Embracing Jesus as Savior & Judge
Written by: Sebastian Petz
Date: March 4, 2025
Estimated time to read: 2 min
Scripture: John 12:37–50
Day 1: The Tragedy of Unbelief
Scripture: John 12:37 – “Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him.”
Reflection:
Jesus performed countless miracles, yet many still rejected Him. Unbelief is not merely a lack of evidence; it is a spiritual condition of the heart. The same is true today—many hear the gospel but resist it.
Jesus performed countless miracles, yet many still rejected Him. Unbelief is not merely a lack of evidence; it is a spiritual condition of the heart. The same is true today—many hear the gospel but resist it.
Ask yourself: Am I truly believing in Jesus, or do I struggle with doubt? What areas of my life need stronger faith?
Prayer: Lord, open my heart to believe in You fully. Remove any unbelief and deepen my trust in Your Word. Amen.
Day 2: God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Scripture: John 12:40 – “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.”
Reflection:
This verse can be difficult to grasp—God hardens hearts, yet people are still responsible for their rejection of Him. The truth is, God is completely sovereign, and salvation is His work. At the same time, every person is accountable for their response to Jesus.
This verse can be difficult to grasp—God hardens hearts, yet people are still responsible for their rejection of Him. The truth is, God is completely sovereign, and salvation is His work. At the same time, every person is accountable for their response to Jesus.
Do I trust God’s sovereignty in my life, even when I don’t understand it?
Prayer: Father, help me rest in Your perfect wisdom. May I respond to You with faith and not resist Your truth. Amen.
Day 3: The Fear of Man vs. The Fear of God
Scripture: John 12:42-43** – “Many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it… for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God
Reflection:
Some people believe in Jesus but refuse to follow Him publicly because they fear what others might think. This is a dangerous place to be—faith that stays hidden is not genuine faith.
Some people believe in Jesus but refuse to follow Him publicly because they fear what others might think. This is a dangerous place to be—faith that stays hidden is not genuine faith.
Am I hesitant to stand for Christ because of what people might say? Do I love the approval of others more than the approval of God?
Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to stand boldly for You. Let me seek Your approval above all else. Amen
Day 4: Jesus, the Light of the World
Scripture: John 12:46 – “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”
Reflection:
Jesus came to illuminate the truth and bring people out of spiritual darkness. Without Him, we remain lost. But when we believe, He opens our eyes and transforms our hearts.
Jesus came to illuminate the truth and bring people out of spiritual darkness. Without Him, we remain lost. But when we believe, He opens our eyes and transforms our hearts.
Am I walking in the light of Christ? Are there areas in my life where I still allow darkness to creep in?
Prayer: Jesus, You are the Light of the world. Shine in my life and remove any darkness in my heart. Amen.
Day 5: Jesus’ Words Will Judge
Scripture: John 12:48 – “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”
Reflection:
Jesus’ words are not just good advice—they are the standard by which all people will be judged. If we reject His message, we reject the only hope of salvation.
Jesus’ words are not just good advice—they are the standard by which all people will be judged. If we reject His message, we reject the only hope of salvation.
Have I fully embraced Jesus and His Word? Am I living in obedience to what He has commanded?
Prayer: Lord, help me take Your words seriously. Let my life reflect obedience to Your truth. Amen.
