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.
We, too, may have encountered people who talk negatively about Jesus. It’s those very people who usually don’t have a relationship with Jesus. They have just conjured up some mistaken opinion. They have no basis in experience or truth to be speaking at all but will so long as somebody listens.
What we see in today’s passage is that people are limiting what they say out of fear. Have you ever downplayed your faith or belief in Jesus out of fear for what others might think or say? These people feared the religious leaders. Apparently, it was no secret the leaders were upset with Jesus and his teachings. Jesus didn’t sugar coat, and his words of truth were challenging. His wisdom seemed to have no end. That, in and of itself, was perplexing and troubling to the people. Jesus even put their own Jewish leader’s teachings into question. It was more the motivations behind their teaching that Jesus called them out on.
It does us good to pay attention to what we read. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” It goes beyond reading or listening. We need to put into practice what we read. How can we discount the instructions we have?
Our author, John, has a theme here of pointing to the death of Jesus. The tensions were mounting, and John is building this theme into his account. When Jesus starts talking about the law of Moses and the practice of Sabbath, I’m imagining a lot of gaping mouths and questioning looks. Maybe even a few nods of shame could be seen.
Finally, Jesus challenges us and those people hearing his words in person. “I will be with you only a little longer. Then I will return to the one who sent me. You will search for me but not find me. And you cannot go where I am going.” Can you imagine how this statement left them scratching their heads? Jesus wasn’t arrested that day after all. We know where Jesus was going. It wasn’t to a “where” but to a “who.” Jesus wasn’t playing games or implying he was going to play hide-and-seek with them. He was predicting the future.
Take some time to think about Jesus’ teaching in the temple that day. How did it speak to you?
Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for Jesus’ boldness. He was not afraid to speak the truth, knowing it was not the popular thing to say. May I be as bold in my faith and walk with you. May I never feel afraid to share how I feel or who I know Jesus to be. Stir up in me an unstoppable force that will carry me through the ups and downs until that glorious day when I meet you face to face. You are my God, and I adore you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
