So much opposition Jesus faced. The teachers of the law misunderstood him, and as time went along, they grew more and more entrenched against him. Several of his key statements about himself come in chapter 8 – that he’s the light of the world, and that he’ll set us free. Freedom! Let’s claim it today.
Not everyone thought this moving story of who has the right to throw stones should be included in the Bible. For centuries it wasn’t, partly, historians think, because of a reticence over including such a story that concerns illicit sex (and note how the teachers of the law didn’t bring the man caught in the act of adultery to be judged). Most biblical commentators agree that the story should be part of the canon of the Bible, although some wonder if it was perhaps written by Luke and not John. Either way, it’s a powerful reminder that God is God and we are not.
Living water, flowing from within. Cleansing water. Life-giving water. This we receive from God. This we share with a thirsty world.
I knew that Jesus was persecuted, but spending more time in John’s gospel as I write these poems brings home the thread of attack and bitterness coming from the chief priests and teachers of the law. Have you experienced this sense of being defensive and on edge when your authority is questioned?
“We want this bread,” the people tell Jesus. He tells them to come to him, that they may never hunger again. Bread, anyone?
“We don’t have enough,” the disciples tell Jesus. He, however, sees an abundance where they only see scarcity.
The relationship between Jesus and the Father has been pondered by the Christian greats throughout the ages. We see in today’s poem how Jesus answers some of his critics.
Do you want to be well? What a question to ponder this Monday in Lent.
