John 7: 1-24
This takes place during the Feast of Tabernacles, which was held to remind the people of the time when they had lived in temporary shelters in the wilderness, and was also the time to rejoice after the harvest.
The disputes and divisions that Jesus’ teaching is causing troubles even the members of his own family, who turn against him. They don’t believe him at this time. People are confused and those who do believe are afraid to speak up. What none of them can escape is the quality of his teaching, which Jesus says is because it is God’s message. Those who do God’s will have the discernment to know its truth. Jesus is not known to have studied under a rabbi, and to put forward your own teaching would be viewed as suspect, but Jesus’ teaching comes from God. He then challenges those that only want glory for themselves and who don’t fully obey the Law of Moses. This is the very Law they criticised him for not keeping when he healed the lame man on the Sabbath. To judge correctly they need to look more deeply. This is a challenge to us today. In a world full of fake news, sound bites and angry social media we need to reject that which is shallow and pursue truth. It is easy for religion to become the mindless following of rules in order to meet expectations rather than be the pursuit of a relationship with the God of the universe.
Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.
Hello Ali
I am really enjoying your views of johns gospel for lent . I always find it helpful for my own development reading other people’s views on the bible and of course to spend more time thinking about Jesus which is what this time of year for me is all about .
I felt I had to comment no todays blog because it is very relevant to my feelings which I battle with a bit regarding the journalism ( if that’s what you can call it now ) and fabrication of truth from people of influence. The world is hard enough to navigate today without these and surly only God and his word can be trusted for information. We don’t possess the power the almighty has to see into someone’s heart or their true intention but by their fruit you will know them is a very good starting point . We must all forgive but not forgetting will mean We will not be fooled again . Let’s pray more and more people find the light of God then the peddlers of lies and self service will find no more People who listen . Trust in god first and above all else , it’s a good antidote .
Thankyou for your time writing this blog it’s very much appreciated.
God be with you
🙏🏼❤️
Hi Mark
I’m glad the readings are of value to you, the Word of God is so important. It gives us wisdom but also gives us comfort, courage and strength when we need it. I think you are right that we do need the insight and wisdom that the Word and the Spirit can give us as we navigate a very fractured world where so much that is false is peddled for financial gain. Sadly these days we can’t assume that what we are reading or listening to is truth, but God can show us.
God bless you