The Father Speaks

“There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (John 12:48-50)

God spoke decisively and finally through His Son. To reject the Word of Jesus is to reject the Word of God the Father. Jesus said the following regarding this truth:

Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. (John 14:10)

The writer of Hebrews says:

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1-2)

Jesus gave proof of His union with the Father in three ways–through His character, through His words, and through the miracles He performed. Our obedience to Jesus will grow out of our love for Him and out of our love for His Word. He tells us that if we love Him we will obey Him. When we obey Him, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit abide with us–equipping us to both hear and heed the Lord’s will.

Jesus came first to offer salvation to the whole world–we are at fault if we reject the truth. Nothing is more dreadful than abused patience and grace that is constantly trampled on. There will be a certain and unavoidable future judgment on those refusing to believe the teaching of Jesus--the day of the righteous judgment of God. The very words Christ spoke will themselves judge those who willingly choose not to believe them. The idea behind the word “reject” in our verses for today is of one who despises--deliberately refusing to acknowledge Him as the Messiah in spite of all the miracles He performed--nor will he embrace in his heart the doctrines preached by our Lord. The rejection and unbelief of those who despise our Lord will not go unpunished no matter what people choose to believe.

It will be impossible to deny the truth and wisdom and mercy of Jesus’ words on the last day and they will be used against those who despised Him. This will leave them speechless, unanswerable to the words of Christ. Be assured, the words of Christ never fall to the ground–they are always operative. Scripture tells us:

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

The writer of Hebrews states this truth as well:

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Take It to Heart

Our Lord warns us that it is a serious sin to refuse His words. We are to take heed. These were not our Lord’s words alone, but the very words of God the Father. Jesus was sent to this earth with a commission of what to say and speak to men. He spoke the true counsel of the Most Holy God.

Jesus states emphatically that He knows His command leads to eternal life. Peter was thoroughly convinced that Jesus’ words lead to life and rightly confessed:

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68-69)

We must live as those who believe in the truth of the judgment, and of heaven, and of hell. Jesus deserves our all! We can never serve God too much! Christ died for us–nothing is too great for us to do for Him.