God's Voice Heard A Third Time

WHILE at the temple, Jesus has been agonizing over the death that he soon must face. His main concern is now his Father's reputation will be affected, so he prays: "Father, glorify your name." At that, a mighty voice comes from the heavens proclaiming: "I both glorified it and will glorify it again."

The crowd standing around are bewildered. "An angel has spoken to him," some begin to say. Others claim that it thundered. But, indeed, it is Jehovah God who spoke! This, however, is not the first time God's voice was heard in connection with Jesus. At Jesus' baptism three and half years earlier, John the Baptizer heard God say of Jesus: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." Then sometime after the previous Passover, when Jesus was transfigured before them, James, John and Peter heard God declare: "This is my Son the beloved, whom I have approved; listen to him." And now for the third time, on Nisan 10, four days before Jesus' death, God's voice is again heard by men. But this time Jehovah speaks so that multitudes can hear!

Jesus explains: "This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes." It provides proof that Jesus is indeed God's Son, the promised Messiah. "Now there is a judging of this world," Jesus continues, "now the ruler of this world will be cast out." Jesus' faithful life course, in effect, confirms that Satan the Devil, the ruler of this world, deserves to be "cast out," executed.

Pointing to the consequences of his approaching death, Jesus says: "And yet I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw men of all sorts to me." His death is in no way a defeat, for by means of it, he will draw others to himself so that they may enjoy everlasting life. But the crowd protests: "We heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever; and how is it you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man."

Despite all the evidence, including hearing God's own voice, most do not believe that Jesus is the true Son of man, the promised Messiah. Yet, as he did six months earlier at the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus again speaks of himself as "The light" and encourages his listeners: "While you have the light, exercise faith in the light, in order to become sons of light." After saying these things, Jesus goes off and hides, evidently because his life is in danger.

Next time: Conclusion of God's Voice Is Heard A Third Time

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991