Friday Week Four
Reading: John 7:1-2, 10:25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him.
But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him. Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as He was teaching in the temple. ‘You know me and know where I am from. I have not come of my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.
Reflection
In this passage, Jesus once again acknowledges his identity as Son of God. He has come from God and is undertaking the mission assigned to Him by his Father; many of the people recognise him but they question whether the authorities recognise him for who he is. Jesus continued to preach in the temple despite a potential threat on his life; this is what He had come to do; He had been sent by the God of all truth and He is fully committed to His mission. A threat of arrest did not deter Him from completing the work assigned to Him by his Father. I am challenged by this passage in the following ways:
Do I know who I am as a daughter of God?
Do I know what mission has been given to me by God?
Am I a joyful participant in this mission despite any threats that may be placed on my life?
Do I ask for God’s wisdom, grace and protection to fulfil whatever mission God has given to me?
Do I give God the glory for the works that are done through me?
Prayer
Lord, I thank you for inviting me into relationship of love with you.
Thank you for the mission you have offered me.
May I be a faithful follower of your Gospel ;
unafraid to speak your name;
spread the love of your name;
and if called to do so, lay down my life for the sake of your name, Amen.
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