For This Purpose

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.” – John 12:27

Jesus knew the cross was before Him. He knew the agony, the weight of sin, and the wrath He would bear. Yet He refused to shrink back. He would not ask the Father to spare Him because the very reason He came was to save us. His obedience was not comfortable—it was costly. But His love outweighed His suffering, and He surrendered fully to the Father’s will.

A few verses later, John tells us that many of the rulers believed in Jesus, but fear kept them silent. They would not confess Him because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Jesus embraced the cross openly, but these men embraced belief secretly. Their hearts acknowledged the truth, but their mouths refused to declare it. Scripture makes it clear: belief without confession is not saving faith. Even demons believe Jesus is Lord—but they do not confess Him, follow Him, or surrender to Him.

Jesus died publicly for us, yet many hesitate to live publicly for Him. Pride, fear, reputation, and relationships often stand in the way. But Jesus said plainly, “Whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father in heaven.” Saving faith is not silent faith. Paul wrote that salvation comes when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord. True belief produces open allegiance, not hidden agreement.

Where do you stand today? Do you believe in Jesus inwardly but hesitate to confess Him outwardly? Are you worried about losing friends, status, or approval? Jesus was willing to die for you openly—are you willing to live for Him openly? Examine your heart. If you believe, then confess Him. If you trust Him, then follow Him. You may have taken the first step, but have you taken the second? Today is the day to declare, without hesitation, “Jesus is Lord.”

“To be a Christian is to confess that Jesus is Lord—not secretly, but publicly.” – John Stott