John 7:25-30
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In today’s reading, Jesus is interacting with regular people rather than the religious leaders. As you read John 7:25-30 keep in mind that Jesus went to Jerusalem during the Festival of Shelters and taught openly even though he knew the religious leaders were intent on putting an end to him.
It seems the people of Jerusalem are feeling favorably toward Jesus, but they can’t get past one idea. They have a belief that the Messiah, the one who will come to deliver them from oppression, will simply appear out of nowhere. The problem with this idea is that it is nowhere to be found in the Old Testament Scriptures. John doesn’t even seem to think the erroneous belief is worth explaining – he simply states it and moves on.
The Messiah is standing right in their midst, but the people are tripped up by their faulty expectations.
Stop to consider your own expectations of Jesus or your pre-conceived beliefs about him. You may have been taught certain things about Jesus, or you may have developed ideas or beliefs along the way. Is it possible that one or more of your beliefs about Jesus might be faulty?
Is it possible that you might be missing something about Jesus as long as you hold to a faulty belief?
Talk honestly with Jesus about anything you are thinking or feeling right now.
Read John 7:25-30 again noting Jesus’ bold words about his origins.
When taken at his word, Jesus is a polarizing figure. C.S. Lewis pointed out that it is impossible to say that Jesus was a good or moral person unless you believe that he is who he says he is.
In this passage Jesus boldly states that he is intimately familiar with God and that his origins are from God. And then to underscore the truth of these statements, the religious leaders find themselves powerless to lay a finger on Jesus. As Lewis said, “This man we are talking about either was (and is) just what He said or else a lunatic, or something worse.”
Take a moment to get still and sit in the presence of Jesus.
When you feel centered, consider this question: Do you want to know Jesus for who he really is even if it means you will have to alter or discard some of your previous beliefs about him?
Sit with this question for moment. Then openly discuss it with Jesus.
If during this time of reflection you have sensed Jesus leading you to some kind of action, write down what you sense and take a step in that direction now.
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