There's Jesus Making Sense Again
(And causing trouble.)
It could be said that John’s gospel shows a bolder side of Jesus than the other gospels. In today’s passage, after having told his brothers earlier that he wouldn’t even go to the festival, Jesus steps right up to the microphone and teaches in the heart of the Jews’ center of religious practice.
And despite what could be considered boldness, he continues to point to God the father. This is another example of John displaying Jesus’ teachings and miracles as signposts. It’s not simply about Jesus and how cool or powerful or wise he is, but that he points to God, giving glory where he says it’s due.
In turn, he points out how the Law has become more than it should be and how those who seek the Law do so for the wrong reasons, not even keeping its intent.
John 7:14-24
Halfway through the festival, Jesus went up to the temple and started to teach. Astonished, the Jewish leaders asked, “He’s never been taught! How has he mastered the Law?”
Jesus responded, “My teaching isn’t mine but comes from the one who sent me. Whoever wants to do God’s will can tell whether my teaching is from God or whether I speak on my own. Those who speak on their own seek glory for themselves. Those who seek the glory of him who sent me are people of truth; there’s no falsehood in them. Didn’t Moses give you the Law? Yet none of you keep the Law. Why do you want to kill me?”
The crowd answered, “You have a demon. Who wants to kill you?”
Jesus replied, “I did one work, and you were all astonished. Because Moses gave you the commandment about circumcision (although it wasn’t Moses but the patriarchs), you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man can be circumcised on the Sabbath without breaking Moses’ Law, why are you angry with me because I made an entire man well on the Sabbath? Don’t judge according to appearances. Judge with right judgment.”
Prayer
God,
You have called us to Christ, disciples following after him in all things. Thank you for the call, the privilege, and the responsibility. Help us as we seek further his way, Lead us in the specifics of our own lives, And call us to the community he’s established of mercy, grace, and love.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.