Sunday 26 July 2015

Psalm: Psalm 145

Background

The writer of John's Gospel frequently refers to the 'signs'that Jesus did. He wants them to be understood clearly since hisaim is that people will come to believe (as he claims near the endof his writing). This often means that he seems more interested inthe meaning of the story than in what actually happened, or where,or even sometimes when.

So it is not clear whether his phrase "the other side" (v. 1)indicates a journey from Jerusalem, where Jesus has been at thefestival, or elsewhere in Galilee. But it may be that the reader isinvited to accept a suggestion of being outside familiarterritory.

The writer is beginning to lead the readers towards one of thegreat 'I am' sayings of this Gospel. 'I am' was recognised as oneway of referring to the name of God and the writer names a numberof ways in which Jesus speaks of himself, using this phrase. Inthis chapter, in verse 35, we read of Jesus saying "I am thebread of life".

So this delightful picnic is vital to an understanding of thatstatement. This is especially true because this Gospel does notinclude the references to bread and wine in the Last Supper, whichthe other three Gospels contain. Instead we have Jesus givingthanks and distributing bread here among the people. And maybe the12 baskets left over are there to remind the reader that Jesus iscreating a new Israel - a new 12 tribes.

The second story may be a reminder of God's power in Jesus. Forthat community and the first readers, reference to stormy waterwould call to mind the chaos before God spoke creation into being(Genesis 1:1-2). So is this man the expectedprophet (relating to Moses, or Elijah returning before the comingof the Messiah) or is he much more than that? It may be worthbearing in mind that the phrase 'It is I' is a translation of theGreek for 'I am'.

To Ponder

• What signs of God's presence or word for you, might you find asyou reflect on each day's events?

• Reflect on your own view of Jesus. How much do these storiesaffect that view?