John 12:49

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

Jesus spoke nothing from Himself or on His own authority or initiative, but only what the Father who sent Him gave Him commandment to say and to speak. His words are therefore the Father's words, expressing His unity with the Father and carrying the Father's authority. To believe on Jesus is to believe on the Father who sent Him, and to see Jesus is to see the Father.

He cried out these words from intense desire that men receive the truth and live. He came as light into the world so that whoever believes on Him should not abide in darkness, delivering believers from darkness. He came not to judge the world but to save the world.

Whoever rejects Him and does not receive His words has one that judges him, for the very word He spoke by the Father's command will judge him in the last day. His spoken word thus removes excuse from those who hear it. The Father's commandment carried in His speaking exactly as the Father told Him is everlasting life.

Accountability is measured by light received: those who cherish and walk in the light shining on their pathway are accepted, and those who never received further light are not accountable for it. When clearer light shines, including light on the Sabbath, it must be followed step by step with Jesus, and faithfulness in improving present light leads to acceptance. Refusing increased light because former devoted Christians kept Sunday leaves no cloak for sin.

The verse calls to self-surrender and self-denial, to refuse the impulse of the natural heart and one's own way and will and to serve and follow Christ as willing subjects of His kingdom in God's appointed way. As Jesus obeyed the Father, those who claim Christ as Saviour must believe His teachings and show faith by obeying His words and what He tells them.

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