Clipboard or Open Hand?

Mark: Honestly, I picture Jesus holding a clipboard, ticking off everything I've gotten wrong. Is he really keeping score on me?

Sarah: I pictured that too, and it made me want to hide. Then I read John 12:46-47, where Jesus explains why he came. Listen.

Scripture: I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Mark: Huh. That's not what I expected. So why does the clipboard picture feel so true to me?

Sarah: Right before this, many leaders believed in him but stayed quiet, afraid of being put out of the synagogue. Verse 43 says they loved men's praise more than God's praise.

Mark: So fear can keep people quiet, even when they believe. Still, I'm not exactly a good person. Doesn't that put me right back on the clipboard?

Sarah: I've blown it plenty myself, and that's why this matters to me. Jesus died for our sins and rose again. Acts 10:43 says everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

Mark: But doesn't he talk about judgment a few verses down, for people who turn him away? I can't just skip that.

Sarah: He does talk about judgment, and I won't pretend he doesn't. But he said he came to save the world. Try one honest sentence to God, or talk it over with a friend you trust. I love you, and I want you with me.