Claims and Conclusions

I have a very hard time doing anything consistently. As part of a concerted effort to bring some discipline to my life I have recently making my way methodically through the book of John, taking notes to help cultivate the small epiphanies that bloom here and there as I read. It's been very rewarding; I have enjoyed taking notes in my online Bible (sorry “analogue” people.)

The book of John spends a lot of time establishing the divinity of Christ and his proclamations about himself, as well as the discord and confusion it sparked in many people. Below is a passage that introduces an interesting resonance in my heart right now… It has many interesting implications. I'll include the passage and then my brief thoughts, which have been helping me gain some new insights.

Jesus, by this point in John's narrative has been performing miracles in large groups and crowds; His supernatural power was increasingly difficult to discount, but the source of it was still up for debate, at least for some people. The leaders of the Jewish people were concerned that he was a false prophet or maybe worse. They felt he was challenging God's authority and their own authority. In fact, I would say the chain of action and reaction was likely hinging on the fact that the leaders felt their own authority and credibility was being threatened, and everything transpired underneath that dark umbra.

John 8:48-59 NIV
The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”

“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”

At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”

Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Jesus has been making some heavy duty statements that initially seem hyperbolic or figurative to the Jews; But by the time he gets to these final few statements, he emphasizes and clarifies to the point they can no longer assume or misconstrue. They see him as someone making such audacious claims that it is considered complete blasphemy. He is not just claiming to be some “super-prophet” from ancient days, but to BE God…I Am. 

So they attempt to kill him. I'm sure they felt extremely justified. It's chilling to me when I try to see this through their eyes… because I can relate; I could see myself doing this, I see others reacting like this to varying degrees. Unless I was 100% sure this man Jesus was what he claimed, his words would greatly offend me. I would be inclined to walk away.

They were not able to see the whole truth and consider all of the context; I think Jesus was so unexpected and yet authoritative that they were not prepared. In my opinion their reactions are not unusual for people who were in a position of political/social/spiritual authority. That's what we do when we live in a haze of conflicting priorities and self-justification. We react and find reasons to discredit and take righteous offense, even to the point of violence. We see it today and all through history. Many of us come to a point that we feel some hard-won enlightenment and experience; Respected and accomplished, perhaps we even feel entitled (I know it's an overused word lately.) Maybe we are promoted to leadership by others, or we are able to forge the way by sheer force of will. But… when discounted, defied, displaced or discredited we seem so often react with vitriol and veiled fear. Particularly when the words spoken to us destabilize the foundations we have set our “house” upon (never mind that we built so much of that foundation ourselves.)  We build up an these unstable towers of security based on self righteousness without even realizing it. 

Jesus had the right, the authority, even the responsibility to banish these men who were leading their own people to spiritual ruin. He had the power to strike out in righteous offense. He did not react in kind; He was not silent however; He definitely warned, chastised, and spoke Truth even when he knew they were not going to accept it. But his actions were working toward a goal, and that included opportunity for salvation extended to all of us…Broken people. He was there to save mankind and finish the work he started so very long ago. In the end it seems even some of the elite who opposed him did come to believe (I think of Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and even Paul.)  I believe he would consider it a worthwhile effort even just for those few.

What does this mean to me? 

1. Know what Jesus said, what he did, what he called us to be. He truly is the best guide for any circumstance.
2. Love the people around you and be humble. You do not have to know them well to love them.  
3. Their behavior does not have to dictate your response. 
4. If you find yourself upset or angry at someone, take a breath and examine the “why.” Be willing to look deeply enough to find those sore spots, even if you don't know how to deal with them yet. 
5. If your anger or aversion is justified find a way to deal with it in love. Give it space. Talk to God about it, more than once.
6. If spiritual guidance requires you to part ways for a time; be kind and pray for them.

I want to be among the ones who are willing to admit their foundation is weak and ask for help from the Maker to rebuild things… For myself and the people I encounter in life.