John 13-17. Jesus’ final instructions
As D. L. Moody, the American evangelist, walked down a Chicago street one day, he saw a man leaning against a lamppost. The evangelist gently put his hand on the man's shoulder and asked him if he was a Christian. The fellow raised his fists and angrily exclaimed,
“Mind your own business!”
“I'm sorry if I've offended you,” said Moody, “but to be very frank, that IS my business!”
At the conclusion of his gospel, Matthew summarised the business of the church, it is called ‘the Great Commission’,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
John gives us an extended version of Jesus’ final instructions in John chapters 13-17. Immediately after this Jesus goes out to his death. They are therefore a very significant section for the church to understand.
Jesus teaches
He reminds his disciples that their task was to let all men know about him,
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34
Jesus reminds them that his service would not be easy. He says to Peter,
“Will you really lay down your life for me?” John 13:38
Jesus goes on to reassure his followers that they should not be worried about the opposition their service to him will cause, because he cares for them.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” John 14:1
Jesus then emphasises that he has come that all kinds of people may have eternal life. He had not come just for the disciples, he has come for all people, the ‘no-ones’ and ‘anyones’ of this world.
“No-one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9
“Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.” John 14:12
Jesus then says something most significant,
“He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12
Jesus came to share the gospel with humanity and this is the only ‘greater thing’ that his followers have ever done. No man has done greater miracles than Jesus but we can and do share the gospel with those around us and lead people to Christ.
To obey the commands of Jesus is essential and Jesus keeps repeating this. It may be daunting, but we are promised help to fulfil his command,
“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever – the Spirit of truth.” John 14:15
Then Jesus teaches that he wants his people to ‘bear fruit’,
“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that bears no fruit.” John 15:1
How are we to bear fruit? A clue is given is a subsequent verse,
“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” John 15:3
That is what the church has been commissioned to do – to share the word of God with those around us.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:7-8
God’s words are not to be static within us but shared, that is how people are won for Christ. There is no greater joy than seeing a friend turn to Christ and then to see their life turned round as they live for him. Jesus clearly recognises this,
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11
The fruit Jesus is talking about here is not the internal ‘fruit of the Spirit’ we read about in Galatians 5:22-23, but winning others for Christ. God’s people must go out from their comfort zone to obtain this fruit
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.” John 15:16
The book of Acts confirms that God’s people would be dispersed to share the word of God with others. Often their message, their teaching, would not be well received,
“If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated me first. . . Remember the words I spoke to you: No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:18-20
The church must teach the world the Word of God. Jesus was primarily persecuted because of what he said and this will be true for his followers. If we say nothing, but just live good lives, there will be very little persecution. It is the claims of Christ that are offensive to those of the world.
The meaning of Jesus in this section, that Christians must testify about Jesus, supported by the role of the Holy Spirit is again made clear,
“When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27
One of key features that will keep people walking closely with Christ is the determination to witness for him, whatever the cost,
“All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.” John 16:1
After Jesus left this world he gave his church his Spirit who was given to help in this work of sharing the gospel throughout the world.
“When he comes, he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin because men do not believe in me . . .” John 16:8
Jesus Prays
At the end of this teaching Jesus prayed and again this prayer shows Jesus’ great concern. He first prays for the disciples,
“For I gave them the words you gave me . . . they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father protect them by the power of your name . .” John 17:11
That the Word of God Jesus shared with his disciples was not to be kept to themselves is clear,
“I have given them your word and the world has hated them.” John 17:14
Then again comes the clear reminder what Jesus is saying to his followers,
“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” John 17:18
It is the word of God that all Christians must share with others around us. Some will be called to travel afar but all are called to share the gospel.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message. . . May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:20-21
This is the prime function of the church, to share the Word of God with others around so that we may all become united in the service of God.
“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23
The greatest concern of Jesus is that there are many people who do not know the good news God wants us to share with all people. Jesus finishes his prayer with the reminder that the message God has shared with us will continue to be shared with others.
“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” John 17:26
Foot washing
If this way of understanding these chapters of John is correct, why does Jesus begin by washing his disciples feet?
In the mid 1950s Alan Paton wrote a book, ‘Ah, but your land is beautiful’, which is about the apartheid problems in South Africa. He wrote this soon after the dreaded ‘Pass Laws’ were introduced in 1952. This law made it a criminal offence for blacks not to carry identity Documents and prevented free movement. Paton was a courageous writer, better known for the more famous ‘Cry the beloved country’. The following is an excerpt from ‘Ah, but your land is beautiful.’
“One week before Christmas, a pastor, Isaiah Buti, has invited a white supreme court justice to visit his church where one of his servants was a member. On the evening before Good Friday, Judge Olivier set out privately for the Holy church of Zion in Bokabela. He parked his car near the church and set out to walk the short distance. The judge was welcomed at the door by Mr. Buti and was taken to a seat at the back of church.
“I am sorry to put you at the back, Judge, but I don’t want Martha to see you.”
He began to speak.
“Brothers and sisters, this is the night of the last supper. And when the supper was over, Jesus rose from the table and put a towel round himself, as I do now, in remembrance. Hannibal Mofferking, I ask you to come forward.”
The old woman was brought forward by her son Jonathan, himself a white haired man of seventy, and Mr Buti washed her feet, dried them and asked her to go in peace. Then he called for Esther Maloi, a crippled child, who was brought forwards in her chair, and then called for his own daughter Maloi Buti, who washed and dried her feet. Then both girls were told to go in peace.
“Martha Fonteyne, I ask you to come forward.”
So Martha Fonteyne, who thirty years earlier had gone to work in the home of the newly married advocate Olivier of Bloemfontein and had gone with him to Cape town and Pretoria, where he had become a judge, and returned with him to Bloemfontein where he became Justice of the Appellate Court, now left her seat to walk to the chair before the altar. She walked with her head downcast as becomes a modest and devout woman, conscious of the honour that had been done to her by the Rev. Isaiah Buti, and then she heard him call out the name of Jan Christian Olivier, and though she was herself silent, she heard the gasp of the congregation as the great judge of Bloemfontein then walked up to the altar to wash her feet. Then Mr. Buti gave the towel to the Judge, and the Judge, as the Word says, girded himself with it, and took the dish of water and knelt at the feet of Martha Fonteyne. He took her right foot in his hands and washed it and dried it with a towel. Then he took her other foot in his hands and washed it and dried it with a towel. Then he took both her feet in his hands, with gentleness, for they were no doubt tired with much serving, and he kissed them both.
The Martha Fonteyne and many others in the Holy church of Zion fell aweeping in that holy place. The judge gave the towel and the dish to Mr Buti who said,
“Go in peace.”
Mr Buti put the shoes back on the woman’s feet and said to her also,
“Go in peace.”
And she returned to her place in a church silent except for those who wept.
“It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” John 13:1
Jesus knew the time for his death was fast approaching, and that this would entail pain, agony and humiliation. However before describing Jesus’ final instructions and prayer he first tells this strange story of the washing of his disciples’ feet. John is the only gospel writer not to include an account of that last supper on which our communion services are based. It is as if he is saying that what Jesus taught is more important than rituals.
So what are we meant to learn from this story?
1. Christ’s staggering love
The chapter begins,
“He now showed them the full extent of his love.” John 13:1
But then comes a blast of cold air. The very next verse tells of Judas’ determination to betray Jesus.
“The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.” John 13:2
This is followed by a wonderful verse that describes how Jesus remains confident that his Father is in control, whatever opposition he faced.
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.” John 13:3
This is what it means to live by faith. Jesus knew exactly who he was, which makes his humiliating, self effacing action so astonishing – at first. His humility was so much greater than that of Judge Jan Christian Olivier because of who he is.
Notice how John has sandwiched Judas’ treachery in between an account of Jesus’ love (verse 1) and Jesus’ power (verse 3). This emphasises the horror of anyone rejecting Jesus and his love. Jesus was not insecure at all, so he was able to cope with immense humiliation.
So Jesus takes off his cloak and wraps a towel around his waist. Talk of embarrassment! Those disciples couldn’t have known where to look as their Creator, Sustainer, Saviour and Lord washes their dusty toes. Washing of feet was specifically excluded from the duties of Jewish slaves and was seldom even asked of Gentile slaves. People usually kept their shoes on.
This action of Jesus describes what genuine godly power does with its power – it serves. Jesus loves and serves. He clearly want those with authority in his church not to lord it over others but to be their servants.
If it was impressive for a Supreme Court Judge to wash an employee’s feet, how much more impressive it is for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to get on his knees to serve his disciples. It goes beyond words. No wonder the disciples were confused.
When proud Peter is approached by Jesus he says,
“Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” John 13:6
Jesus insists but adds that the problem Peter has is because of his limited understanding!
Peter is stubborn,
“No! You shall never wash my feet.” John 13:8
But Jesus lovingly persists,
“Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” John 13:8
The point is clear. All people need to be washed of the effects and penalty of sin if they are to be in God’s kingdom. Being a church member and using religious words is no guarantee that someone has been washed of their sin. Peter’s pride had again got the better of him.
I was talking with a man at a funeral recently when he arrogantly said,
“I don’t need God’s forgiveness!”
So proud yet so wrong!
Mohammed Ali had just won another World Boxing Championship and was returning home by plane. An air stewardess politely said to him,
“You need to fasten your safety belt, Sir.”
Ali replied,
“Superman don’t need no safety belt.”
To this the stewardess politely responded,
“Superman don’t need no plane either. Please fasten your seatbelt!”
Peter is still confused, he suggests that if Jesus insists on washing him he wants his hands and head washed as well. This suggests that Peter is at last grasping that something symbolic is going on here. Jesus confirms this when he says,
“A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” John 13:10
This last phrase was a reference to Judas, who was about to betray Jesus. The point is that when we come to the Lord Jesus and ask him to be our Lord and Saviour, we are baptised. We are symbolically washed completely clean of our sin. We are made righteous in God’s eyes. Jesus has taken all our sin on that cross.
Jesus’ washing of his disciples feet would have been messy, with muddy splashes on the towel, possibly his clothes and the floor. It is a picture of the messy business Jesus was about to go through, when he accepted all of sin’s hatred and dirt onto himself as he died. He literally became the world’s greatest sinner ever known, and he willingly did that for you and me.
But when we have been accepted by Christ, by becoming Christians, God sees us as having Christ’s righteousness. The Lord Jesus has done something for us that we could never do for ourselves. He gave us his righteousness when he took our sin. Now that is real love!
2. Washed for service
Christ has washed us so that we can serve others.
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15
Does Jesus mean us to go around ritually washing feet? Ironically a foot washing ceremony can represent the opposite to what Jesus intended – it can reinforce the superiority of a religious hierarchy, in a perverse sort of way. Surely Jesus is saying that we also must sacrificially love others.
One of the first children’s camps I went to as a leader made a great impression on me. At the pre-camp meeting of all the leaders, the various responsibilities for the camp were shared out. ‘Who would lead the swimming?’ Several volunteered. Who would lead and help with the various sports. There was even more enthusiasm for these roles. ‘I’m afraid we have another job that is important. Who will be responsible for cleaning the toilets?’ There was no response; all of us looked down at the floor! Then the most senior man present, the minister of a very prestigious university church, said simply,
“I’ll do that.”
Jesus surely wants us to look in the mirror. How do I measure up to verse fifteen?
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15
We shouldn’t look at the floor or look at others. I must ask, ‘What am I doing?’ But how do I know if I have a servant attitude?’ The answer is simple,
“How do I react when I am treated like one?”
Ouch!
What enabled Jesus to behave as a slave to other people? His outlook was determined by the way he thought.
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.” John 13:3
Jesus knew who he was and that he was safe in his Father’s hands in every situation. But haven’t we been given the very same security?
Do I come to church to get or to give? It is noticeable that those who give the most are always the ones who are most satisfied with a church. Sometimes people will say,
“I left that church or group because it wasn’t meeting my needs.”
How sad that is, for it demonstrates a wrong attitude. Do we ensure we are early at church to set up, to welcome others and to pray. Do we stay on later to serve the church and others needs? Am I giving generously of the income God has given me? Do I use the home God has given me to welcome and get to know others? Judas cared greatly for money and for this betrayed the person who loved him the most. If we understand Jesus’ love, there will be no limits on our love for one another.
3. Why are feet significant?
Why did Jesus wash the feet and not the disciples’ hands or lips? What is the significance of feet? Is there more to this story than demonstrating humility? Jesus hints that there is more.
“You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7
Looking at other Biblical references to feet should give us a clue.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace and bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.” Isaiah 52:7
“Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news.” Nahum 1:15
“As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” Romans 10:15
“ . . . and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15
Clearly feet symbolise going out with the gospel.
There is another reference to feet in the New Testament that at first seems strange. In order for widows to go on the roll of those supported by the local church they had to meet various criteria.
“No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 1 Timothy 5:9-10
Why should a widow do what no slave was expected to do? Why should it be the feet of Christians and not other people? In the light of these other references to feet in the Bible, this all makes sense. They are to be known for supporting gospel ministry, even when it hurts.
Chapters 13 to 17 of John’s gospel describe Jesus’ final teaching to his disciples before his death. He is preparing them for their lifelong mission – to represent him to the world. They are to become the servants of others and so share with others the good news of salvation through Christ. He wants you and me to be clean, he wants our feet to be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel; Christ wants his people to be those who readily pass on the good news about Jesus.
Are you saved?
Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, evangelist and founder of Dallas Theological Seminary, told a simple story from his life. It seems that one day Dr. Chafer was walking along the street when he encountered a flagman sitting in a little house at a railroad crossing. He noticed that the man was reading a large family Bible. Though a sign on the door said, "No Admittance," Dr. Chafer went boldly through the door to greet the man. In reply to a question from Dr. Chafer, the man said that he read the Bible a lot. So Chafer asked a second question; one most people are too timid to ask these days;"Are you saved?"
The answer of the flagman carries the sentiments of many:
"I never could be good enough to be saved."
Dr. Chafer countered,
"Friend, if God would make an exception of your case, and give you salvation outright as a gift, would you receive it?"
"Mister," the flagman replied, "I don't know what brand of fool you think I am that I wouldn't take a gift like that!"
Chafer asked the flagman to read John 10:28. It took the man awhile to find the passage, but then he read,
"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish..."
Then Chafer directed him to Romans 6:23, where he read,
“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The flagman was amazed. He said to Dr. Chafer,
"Stranger, I don't know who you are, but you've done more for me today than any other man."
Chafer crisply replied,
"What have I done for you? I've got you in a trap. You told me that if it was a gift, you'd accept it. Now, what are you going to do about that?"
"I will accept it right now," the flagman responded. And he did. Dr. Chafer prayed with him and left.
That is the simplicity of the gospel. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 1.
Fear says, "How will I be received? I may not know what to say. I may make a mistake, I may drive them away. I may foul up." The one word used most in these fear-rooted statements is "I." Fear is centered in self. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that pride is at the root of fear. There is no fear in love. You are not afraid of a person you love. When you love Jesus and people, you will do your best to lead them to Him.
"I don't want to get involved with people anymore. Every time I do, I get hurt," some will say. Indeed, involvement with people sometimes brings pain, but who do we think we are to be exempt from pain? The Lord we profess to follow became totally involved with people to the extent that it killed Him! The servant is not greater than his Master. If we follow Him, we will risk being hurt to share Him and glorify Him.
Never forget that those without Christ are in a desperate situation, regardless of how comfortable or prosperous they may appear on the outside. People usually can't extricate themselves from desperate situations. They need help. They need someone to intervene. Without the loving intervention of someone, the situation is unlikely to change.
Intervention is necessary to reach others for Christ. Unless a Christian cares enough to take a chance in sharing the Gospel of Christ, the lost will likely die without hope, separated from God. There is always risk involved when you share Jesus. But agape love and trust in the Holy Spirit will enable the Christian to exercise the intervention of personal witnessing.
I'll never forget what an emergency nurse told me one day: "I want to thank you for teaching me how to share Jesus. Reaching those who don't know Christ reminds me of doing CPR in the emergency room. My ER training tells me that when they bring in a patient who's not breathing and whose heart isn't beating, Do something! Even if you don't know what to do. Do something! If you don't, they're gone."
Even when we're not sure of what to do, we must trust the Holy Spirit and love enough to intervene. Sharing Christ is vital to those around us.
Our Daily Bread, May 8, 1995
Cedarville College president Paul Dixon tells the story of a high school girl who was in the audience several years ago when he was speaking about the need to tell others about Christ. As she listened, she decided she wanted to make a difference in her high school. She asked God to give her an opportunity.
The next day at school, one of her teachers who was fed up with the way things were going walked into his classroom and said, "I've had it. I'm tired of the hassle of teaching kids who don't have any respect. If any of you can tell me what life is all about and what our purpose is, go ahead."
Surprised, the girl raised her hand and explained that she had found answers to those questions in Jesus Christ. The teacher, who was an agnostic, invited her to stay after class and explain her beliefs. When she suggested that he attend an evangelistic meeting, he agreed. That Friday night he put his trust in Jesus as Savior, and today he's active in Christian service.
A Challenge
As a Christian, do you know how to communicate the message of Christ to the different audiences you encounter? Or do you use the same old formula time after time, no matter who is listening? For that matter, do you remain silent when you have the opportunity to speak up for Christ, because you simply don't know what to say?
Paul had no prepackaged gospel message. He varied his approach with the situation. He was as aware of the differences between his audiences as he was of the content of his faith. Acts records numerous encounters, among them:
1, Jews in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:14-43). Paul reviewed the history of the Jewish faith, summarizing it from the Old Testament (vv. 17-22). He told how that history led to Jesus (vv. 23-37). He pointed out his audience's need to accept Jesus as their Messiah (vv. 38-41). He responded to their resistance by clearly explaining the alternative (vv. 46-48).
Result: Many chose to follow the way of Christ (v. 43). Others reacted negatively and opposed Paul (v. 45). Troublemakers incited city leaders to persecute Paul and his companions (v. 50).
2. Intellectuals at Athens (17:16-33). Paul prepared by observing and reflecting on their culture (v. 16). He addressed them on their own turf, the Areopagus (vv. 19, 22). He established common ground, beginning with what was familiar and meaningful to them (vv. 22-23a, 28). He bridged to a description of God as the Creator and sustainer of life, distinguishing Him from the pagan idols that the Athenians worshiped (vv. 23b-29). He challenged them to repentance and appealed to the resurrection of Christ as proof that what he was telling them was true (vv. 30-31).
Result: Some mocked (v. 32). Some wanted to hear more (v. 32). Some believed (vv. 34-35).
3. An angry mob in Jerusalem (21:27-22:21). Paul built a bridge by reminding them of his own Jewish heritage (21:30). He reminded them that he, too, had once detested Jesus' followers; in fact, he had persecuted them (22:4-5). He explained the process by which he had changed his mind and joined a movement that he once opposed (vv. 6-17).
Result: Already at fever pitch (21:27-30), the crowd erupted violently, demanding Paul's death (22:22-23).
4. High officials in a Roman court (26:1-32). Paul described his religious heritage (vv. 4-5). He related his view of his opponents' charges against him (vv. 6-8). He recalled his previous opposition to Jesus' followers (vv. 9-11). He recounted his own life-changing encounter with Christ (vv. 12-19). He explained the fundamentals of Jesus' message and the implications for his non-Jewish listeners (vv. 20-23).
Result: The rulers listened carefully (vv. 24, 31-32). They challenged his application of the gospel to them (vv. 24, 28). They passed him on in the Roman judicial process, thereby foiling a Jewish plot against him (vv. 31-21).
The gospel itself is forever the same, but as Christ's followers we are called to shape our message to fit our various audiences. How do your coworkers and friends differ from each other? What effect should that have on your life and message for them? What aspects of the good news would they most likely respond to? Do you know how they view faith? Why not ask them&md;before you speak?
Gen. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, could never be accused of mincing words or doing things half-heartedly. He believed if he could hold each of his young Salvation Army officers over hell for a few minutes, he would never have any trouble keeping them motivated about being witnesses to Christ.
The Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching & Preachers, W. Wiersbe, p. 202
A man once testified in one of D. L. Moody's meetings that he had lived "on the Mount of Transfiguration" for five years. "How many souls did you lead to Christ last year?" Moody bluntly asked him. "Well," the man hesitated, "I don't know." "Have you saved any?" Moody persisted. "I don't know that I have," the man admitted. "Well," said Moody, "we don't want that kind of mountaintop experience. When a man gets up so high that he cannot reach down and save poor sinners, there is something wrong."
Moody's Anecdotes, pp. 73-74
A young man enlisted, and was sent to his regiment. The first night he was in the barracks with about fifteen other young men, who passed the time playing cards and gambling. Before retiring, he fell on his knees and prayed, and they began to curse him and jeer at him and throw boots at him.
So it went on the next night and the next, and finally the young man went and told the chaplain what had taken place, and asked what he should do.
"Well," said the chaplain, "you are not at home now, and the other men have just as much right to the barracks as you have. It makes them mad to hear you pray, and the Lord will hear you just as well if you say your prayers in bed and don't provoke them."
For weeks after the chaplain did not see the young man again, but one day he met him, and asked &md;
"By the way, did you take my advice?"
"I did, for two or three nights."
"How did it work?"
"Well," said the young man, "I felt like a whipped hound and the third night I got out of bed, knelt down and prayed."
"Well," asked the chaplain, "How did that work?"
The young soldier answered: "We have a prayer meeting there now every night, and three have been converted, and we are praying for the rest."
Oh, friends, I am so tired of weak Christianity. Let us be out and out for Christ; let us give no uncertain sound. If the world wants to call us fools, let them to it. It is only a little while; the crowning day is coming. Thank God for the privilege we have of confessing Christ.
BVP
Darrell W. Robinson, ‘People Sharing Jesus’, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995, pp. 86-87
