How many times have you heard – “Did I happen to mention . . . “ and then someone finishes a thought. Indeed, every mention can become a conversation. Incidentally, this is exactly what Jesus does. He mentions things. In fact, He’s a master at mentioning critical information.
Did I Happen To Mention
It’s stunning to notice every mention Jesus makes. In fact, John’s gospel is packed with them.
- His teachings.
- Verifies His identity.
- Verifies His commission to earth.
- His credibility to “pass-along” key information from His Father.
Every Mention
These mentions are a kind of “secret message” to alert readers. Numerous times, Jesus mentions who He is and where He comes from.
Let’s explore these mentions, which will be quite an under-taking. Afterall, I counted thirty-two profound mentions in John. There are a few additional that could pass as mentions. But the thirty-two we’ll explore are key ones.
As you consider these, put yourself in Jesus’ shoes. Afterall, He’s your model. What He does and says exemplifies courage, truth, and humility – for you and me to practice.
Here’s the format we’ll use:
- The verse.
- Sum it up.
Mention #1
John 5:19-20, Jesus says, “. . . the Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.”
Jesus is not on earth with His own agenda. Consequently, God wants Him here as His representative . . . and Jesus agrees.
Mention #2
John 5:30, Jesus says even more. Remarkably, He confesses – “I can do nothing on My own . . . because I seek not My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.”
Subsequently, this mention shows Jesus is a steward.
Mention #3
John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.”
Again, Jesus drills into – He (the Creator) is on earth because God wants Him to do certain things on man’s behalf.
Mention #4
John 7:16, Jesus references His teachings to multitudes and individuals, “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me.”
“I am a messenger of God (even though I Am God . . . Creator . . . and I happen to hold all things together!)” Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:17
Mention #5
John 7:28-29, Jesus gives a teaching point to people in the temple – “. . . I have not come of My own accord. He who sent Me is true, and Him you do not know. I know Him, for I come from Him, and He sent Me.”
How much clearer can Jesus be?
Mention #6
Again! The same chapter, 7:33-34, boldly addresses officers sent to arrest Jesus. “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to Him who sent Me.”
Strategically, Jesus pounds on this point of His identity and His purpose.
Mention #7
Jesus announces He’s not on earth to condemn. In Jn. 8:15b-16, Jesus assures, “I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, My judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent Me.“
Jn. 8:11 says, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
It’s a great data point for people who think Jesus came to condemn and/or judge certain people groups.
Mention #8
Jn. 8:26 – “He who sent Me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from Him.”
Jesus verifies Father’s faithfulness. Plus, He’s Father’s messenger!
Mention #9
“I do nothing on My own authority, but speak just as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” (Jn. 8:28-29)
Jesus is “taught” under Father’s authority what to say. Additionally, Jesus is a partner with God. Furthermore, He always works to please God and is never alone.
Mention #10
John 8:42b, “I came not of My own accord, but He sent Me.”
Short and simple – still the same message. “I am sent.”
Mention #11
“No one takes [My life] from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I received from My Father.” (Jn. 10:18)
Jesus has authority – a “charge,” a commission – from Father:
- Lay down His life – as Sacrifice for humanity.
- Take it up again – as Resurrection and Life.
Mention #12
John 10:36-38, ” . . . the one the Father set apart as His very own and sent into the world . . . that you may know and understand the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.”
Jesus declares He’s one with Father, consecrated (set apart). Incidentally, this is to help you understand His mission.
Mention #13
John 11:41b-42 “Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I know You always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of people standing here, that they may believe You sent Me.”
Jesus looked up – reverence and submission. Plus, His words and works are to convince observers that Father sent Him.
Mention #14
John 12: 44b-45, “Whoever believes in Me, believes not in Me, but in Him who sent Me. And whoever sees Me, sees Him who sent Me.”
Jesus is the “connect point” between God and man. Basically, “See Me – see God!”
Mention #15
“I have not spoken on My own authority, but the Father who sent Me has, Himself, given Me a commandment – what to say . . . therefore, I say [what] the Father has told Me.” (Jn. 12:49-50)
Just to be exceedingly clear, Jesus hammers on – “I’m saying what I’m told to say.”
Mention #16
John 13:20b, “. . . whoever receives Me, receives the One who sent Me.”
“Receive Me – receive God!”
Mention #17
John 14:9b-11, “Whoever has seen Me, has seen the Father . . . Do you not believe I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do no speak on My own authority, but the Father who dwells in Me does His works. Believe Me – I am in the Father and the Father is in Me . . . “
“See Me – see God. I speak on God’s authority. Essentially, we are one!”
Mention #18
” . . . you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” (Jn. 14:20)
Now, Jesus includes you – if you believe!
Mention #19
John 14:24b, “. . . the word that you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.”
“All credit for what I say goes to Father!”
Mention #20
John 14:31, ” . . . I do as the Father has commanded Me, so the world may know . . . “
“God and I have the same purpose – to give you the ‘heads-up.’ “
Mention #21
“. . . I have called you friends, for all I’ve heard from My Father, I have made known to you.” (Jn. 15:15c)
Not only does Jesus include you. Remarkably, He calls you “friend!”
Mention #22
“. . . they do not know Him who sent Me.” (Jn. 15:21b)
“To know God, you must know Me.”
Mention #23
“. . . now they have seen [My works] and hated both Me and My Father.” (Jn. 15:24c)
Now that people begin connecting Jesus to God, many hate Him.
Mention #24
John 15:26, “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about Me.”
Jesus gives a lesson in theology: the Trinity! Also, it’s a “pass-the-baton” moment.
Mention #25
John 16:5a, “. . . now I am going to Him who sent Me.. . . “
Jesus’ commissioning is closing – and He’s remained true.
Mention #26
“. . . I go to the Father, and you will see Me no longer . . . “ (Jn. 16:9c)
Jesus begins predicting He’s leaving. Afterall, He’ll have fulfilled His commission.
Mention #27
“I came from the Father . . . now I am leaving . . . and going to the Father.” (Jn. 16:28)
You have to give Jesus credit for being crystal clear!
Mention #28
John 17:4, “I glorified You on earth, having accomplished the work You gave Me to do.”
Don’t you want to be able to say this to God when it’s your time to go home?
Mention #29
“I have given them the words You gave Me, and they received them . . . to know in truth I came from You; and they believed You sent Me.” (Jn. 17:8)
Mission almost accomplished!
Mention #30
John 17:18, “As You sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”
Another “pass-the-baton” moment.
Mention #31
“. . . that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe You have sent Me.” (Jn. 17:21b)
If you believe, you become one with “Father-and-Son.”
Mention #32
John 18:11b, “Shall I not drink the cup that Father has given Me?”
“I must complete the final portion of My mission!”
Did you notice the progression from the beginning of His commission all the way through to passing the baton and promising the Holy Spirit?
Application Thoughts And Questions
- I hope you’ve realized as a Jesus follower, you must point to Father.
- Which mentions speak to your heart?
- How do you respond as you realize Jesus calls you “friend?”
- Are you willing to grab the baton Jesus is passing to you?
- Additionally, have you considered God has a commission for your life?
- Finally, in what practical ways will you point to Father each day?
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