Friday 04 August 2023
- Bible Book:
- John
He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptising earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there. (vs 40-42)
Background
This week we are reading John's Gospel, chapter 10. Today verses 40-42 bring us moments of closure. One is Jesus leaving the Temple to cross the River Jordan, the other moment of closure is a rounding off of this part of Jesus’ story.
This second moment of closure is illustrated by Jesus returning across the Jordan where we are reminded of John the Baptist's first baptisms. The importance of the remembering becomes clearer when, in verse 41, we are directed not to John’s ‘signs’ of which none are referenced, but rather to the truth known through him. This leads to belief in Jesus. If you look back at John 1:28 you’ll see that here we recall the moments that make up the first day of Jesus' ministry. Verses 40-42 afford us a reminder and a summary of Jesus' ministry to date.
Looking across today’s passage, we are offered the chance to reflect on who Jesus is. We touch base with Jesus and yet another audience, simply referred to as ‘the Jews’. The Pharisees (religious leaders) switch from debating among themselves to asking Jesus "how long will you keep us in suspense". But surely the question of who Jesus is has already been revealed earlier in the chapter (John 10:14-18)? The Pharisees simply don’t listen to what Jesus says. Switch the image back to sheep and shepherd and what emerges is the gift of eternal life for those who hear the shepherd's voice and follow him: though they may wander they shall never be lost.
In this there is something of the spiritual struggle of our time and generation. In verse 30, Jesus says "I and the Father are one". In other words you no longer need to look to an actual building, a fixed point to know of God’s presence in your life, you should now look to Jesus as the visible presence and example of God.
To Ponder:
- Can you believe in a God who guides you?
- Who is your companion? Who watches over you?
Prayer
God of all truth, we ask that you are present in our lives in such a way that we may know you more closely and love you more deeply. Amen.