John 13:12-20
The phrase “lifted up his heel” was probably a saying alluding to what a horse does just before kicking. This brings an added dimension to the demonstration of humble service. The disciples – and all of us after them – are charged to do likewise. That is, we are to consider no position or task too lowly or menial in the service of the Gospel. But it goes even deeper as we recognize that Jesus washed the feet of Judas and included him in the table fellowship, even knowing what Judas would do. Even more, he wanted the disciples to make a point of remembering all this and acting accordingly. The task of being a messenger is mixed in with all this, too (verse 16).
As with yesterday’s reflection, then, I would say we need to just stare at this a bit to get that there is much more here than a simple lesson about serving one another. That’s basic; that’s minimal! That’s just a warm-up to the depth of Christian service and mission, both being included here.
If we do good to those who love us, that’s wonderful. If we share the Gospel with those we care about, that’s great. If we also actively work and pray for the well being of those who drive us crazy, that’s closer to Jesus’ model (unless we do it in such a way as to impress people with how wonderfully gracious we are!). If our prayers for the salvation of others, and for opportunities to be God’s instruments of that, include those who have done horrible things, we’re getting closer to the scandalous, dangerous, turbulent core of Christian life and mission.
Prayer:
Lord, save us all from a Christianity that is merely of comfort. Amen.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Washed
John 13:1-11
With the beginning of John 13 we have left Jesus’ public ministry, as recorded by John. We find now Jesus spending his time directly with the disciples, leading to his glorification. That is the full significance of verse 1. It is a kind of second introduction, to the rest of the book, not just what happens in this chapter. I say not “just” because the significance of the foot washing is immense, not just as a model of servanthood, although it certainly is that. Foot washing was done by the lowliest servant in the house. It is most of all a sign of who must do the cleansing if we are to be clean. The little exchange with Peter brings that out.
Along the way we don’t want not to forget all the “signs” that have gone before. We will keep recalling them to get the fullest impact possible of the dramatic things to come. Here we want to remember that Jesus is the living water (John 4:10). There is a difference in that that was water to drink, but if we are washed for our earthly walk as well as for eternity, that is very special and complete indeed. Think of this the next time you witness a baptism, or are maybe the subject of one.
Prayer:
Psalm 51:7-15 (The Message)
With the beginning of John 13 we have left Jesus’ public ministry, as recorded by John. We find now Jesus spending his time directly with the disciples, leading to his glorification. That is the full significance of verse 1. It is a kind of second introduction, to the rest of the book, not just what happens in this chapter. I say not “just” because the significance of the foot washing is immense, not just as a model of servanthood, although it certainly is that. Foot washing was done by the lowliest servant in the house. It is most of all a sign of who must do the cleansing if we are to be clean. The little exchange with Peter brings that out.
Along the way we don’t want not to forget all the “signs” that have gone before. We will keep recalling them to get the fullest impact possible of the dramatic things to come. Here we want to remember that Jesus is the living water (John 4:10). There is a difference in that that was water to drink, but if we are washed for our earthly walk as well as for eternity, that is very special and complete indeed. Think of this the next time you witness a baptism, or are maybe the subject of one.
Prayer:
Psalm 51:7-15 (The Message)
Monday, May 29, 2006
All We Need
John 12:37-50
The hardest parts of Scripture for me are those parts that describe God has having any part in unbelief. What I tell myself is that God sees through to the other side. It's maybe like breaking a bone to set it again. It’s also like a discussion in this journal a while back, about tough things bringing the good out in ways that wouldn’t happen otherwise. So maybe sometimes, with eternal salvation at stake, God just bypasses any other agents and takes direct charge of the process. Why it has to be that way (I’ll fall back on the old line) is not for us to know.
Besides, to see the face of Jesus is to see the face of God. We have all we need. To hear the words of Jesus is to know the eternal Word. At the same time our heavenly parent must say and do some hard things, he gives us his own Son to go through those things with us – he even experienced forsakenness of the Father - and to take the rap for what his unruly kids have coming to them.
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes it’s hard to trust in your long-term plans when I need trust and assurance right now. Help me see very step as significant, any pause in the action of the day as a chance just to release stuff to you, every human contact as a time to forget any self-concern to be your ambassador, and then to feel the warmth of your smile. Through your Son. Amen.
The hardest parts of Scripture for me are those parts that describe God has having any part in unbelief. What I tell myself is that God sees through to the other side. It's maybe like breaking a bone to set it again. It’s also like a discussion in this journal a while back, about tough things bringing the good out in ways that wouldn’t happen otherwise. So maybe sometimes, with eternal salvation at stake, God just bypasses any other agents and takes direct charge of the process. Why it has to be that way (I’ll fall back on the old line) is not for us to know.
Besides, to see the face of Jesus is to see the face of God. We have all we need. To hear the words of Jesus is to know the eternal Word. At the same time our heavenly parent must say and do some hard things, he gives us his own Son to go through those things with us – he even experienced forsakenness of the Father - and to take the rap for what his unruly kids have coming to them.
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes it’s hard to trust in your long-term plans when I need trust and assurance right now. Help me see very step as significant, any pause in the action of the day as a chance just to release stuff to you, every human contact as a time to forget any self-concern to be your ambassador, and then to feel the warmth of your smile. Through your Son. Amen.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Move
John 12:27-36
Jesus’ question in verse 27 is, of course, a rhetorical one. His certainty of what he must do does not make it easy, however. When we cry out “Why, Lord?” at some time of grief or trouble, I wonder if an answer would really help. Jesus knew exactly why. And yet his heart was “troubled” – which, I suspect, is understatement by reason of translation. The purpose for which he came completely overwhelmed personal preference. Just as divine and earthly were united in him, so divine purpose fused with personal will: an impossible standard.
So do we give up? No need. The fusing of those heavenly and earthly wires brings a spectacular light, enough light for us to go by, enough light for all to go by – a light to draw all, and to send all out again. He must be ‘lifted up’ to let that light shine for all.
The availability of this light makes movement possible, and mandatory. It strikes me from verses 35-36 that the enemy of light is not so much darkness as inertia. Forget perfect plans, consensus, and lowest-common-denominator unity. You’ve got to move. Clarity comes to the spiritually mobile.
Prayer:
Lord, deliver me from the possibility of the nightmare that when you come again I will be in a meeting. Amen.
Jesus’ question in verse 27 is, of course, a rhetorical one. His certainty of what he must do does not make it easy, however. When we cry out “Why, Lord?” at some time of grief or trouble, I wonder if an answer would really help. Jesus knew exactly why. And yet his heart was “troubled” – which, I suspect, is understatement by reason of translation. The purpose for which he came completely overwhelmed personal preference. Just as divine and earthly were united in him, so divine purpose fused with personal will: an impossible standard.
So do we give up? No need. The fusing of those heavenly and earthly wires brings a spectacular light, enough light for us to go by, enough light for all to go by – a light to draw all, and to send all out again. He must be ‘lifted up’ to let that light shine for all.
The availability of this light makes movement possible, and mandatory. It strikes me from verses 35-36 that the enemy of light is not so much darkness as inertia. Forget perfect plans, consensus, and lowest-common-denominator unity. You’ve got to move. Clarity comes to the spiritually mobile.
Prayer:
Lord, deliver me from the possibility of the nightmare that when you come again I will be in a meeting. Amen.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Letting Go to Live
John 12:20-26
Jesus seems to take the arrival of some Greeks as some kind of signal. Maybe reference to their more distant home triggers this announcement of what is to come, since Jesus has said that he came because of God’s love for the world.
In describing his dying to give way to greater life for many, he uses the word “hates.” Are we really supposed to hate our life in this world? I mean, he has also said he came that his sheep may have life to the full. And it can’t just be a matter of earthly life vs. heavenly life because he has spoken of eternal life, which begins the moment we believe. I think it’s a matter of exaggeration to make a point. He is talking primarily of his own impending sacrifice. That is, in comparison to what is to be gained with his sacrifice, it’s as if the life he is relinquishing is something to be hated. Speaking of hate in relation to visible life is a way of highlighting how stupendous is the life that is gained by letting go. As for us, we may need a strong antidote to our getting and clinging, “mine, mine” approach to life and living.
Prayer:
Lord, how full and rich life can be! On a beautiful sunny day with summer activities to look forward to, it is so jarring to even think of ‘hating’ this life. But I thank you for this and all reminders that life is to shared, and that often means letting go, giving things up, putting others first. And ultimately greater life means dying. And there are so many so close to that reality. Let me live out some little death and resurrection today. What could I give up today? In what way might I quietly set aside my selfishness, concede something, maybe not insist on being right, give way to another? Through Jesus who shares his grace. Amen.
Jesus seems to take the arrival of some Greeks as some kind of signal. Maybe reference to their more distant home triggers this announcement of what is to come, since Jesus has said that he came because of God’s love for the world.
In describing his dying to give way to greater life for many, he uses the word “hates.” Are we really supposed to hate our life in this world? I mean, he has also said he came that his sheep may have life to the full. And it can’t just be a matter of earthly life vs. heavenly life because he has spoken of eternal life, which begins the moment we believe. I think it’s a matter of exaggeration to make a point. He is talking primarily of his own impending sacrifice. That is, in comparison to what is to be gained with his sacrifice, it’s as if the life he is relinquishing is something to be hated. Speaking of hate in relation to visible life is a way of highlighting how stupendous is the life that is gained by letting go. As for us, we may need a strong antidote to our getting and clinging, “mine, mine” approach to life and living.
Prayer:
Lord, how full and rich life can be! On a beautiful sunny day with summer activities to look forward to, it is so jarring to even think of ‘hating’ this life. But I thank you for this and all reminders that life is to shared, and that often means letting go, giving things up, putting others first. And ultimately greater life means dying. And there are so many so close to that reality. Let me live out some little death and resurrection today. What could I give up today? In what way might I quietly set aside my selfishness, concede something, maybe not insist on being right, give way to another? Through Jesus who shares his grace. Amen.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
The Scene Within the Seen
John 12:9-19
A while ago the chief priest had made the comment that it would be necessary for one man to die to put things in order, in the view of the people who controlled things (John 11:50). Now it turns out it is two who need to die, both Jesus and Lazarus, since there is so much fuss over Lazarus. That’s the way it goes. Malicious thoughts and deeds have a way of expanding.
The disciples don’t understand what is happening through these events, but God nevertheless has built into this unfolding drama signs of hope, and things that will help the faithful see the significance of events as they look back.
Revelation 7:9 describes the great multitude in heaven before the throne of God with white robes and palm branches in their hands. God placed a sign of victory in the midst of these events. In addition, there is delicious irony in the exaggerated resentful complaint about the “whole world” going after Jesus (verse 19). In will turn out to be true in a way the speaker did not envision.
Prayer:
Why is it, Lord, that I can let one ill word that comes my way fill up my thoughts when there is so much good you are doing, and so many people who really want to do that good? Help us all see the hope and build on it, for you have great things in store for those who trust you. In Jesus. Amen.
A while ago the chief priest had made the comment that it would be necessary for one man to die to put things in order, in the view of the people who controlled things (John 11:50). Now it turns out it is two who need to die, both Jesus and Lazarus, since there is so much fuss over Lazarus. That’s the way it goes. Malicious thoughts and deeds have a way of expanding.
The disciples don’t understand what is happening through these events, but God nevertheless has built into this unfolding drama signs of hope, and things that will help the faithful see the significance of events as they look back.
Revelation 7:9 describes the great multitude in heaven before the throne of God with white robes and palm branches in their hands. God placed a sign of victory in the midst of these events. In addition, there is delicious irony in the exaggerated resentful complaint about the “whole world” going after Jesus (verse 19). In will turn out to be true in a way the speaker did not envision.
Prayer:
Why is it, Lord, that I can let one ill word that comes my way fill up my thoughts when there is so much good you are doing, and so many people who really want to do that good? Help us all see the hope and build on it, for you have great things in store for those who trust you. In Jesus. Amen.
Friday, May 19, 2006
WIN
John 12:1-8
The objection here missed the point, even if the objection had been genuine. If she had not poured this expensive perfume, the real-life alternative likely would not have been for Mary to sell it and give the proceeds to the poor, but to use it for herself, which is likely why she had it in the first place. She did what she could, she took the resources that she had, to show her humility and awe and gratitude toward Jesus for his priceless offering to her and all of humanity. Anyway, if we start by devotion to Jesus, we are also inescapably and gladly led to care for one another, since he died for all.
What do we do in response to Jesus’ self-offering to us?
Whatever you can do, do it.
Invest your all in it.
Now would be a really good time.
Prayer:
Lord, help me see something I have overlooked in offering to you. Let me give my all to you and your purposes, and not just sometime. Amen.
The objection here missed the point, even if the objection had been genuine. If she had not poured this expensive perfume, the real-life alternative likely would not have been for Mary to sell it and give the proceeds to the poor, but to use it for herself, which is likely why she had it in the first place. She did what she could, she took the resources that she had, to show her humility and awe and gratitude toward Jesus for his priceless offering to her and all of humanity. Anyway, if we start by devotion to Jesus, we are also inescapably and gladly led to care for one another, since he died for all.
What do we do in response to Jesus’ self-offering to us?
Whatever you can do, do it.
Invest your all in it.
Now would be a really good time.
Prayer:
Lord, help me see something I have overlooked in offering to you. Let me give my all to you and your purposes, and not just sometime. Amen.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Insistent Truth
John 11:45-57
The high priest spoke God’s truth without realizing what was coming out of his mouth. What he meant was they should kill Jesus in order to preserve the way things were, and particularly their place of privilege. He meant that it was worth one death, of this troublesome Jesus, in order to preserve the world they controlled. It is doubly ironic that he speaks “as high priest” (verse 51). You would expect him to speak God’s truth, and he does, though unwittingly.
What is the divine truth in his words? It is an echo of John 3:15-17. He will die in place of sheep of the fold of his birth-people and “other sheep” (John 10:15-16). In fact he came to seek the lost sheep, those who have no part in God’s family. The people of the flock around him, of whom the Pharisees are leaders, at least know the God of Abraham, and they have made much of that. But Jesus came to die for the whole world. The divine meaning placed in the words out of the high priest’s mouth have both a meaning and scope far beyond what he intended.
This is a sign that God can work through even forces that appear to be against him and his purposes, because he is already at work in those forces without them knowing. For those who love truth, there is always hope.
Truth will prevail.
Prayer:
God, your ways are astounding. You work in ways I could never imagine or dream of. Save me and all of us from our cleverness and pride. We know nothing in comparison to you. What we imagine to be good and important is puny compared to what you dream for us. We tackle only what we figure we can do and ignore what you can do in and through us. Transform my mind, will and character everyday to be more like your Son. In Him, Amen.
The high priest spoke God’s truth without realizing what was coming out of his mouth. What he meant was they should kill Jesus in order to preserve the way things were, and particularly their place of privilege. He meant that it was worth one death, of this troublesome Jesus, in order to preserve the world they controlled. It is doubly ironic that he speaks “as high priest” (verse 51). You would expect him to speak God’s truth, and he does, though unwittingly.
What is the divine truth in his words? It is an echo of John 3:15-17. He will die in place of sheep of the fold of his birth-people and “other sheep” (John 10:15-16). In fact he came to seek the lost sheep, those who have no part in God’s family. The people of the flock around him, of whom the Pharisees are leaders, at least know the God of Abraham, and they have made much of that. But Jesus came to die for the whole world. The divine meaning placed in the words out of the high priest’s mouth have both a meaning and scope far beyond what he intended.
This is a sign that God can work through even forces that appear to be against him and his purposes, because he is already at work in those forces without them knowing. For those who love truth, there is always hope.
Truth will prevail.
Prayer:
God, your ways are astounding. You work in ways I could never imagine or dream of. Save me and all of us from our cleverness and pride. We know nothing in comparison to you. What we imagine to be good and important is puny compared to what you dream for us. We tackle only what we figure we can do and ignore what you can do in and through us. Transform my mind, will and character everyday to be more like your Son. In Him, Amen.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Come Alive
John 11:38-44
That’s what so many of us are missing.
The prayer of Jesus in this section shows his passion for awakening faith. It is not only Lazarus who is being called out of a tomb. For those who would follow Jesus as his disciples, our life and ministry should serve as an open call to come out of tombs of despair, and experience the peace and joy of offering our loaned lives back to God in devotion to him and fearless service to others.
Prayer:
To feel fully alive, Lord, that’s what we your children yearn for, and we seek it in so many ways that do the opposite. I pause just to be aware of your presence. Then let me detect you in some circumstance around me or that I’m part of. You are seeking to call out what really makes for life in that, aren’t you? Help me respond, be part of the life you are calling forth, as you did in the beginning.
The presence and power of Jesus brings both future promise and present experience of new life. As reflected on yesterday, going to the grave has no power over the eternal life Jesus brings. The relationship he establishes is more powerful and enduring than physical death. Lazarus, though brought back to life, will still experience that greater resurrection, in Jesus. His physical rising points also to the power Jesus has to call us out of our present graves – those things that bind us and drag us down to a dull or destructive existence. In the previous chapter he talked about coming that we would have life “to the full” (John 10:10).
That’s what so many of us are missing.
The prayer of Jesus in this section shows his passion for awakening faith. It is not only Lazarus who is being called out of a tomb. For those who would follow Jesus as his disciples, our life and ministry should serve as an open call to come out of tombs of despair, and experience the peace and joy of offering our loaned lives back to God in devotion to him and fearless service to others.
Prayer:
To feel fully alive, Lord, that’s what we your children yearn for, and we seek it in so many ways that do the opposite. I pause just to be aware of your presence. Then let me detect you in some circumstance around me or that I’m part of. You are seeking to call out what really makes for life in that, aren’t you? Help me respond, be part of the life you are calling forth, as you did in the beginning.
Monday, May 15, 2006
From Beyond
John 11:17-37
The last verse of this section links the bringing of light to darkness, by recalling the giving of sight to the blind man described in chapter 9, to the life from death that is about to be displayed. The action that is about to take place illustrates what Jesus is as “life” just as the bringing of sight to the blind man showed his power and will to bring light – to those who would receive it.
To receive Jesus as “the resurrection and the life” is to gain life that will never be taken away. Even though we go to the grave, the grave has no power over the life we receive by being “born again” (chapter 3), meaning also (so the Greek scholars say), “born from above”. Jesus brings release from both present darkness and death that comes to all, with light and life that come from above. The spatial aspect need not be taken literally. It means from beyond ourselves, from a dimension other than what we immediately experience, from a God who is 'wholly other' as some theologians say, yet who has chosen also to be wholly with us.
Prayer:
I praise you, Jesus, for divine compassion and grace displayed, lived, and offered fully in and through you. May this precious offer and gift be valued and shared above all else. Amen.
The last verse of this section links the bringing of light to darkness, by recalling the giving of sight to the blind man described in chapter 9, to the life from death that is about to be displayed. The action that is about to take place illustrates what Jesus is as “life” just as the bringing of sight to the blind man showed his power and will to bring light – to those who would receive it.
To receive Jesus as “the resurrection and the life” is to gain life that will never be taken away. Even though we go to the grave, the grave has no power over the life we receive by being “born again” (chapter 3), meaning also (so the Greek scholars say), “born from above”. Jesus brings release from both present darkness and death that comes to all, with light and life that come from above. The spatial aspect need not be taken literally. It means from beyond ourselves, from a dimension other than what we immediately experience, from a God who is 'wholly other' as some theologians say, yet who has chosen also to be wholly with us.
Prayer:
I praise you, Jesus, for divine compassion and grace displayed, lived, and offered fully in and through you. May this precious offer and gift be valued and shared above all else. Amen.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Rising in Time
John 11:1-16
Jesus is shown as one who has personal friends, pals. There are people he feels personal connection with, has affection for. He doesn’t just love them; he likes them. There are people he just likes to hang out with. So it’s strange when he stayed where he was two more days, after being told Lazarus, evidently a special friend, was sick. What he says shows it’s not that he didn’t understand how serious it was, and given who he is we can’t really think he wouldn’t know. Is what he says insensitive? Like, letting it go a while will make what he does all the more impressive?
I’ll set that aside for now and look on to where he says, OK let’s go. The disciples do a double take at this because it means going back to Judea, where they wanted to stone him. Jesus answers with a saying about light in the day (which was divided into 12 equal parts, or “hours,” regardless of the time of year). The saying probably means that the disciples can be assured they will be OK because they will be with Jesus, the light.
Jesus goes on to tell the disciples that Lazarus has fallen asleep, but Jesus is going to wake him. In a kind of “That’s good/that’s bad” routine the disciples say, great, the rest will help him get better. Jesus then tells them that Lazarus has died, and that he is glad he wasn’t there so that they disciples may believe.
It would be interesting to know the tone of voice Thomas used when he said. “Let’s go so we can die with him.” Was it brave resolve, or was it like, “Oh sure, we might as well all go get ourselves killed.”?
Back to the question about why the delay. Jesus was no outfielder taking his time to make his flying-leap catch all the more spectacular. I think the delay is related to something we’ve seen before. Jesus does things – to our perplexity maybe – in his time, and not according to human agendas. We saw it with his mom in John 2:3-4; we saw it with his brothers at John 7:3. Maybe it’s also tied in somehow with people not being able to kill Jesus until the divinely appointed time for that. It’s a very difficult lesson for us in real life, so maybe in some way it is fitting that stories that convey it are difficult to deal with: God’s timing is not our timing, but it works out better for us than any way we would have planned.
There’s more to come on the raising of Lazarus, which takes up most of chapter 11.
Prayer:
Lord, there are things I want to see happen right now. But if the things I want are according to your purpose it will take you to do them. Forbid that I or any of us would delay when there is a need we can meet. Forbid that your doing of things means I sit around and wait for them to happen. But doing all I can with all my strength and with all the resources you provide, especially working with others and in prayer, give me patience for the result. You can and do raise and lift up, and your light brings life, in our personal circumstances and in our life together. Amen.
Jesus is shown as one who has personal friends, pals. There are people he feels personal connection with, has affection for. He doesn’t just love them; he likes them. There are people he just likes to hang out with. So it’s strange when he stayed where he was two more days, after being told Lazarus, evidently a special friend, was sick. What he says shows it’s not that he didn’t understand how serious it was, and given who he is we can’t really think he wouldn’t know. Is what he says insensitive? Like, letting it go a while will make what he does all the more impressive?
I’ll set that aside for now and look on to where he says, OK let’s go. The disciples do a double take at this because it means going back to Judea, where they wanted to stone him. Jesus answers with a saying about light in the day (which was divided into 12 equal parts, or “hours,” regardless of the time of year). The saying probably means that the disciples can be assured they will be OK because they will be with Jesus, the light.
Jesus goes on to tell the disciples that Lazarus has fallen asleep, but Jesus is going to wake him. In a kind of “That’s good/that’s bad” routine the disciples say, great, the rest will help him get better. Jesus then tells them that Lazarus has died, and that he is glad he wasn’t there so that they disciples may believe.
It would be interesting to know the tone of voice Thomas used when he said. “Let’s go so we can die with him.” Was it brave resolve, or was it like, “Oh sure, we might as well all go get ourselves killed.”?
Back to the question about why the delay. Jesus was no outfielder taking his time to make his flying-leap catch all the more spectacular. I think the delay is related to something we’ve seen before. Jesus does things – to our perplexity maybe – in his time, and not according to human agendas. We saw it with his mom in John 2:3-4; we saw it with his brothers at John 7:3. Maybe it’s also tied in somehow with people not being able to kill Jesus until the divinely appointed time for that. It’s a very difficult lesson for us in real life, so maybe in some way it is fitting that stories that convey it are difficult to deal with: God’s timing is not our timing, but it works out better for us than any way we would have planned.
There’s more to come on the raising of Lazarus, which takes up most of chapter 11.
Prayer:
Lord, there are things I want to see happen right now. But if the things I want are according to your purpose it will take you to do them. Forbid that I or any of us would delay when there is a need we can meet. Forbid that your doing of things means I sit around and wait for them to happen. But doing all I can with all my strength and with all the resources you provide, especially working with others and in prayer, give me patience for the result. You can and do raise and lift up, and your light brings life, in our personal circumstances and in our life together. Amen.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
On Being Signs
John 10:31-42
Jesus tells his opponents here that even if they don’t like him, the works he does (verse 38) should lead them to know (a coming to know) and understand (a taking within in an ongoing way) that he and the Father are one. As we’ve seen before, however, they have put up a defense against truth. But then Jesus goes to the other side of the Jordan, away from the religious centre of things, where people recall John the Baptist’s ministry and believe in him.
John’s role was to point to Jesus, faith came because of contact with Jesus. In a territory with all the religious background that pointed to Jesus, he was rejected. In the more primitive territory to the east of Jordan, people saw and accepted the truth. This chapter concludes with a contrast consistent with the theme of the previous chapter, where sighted people didn't see truth and a blind man encountered Jesus in Jesus' role of bringing light and the man grew in knowledge of him.
The main point to be taken from this whole section of John, I think, isn’t to dwell on distinctions between people. Jesus, after all, died for the whole world and wants all to be saved. The point is that there is no particular background or experience or religious practice or anything that is a prior “in” with God. Knowledge and tradition and religious heritage are only impediments if we let them be, if we make idols of them, if they replace God instead of pointing to him. That can happen with new practices as easily as older ones. If we say a worship song or prayer or play or message was good, it should never be to the exclusion of saying, “What a great God,” and knowing and serving him more truly, and recognizing his current works among us.
Prayer:
Let me see the works you are doing today, Jesus. Help us all to know your presence, and to worship you with all our heart, mind and strength in our lives and when we come together. And let all our ways of expressing you be less about the media and more about the message. Amen.
Jesus tells his opponents here that even if they don’t like him, the works he does (verse 38) should lead them to know (a coming to know) and understand (a taking within in an ongoing way) that he and the Father are one. As we’ve seen before, however, they have put up a defense against truth. But then Jesus goes to the other side of the Jordan, away from the religious centre of things, where people recall John the Baptist’s ministry and believe in him.
John’s role was to point to Jesus, faith came because of contact with Jesus. In a territory with all the religious background that pointed to Jesus, he was rejected. In the more primitive territory to the east of Jordan, people saw and accepted the truth. This chapter concludes with a contrast consistent with the theme of the previous chapter, where sighted people didn't see truth and a blind man encountered Jesus in Jesus' role of bringing light and the man grew in knowledge of him.
The main point to be taken from this whole section of John, I think, isn’t to dwell on distinctions between people. Jesus, after all, died for the whole world and wants all to be saved. The point is that there is no particular background or experience or religious practice or anything that is a prior “in” with God. Knowledge and tradition and religious heritage are only impediments if we let them be, if we make idols of them, if they replace God instead of pointing to him. That can happen with new practices as easily as older ones. If we say a worship song or prayer or play or message was good, it should never be to the exclusion of saying, “What a great God,” and knowing and serving him more truly, and recognizing his current works among us.
Prayer:
Let me see the works you are doing today, Jesus. Help us all to know your presence, and to worship you with all our heart, mind and strength in our lives and when we come together. And let all our ways of expressing you be less about the media and more about the message. Amen.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Certainty and Freedom
John 10:22-30
I agree with the comment that has been made about where we put our focus when there is truth and lies, light and darkness. It is on the truth and the light. The sheep need to warned that there are forces that would try to convince us that God is not real or not really in charge and also loving and so forth. Or how could he love me when I’ve done or failed to do this or that? I get the sense that this whole chapter is leading to verses 29-30. This is what we’re to “get.” Jesus has talked before about his oneness with the Father, that everything he does and says and is has to do with his coming from the Father and his union with the Father, that those who belong to Jesus are given to him by the Father (we are gifts as well as being gifted). Nothing can take away the relationship of the sheep with the Shepherd because it is the Shepherd who establishes the relationship, enables the response and nourishes the relationship, with even greater things in store. In what is yet to come in the Gospel there will be more about the responsibility given to those given to Jesus by the Father. We can freely and joyfully serve and love God and our fellow sheep when we know we are secure in the love of the Shepherd.
Prayer:
Jesus, you are the Word who continues to create new life, the Light who enables us to recognize it, and the Spirit who empowers us to live it. Help us en-joy it. Amen.
I agree with the comment that has been made about where we put our focus when there is truth and lies, light and darkness. It is on the truth and the light. The sheep need to warned that there are forces that would try to convince us that God is not real or not really in charge and also loving and so forth. Or how could he love me when I’ve done or failed to do this or that? I get the sense that this whole chapter is leading to verses 29-30. This is what we’re to “get.” Jesus has talked before about his oneness with the Father, that everything he does and says and is has to do with his coming from the Father and his union with the Father, that those who belong to Jesus are given to him by the Father (we are gifts as well as being gifted). Nothing can take away the relationship of the sheep with the Shepherd because it is the Shepherd who establishes the relationship, enables the response and nourishes the relationship, with even greater things in store. In what is yet to come in the Gospel there will be more about the responsibility given to those given to Jesus by the Father. We can freely and joyfully serve and love God and our fellow sheep when we know we are secure in the love of the Shepherd.
Prayer:
Jesus, you are the Word who continues to create new life, the Light who enables us to recognize it, and the Spirit who empowers us to live it. Help us en-joy it. Amen.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Brought Sheep
John 10:11-21
Jesus isn’t just a good shepherd, but The Good Shepherd. I wonder how the notion of a shepherd who actually lays down his life for the sheep would have been taken. It suspect it would be assumed that a shepherd should not be like the ‘hireling’ who doesn’t really care for the sheep so that they would know his voice and follow him. But lay down your life for the sheep? And if you did lay down your life for any of the sheep, the whole flock would be shepherdless, which, I suspect, would be disastrous. In contrast, Jesus brings life to the human sheep by laying down his life.
It is of utmost concern (“must,” verse 16) to bring sheep who are not of the fold, with the very purpose that they will be one flock. By now the parallels are breaking down, so that by verse 17 Jesus is just talking about “my Father” and his purpose in coming – for the very purpose of laying down his life for the sheep.
There are lambs born into a flock of sheep. But no one is born into Jesus’ human flock. All who are part of Jesus’ flock have been brought. The unity of the flock is entirely in the action of the shepherd who does the bringing. The one thing we have in common is that we have all been brought – something we either forget about very quickly or overlook altogether when we talk about the older and newer people in Jesus’ flock.
Prayer:
Jesus, you alone are the Good Shepherd. You know what is best for all your sheep. Help me and all of us focus on your desire for the sheep to know what is best for us. Help those of us who are fifth-level sub-divisional shepherds to know that we also are sheep and need your care, direction, feeding, and the fellowship of other sheep. Amen.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Through the Gate
John 10:1-10
Earlier in John’s Gospel we find Jesus describing himself as the bread of life and the water of life. Here those who go through the gate that is Jesus find pasture.
There are those like the thieves and robbers described here who do not have the best interest of the sheep in mind. Last week at The Life Worth Living group at Knox there was discussion about the tainted flavour to the words “evangelical” or “evangelism” because of “evangelical” TV preachers who have seemed to have more interest in money than the well being of their TV flock. It was further expressed that such a “flock” has no chance for any sense of community except for a common one-way connection to the preacher.
Reminder to the preacher/teacher: Authentic Christian teaching and preaching can take no short cuts around the Gate. What such preaching/teaching will do is serve to grow the experience of mutual love between Jesus and his people (I emphasize “experience” since the love from Jesus is of course already fully there), and the people one for another in that love that first comes from God.
Prayer:
Lord, humble me with joy at the privilege of being a sub-shepherd. Amen.
Earlier in John’s Gospel we find Jesus describing himself as the bread of life and the water of life. Here those who go through the gate that is Jesus find pasture.
There are those like the thieves and robbers described here who do not have the best interest of the sheep in mind. Last week at The Life Worth Living group at Knox there was discussion about the tainted flavour to the words “evangelical” or “evangelism” because of “evangelical” TV preachers who have seemed to have more interest in money than the well being of their TV flock. It was further expressed that such a “flock” has no chance for any sense of community except for a common one-way connection to the preacher.
Reminder to the preacher/teacher: Authentic Christian teaching and preaching can take no short cuts around the Gate. What such preaching/teaching will do is serve to grow the experience of mutual love between Jesus and his people (I emphasize “experience” since the love from Jesus is of course already fully there), and the people one for another in that love that first comes from God.
Prayer:
Lord, humble me with joy at the privilege of being a sub-shepherd. Amen.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
The Light in Action
John 9
At this point Jesus has said, “I am the light of the world” (8:12). Then there appeared a darkness actively to oppose the light (8:42-47). Now Jesus acts out the victory of light over darkness, and an opposing force rises in parallel to the sharing of that victory.
After receiving his sight, the man who was blind says things that show an increasing understanding of who Jesus is. In response to successive questioning he calls him:
“the man they call Jesus” (verse 11)
“a prophet” (verse 17)
“from God” (verse 33)
And then, to Jesus,
“Lord, I believe” (verse 38)
Meanwhile, the religious leaders are becoming more determined, not only not to see what a (recently) blind guy sees, but to put forth the opposite of what he has been given spiritual sight to see. At first they seem at least willing to accept the fact of the healing (verse 15), but things deteriorate to the point they have no interest in seeing what the truth is, and, as legal experts, resort to attacking the primary witness to this event (verse 34).
The guy who was blind is the one who sees, and the ones who insisted they understood everything resist and oppose truth. There are two movements going in opposite directions here. The more faith increases, the more opposition rises up.
It still happens. New believers can experience attack in one form or other. So can faith communities that make a special point of fostering new belief. The more intentional we are in following God’s purposes for his church, the more there will be forces at work trying to confuse and distort things, to try to poison the special thing that is happening.
But there is really no contest. Light and truth will prevail. And those who have received sight just keep on pointing to what has happened to them, celebrating in joy the author of life, light, and truth.
Prayer:
Lord, breathe your Spirit into all my senses. Order my thoughts according to your purposes. Shape my will to look more like your love. Increase and direct my energies to just let your light shine. Through Jesus. Amen.
At this point Jesus has said, “I am the light of the world” (8:12). Then there appeared a darkness actively to oppose the light (8:42-47). Now Jesus acts out the victory of light over darkness, and an opposing force rises in parallel to the sharing of that victory.
After receiving his sight, the man who was blind says things that show an increasing understanding of who Jesus is. In response to successive questioning he calls him:
“the man they call Jesus” (verse 11)
“a prophet” (verse 17)
“from God” (verse 33)
And then, to Jesus,
“Lord, I believe” (verse 38)
Meanwhile, the religious leaders are becoming more determined, not only not to see what a (recently) blind guy sees, but to put forth the opposite of what he has been given spiritual sight to see. At first they seem at least willing to accept the fact of the healing (verse 15), but things deteriorate to the point they have no interest in seeing what the truth is, and, as legal experts, resort to attacking the primary witness to this event (verse 34).
The guy who was blind is the one who sees, and the ones who insisted they understood everything resist and oppose truth. There are two movements going in opposite directions here. The more faith increases, the more opposition rises up.
It still happens. New believers can experience attack in one form or other. So can faith communities that make a special point of fostering new belief. The more intentional we are in following God’s purposes for his church, the more there will be forces at work trying to confuse and distort things, to try to poison the special thing that is happening.
But there is really no contest. Light and truth will prevail. And those who have received sight just keep on pointing to what has happened to them, celebrating in joy the author of life, light, and truth.
Prayer:
Lord, breathe your Spirit into all my senses. Order my thoughts according to your purposes. Shape my will to look more like your love. Increase and direct my energies to just let your light shine. Through Jesus. Amen.
Friday, May 05, 2006
The Generator
John 9:1-7
You don’t find instances of sight to the blind in the Old Testament, and not much in the New Testament, except by Jesus. The Old Testament points to a reason for that: bringing of sight to the blind would be a sign of the presence of the Messiah.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Isaiah 35:5
In the bringing of sight recorded here, Jesus dismissed the common assumption connecting physical circumstances with sin by saying the man was born blind so that the work of God would be seen in his life. One aspect of that work of God could be seen as the manifestation of the presence of the Messiah. But that’s just the beginning. It is now given – He says, “We must” work while it is light – for those who have life in Jesus to be lamps of transforming light in the darkness. John makes a point of indicating the meaning of the name of the pool the man is sent to wash in – “sent”. Is this another real event that is also a sign of meaning for the Christian life (like the multiplication of loaves and fish)?
As the Father sent Jesus to bring sight to the blind, so now Jesus sends his followers to let God’s everyday work of transformation be what we’re about, bringing miracles of further transformation through things like compassion, forgiveness, and hope – miraculous rays of light, considering how profound the darkness can be.
O God, how you honour me! There is so much transforming yet to be done in me and yet you call me to be light. So there must be light given not just as a result but in the very transforming. How that light must increase as we bring together our lives as they are being transformed! May it ever more be so. Because of the Light who is Jesus. Amen.
You don’t find instances of sight to the blind in the Old Testament, and not much in the New Testament, except by Jesus. The Old Testament points to a reason for that: bringing of sight to the blind would be a sign of the presence of the Messiah.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Isaiah 35:5
In the bringing of sight recorded here, Jesus dismissed the common assumption connecting physical circumstances with sin by saying the man was born blind so that the work of God would be seen in his life. One aspect of that work of God could be seen as the manifestation of the presence of the Messiah. But that’s just the beginning. It is now given – He says, “We must” work while it is light – for those who have life in Jesus to be lamps of transforming light in the darkness. John makes a point of indicating the meaning of the name of the pool the man is sent to wash in – “sent”. Is this another real event that is also a sign of meaning for the Christian life (like the multiplication of loaves and fish)?
As the Father sent Jesus to bring sight to the blind, so now Jesus sends his followers to let God’s everyday work of transformation be what we’re about, bringing miracles of further transformation through things like compassion, forgiveness, and hope – miraculous rays of light, considering how profound the darkness can be.
O God, how you honour me! There is so much transforming yet to be done in me and yet you call me to be light. So there must be light given not just as a result but in the very transforming. How that light must increase as we bring together our lives as they are being transformed! May it ever more be so. Because of the Light who is Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Keep the Word
John 8:48-59
It seems from this passage there is a lot to be said for keeping the Word. I like to think I can be counted on to 'keep my word,' although I know I haven’t always done that. How much tougher is it to keep God’s Word? What does that mean anyway - especially when in John so far the Word is also synonymous with truth and light? Not to be irreverent but it sounds to me like keeping a tiger. You know that thing has more power than you. When reflecting on a positive Christian response to The Da Vinci Code I was led to the observation (certainly not original with me) that we don’t so much address the Word as it addresses us; we don’t validate Scripture but rather it tells the story of a God who is seeking earnestly, insistently, and in a way that defines love – to validate us.
Keeping God’s Word, I guess, is to have it/Him as the light in the lantern of my worldly life, or something like that. I mean, keeping the Word – especially seeing how it looks as I try to live it – will help me see things for what they are, including the person replacing the old me. Keeping the Word means not keeping my self.
Prayer:
God, everything around me seems to work against what you teach. Everyone is bent on polishing their image, posturing, networking, connecting, self-promoting, forming alliances; how tedious. Turn my head to your kingdom to seek it first, keeping your Word, so each other thing will take its rightful place, if it has one. Through Christ. Amen.
It seems from this passage there is a lot to be said for keeping the Word. I like to think I can be counted on to 'keep my word,' although I know I haven’t always done that. How much tougher is it to keep God’s Word? What does that mean anyway - especially when in John so far the Word is also synonymous with truth and light? Not to be irreverent but it sounds to me like keeping a tiger. You know that thing has more power than you. When reflecting on a positive Christian response to The Da Vinci Code I was led to the observation (certainly not original with me) that we don’t so much address the Word as it addresses us; we don’t validate Scripture but rather it tells the story of a God who is seeking earnestly, insistently, and in a way that defines love – to validate us.
Keeping God’s Word, I guess, is to have it/Him as the light in the lantern of my worldly life, or something like that. I mean, keeping the Word – especially seeing how it looks as I try to live it – will help me see things for what they are, including the person replacing the old me. Keeping the Word means not keeping my self.
Prayer:
God, everything around me seems to work against what you teach. Everyone is bent on polishing their image, posturing, networking, connecting, self-promoting, forming alliances; how tedious. Turn my head to your kingdom to seek it first, keeping your Word, so each other thing will take its rightful place, if it has one. Through Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
The Truth and the Lie
John 8:42-47
“Because?” Why “because?” Jesus says (verse 45) “Because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!” Why not, “although?” And is the emphasis after that on the “I” or “the truth”? At any rate, the best sense I can make of that is that whatever is opposed to Jesus is dynamically opposed. In other words, the more truth comes forward, the more untruth will be active as well. And just as there are not just specific examples of truth but an underlying, all-encompassing truth, so this would suggest there are not just specific instances of lies, deception, and pot-shots against truth, and those who follow truth, but an enemy, Satan, a personal power on a seek and destroy mission against God’s reign. That power succeeded in using people to kill Jesus of Nazareth, but the God who sent him and who validated him as truth, raised him up in a new, indestructible form.
This Scripture and this line of thought will be the basis for a new message series starting May 21. I paste here my initial sketch of that...
What Is Truth?
“What is truth?,” Pilate asked Jesus (John 18:38).
Is that the same as asking, what is the truth?
To ask, “What is truth?” without the definite article suggests that there are not just truths about specific things but truth as a principle, a reality, an underlying premise to our lives.
What if that underlying truth is, “I know I matter because God wants a relationship with me”?
What happens to this premise … what happens to prevent it from forming .. or what happens to form it … as specific issues and circumstances arise? Such as:
Can we know the truth about big things that affect us though we can’t seem to do anything about them?
Am I a cog in a machine in my work? Or, shudder to think, in my church? in my family?
There have to be some places where we can be sure we are more than a cog, and we can experience the truth that we matter because God wants a relationship with us. How is that realized? How can we help one another realize it? Can we then work outward to some of these bigger things through a new prophetic role for Christians in the world, along the lines of part of my Easter talk that we need to effect change not just cope with it?
And, is there a power that increases with our seeking and doing truth? If so, what does that mean for the above?
Help me prepare this with your questions and thoughts, photos, music, whatever.
“Because?” Why “because?” Jesus says (verse 45) “Because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!” Why not, “although?” And is the emphasis after that on the “I” or “the truth”? At any rate, the best sense I can make of that is that whatever is opposed to Jesus is dynamically opposed. In other words, the more truth comes forward, the more untruth will be active as well. And just as there are not just specific examples of truth but an underlying, all-encompassing truth, so this would suggest there are not just specific instances of lies, deception, and pot-shots against truth, and those who follow truth, but an enemy, Satan, a personal power on a seek and destroy mission against God’s reign. That power succeeded in using people to kill Jesus of Nazareth, but the God who sent him and who validated him as truth, raised him up in a new, indestructible form.
This Scripture and this line of thought will be the basis for a new message series starting May 21. I paste here my initial sketch of that...
What Is Truth?
“What is truth?,” Pilate asked Jesus (John 18:38).
Is that the same as asking, what is the truth?
To ask, “What is truth?” without the definite article suggests that there are not just truths about specific things but truth as a principle, a reality, an underlying premise to our lives.
What if that underlying truth is, “I know I matter because God wants a relationship with me”?
What happens to this premise … what happens to prevent it from forming .. or what happens to form it … as specific issues and circumstances arise? Such as:
- Crises in relationships – separation, bereavement …
- Crises in work – new work, changing work, termination …
Can we know the truth about big things that affect us though we can’t seem to do anything about them?
- Gas prices
- Why is the U.S. in Iraq?
Am I a cog in a machine in my work? Or, shudder to think, in my church? in my family?
There have to be some places where we can be sure we are more than a cog, and we can experience the truth that we matter because God wants a relationship with us. How is that realized? How can we help one another realize it? Can we then work outward to some of these bigger things through a new prophetic role for Christians in the world, along the lines of part of my Easter talk that we need to effect change not just cope with it?
And, is there a power that increases with our seeking and doing truth? If so, what does that mean for the above?
Help me prepare this with your questions and thoughts, photos, music, whatever.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Father Abraham
John 8:31-41
The identification of Abraham as father goes back to God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to the whole world (Genesis 22:17-18). In time, the responsibility that went with this was crowded out by a sense of entitlement. That’s not to pick on Israel; it is an entirely human reaction. Against an attitude of entitlement, John the Baptist observed that God could make a new generation of Abraham’s descendants from the stones (Matthew 3:9). Tragically and horrifically, ensuing centuries have seen reaction against the literal children of Abraham go way over to another side altogether.
The point is anyone can be a spiritual child of Abraham. Anyone can receive the promise and purpose of God in faith – going forth into new territory in his service without knowing the details of how things will work out. When we truly live in the Word we never know where that may take us. Abiding in the Word is what really matters. The stress in the present passage is on doing works that are evidence of that life in the Word of promise.
Prayer:
God of Abraham, where are you taking me today? I don’t know. I have my plans; you can change them. I have my stuff; you can take it all away. I do the occasional good thing; who is really the author? I have my life – you grant to me to be steward of this journey. Thank you. Amen.
The identification of Abraham as father goes back to God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to the whole world (Genesis 22:17-18). In time, the responsibility that went with this was crowded out by a sense of entitlement. That’s not to pick on Israel; it is an entirely human reaction. Against an attitude of entitlement, John the Baptist observed that God could make a new generation of Abraham’s descendants from the stones (Matthew 3:9). Tragically and horrifically, ensuing centuries have seen reaction against the literal children of Abraham go way over to another side altogether.
The point is anyone can be a spiritual child of Abraham. Anyone can receive the promise and purpose of God in faith – going forth into new territory in his service without knowing the details of how things will work out. When we truly live in the Word we never know where that may take us. Abiding in the Word is what really matters. The stress in the present passage is on doing works that are evidence of that life in the Word of promise.
Prayer:
God of Abraham, where are you taking me today? I don’t know. I have my plans; you can change them. I have my stuff; you can take it all away. I do the occasional good thing; who is really the author? I have my life – you grant to me to be steward of this journey. Thank you. Amen.
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