37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.

39 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Joseph Ting

Two words came to my mind as I read this passage: Acceptance and Hope. Jesus said that he will never drive away anyone who comes to Him (v37b). This is 100% unconditional acceptance, which is in such contrast to today’s world view where acceptance in almost any situation is based on pre-conditions – if you accept me as your friend then I will accept you as my friend or teammate; if you fit a certain profile then I will accept you as part of my social group, etc. But Jesus isn’t like that, there is no pre-condition for acceptance by Him, as long as people come to Him.

This acceptance however goes much further; it isn’t just acceptance alone. In addition to this unconditional acceptance regardless of our background or who we are, Jesus also promises the Hope of salvation and eternal life for those who believe in Him, by raising them up at the last day (vs 39-40). So firstly, unconditional acceptance by Jesus, and secondly, acceptance into the eternal kingdom of God for those who believe in Him.

What gives me absolute assurance is that Jesus is able to do this because He comes from the Father (v38), and he tells us clearly that the Father had sent Him (v39) so those who come to Him and believe in Him will receive this Hope.

Have we come to Jesus knowing that He will accept us unconditionally? Have we put our trust in Him, and so put our lives in His hands, knowing that the Heavenly Father sent Him and that He has promised us a place in the Father’s eternal kingdom as long as we believe in Him?

If we are still unsure, then let us pray that God will open our eyes and help us see that Jesus is the only way to the Father’s kingdom, so that we don’t lose this open invitation of unconditional acceptance by Jesus, and the hope of eternal life that comes with the acceptance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joseph is a member of our Bossley Park morning congregation.