know that all these things, the power, the wisdom and the zeal for God’s temple, all come from God Himself.
Food for Thought: What do you see in your life that has come from God?
Please click “Continue Reading” for comments.
That is a great, albeit difficult question to answer. Obviously, everything good is from God (James 1: 17). This could refer to talents and spiritual gifts and even material blessings. But I think people are the best gifts: family, friends, church family. And of course, God gives us Himself through the Incarnation. He is good and so are His gifts.
Rich,
As always, you raise good points. When you say that everything “good” comes from God I agree. The caveat is: whose idea of “good” are we using? Sometimes it seems that bad things happen to good people. Yet we know that God, in His wisdom, works all things to good for those who believe. (Romans 8: 28)
I remember as a kid having iodine put on a small cut. My mom would say it was “good” for me, but it would feel “bad.” Sometimes what is good for us doesn’t feel good in the moment. And so I am left with things in my life that do not feel good in the moment, but are nonetheless ordained by God to be in my life. Do I resent them and hate God for them or do I, like Job, accept them as being from God and allow God to be God? Is the value of learning to accept both good and bad from God’s hand the ultimate good? Perhaps I will find out when, by the grace of Jesus, I get to meet God face to face.
Well brother. I don’t disagree with you at all. I am not sure what in my comments may have led you to believe otherwise, but yes, the good is God’s intended best for a person in any given situation. I agree and did not intend to say different – just answering the question. I think you make a very valuable point here. God’s good may not feel good in the moment, just as a parent’s discipline is good but may not feel good at any moment. well said.