5/9/22

Our scripture this morning is John 8:12-20.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

Jesus was always kind but He had no time for silly human controversy, as shown in His ongoing debate with the Pharisees and other religious and political leaders. Even in these discussions He shared the Father’s love and truth. It was this that most threatened people in power.

I think the leadership of that time knew the truth of Christ, but as humans had done before, they rejected God’s offer, preferring their own strength and “wisdom”, wanting desperately to hold on to their place of prominence. They often conspired to have Jesus arrested but they were always prevented until the time and place God had planned for Jesus, as we read in verse 20, “Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.”

Do we suffer the same problem? Are we more concerned with the things of earth and our own doings than being children of the Creator who offers us salvation? It is a choice we must all make individually, and Jesus waits with arms open to welcome us to eternity when we choose Him.

Loving Lord, help us to be truly wise, loving God and each other. Bless us to be a blessing to the world, sharing the Good News everywhere. Amen.

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