John 8:2

Early the next day Jesus returns to the temple. All the people present come to hear him so he sits down to teach them. John 8:2 EFP 

Now we know why Jesus went to the Mount of Olives the previous night. He needs his alone time with his father to prepare him for his work during the day. Can you imagine how he spent the night in the garden? Did he fall asleep there after spending the lion’s share of the night talking to his Father in heaven? I can almost see Jesus leaving the garden and showing up early in the morning to continue his ministry.

I am intrigued by the use of the phrase “all of the people.” I do not think this is mere hyperbole. The fact is no one could stay away. Whether you subscribe to his teaching or you are diametrically opposed to everything he stands for, you are there. He is not only interesting and captivating, he also challenges his listeners to reconsider their way of thinking. There is a choice to be made at the end of every message. You have to make a choice to consider, accept, ignore, or even bury it, but there is a choice.

There is a message there for me as a preacher. A choice needs to be made at the end of every message. As I prepare the message I make a decision to preach what I have been led to believe as truth through the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is only fitting those who hear the message should equally make a choice. There is no neutrality in the presence of truth.