i who know Jesus ask

What a week of questions this has been. The topics ranged from the everyday affairs of living to the basic relationship of the Holy One with the demonic. How can we know what to ask of Jesus, and when and how he will answer?

First perhaps let’s ask:
How are the questions of those who recognize Jesus different from those of seekers and skeptics?

More personal perhaps might be our first reply. Maybe they are more honest yet one can surely see posturing in some. Delving we might find that these questions assume that Jesus will respond to the person, that a relationship exists. Even the demons believe Jesus knows them. Finally those who recognize Jesus as from God question with different expectation it seems. Not only do they seek wholeness from Jesus, but they seem to sense in him a power to do something new.

And now turning to the answers from Jesus;
Does Jesus reveal a different self in his responses to the disciples? Are his answers somehow different from those he gives the multitudes and critics?

My first reaction is yes Jesus is more direct, more demanding. Those who choose to follow are privileged and obligated to hear. Recognizing the holiness of Jesus leaves little room for ignoring the message. Seeing the kingdom Jesus proclaims demands major adjustments in thinking and acting. The social order of God’s kingdom resembles little of the social order we have learned. Jesus answers when asked.

Jesus, we would call you Lord. We would be citizens of God’s kingdom you proclaim. So we tremble to ask, what would you have us do? How would you have us be? What of our current living can stay; what must change? Amen.

Blessings, Caroline