How could they not recognize Jesus as God’s son? They had only been reading about him and waiting for him as long as they could remember. It was intentional. It was God’s plan. We already know it is God who calls us to himself. These religious leaders had to be indifferent or the “time” would never come, and Jesus would not have died a sacrificial death. But I am getting ahead of myself. We aren’t even halfway through the book of John. Continue reading “John 8:12-20 – Light of the World”
Category: John
John 8:1-11 – Sin No More
Where is the guy? Did you ever wonder where the man was? The last time I checked, adultery involved two people. I think it was part of the teachers’ plot to trick Jesus. After all, the law of Moses would have condemned both the man and the woman. Jesus didn’t respond right away but started drawing in the dust. I’ve always wondered what that was about. Was it his way of ignoring them, to rile them just a bit more before making his declaration? Continue reading “John 8:1-11 – Sin No More”
John 7:37-53 – Make Time
This is another one of those Bible scenes that I can picture so vividly in my mind. I’m not sure I’ve seen it re-enacted in a film, but you never know. Certainly, I’ve seen the players in similar scenes so I have a visual on what the robed Pharisees might look like, as well as the dress of the people. For me, the visual is an important means by which impressions are made and messages found to reflect on.
As I’ve read through the book of John this time with you, I’ve sensed a different boldness from Jesus than was portrayed in Mark (see my reflections). Here, knowing he has totally confused and amazed the people, he shouts again his invitation to “come and drink” to those who believe. The living water will be given by Jesus when the time is right and those who receive will feel it flow from within. Continue reading “John 7:37-53 – Make Time”
John 7:10-36 – No Fear Zone
Jesus goes ahead and goes to the festival anyway, despite what we believed he would do after our last reading. He was careful not to be seen until he began teaching in the temple.
Before that, we see people talking about him. Jesus had made quite a stir in this region. People will be people and talk about the things making the “news.” Even today. Sometimes it turns to gossip, which is a very dangerous thing. We should avoid talking about other people when we are not involved in the situation. Too many times things get taken out of context, feelings get hurt, reputations damaged. Once an untruth is started and spread, it’s never the same. You can’t unsay things or ever totally stop the spread of misconception. Continue reading “John 7:10-36 – No Fear Zone”
John 7:1-9 – Were They Jealous?
I can just picture the scene. Several brothers in a room, the oldest being more than a little on the popular side. The younger brothers are giving him a hard time about it. Could they be jealous? Maybe a bit embarrassed for some reason? After all, they weren’t as popular. And in today’s reading, we hear they didn’t even believe in their own brother. You have to admit, that’s not the easiest truth to get your head around.
If nothing else, it reminds us that Jesus was human with siblings, rivalry, the whole bit. But Jesus had inside information to know that it wasn’t his time yet. His brothers couldn’t understand that either, and that’s okay. They still teased him, chiding him about showing off vs. hiding out. Continue reading “John 7:1-9 – Were They Jealous?”
