John 10: 22-31
Who are you, Jesus, a blasphemer, demon-possessed, son of God, one with the Father? The writer of John knows the answer, but the crowds and particularly the Jews do not. As the gospel progresses the debate between the Jews and Jesus grows more serious, the sides more divided, the ground for hearing and gathering smaller. Is Jesus the Messiah and to be worshiped and followed or is he the enemy of the true God and to be arrested and killed? The issue is life and death; the issue is faith and truth; the issue is the preservation of the law and worship of Yahweh; the issue is ‘Who is Jesus?’. So again the Jews ask the question. This time during the festival of Dedication when Jesus was walking in the temple portico they gathered around him and said, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah tell us plainly.” The question, finally asked, is fraught with all sorts of emotions and agendas.
Before we hear Jesus’ answer imagine the various motives for asking this question. Think about the different people who gathered that day. Think about the needs and assumptions they held.
Now think about our time and place. Who might ask such? Why might they ask this? Why might we ask?
Jesus says, “I have told you, and you do not believe.” What’s more my works that I do in the name of the Father testify to who I am, but you do not believe because you are not among those given to me by the Father. “I and the Father are one.” The Jews we are told again prepared to stone him.
How do we react to Jesus’ answer? Are we surprised, irritated, insulted, furious…? What do these encounters suggest about asking Jesus our questions?
Lord Jesus, be patient with our questioning, our doubting. Lord Jesus, let us hear your voice. Lord Jesus, bring us to the Father. Amen.
Blessings
Caroline
Who are you, Jesus, a blasphemer, demon-possessed, son of God, one with the Father? The writer of John knows the answer, but the crowds and particularly the Jews do not. As the gospel progresses the debate between the Jews and Jesus grows more serious, the sides more divided, the ground for hearing and gathering smaller. Is Jesus the Messiah and to be worshiped and followed or is he the enemy of the true God and to be arrested and killed? The issue is life and death; the issue is faith and truth; the issue is the preservation of the law and worship of Yahweh; the issue is ‘Who is Jesus?’. So again the Jews ask the question. This time during the festival of Dedication when Jesus was walking in the temple portico they gathered around him and said, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah tell us plainly.” The question, finally asked, is fraught with all sorts of emotions and agendas.
Before we hear Jesus’ answer imagine the various motives for asking this question. Think about the different people who gathered that day. Think about the needs and assumptions they held.
Now think about our time and place. Who might ask such? Why might they ask this? Why might we ask?
Jesus says, “I have told you, and you do not believe.” What’s more my works that I do in the name of the Father testify to who I am, but you do not believe because you are not among those given to me by the Father. “I and the Father are one.” The Jews we are told again prepared to stone him.
How do we react to Jesus’ answer? Are we surprised, irritated, insulted, furious…? What do these encounters suggest about asking Jesus our questions?
Lord Jesus, be patient with our questioning, our doubting. Lord Jesus, let us hear your voice. Lord Jesus, bring us to the Father. Amen.
Blessings
Caroline
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