It is amazing to me how quickly the person of Jesus divides. We are only 7 chapters in and lynch mobs are already being formed and in operation. Brothers don't believe in Him. Jewish leaders want to kill Him. The Jewish population is generally divided.
How often do we covet “good press". He's a good bloke. She's really nice. They are of excellent character.
Poor Jesus has done some miracles, cared for people and done some preaching. Let's kill Him they all cry.
What the???
If a servant suffers what a master suffers let us embrace what that will mean for us. If I am truly like my master I might well suffer from more then bad press.
I am reminded of what Simeon said to Mary in Luke 2: 27 to 35
Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed--and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
We worship one who divides. We follow one who divides.
It is the confronting nature of His love that divides; not arrogance or pride like us fallen ones.
But, this love still demands a response and that response is not always kind; as Jesus experienced even from His own brothers.
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
3 comments:
Nicely put Richardo. It seems that there are many bretheren thinking on the same thing. Here is a thought from an Byzantine Orthodox website called "Philip's Fast"... "But you", He said, "Who do you say that I am?" Then Simon Peter spoke up, "You are the Christ," he said, "the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:15,16
"Who do you say that I am?" Was there ever such a penetrating question? Our answer to this question reveals not only who we think Christ is, but also who we are. Many of those who first heard Jesus ask this question were men and women of the Law. This is why they thought Jesus only a prophet. But Simon Peter could truly see Jesus for Who He Is. In his answer Peter revealed himself to be a man of God.
What of our answers to the question of Jesus? What do our answers say about us? Are we men and women filled with the Holy Spirit? One of the most ancient titles Christians give themselves was "Christ-bearers." From the very first we have been aware that we are called "to bear the mysteries of God," to bear Christ to the world. As we prepare to greet Christ in His Nativity and His Baptism in the Jordan, we should look to our life. Do we bear Christ in all of our life, or only in those parts of our life we consider "religious" or "spiritual"?
May our life during this season bear witness to the reality that "Christ is among us!" May our life answer that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Excellent post Rich!!
"We follow one who divides.
It is the confronting nature of his love that divides.
If a servant suffers what a master suffers let us embrace what that will mean for us."
It's interesting that in verse 7 Jesus says that the world hates him because he testifys that what it does is evil.
The nature of Jesus being the light of the world (referred to in the next chapter) is that light exposes. If you don't mind coming into the light and being seen for who you are then this is a liberating experience. But if you don't want your evil deeds exposed then the light is terrifying!!
Amen Andrew. As I realizing more and more John is all about light and peoples response to it...
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