John 18:28-32
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.
Read John 18:28-32 noticing the inconsistencies in the behavior of Jesus’ accusers.
For several decades before Jesus was born, the nation of Israel had been occupied by the brutal, heavy-handed Romans. Rome kept the Jews under control through censuses, taxation and deadly retribution which was meted out swiftly at the first sign of revolt. The Israelites were, in essence, slaves to the Romans.
But here we see the very religious leaders of the Israelites handing a fellow Jew over to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, without presenting their case against Jesus. Their hypocrisy is blatant. They cling to their religious laws about purity while at the same time ignoring their laws about legal accusations.
Take a moment to consider your own faith journey and beliefs. Are you willing to consider that you might have some faulty beliefs or some contradictory behaviors that stem from your religious assumptions? Discuss this with Jesus for a moment.
Read John 18:28-32 again noticing anything different that stands out in this reading.
It is difficult to question a system that benefits us. When we are in an elevated or privileged position as compared to someone else, it is easy to dismiss those less privileged as less deserving or less worthy.
These religious leaders, although subject to Rome like everyone else in Israel, were privileged because of their position. Their refusal to question their beliefs and behaviors led them to betray the very author of the faith they claimed.
For the last minutes of this time of reflection, get still in the presence of Jesus. Consider praying the words of David in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Then simply listen to the Spirit of Jesus.
In the silence you may sense that Jesus is speaking to you and leading you toward an action of some kind. If so, what will you do about that before you move on with your day?
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