John 15: 1-17; JOHN 16: 1-31 ; John 20: 1-22 ; John 1:12
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God”.
Reading through the book of John, I observed an interesting insight, it just popped out at me! The power (or benefit) of the reconciliation procured for us by Jesus’ death becomes apparent.
Prior to His death, Jesus (in all His interactions and conversations with His disciples) often referred to God the Father as ‘My Father’ or ‘My God’. The deep Father-Son relationship Jesus had with God was no doubt often portrayed in His speech. At no time (prior to Jesus death) was this cordial (or intimate) relationship extended to the disciples.
In chapters 15 & 16 of the book of John, Jesus kept referring to God as ‘My Father’ or ‘The Father’; Jesus’ words contained this tone of personalization that was (apparently) not yet extended to the disciples, or the crowd listening to Him.
However, immediately after His death and resurrection, Jesus addressing Mary at the tomb said ‘but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God (John 20:17)’ – Hallelujah! Something has changed! Note the word ‘my Father, and your Father, my God, and your God’; the disciples had been accepted into the family of God through Jesus’ death; they now had equal access to (and rights within the family of) God!
Reconciliation means reunion, re-uniting, or restoration of a lost relationship. Jesus reconciled us to God, and that restored all the privileges sin (or satan) had stolen from us. We have been adopted as Sons; we now have access to the Father. We also have access to the Holy Spirit Who comes to dwell in us after the new birth.
The benefits of this reconciliation equally extend to all who will believe in His name today. This is made possible, only by virtue of the reconciliation His death wrought – thank you Jesus!