Tuesday Week Five
Reading: John 8: 21-30 Again he said to them, ‘I am going away and again you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Then the Jews said, ‘Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, ‘Where I am going you cannot come”?’ He said to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.’ They said to him, ‘Who are you?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.’ They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realise that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
Reflection
Jesus tells the Jews that belief in him as Son of the Father and honour of his commandments are essential if one is to share in the life of God. The Father is all truth and Jesus shares this life of truth with God. A denial of Jesus as Son of the Father will block the relationship between man and his creator. Jesus has come from the Father and wishes to share a message of messianic wholeness with all the people to whom he has been sent. The protection and wisdom of God is with him as he carries out his mission. However, a message can only be received if the listeners are open to its richness; sadly, in this passage they are not; the heart of Jesus is grieved by their unbelief.
Jesus recognised that the Jews were intent on killing him. He forewarns them that when they have done so, they will recognise who he is. He reminds them that he is totally committed to spreading the good news as learnt from his Father. He does all that pleases his father and shares a message of love as learnt from his Abba Father. The spirit of God touches many hearts as Jesus speaks and many believe in him
As I reflect on this passage, I am deeply aware of a call to deepen my relationship with Jesus. During this time of Lent, the scriptures offer me many opportunities to repent and believe the good news of God and to turn back to God with all my heart. (Joel 2:12) I echo the prayer of the The Psalmist ‘Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.’ (Psalm 51:1-2) Prayer
Lord, you were totally committed to doing your Father’s will in your life.
You knew the protection of your Father as you shared in His mission of love.
Deepen my commitment to your will;
may I share in your mission and know the protection of your Father in my life; I make this prayer in your name, O most gracious God, Amen.
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