The Friday in the 4th Week of Lent
March 24, 2023
John 7:25-30
As I often do in preparation for a Lenten Scripture Meditation, I like to “go back” several verses to gain a better understanding of what leads up to the assigned text. Here it is obvious that Jesus is definitely “on the radar” of the Jews in Galilee and soon in Judea. He definitely knows that big things lie ahead for his teaching, preaching, and healing among the masses. Interestingly enough, he wants to maintain a “low profile” at this time, encouraging the disciples to go to the Feast of Tabernacles and represent him. After the disciples went to the Feast publicly, Jesus went privately to take the temperature of the people. Also of interest is that many were providing support and praise, while many were distrusting of him. Halfway through the Feast, he proceeded to teach, amazing the masses that he was so learned, having not studied? His response to the crowd was classic: “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me; if any man’s will is to do his will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” In challenging those that “speak their own authority” outside the Law of Moses, he’s really giving these folks something to contemplate! They wondered who wanted to kill him and even if the authorities knew that Jesus was The Christ? Then his proclamation “You know me, and you know where I come from? I have not come of my own accord, he who sent me is true, and him you do not know.” One can only imagine how this proclamation shook things up among the Jews! So much for the earlier “low profile”, things will really take off for Jesus now. As we get closer to Easter Sunday and The Resurrection, we can all marvel that our “low profile” through this Lenten Season of discipline and “giving up” of things or actions, can be replaced by the knowledge and truth that Jesus came to spread the word of The Lord and save us from all our sins. That’s really “stepping up” to the spiritual plate and knowing that Christ did make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us in becoming our Savior! God Bless us all.
Radney Ramsey