John 12:48-50 - The words I have spoken will judge him

12:48

Jesus makes it plain here that His saying “I did not come to judge the world” in no way means we can do what we like, or that nothing we are doing is wrong. Jesus did not come to judge, but to call us to repentance. If we neglect that call, then we are already judged. Go and read John 3:16-21,  and my comments on those verses. The words Jesus has spoken will judge such a person. What does that mean? Jesus quite clearly upheld the teaching of the Old Testament, and has called us all to repentance. So if someone rejects Jesus they will be judged for two reasons (i) they are guilty under the Law; (ii) they have ignored the call to repentance.

12:49,50

Jesus yet again reminds people that He is not speaking just on His own authority. He was speaking the message that the Father gave to Him. And note that it is a commandment, the gospel is a  commandment, not a suggestion. “What to say and what to speak”. Jesus’ words are God’s words. So if we reject Jesus then we reject God. The commandment brings eternal life, it is a good commandment! Rejection of the commandment brings eternal death. The section finished with Jesus saying again that He speaks the word of the Father.