0316. 311. “Even As”

311. “Even As”

The word kathos is sometimes rendered “as” (Joh_17:23), “according to” (Act_11:29), “according as” (1Co_1:31), “How” (Act_15:14), and “even as.” Its significance is one thing corresponding to another—like as, according as. Let us focus our thoughts upon the words “even as” or “as,” as we find them used in John’s Gospel in relation to Christ.

1. Atonement. “And as (even as) Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (Joh_3:14). We find two things suggested by these words, namely, the necessity and the nature of Christ’s death. Its necessity is embodied in the “must,” and its nature is confirmed by Christ’s after references to His lifting up—see Joh_8:28; Joh_12:32, Joh_12:34, and the “manner of His death” was because of our sins, for in that death He has given to God what we could never give ourselves, satisfaction on account of our sins.

2. Adjustment. “As I hear I judge,” “As the Father hath taught Me,” “Even as the Father hath said unto Me,” “As the Father gave Me commandment,” “Even as I have kept My Father’s commandments” (Joh_5:30; Joh_8:28; Joh_12:50; Joh_14:31; Joh_15:10). All Christ did and said was according to what His Father commanded and taught Him. Everything was adjusted to what His Father directed. He set the compass of His life and testimony to the sun of His Father’s will.

3. Alignment. “As the living Father hath sent Me” (Joh_6:57; Joh_17:18; Joh_20:21). Alignment is a bringing one object in line with another. Whether the reference is to Christ’s sending His disciples as His witnesses into the world, or as living because of the “Living Father,” there is the one thought of correspondence to law and order. As the train will reach the goal of its terminus if it keeps along the rails of the permanent way, so as we keep along the plan of truth, and are actuated by the law of love, we shall reach the goal of God’s approval.

4. Attunement. “As I have done to you” (Joh_13:15). As the musician attunes the musical instrument to the right pitch, so Christ has left us an example of loving and lowly service, to which our attitude and actions are to correspond. When love prompts the heart to serve, the hands are active in willing ministry.

5. Affection. “Even as I have loved you” (Joh_13:34; Joh_15:12). The measure of love to each other is to be gauged and measured by the love which Christ has to us. Grace always places us on a higher plane than law, and in consequence expects more from us. Law demanded love to one’s neighbour, even as one loved oneself; but grace commands us to love each other as Christ has and loves us.

6. Affiliation. Christ prayed for His disciples, and still prays “that they may be one, as we are” (Joh_17:11, Joh_17:22). What that affiliation or oneness is, in all its consecrated comprehensiveness may be gathered if we ponder the whole prayer. One in the “life eternal” (Joh_17:3), one in the knowledge of God’s secrets through the words given—Joh_17:8; one in mutual possession—Joh_17:10; one in holy joy—Joh_17:13; one in consecrated separation—Joh_17:14; one in the sanctity of the truth—Joh_17:17; one in vital service—Joh_17:18; one in resplendent glory—Joh_17:22; one in glorious place—Joh_17:24; and one in undying affection—Joh_17:26.

7. Acquaintance. “I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father” (Joh_10:14-15, R.V.). There are two words for knowing, one meaning the knowledge of perception, as seeing an orange tree is such; but the other word is the knowledge of personal acquaintance, that is the word which Christ uses. Seeing a peach growing on the wall, one has the knowledge of perception; but to eat the peach and enjoy its lusciousness is to have the knowledge of experience.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH