Framing the Cross

There are two passages that frame the whole Passion storyline in John. In chapter 12, Jesus makes an interesting comment. He is talking about death and life...basically who or what are you living for. Anyway, He says in verse 26: "If anyone serves Me, He must follow Me, and where I am, there will my servant be also."

Now, fast forward through the Last Supper, the High Priestly Prayer (we will discuss that in a minute), the betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection...go to the end of John. In chapter 21, Jesus and Peter are walking on a beach. John is walking behind them and Peter asks Jesus about John, kind of "so, what about him...what is his role in this thing?" Jesus says in verse 22: "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? YOU FOLLOW ME!"

The vision of our church is that we are "following Christ together." Here, at two critical points in John, that theme arises. In other words, you may be asking yourself, "so, what now?" You may be wondering about how to APPLY the resurrection to your life. You believe, but don't know what that means in terms of a response. I love Jesus' words in chapter 12, "where I am, there will my servant be also." That is what life as a believer is all about: Follow Him. The harder part is figuring out where He is.

If you are reading along this week with me as I read John 11-21 - the passion week, you might have hit a section we know as the Graduation Address. It stretches from the end of John 13 through John 17 (the High Priestly Prayer). If you have a red letter Bible, then nearly every bit is red. It is Jesus giving His disciples a final reality check, pep talk, and brotherly advice. There is a lot in there, but it becomes more understandable when you see the frames of John 12 and 21. Jesus is laying out what following Him will look like. It gives clues as to where He will be and how to "find" Him.

I always like to define eternity as starting NOW. Why? Jesus does the same thing. In John 17 He defines eternity as knowing God and Jesus Christ. We don't have to wait until heaven to be in Christ's presence. Eternity starts NOW! Follow Him!