Dear Members and Friends,

           A friend once described John’s gospel as one long, “You can’t fire me; I quit.” In John 10:17-18, Jesus explicitly states, “No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” In John 13:31-33, when Judas leaves to betray him, Jesus treats it as the commencement of his departure, treating the betrayal not as a surprise attack but as his scheduled exit. In John 17:1-5, Jesus prays in the garden about the hour that has come when he will be glorified. When John has Jesus speaking about his glory, he is speaking about his death on the cross (and his resurrection). Even Pilate is told (John 19:11) that he has no authority over him except that which is given from above.

           There is no doubt in John’s gospel that Jesus/God is always in charge. The crucifixion is not a tragedy but a triumphant, sovereign action where Jesus initiates the final act of his own ministry. John wants us to know that God is always in charge and that Jesus willingly chose to be the sacrifice of the salvation of the world. 

Grace and Peace,

Daren Hofmann