48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.
God spoke decisively and finally through His Son. To reject the Word of Jesus would be to reject the Word of God. Jesus also gives us the following verses regarding this Truth:
16 Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. 17 If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. John 7:16-17 (NIV)
10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. John 14:10 (NIV)
24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. John 14:24 (NIV)
The writer of Hebrews also tells us:
1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Heb 1:1-2 (NIV)
Jesus gave proof of His union with the Father in three ways – through His character, through His Words and through the miracles He performed. Our obedience to Jesus will grow out of our love for Him and out of our love for His Word demonstrating to a lost world our union with Him. He tells us that if we love Him we will obey Him. This will result in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit abiding with the one who obeys – equipping the servant to both hear and heed the Lord’s will. Rebelling against Jesus Words – going our own way - is to rebel against God.
“Where the banner of the gospel is displayed, no neutrality is admitted.” Matthew Henry
Jesus came first to offer salvation to the whole world – we are at fault if we reject the Truth. Nothing is more dreadful than abused patience and grace that is constantly trampled on. There will be a certain and unavoidable future judgment on those refusing to believe the teaching of Jesus - the day of the righteous judgment of God. The very Words Christ spoke will themselves judge those who willingly choose not to believe them. The idea behind the word “reject” in our verses for today is one of despising – deliberating refusing to acknowledge Him as the Messiah in spite of all the miracles He performed – nor will he embrace in his heart the doctrines preached by our Lord. The rejection and unbelief of those who despise our Lord will not go unpunished no matter what people choose to believe.
“But wisdom is proved right by her actions." Matt 11:19 (NIV)
It will be impossible to deny the Truth and wisdom and mercy of Jesus’ Words on the last day and they will be used against those who despised Him. This will leave them speechless, unanswerable to the Words of Christ. Be assured, the Words of Christ never fall to the ground – they are always operative. Scripture tell us:
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
The writer of Hebrews states as well:
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Heb 4:12-13 (NIV)
Our Lord warns us that it is a serious sin to refuse His words and not to believe them. We are to take heed. These were not our Lord’s Words alone but the very Words of God the Father. Jesus was sent on commission to this earth given what to say and speak to men. He spoke the True counsel of the Most Holy God.
“I’m seeing how robust and cogent, how versatile, sweeping and effective is the message and life of our Jesus. He fits. He is not ‘foreign’ to any person no matter their origins. His teachings work in ANY culture. His Being and Life resonates to all who hear of Him, to all who hear Him. He infuses and changes us forever.” Paula Kirby