In the World Only One Brought Something Truly New

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Solomon wrote…

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new.

Ecclesiastes 1:9–11

Those were the first words that came to mind when I read the following verses in John 11…

Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

John 11:45–46

Some who saw Jesus raise Lazarus believed what they saw and believed others had to run to the religious leaders to find out what they were supposed to think.

I think that’s been true in every generation. Some people ask for wisdom from God and trust the Spirit’s guidance; others listen to popular church leaders and follow the crowd. And there have always been leaders who guard their popularity and power so closely that they are threatened by anyone who appears to be gaining on them.

There is nothing truly new…

Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow Him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in Him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”

John 11:47–48a

And the High Priest, Caiaphas, replied…

“You don’t know what you’re talking about!  You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

John 11:49–50

In retrospect, when John wrote this Gospel years after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, he considered Caiaphas’ statement a prophecy. One man, Jesus, died for all people in all nations. He was and is God’s appointed Messiah – the Savior for all people and all times.

From that time on…

The Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. As a result, Jesus stopped His public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem.

John 11:53–54a

We read the Bible and history books, then pay attention to current events realizing that Solomon was right, nothing is truly new.

Except for Jesus!

Although He never changes being the same yesterday, today, and forever, in all creation He alone gave us the one thing new we needed.

He didn’t come for power, popularity, or possessions but to show us God’s perfect love and to save us now and for all eternity. And although He was fully human, He was the fully sinless Son of God.

Jesus’ half-brother, Jude, who didn’t believe his brother was the Messiah for much of his life, wrote…

Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, without blemish and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.

Jude 1:24–25

Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus gave us the New Covenant of faith.

The Old Covenant required obedience to the Law of Moses but the New Covenant is lived with faith, hope, and love. Now we respond to God’s love with faith and love following the example of Jesus, our Messiah.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer Thanking Jesus for Giving Life
Through His Truly New Covenant

Heavenly Father, Your love is greater than life. You gave the Old Covenant of the Law to show us our sins. We want to believe we aren’t guilty of disobeying Your commands but Jesus said that it’s not just our failures of words and actions but our thoughts too … I realize how foolish I am to be prideful.

When I add the ways I fail to do Your will to those times I directly disobey You, I have to humbly admit that I am a sinner who deserves Your earthly and eternal punishment. I’m so sorry. I know I don’t deserve Your forgiveness. There is nothing I can do to earn Your grace yet, You freely offer it through Your Son and our Savior, Jesus.

Thank you for giving us a New Covenant through Him. Your love is so great that Jesus was the “one man” who died not for one nation but for all nations and generations. He gave His life so we might be forgiven when we humbly surrender ourselves through faith and repentance.

Father, please keep me on the narrow path. Please protect me and keep me from stumbling over bumps and potholes. Prepare me for the day when I will stand in Your glorious presence forever and always.

Yes, Solomon said that nothing is ever truly new but by Your grace and for Your glory Jesus came and gave us the New Covenant of grace we needed. I will thank and praise Him now and eternally. Amen.

Matthew Henry wrote…

Those who set God always before them and walk before Him with all their hearts shall find Him as good as His word and better; He will both keep covenant with them and show mercy to them.

And the writer of Hebrews said…

That is why [Jesus] is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

Hebrews 9:15

By grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Yes, Jesus is the One who brought us something truly new.

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