The free gift that costs everything

(One Perfect Life Chapters 119-124) In this portion of the Gospel Jesus makes clear who He is, the terms of salvation, the universal opportunity to be saved but the cost of salvation for those that believe.

John 10 records “the Good Shepherd” discourse. Beginning in Genesis, God is described as the Shepherd of His people (48:15; 49:24). The often quoted Psalm 23 opens with “Yehovah is my shepherd, I will not be in need.” Throughout the prophets we also find references to God the Father and the promised Messiah as being “the Shepherd” (Isaiah 40:11). So when Jesus claims to be “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11-16) He is claiming to be one with the Father. The good news is that His sheep will hear and respond to His voice (John 10:3-5). Hearing His teaching His critics accused Him of being demon-possessed.

The next encounter with the Pharisees took place on Hanukah (John 10:22). They ask Jesus directly if He is the Messiah. When He confirms that He is they take up stones to kill Him. They state they want to stone Him because “You, being a Man, make Yourself God” (John 10:33). They did not understand that Jesus was both fully human and fully God. They did not understand the concept of a single yet triune God.

Next, Jesus explains that salvation is the gift of God and that salvation would be open to all people not just the Jews. Salvation comes grace, through faith by the sacrifice of Jesus’ life. Salvation is secured for us when Jesus rose from the dead. However, while we can do nothing to earn our salvation, our salvation will cost us everything (Luke 13:23-24). Men desire to take hold of salvation but they want it on their terms not God’s. We do not merit or earn salvation but we do show that we are saved by living lives in accordance with God’s commandments.

Jesus tells them that only a few will be saved – not because the offer isn’t universal but because the terms are set by God and not by men. God’s terms are described as being a narrow gate. How man wants to enter is by a broad road leading to destruction. Luke Gives two examples of a Master inviting people that do not respond. First He invites them into His home but some are denied entry because they come after the door is closed. In another example he holds a wedding feast in which the invited do not respond. Again when they later respond, it is too late. Today is the day of salvation (1 Corinthians 6:1-2).

This section closes with Jesus mourning over Jerusalem for their disbelief (Luke 13:31-35) and warning those that do choose to believe that their faith will cost them everything (Luke 14:25-35). They must count the cost of believing and of committing to live for the Kingdom and not for themselves. Salvation is a free gift but the Christian life asks us to stop living for ourselves and instead live for God.