John 8:12-30
The gospel lesson from last Sunday talked about the second miracle or sign from Jesus, which was the healing of a child. What caught my attention is that it took some time for the parent to put together the timeline and believe what had happened. He believed what Jesus had told him but had to verify it upon his return to his son. While reading the book of John in recent weeks, we’ve learned that even though it’s been difficult for some people to believe in Jesus, that did not deter Jesus from preaching and teaching. Many people did not believe what they could not see and Jesus was very meticulous when choosing when to show himself through these signs or miraculous acts. That mindset carries on today. I know I personally have used the phrase, “I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t see it!” Why do you think that is? We believe a shampoo, candy bar, or life insurance policy is the right thing to buy because a commercial or ad on social media tells us so, but still struggle at times to believe in the teachings of Jesus.
In today’s lesson, these verses from John, Chapter 8 stand out to me: 15 You judge by human standards; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid, for it is not I alone who judge but I and the Father who sent me. John 8:15-16 (NRSVUE) Two very powerful verses that we are ignoring as days go by. I don’t know if people seem quicker to judgment than in the past or that there are just so many more avenues to share and be influenced by that judgment. Instead of only local coffee shops, rural party lines, sidelines at ball games, or family gatherings, now we also add talk radio, a million TV and streaming options and the Internet, where so many are experts and influencers. There’s fuel for every fire, and that’s a shame!
Thank goodness that Jesus reminds us in verse 12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” As we approach the season of Lent next week, and really begin to hone in on walking to the cross with Jesus, consider choosing to give up or take a step back from some of those “sources” of information. Instead, hang your hat on the teachings of Jesus, do your best at whatever role you play in the lives of others and consider that your negative judgment of others is a waste of time. The only judgment that matters is that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
Questions for Reflection:
- Why do we struggle to believe what we cannot see?
- Why are we so quick to judge and slow to listen and learn?
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As we walk to the cross with you these next few weeks, guide us to rest our minds, open our hearts and leave any judgement to you.
Amen
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