Jesus does not take their deadly intentions lightly. “Wait a minute!” he speaks. “I have done a myriad of good works in your very presence. All these are works of my Father. So tell me, for which of these good works of God do you intend to stone me?” John 10:32 EFP
I cannot help but imagine the cool and collected persona of Jesus. Picture this scene! The mob is in the process of collecting stones with which to rain death on Jesus due to their perceived violation of the blasphemy laws by the object of their disdain. They are fuming and flummoxed to the point of madness! They are literally hell-bent on killing Jesus. This is an opportunity to accomplish their long-standing and on-going intent to bring an end to this threat to their status quo. The stones are about to begin flying.
Jesus does not run. He had done this “disappearing act” before (John 8:59). But this time is apparently difference. I imagine him looking around him at these hunched over men collecting rocks. He does not cry out, “What do you think you’re doing!” His words are not a defense. His reaction is not a panicked wail. It seems to be a simple and salient question regarding their intent and its validity. Amazing! He basically asserts that their plans to kill him are unfounded given the mighty deeds of God they had personally witnessed him performing in the not-so-distant past.
I must confess that my reactions to people and their occasionally limited and narrow-minded beliefs are not always calm and collected. My inner turmoil is at the point of explosion even if my outer demeanor appears calm. Sometimes I blow up at the ones I know best. I need to learn that the people who oppose me and say unkind things are my family. I have perhaps been guilty of the same attitude. They may deserve a dressing-down, but it is not always about getting our just deserts. Jesus exemplifies “where sin abounded, grace abounded even more” (Romans 5:20). Oh, that I would live always by that principle.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
John 10:31
The Jewish mob is greatly offended by Jesus’ claim of equality with God. They take up stones to pummel him to death.” John 10:31 EFP
No doubt Jesus’ claim to be one with the Father must have sounded like the boldest blasphemy of all to the Jewish contingent. It must have been a hard thing to listen to, even to those who resonated with his teachings. It is not surprising the Jewish extremists would resort to capital punishment. They were defending God’s honor. In their minds “God is one” not “God is two in one”.
It bears serious contemplation to reconsider the long-standing mental pictures we cherish regarding the judgment and the apparent dichotomy between Jesus and the Father in those scenes. The images of Jesus pleading before the Father and showing the Father his scars on behalf of the penitent sinner seems inconsistent with the claim of Jesus to be one with the Father as it is often explained. They are on the same page regarding their desire to save humanity. The Father does not need convincing.
So as I continue to find biblical passages that confirm the one-ness of the Godhead, there will no doubt be opposition, unlikely one that exhibits murderous intent, but nonetheless passionate and destructive. There is a cost to defending the character of God. That is what is at stake when all is said and done. Is God fair? Is God loving? Is God always good? It God truly sovereign? All these are questions that challenge our concept of God. Lord, let me always speak well of you! Let me always be faithful to the Scriptures; let them always be the last word—not subject to another source of authority.
No doubt Jesus’ claim to be one with the Father must have sounded like the boldest blasphemy of all to the Jewish contingent. It must have been a hard thing to listen to, even to those who resonated with his teachings. It is not surprising the Jewish extremists would resort to capital punishment. They were defending God’s honor. In their minds “God is one” not “God is two in one”.
It bears serious contemplation to reconsider the long-standing mental pictures we cherish regarding the judgment and the apparent dichotomy between Jesus and the Father in those scenes. The images of Jesus pleading before the Father and showing the Father his scars on behalf of the penitent sinner seems inconsistent with the claim of Jesus to be one with the Father as it is often explained. They are on the same page regarding their desire to save humanity. The Father does not need convincing.
So as I continue to find biblical passages that confirm the one-ness of the Godhead, there will no doubt be opposition, unlikely one that exhibits murderous intent, but nonetheless passionate and destructive. There is a cost to defending the character of God. That is what is at stake when all is said and done. Is God fair? Is God loving? Is God always good? It God truly sovereign? All these are questions that challenge our concept of God. Lord, let me always speak well of you! Let me always be faithful to the Scriptures; let them always be the last word—not subject to another source of authority.
John 10:30
“You see,” Jesus informs them, “My Father and I are indivisible! We are one in the same.” John 10:30 EFP
This is quite a summary statement. When all is said and done it is this truism that holds everything else in place. “My Father and I are one.” That’s it; there is nothing more important than this.
There is no point of contention between Father and Son. They are and have always been perfectly aligned and acting in perfect harmony. The Godhead is one in thought, in action, in purpose, in substance, in love, and in eternity.
But, there is a picture that comes through that has become so important to me, but that at times clashes with long-standing concepts about God and his relationship with his creation, and more importantly, His Son. God and Jesus are one in judgment. There is no variance between them. Jesus does not have to convince the Father to do anything he does not already want to do. “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself…” (2 Corinthians 5:19). We create misrepresentations regarding the character of God when we allow a breach to develop between God and Jesus. They are one. It is the clash his consuming fire of perfect holiness and our sinful and corruptible nature that Jesus has to cover to grant us access to the Father. He wants me to come to him! But without Jesus I cannot come without being consumed. In Christ I have access—direct and unimpeded. In Jesus, I can enter and taste the “one-ness” they have and want me to experience. That’s pretty awesome!
This is quite a summary statement. When all is said and done it is this truism that holds everything else in place. “My Father and I are one.” That’s it; there is nothing more important than this.
There is no point of contention between Father and Son. They are and have always been perfectly aligned and acting in perfect harmony. The Godhead is one in thought, in action, in purpose, in substance, in love, and in eternity.
But, there is a picture that comes through that has become so important to me, but that at times clashes with long-standing concepts about God and his relationship with his creation, and more importantly, His Son. God and Jesus are one in judgment. There is no variance between them. Jesus does not have to convince the Father to do anything he does not already want to do. “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself…” (2 Corinthians 5:19). We create misrepresentations regarding the character of God when we allow a breach to develop between God and Jesus. They are one. It is the clash his consuming fire of perfect holiness and our sinful and corruptible nature that Jesus has to cover to grant us access to the Father. He wants me to come to him! But without Jesus I cannot come without being consumed. In Christ I have access—direct and unimpeded. In Jesus, I can enter and taste the “one-ness” they have and want me to experience. That’s pretty awesome!
John 10:29
“My Father, who is greater than anything or anyone” Jesus expands on his previous statement, “—he is the one who has given me my sheep. Consider this scenario: even if someone could manage to steal my sheep out of my grasp (which is not possible), they would certainly not be able to yank them out of my Father’s almighty embrace.” John 10:29 EFP
I love it! I confess I it had never sunk in that there are two “impossible to snatch” verses back to back. Go figure! The double dip is amazing! I could not help but expand the verse to emphasize Jesus message.
How could Jesus be more adamant about the impossibility of anyone snatching any of his sheep from him arms? As impossible as it is for anyone to filch any of his beloved and precious lambs from his hands which would soon bear the marks of his sacrifice on their behalf. It is even more impossible and implausible to consider that any power, visible or invisible, at any time or under any circumstance, could pilfer, trick, steal, pluck, or even snatch that defenseless creature for the arms of the Almighty God of the universe! No way and no how!
The weakest and most frail believer is beyond reproach or the reach of the enemy and “accuser of the brethren.” God knows the heart of the true believer—the one who knows his need or her condition. But the theme here is assurance. I am secure as long as I choose to be secure. I am locked in to the arms of God. Amazing! And in those moments when I miss the mark and fall victim to the tempter—I have an Advocate that understands and hears of my heart and sees the pain that I experience when I sin. The devil may tug, and grab, and yank, and jerk—but it is to no avail, because my faith is in the Almighty and my heart longs for Him.
Is that even possible? Is my salvation so secure? Is my place with God reserved on the basis of my confession of faith is Jesus? I want to believe—truly believe. Lord, help my unbelief. One thing that is brought to mind is that people make their evaluations based on what we see, but God looks at the heart. That standard cannot be feigned. That is good news to the likes of me who knows my need, but bad news to the ones who base their assurance on their impeccable behavior, or their failure to meet that standard.
I love it! I confess I it had never sunk in that there are two “impossible to snatch” verses back to back. Go figure! The double dip is amazing! I could not help but expand the verse to emphasize Jesus message.
How could Jesus be more adamant about the impossibility of anyone snatching any of his sheep from him arms? As impossible as it is for anyone to filch any of his beloved and precious lambs from his hands which would soon bear the marks of his sacrifice on their behalf. It is even more impossible and implausible to consider that any power, visible or invisible, at any time or under any circumstance, could pilfer, trick, steal, pluck, or even snatch that defenseless creature for the arms of the Almighty God of the universe! No way and no how!
The weakest and most frail believer is beyond reproach or the reach of the enemy and “accuser of the brethren.” God knows the heart of the true believer—the one who knows his need or her condition. But the theme here is assurance. I am secure as long as I choose to be secure. I am locked in to the arms of God. Amazing! And in those moments when I miss the mark and fall victim to the tempter—I have an Advocate that understands and hears of my heart and sees the pain that I experience when I sin. The devil may tug, and grab, and yank, and jerk—but it is to no avail, because my faith is in the Almighty and my heart longs for Him.
Is that even possible? Is my salvation so secure? Is my place with God reserved on the basis of my confession of faith is Jesus? I want to believe—truly believe. Lord, help my unbelief. One thing that is brought to mind is that people make their evaluations based on what we see, but God looks at the heart. That standard cannot be feigned. That is good news to the likes of me who knows my need, but bad news to the ones who base their assurance on their impeccable behavior, or their failure to meet that standard.
Friday, August 14, 2015
John 10:28
“Jesus is not done yet. “I literally give my sheep eternal life,” he adds, “and as a result they will never die. What’s more, no one will ever snatch them from my hand.” John 10:28 EFP
This passage brings the whole crux of Jesus’ message into focus. The analogy of “sheep and shepherds” is clarified so even those who are feigning confusion cannot overlook what Jesus is trying to say. The sheep represent people. Those who respond to his message and those who are apathetic or even opposed to His claims.
To those who believe, those who move beyond the hearing into a relationship, he promises eternal life. This happens as a result of his willingness to surrender his life to save his sheep, a fact he states in the previous texts. And just in case there is a lack of clarity, he adds, “They will never die.”
What does that mean? Never die? Does that imply that life continues after death? That can’t be the concept, since in fact that would mean death has already taken place in order for there to be a transition into the “afterlife.” Is it somehow connected to the other verse which is both feared and misunderstood by many? “No one will ever snatch them from my hand,” is a wonderful thought, but it is fraught with challenges. Is this “once saved, always saved”? This thought brings both hope and trepidation to many on both sides of the divide.
In brief, I understand Jesus message to be “my sheep are my sheep,” or better stated “my people are my people.” Period. As long as I believe and remain in Jesus I am His. I may stumble. I may wander. I may even rebel in moments of my life. But I am His child—his people. Furthermore, as long as my faith remains anchored in Him, no one will snatch them me away from Him. He remains faithful even when I fall short (2Timothy 2:13). That is assurance. Not a pretense for me to live my life for myself. But I digress. That is a topic for another day. Today and every day, I choose to live my life for God.
This passage brings the whole crux of Jesus’ message into focus. The analogy of “sheep and shepherds” is clarified so even those who are feigning confusion cannot overlook what Jesus is trying to say. The sheep represent people. Those who respond to his message and those who are apathetic or even opposed to His claims.
To those who believe, those who move beyond the hearing into a relationship, he promises eternal life. This happens as a result of his willingness to surrender his life to save his sheep, a fact he states in the previous texts. And just in case there is a lack of clarity, he adds, “They will never die.”
What does that mean? Never die? Does that imply that life continues after death? That can’t be the concept, since in fact that would mean death has already taken place in order for there to be a transition into the “afterlife.” Is it somehow connected to the other verse which is both feared and misunderstood by many? “No one will ever snatch them from my hand,” is a wonderful thought, but it is fraught with challenges. Is this “once saved, always saved”? This thought brings both hope and trepidation to many on both sides of the divide.
In brief, I understand Jesus message to be “my sheep are my sheep,” or better stated “my people are my people.” Period. As long as I believe and remain in Jesus I am His. I may stumble. I may wander. I may even rebel in moments of my life. But I am His child—his people. Furthermore, as long as my faith remains anchored in Him, no one will snatch them me away from Him. He remains faithful even when I fall short (2Timothy 2:13). That is assurance. Not a pretense for me to live my life for myself. But I digress. That is a topic for another day. Today and every day, I choose to live my life for God.
John 10:27
“It’s this simple, Jesus says, “the sheep that belong to me hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 EFP
Jesus is nailing down a very important concept that his Jewish detractors seem to have missed. It is a simple thought that makes all the difference in the world. I have discovered that there are many sincere believers who miss this concept from two totally opposite positions.
Here’s the concept. First, there are sheep that belong to Jesus. Sheep, I gather, in their pea-sized minds, must make a choice to belong to their shepherd. They may not be the brightest of the field animals, but they can make a choice to follow the man who seems to have their best interests in mind. They can also choose not to follow the Good Shepherd, and go after another non-altruistic and deeply unscrupulous guardian. Second, those sheep who have “chosen” to belong to the Good Shepherd hear (and recognize) his voice. They still have a choice to follow or not to follow, but they recognize the voice of good shepherd.
Third, Jesus knows his sheep. He knows them because they are his. He loves his sheep and is willing to die for them (John 10:11). They are his because He chose them first, but also because they chose to be chosen by responding to his love for them. Finally, his sheep follow him. That’s about all they can do. Sheep are mostly helpless after that. He provides. He protects. He defends, He rescues, He redeems—he does everything for the sheep. The sheep follow. They remain sheep—foolish, feeble, fickle, feisty, frolicking, and foolish balls of fur. But we are his, and no one can pull snatch us away from Him (with the exception of us!)
I don’t know about you, but I will take my chances with the Good Shepherd. My future is not in doubt. I am his and He is mine! All I need to do is follow him when I hear his voice. And when I fail to follow, all I need to do is cry out (bleat?) and He will respond to my voice and return me to his fold.
Jesus is nailing down a very important concept that his Jewish detractors seem to have missed. It is a simple thought that makes all the difference in the world. I have discovered that there are many sincere believers who miss this concept from two totally opposite positions.
Here’s the concept. First, there are sheep that belong to Jesus. Sheep, I gather, in their pea-sized minds, must make a choice to belong to their shepherd. They may not be the brightest of the field animals, but they can make a choice to follow the man who seems to have their best interests in mind. They can also choose not to follow the Good Shepherd, and go after another non-altruistic and deeply unscrupulous guardian. Second, those sheep who have “chosen” to belong to the Good Shepherd hear (and recognize) his voice. They still have a choice to follow or not to follow, but they recognize the voice of good shepherd.
Third, Jesus knows his sheep. He knows them because they are his. He loves his sheep and is willing to die for them (John 10:11). They are his because He chose them first, but also because they chose to be chosen by responding to his love for them. Finally, his sheep follow him. That’s about all they can do. Sheep are mostly helpless after that. He provides. He protects. He defends, He rescues, He redeems—he does everything for the sheep. The sheep follow. They remain sheep—foolish, feeble, fickle, feisty, frolicking, and foolish balls of fur. But we are his, and no one can pull snatch us away from Him (with the exception of us!)
I don’t know about you, but I will take my chances with the Good Shepherd. My future is not in doubt. I am his and He is mine! All I need to do is follow him when I hear his voice. And when I fail to follow, all I need to do is cry out (bleat?) and He will respond to my voice and return me to his fold.
John 10:26
“Do you know why you do not believe?” Jesus continues. “It boils down to one thing: You are not my sheep.” John 10:26 EFP
Ouch! This is one of the harshest statements ever made by Jesus, at least in my estimation. There is no way to soften the impact on the ones he is talking to on that day of reckoning.
It is not that the statement is wrong—in fact it is a good description of the condition of this group of men who follow him everywhere, with no intent of truly listening, rather they are present only to find fault in his words. The things Jesus shares are the same words heard by all those who believe. His message is not for a select few; it is for everyone. But only those who believe are able to enter into a saving relationship with Jesus. The words of Paul seem to resonate—“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). Believing is connected to hearing—but the hearing is not random or indiscriminate. It is hearing the word of God. In that day the Jewish opposition was in fact hearing The Word of God—the Word Incarnate, but they could not recognize it as such. “You are not my sheep,” Jesus tells them.
Jesus words are more descriptive than proscriptive. He is not telling them who they are, and thus their inability to recognize his voice, as he shared earlier (verses 4, 16). He is saying their inability to recognize the voice that seeks to save them is because they have chosen to close their hearts to the voice of the Good Shepherd. They are within earshot of the genuine Word of God, and they do not recognize it. Hey are surrounded by salvation, but they choose to save themselves.
I need to spend time hearing, reading, searching, internalizing, and meditating on the Word of God—both the written one and the One who wants to be known by me more each day. I want to be His sheep, and follow Him wherever he goes. Come think of it—I am His sheep! No one will be able to snatch me out of His loving arms! (John 10:28) as long as that is where I want to be.
Ouch! This is one of the harshest statements ever made by Jesus, at least in my estimation. There is no way to soften the impact on the ones he is talking to on that day of reckoning.
It is not that the statement is wrong—in fact it is a good description of the condition of this group of men who follow him everywhere, with no intent of truly listening, rather they are present only to find fault in his words. The things Jesus shares are the same words heard by all those who believe. His message is not for a select few; it is for everyone. But only those who believe are able to enter into a saving relationship with Jesus. The words of Paul seem to resonate—“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). Believing is connected to hearing—but the hearing is not random or indiscriminate. It is hearing the word of God. In that day the Jewish opposition was in fact hearing The Word of God—the Word Incarnate, but they could not recognize it as such. “You are not my sheep,” Jesus tells them.
Jesus words are more descriptive than proscriptive. He is not telling them who they are, and thus their inability to recognize his voice, as he shared earlier (verses 4, 16). He is saying their inability to recognize the voice that seeks to save them is because they have chosen to close their hearts to the voice of the Good Shepherd. They are within earshot of the genuine Word of God, and they do not recognize it. Hey are surrounded by salvation, but they choose to save themselves.
I need to spend time hearing, reading, searching, internalizing, and meditating on the Word of God—both the written one and the One who wants to be known by me more each day. I want to be His sheep, and follow Him wherever he goes. Come think of it—I am His sheep! No one will be able to snatch me out of His loving arms! (John 10:28) as long as that is where I want to be.
John 10:25
Jesus replies, “Seriously? Have I not told you this many times in the past? Have you even taken a step in my direction? I do not think so. But the fact remains that the deeds I do on behalf of my Father in heaven—they are all the proof I need to verify my claims. John 10:25 EFP
What do the Jewish death squad expect the response from Jesus to be? How else could he have couched his response to their challenge? They are already convinced in their own minds about Jesus. So Jesus gives them an answer they can chew on.
First, it makes no difference what he says. They are not interested. Their past behavior is a clear indication of their present motives. They will not believe regardless what he says. Secondly, he has no interest in having their approval or receiving their validation for his ministry or mission. His deeds are self-evident proof of the source of his power. His ministry does not rise or fall on their approval.
I wonder at times if I am in danger of seeking validation and confirmation from people regarding the validity of my ministry. It’s easy to do. The compliments regarding the sermon at the end of the service. The affirmation for a good deed done for a parishioner. But such compliments can be easily dissipated in a moment and replaced by criticism and contempt. My validation comes from God alone. He is the one I answer to. He is the one who calls me to tend to his sheep. I want my life to be continuous series of steps that draw me closer to Jesus…that is all I need.
What do the Jewish death squad expect the response from Jesus to be? How else could he have couched his response to their challenge? They are already convinced in their own minds about Jesus. So Jesus gives them an answer they can chew on.
First, it makes no difference what he says. They are not interested. Their past behavior is a clear indication of their present motives. They will not believe regardless what he says. Secondly, he has no interest in having their approval or receiving their validation for his ministry or mission. His deeds are self-evident proof of the source of his power. His ministry does not rise or fall on their approval.
I wonder at times if I am in danger of seeking validation and confirmation from people regarding the validity of my ministry. It’s easy to do. The compliments regarding the sermon at the end of the service. The affirmation for a good deed done for a parishioner. But such compliments can be easily dissipated in a moment and replaced by criticism and contempt. My validation comes from God alone. He is the one I answer to. He is the one who calls me to tend to his sheep. I want my life to be continuous series of steps that draw me closer to Jesus…that is all I need.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
John 10:24
No sooner does Jesus walk into the room, than he is quickly surrounded by a host of inquisitive Jews. “Well, Jesus,” they begin. “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, just tell us! Don’t beat around the bush." John 10:24 EFP
What a strange description of events. First of all, the Jewish contingent is never more than a stone’s throw away from anything Jesus is doing. They are following him like a pack of hyenas on the prowl, waiting to pounce on him if he dares make a mistake. This day is no exception. It’s interesting to note they are some of his most faithful congregants. They rarely miss a sermon or a miracle. They are ever-present. Many of them are doing the right thing for all the wrong reasons. Which leads to the second strange setting.
Why do they ask the question they ask? Are they baiting Jesus? More than likely. But it does seem more than a bit disingenuous to ask this question. Jesus has not been coy about his saving mission, his intimate connection with God, or even his intuitive understanding of their misguided actions against him.
But they ask, “Tell us who you are…plainly!” I sense it does not matter what he says, they are only interested in confirming what they already believe about Jesus. He is a madman. He is a demon-led law-breaker. He is a threat to the religious establishment. Yet, in a moment of introspection, I can see myself in them. How many times over the years have I gone to the Scriptures, have I prayed, and even immersed myself in the things of God without truly being open to the leading of the one I was “seeking.” It is possible for me to be surrounded by religion and religiosity and yet to be totally inoculated against any effect from any of the claims of Jesus on my life. Spiritual callouses can easily develop in my heart towards the voice of the shepherd of my soul. Keep my heart sensitive to your voice. Continue to excise those things that deaden the impact of your Spirit in my life.
What a strange description of events. First of all, the Jewish contingent is never more than a stone’s throw away from anything Jesus is doing. They are following him like a pack of hyenas on the prowl, waiting to pounce on him if he dares make a mistake. This day is no exception. It’s interesting to note they are some of his most faithful congregants. They rarely miss a sermon or a miracle. They are ever-present. Many of them are doing the right thing for all the wrong reasons. Which leads to the second strange setting.
Why do they ask the question they ask? Are they baiting Jesus? More than likely. But it does seem more than a bit disingenuous to ask this question. Jesus has not been coy about his saving mission, his intimate connection with God, or even his intuitive understanding of their misguided actions against him.
But they ask, “Tell us who you are…plainly!” I sense it does not matter what he says, they are only interested in confirming what they already believe about Jesus. He is a madman. He is a demon-led law-breaker. He is a threat to the religious establishment. Yet, in a moment of introspection, I can see myself in them. How many times over the years have I gone to the Scriptures, have I prayed, and even immersed myself in the things of God without truly being open to the leading of the one I was “seeking.” It is possible for me to be surrounded by religion and religiosity and yet to be totally inoculated against any effect from any of the claims of Jesus on my life. Spiritual callouses can easily develop in my heart towards the voice of the shepherd of my soul. Keep my heart sensitive to your voice. Continue to excise those things that deaden the impact of your Spirit in my life.
John 10:23
Then Jesus walked into the temple and entered Solomon’s porch. John 10:23 EFP
There does not seem to be much to glean in this verse, other than Jesus walks into the temple and goes into the porch named after King Solomon, who was the one who commissioned the building of the first temple. Is this simply a geographical anchor? Is this only a parenthetical statement of John on his way Corinthians to more important happenings?
I suppose this is possible, but the premise of this slow, verse-by-verse, journey through Scripture is that there is something special to be gleaned from every verse of Scripture; I do not believe this is an exception. I am reminded this moment takes place during the Celebration of Dedication, or Hanukkah. The temple must have been more crowded than usual. Secondly, this is Solomon’s porch, which is located on the eastern side of the temple’s outer court.
Celebration, lights, Solomon, wisdom—all these words come to mind. I cannot help but feel that Jesus is being very intentional in entering this somewhat cloistered site. The Jewish nation revered the temple, but always considered it a second tier temple compared to the original temple built by Solomon. The prophet Haggai chronicles the thinly veiled disdain the people had for the rebuilt temple. But his prophetic words found in chapter two, verse nine of the Book named after him find their fulfillment in Christ. He is the better Solomon. He is the better temple. He is the Truth. He is wisdom epitomized. He is wisdom, light, life, power, majesty, and soon, the sacrifice for all ages, all wrapped into a mysterious God-man.
Jesus is in the room, and He is on a mission. Every step he takes, now more than ever, carries special significance. Every word is spoken in the approaching shadow of the cross he will soon bear, even as takes upon himself the sins of all of humanity, past and future. Wow!
There does not seem to be much to glean in this verse, other than Jesus walks into the temple and goes into the porch named after King Solomon, who was the one who commissioned the building of the first temple. Is this simply a geographical anchor? Is this only a parenthetical statement of John on his way Corinthians to more important happenings?
I suppose this is possible, but the premise of this slow, verse-by-verse, journey through Scripture is that there is something special to be gleaned from every verse of Scripture; I do not believe this is an exception. I am reminded this moment takes place during the Celebration of Dedication, or Hanukkah. The temple must have been more crowded than usual. Secondly, this is Solomon’s porch, which is located on the eastern side of the temple’s outer court.
Celebration, lights, Solomon, wisdom—all these words come to mind. I cannot help but feel that Jesus is being very intentional in entering this somewhat cloistered site. The Jewish nation revered the temple, but always considered it a second tier temple compared to the original temple built by Solomon. The prophet Haggai chronicles the thinly veiled disdain the people had for the rebuilt temple. But his prophetic words found in chapter two, verse nine of the Book named after him find their fulfillment in Christ. He is the better Solomon. He is the better temple. He is the Truth. He is wisdom epitomized. He is wisdom, light, life, power, majesty, and soon, the sacrifice for all ages, all wrapped into a mysterious God-man.
Jesus is in the room, and He is on a mission. Every step he takes, now more than ever, carries special significance. Every word is spoken in the approaching shadow of the cross he will soon bear, even as takes upon himself the sins of all of humanity, past and future. Wow!
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