"[Jesus Said] 'Father, Glorify your name'. Then a voice came from heaven, 'I have glorified it and will glorify it again.' The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, 'An angel has spoken to him.' Jesus answered and said, 'This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.' He said this indicating the kind of death he would die. " - John 12:28-33
Oh to be a member of that crowd! Not only does Jesus ask for his Father's help - but God does it immediately and in the presence of believers and non-believers alike. It must have been an awesome sound - one that shook the crowd to their souls. And then, instead of using this to draw attention to himself, Jesus uses it to draw attention to his mission - which is ultimately that of his Father's.
The fact that Jesus did this in a crowd of people - people with varying levels of faith in Jesus (or even God) - demonstrates just how much Jesus (and God!) love others, and want them to believe in them. And we should take comfort in that - that Jesus wants us, wants us to be happy, be safe in our belief in God - and wants EVERYONE - regardless of how strong or weak their belief is - to hear his message and believe in Him.
Jesus didn't just die for the pious, for the daily devoted, he died for everyone. No matter how you express your belief. No matter how you currently feel about God. No matter if it's the best or worst day of your life. Jesus is there for all of us.
Always.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Troubled
"Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me. I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour?' But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. " - John 12:25-27
Again, we see how incredibly human Jesus was. So much so that he comes right out and says he's troubled. But he challenges himself as well. He knows that, being the Son of God, all he has to do is ask for help and it will be given to him. But he knows his role, and he knows what he has to do to fulfill that role here on earth.
It's not going to be easy. And he knows it. But he's doing it anyway - for us - despite the temptation to ask for help and fade away. This is what makes him more than just a man - and what makes him our Messiah.
Again, we see how incredibly human Jesus was. So much so that he comes right out and says he's troubled. But he challenges himself as well. He knows that, being the Son of God, all he has to do is ask for help and it will be given to him. But he knows his role, and he knows what he has to do to fulfill that role here on earth.
It's not going to be easy. And he knows it. But he's doing it anyway - for us - despite the temptation to ask for help and fade away. This is what makes him more than just a man - and what makes him our Messiah.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Not Easy
"Some Greeks who had come to worship at the Passover Feast came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." - John 12:20-24
I've often wondered if Jesus says these things as much for him as for others. After all, he's a man, and has the same feelings as we do - including anxiousness, doubt and fear. Feelings he's no doubt experiencing on a daily basis. While others around him may still be pretty oblivious to how it's going to end for Him, Jesus is well aware and continues to drop hints. And while it's obvious to us now that, when he's talking about a "grain of wheat", he's referring to himself - we also need to re-read that from Jesus's point of view.
Imagine, for a minute, you're in his shoes. You know how your life is going to end, and you know it's going to be soon. And it's not going to be an easy death - in fact, your friends will abandon you, your community will mock you, and it's going to be the worst pain you've ever felt. You know your friends won't understand or take you seriously if you come out and say it, but you have to keep talking about it so eventually they get it - even if it's after your death.
Pretty hard, huh? I'm sure it's a subject that pains him to no end to talk about, yet he has to - it's his mission, sent from the Holy Father.
So while we know how to read these passages, we should also keep that in mind - that we can understand the hidden meaning, but we should also strive to understand the effort that it took for Jesus to say it - and hopefully gain new respect for his sacrifice.
I've often wondered if Jesus says these things as much for him as for others. After all, he's a man, and has the same feelings as we do - including anxiousness, doubt and fear. Feelings he's no doubt experiencing on a daily basis. While others around him may still be pretty oblivious to how it's going to end for Him, Jesus is well aware and continues to drop hints. And while it's obvious to us now that, when he's talking about a "grain of wheat", he's referring to himself - we also need to re-read that from Jesus's point of view.
Imagine, for a minute, you're in his shoes. You know how your life is going to end, and you know it's going to be soon. And it's not going to be an easy death - in fact, your friends will abandon you, your community will mock you, and it's going to be the worst pain you've ever felt. You know your friends won't understand or take you seriously if you come out and say it, but you have to keep talking about it so eventually they get it - even if it's after your death.
Pretty hard, huh? I'm sure it's a subject that pains him to no end to talk about, yet he has to - it's his mission, sent from the Holy Father.
So while we know how to read these passages, we should also keep that in mind - that we can understand the hidden meaning, but we should also strive to understand the effort that it took for Jesus to say it - and hopefully gain new respect for his sacrifice.
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Light
"And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. " - John 3:19-21
"Light" and "Dark" are two concepts that often represent "good" and "evil". From ancient eastern religions to modern-day space operas, they're used because they are easily understood by everyone. Jesus knows this, and frequents their use because he knows others will easily understand his message. In this particular case, Jesus is referring to "the light" in a pretty literal sense. He's telling Nicodemus that, despite his presence, people still are up to their evil deeds, still living their lives as they did before Jesus arrived. And they do so in a way that allows them to hide what they're doing from others - but not from God.
But there's also an underlying message - and prophecy - in the last part of this dialog. That "the light came into the world" - i.e. Jesus - but people preferred the darkness. And because of this, those people ended up murdering Jesus to try to keep their deeds from being seen.
What they didn't know was this light could never be extinguished. In fact, by trying to cover the light, they just made it brighter!
"Light" and "Dark" are two concepts that often represent "good" and "evil". From ancient eastern religions to modern-day space operas, they're used because they are easily understood by everyone. Jesus knows this, and frequents their use because he knows others will easily understand his message. In this particular case, Jesus is referring to "the light" in a pretty literal sense. He's telling Nicodemus that, despite his presence, people still are up to their evil deeds, still living their lives as they did before Jesus arrived. And they do so in a way that allows them to hide what they're doing from others - but not from God.
But there's also an underlying message - and prophecy - in the last part of this dialog. That "the light came into the world" - i.e. Jesus - but people preferred the darkness. And because of this, those people ended up murdering Jesus to try to keep their deeds from being seen.
What they didn't know was this light could never be extinguished. In fact, by trying to cover the light, they just made it brighter!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Eternal Life
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." - John 3:16-18
These verses pretty much speak for themselves, so I'll keep my reflections short...
Jesus is laying it all out on the table now - if you wish to be saved, you must believe in Him. Not just that he existed, not just that he, at one time, preached to others. But believe in him - believe in who he is, what he says, why he's here, and why he died. And this belief is directly tied to the Eternal Life - so much so that Jesus mentions it twice in as many verses - John 3:15 and John 3:16. It's that important.
These verses form the foundations of Christianity. And as such, we should cherish and treasure them. Spend some extra time with these three - let them sink into your heart. Because we all falter in our beliefs from time to time. But keeping these deep within, we'll make it through any storm.
These verses pretty much speak for themselves, so I'll keep my reflections short...
Jesus is laying it all out on the table now - if you wish to be saved, you must believe in Him. Not just that he existed, not just that he, at one time, preached to others. But believe in him - believe in who he is, what he says, why he's here, and why he died. And this belief is directly tied to the Eternal Life - so much so that Jesus mentions it twice in as many verses - John 3:15 and John 3:16. It's that important.
These verses form the foundations of Christianity. And as such, we should cherish and treasure them. Spend some extra time with these three - let them sink into your heart. Because we all falter in our beliefs from time to time. But keeping these deep within, we'll make it through any storm.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Back Story
"Jesus said to Nicodemus: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." " - John 3:14-15
This is one of the more popular passages in the Bible - maybe because the phrase "John 3:16" appears in a number of places to inspire hope (or faith in a particular wrestler). The entire story of Nicodemus gives Jesus a chance, in dialog, to describe his purpose.
But there's a back story to this passage. Nicodemus is a "ruler of the Jews" (as described by John) - more accurately, he's a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin - more or less judges for the city Jesus was currently in. Nicodemus visits Jesus at night to hear his message - most likely because it would be easier if others didn't know he was there. They begin discussing the Kingdom of God, and end by discussing how Jesus's life fits into the Everlasting Life offered by God the Father, through God the Son.
No doubt pretty heavy stuff.
But Nicodemus believes - and he demonstrates his belief throughout this entire story by asking Jesus questions about how his presence fits into this overall concept. As the way a judge would during a standard inquiry. I'm sure it provided some "prepping" for Jesus closer to the end of his life, but it also provides us yet another perspective on who Jesus is. Nicodemus is asking the questions that we wish we could have asked. And Jesus is being very clear and direct with his answers.
In particular, he describes his literal death - being "lifted up" onto a cross, because of which, all will have eternal life.
As we continue with this particular Lectio Divina, keep this in mind. Jesus isn't talking to a leper, a disciple, or a peasant. He's talking to a well-learned man, in a different but very real way, in hopes to make him understand what's to come.
This is one of the more popular passages in the Bible - maybe because the phrase "John 3:16" appears in a number of places to inspire hope (or faith in a particular wrestler). The entire story of Nicodemus gives Jesus a chance, in dialog, to describe his purpose.
But there's a back story to this passage. Nicodemus is a "ruler of the Jews" (as described by John) - more accurately, he's a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin - more or less judges for the city Jesus was currently in. Nicodemus visits Jesus at night to hear his message - most likely because it would be easier if others didn't know he was there. They begin discussing the Kingdom of God, and end by discussing how Jesus's life fits into the Everlasting Life offered by God the Father, through God the Son.
No doubt pretty heavy stuff.
But Nicodemus believes - and he demonstrates his belief throughout this entire story by asking Jesus questions about how his presence fits into this overall concept. As the way a judge would during a standard inquiry. I'm sure it provided some "prepping" for Jesus closer to the end of his life, but it also provides us yet another perspective on who Jesus is. Nicodemus is asking the questions that we wish we could have asked. And Jesus is being very clear and direct with his answers.
In particular, he describes his literal death - being "lifted up" onto a cross, because of which, all will have eternal life.
As we continue with this particular Lectio Divina, keep this in mind. Jesus isn't talking to a leper, a disciple, or a peasant. He's talking to a well-learned man, in a different but very real way, in hopes to make him understand what's to come.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Human Nature
"While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all, and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well. " - John 2:23-25
I admit that, when I first read through these three verses, I was a bit stumped by what John was meaning when he said "[he] did not need anyone to testify about human nature". Was Jesus looking for someone to testify in his place? Perhaps John was noting that Jesus didn't trust other people? But to reach a deeper understanding, I decided to look up different translations of these passages, in order to better "get" what John was trying to say.
And I think I got it.
One translation uses "wary" in place of "not trust himself" - such that "Jesus was wary of them". And once you put it in context of Passover - a time Jesus would be gathering with others in the form of (most likely) a festival, it makes more sense. No doubt there was a lot of celebrating and jubilation during this time - they were celebrating the Angel of Death passing over their houses! But there's always a few people that go too far during those times of enjoyment. And John was trying to make it clear that Jesus was NOT one of those people. He was performing signs and miracles, but in the same manner as he was before - humbly, respectfully and personally. And that, because he understood us, his mission didn't include indulging in the festivities.
I think we all kinda knew that Jesus wasn't a party animal... but it's reassuring to know that his mission maintained a level of consistency in everything he did - during the best and worst days of his life.
I admit that, when I first read through these three verses, I was a bit stumped by what John was meaning when he said "[he] did not need anyone to testify about human nature". Was Jesus looking for someone to testify in his place? Perhaps John was noting that Jesus didn't trust other people? But to reach a deeper understanding, I decided to look up different translations of these passages, in order to better "get" what John was trying to say.
And I think I got it.
One translation uses "wary" in place of "not trust himself" - such that "Jesus was wary of them". And once you put it in context of Passover - a time Jesus would be gathering with others in the form of (most likely) a festival, it makes more sense. No doubt there was a lot of celebrating and jubilation during this time - they were celebrating the Angel of Death passing over their houses! But there's always a few people that go too far during those times of enjoyment. And John was trying to make it clear that Jesus was NOT one of those people. He was performing signs and miracles, but in the same manner as he was before - humbly, respectfully and personally. And that, because he understood us, his mission didn't include indulging in the festivities.
I think we all kinda knew that Jesus wasn't a party animal... but it's reassuring to know that his mission maintained a level of consistency in everything he did - during the best and worst days of his life.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Other Temple
"His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. " - John 2:17-22
46 years is a long time to do anything - and for our generation, few can think of something that would take 46 years to make. And while all things are possible through God, Jesus would have known that, had he meant the physical temple, no one would have believed him. Even so, his meaning was lost on the people of his time. That is until he delivered on the promised sign, and was risen up 3 days after his death.
But that's just how Jesus tends to roll during his life - dropping hints on his not-so-distant future - tidbits that were lost on the people of his time (including his followers), but were so evidently clear after his life on earth was over. And I have to believe that it was as much for the people of his day as it is for the people of today. We're unlucky that we didn't get to know Jesus while he was on earth, but are lucky that, when we read these passages, we know the whole story. We know how it ends, and we can understand the things he was saying in a way the people of his time couldn't.
It's just another example of how the life of Jesus was as relevant then as it is now.
46 years is a long time to do anything - and for our generation, few can think of something that would take 46 years to make. And while all things are possible through God, Jesus would have known that, had he meant the physical temple, no one would have believed him. Even so, his meaning was lost on the people of his time. That is until he delivered on the promised sign, and was risen up 3 days after his death.
But that's just how Jesus tends to roll during his life - dropping hints on his not-so-distant future - tidbits that were lost on the people of his time (including his followers), but were so evidently clear after his life on earth was over. And I have to believe that it was as much for the people of his day as it is for the people of today. We're unlucky that we didn't get to know Jesus while he was on earth, but are lucky that, when we read these passages, we know the whole story. We know how it ends, and we can understand the things he was saying in a way the people of his time couldn't.
It's just another example of how the life of Jesus was as relevant then as it is now.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Mad
"Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said,
"Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace." " - John 2:13-16
We get to see a very human side of Jesus - something we don't get to see very often. Jesus is mad, and rightfully so. He went up to the temple area - probably to do some praying - and instead he finds a market. Livestock, money changers, even birds, all being traded at the very place Jews were supposed to go to pray, give alms, and "be still and know God". Hard to do that with sheep bleating - and I can only imagine the smell!
Without missing a step, Jesus makes a whip and drives the livestock out, and berates the money changers and traders for using the temple as their personal sales floor. And even though it's not explicitly said, you can tell that by the tone of his actions, he's not too happy about what he sees, or about how his Father's house is being taken care of.
While this account may make us feel a little uncomfortable (no one likes seeing others get mad), it's also reassuring that Jesus understands us - because he was one of us. He experienced the same emotions as we did, the same ups and downs. And that makes it a little easier for us to receive his message - because you don't have to be the Son of God to understand it, you just have to open your heart.
"Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace." " - John 2:13-16
We get to see a very human side of Jesus - something we don't get to see very often. Jesus is mad, and rightfully so. He went up to the temple area - probably to do some praying - and instead he finds a market. Livestock, money changers, even birds, all being traded at the very place Jews were supposed to go to pray, give alms, and "be still and know God". Hard to do that with sheep bleating - and I can only imagine the smell!
Without missing a step, Jesus makes a whip and drives the livestock out, and berates the money changers and traders for using the temple as their personal sales floor. And even though it's not explicitly said, you can tell that by the tone of his actions, he's not too happy about what he sees, or about how his Father's house is being taken care of.
While this account may make us feel a little uncomfortable (no one likes seeing others get mad), it's also reassuring that Jesus understands us - because he was one of us. He experienced the same emotions as we did, the same ups and downs. And that makes it a little easier for us to receive his message - because you don't have to be the Son of God to understand it, you just have to open your heart.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Wait... what?
"As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant." - Mark 9:9-10
It must be getting frustrating for his followers - they see incredibly miraculous events and deeds, and Jesus keeps telling them not to tell anyone else. However, I wonder if, after telling them they could say something after Jesus rises from the dead, his followers did a double-take. Sure they had gotten used to being told to keep things to themselves, but Jesus sneaks in this curveball, seemly without any additional background:
"except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead".
(assumed conversation from his followers)
"Ok, Jesus.
[pause]
Wait, what did you just say?"
And in Jesus' fashion, nothing more was said about that to them - at least at that time.
It must be getting frustrating for his followers - they see incredibly miraculous events and deeds, and Jesus keeps telling them not to tell anyone else. However, I wonder if, after telling them they could say something after Jesus rises from the dead, his followers did a double-take. Sure they had gotten used to being told to keep things to themselves, but Jesus sneaks in this curveball, seemly without any additional background:
"except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead".
(assumed conversation from his followers)
"Ok, Jesus.
[pause]
Wait, what did you just say?"
And in Jesus' fashion, nothing more was said about that to them - at least at that time.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Listen to Him
"Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. " - Mark 9:5-8
This time, it's not Jesus instructing us, it's not one of his followers, it's God. God has given us three words that literally changes our lives forever - "Listen to Him."
For everything Jesus says, everything he preaches going forward - from how to pray, to how to love each other - God entrusts Jesus enough to command us to Listen to Him. It's why our laws as Christians are so different from those of the past. Jesus's word becomes Word. His laws become the Law. And his life becomes an example for us all.
The transfiguration - of which this describes - is more than Jesus being bathed in white linens and chatting with old prophets - it's literally a transfiguration of our lives forever - in how we see and know our Heavenly Father; how we speak to and understand God. It is one of the most powerful accounts within the Gospels, and one that, up until now, has never given me such pause.
This is the moment - the pivotal moment - that Jesus' three followers - and us - see Jesus for who he really is. The Son of God.
That should give everyone some pause.
This time, it's not Jesus instructing us, it's not one of his followers, it's God. God has given us three words that literally changes our lives forever - "Listen to Him."
For everything Jesus says, everything he preaches going forward - from how to pray, to how to love each other - God entrusts Jesus enough to command us to Listen to Him. It's why our laws as Christians are so different from those of the past. Jesus's word becomes Word. His laws become the Law. And his life becomes an example for us all.
The transfiguration - of which this describes - is more than Jesus being bathed in white linens and chatting with old prophets - it's literally a transfiguration of our lives forever - in how we see and know our Heavenly Father; how we speak to and understand God. It is one of the most powerful accounts within the Gospels, and one that, up until now, has never given me such pause.
This is the moment - the pivotal moment - that Jesus' three followers - and us - see Jesus for who he really is. The Son of God.
That should give everyone some pause.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Three
"Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus." - Mark 9:2-4
For the Jews accompanying Jesus (Peter, James and John), the presence of Moses or Elijah alone would have been both awesome and terrifying. Moses, as we recall from Exodus, hears God's word and leads his people out of slavery. He is considered both a prophet, and is credited for a large number of laws followed by the Jews of Jesus's day. In short, they're lives are structured around the vision and purpose Moses delivered to the newly freed slaves.
Elijah represents the power and Will of God. Like Jesus, Elijah is credited for bringing someone back to life, and was an adamant prophet and proponent of God, challenging the various religions and Kings of the day. And through the power of God, he strikes down an army with fire and ends a drought. But Elijah was still, by all accounts, just a man. After traveling 40 days and 40 nights to the mount that Moses received the Torah, he tries to hide from God, feeling that his journey was in vain. He struggled with belief just as you and I do - even with all he was able to do through God!
It's the combination of the two that spell out who Jesus really is - and it helps the Jews of Jesus' time understand and accept that Jesus's way is the new way, the law he preaches is the new law, and the power he wields is a power infinitely stronger than Elijah's. Because God isn't speaking his law through Moses, isn't using his power through Elijah - but because Jesus is God Made Flesh.
That may take a while to sink in...
For the Jews accompanying Jesus (Peter, James and John), the presence of Moses or Elijah alone would have been both awesome and terrifying. Moses, as we recall from Exodus, hears God's word and leads his people out of slavery. He is considered both a prophet, and is credited for a large number of laws followed by the Jews of Jesus's day. In short, they're lives are structured around the vision and purpose Moses delivered to the newly freed slaves.
Elijah represents the power and Will of God. Like Jesus, Elijah is credited for bringing someone back to life, and was an adamant prophet and proponent of God, challenging the various religions and Kings of the day. And through the power of God, he strikes down an army with fire and ends a drought. But Elijah was still, by all accounts, just a man. After traveling 40 days and 40 nights to the mount that Moses received the Torah, he tries to hide from God, feeling that his journey was in vain. He struggled with belief just as you and I do - even with all he was able to do through God!
It's the combination of the two that spell out who Jesus really is - and it helps the Jews of Jesus' time understand and accept that Jesus's way is the new way, the law he preaches is the new law, and the power he wields is a power infinitely stronger than Elijah's. Because God isn't speaking his law through Moses, isn't using his power through Elijah - but because Jesus is God Made Flesh.
That may take a while to sink in...
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