Thursday 16 July 2026

Psalm 74:18-23

Background
Jesus is speaking to the crowds gathered in Jerusalem. Whispers among the crowd that he might be the Messiah prompt the chief priests and Pharisees to dispatch Temple guards to apprehend him. Jesus, aware it will not be long before he faces arrest and crucifixion, tells the crowd that he will only be with them for a little while more. His saying "Where I am, you cannot come" in verse 34 is usually taken to refer to his ascension and return to the heavenly realm. Ironically the religious leaders take it to mean he will flee the country to the diaspora (the 'Dispersion' – the countries scattered with Greek-speaking Jews) and they wonder whether he will take his teaching to them. In fact, the followers of Jesus later do exactly that, taking the gospel to many different cities, towns and villages.

Some scholars point to the fact Jesus says "where I am" and not "where I will be" and they say this reflects the fact Jesus was living in constant, unbroken communion with God – a state simply not open to anyone else. It may help to read John 1:1-17 with its heartfelt depiction of the incarnate Christ and its affirmation that only Christ is close enough to God to make him known. John in 8:23 records Jesus saying: "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world; I am not of this world."

To Ponder:

• Am I relying too much on human logic to understand spiritual things? Should I not be more aware of my inability to fully comprehend God?
• If my life ended today, have I embraced the belief and repentance required to go where Jesus is?
• Do I actively seek Jesus in my daily life, or am I letting distractions, pride or intellectual hurdles keep me from experiencing a full relationship with him?

Prayer
Lord, I humble myself before your infinite wisdom and I acknowledge that my human mind cannot fully comprehend all your ways. Forgive me for the times I let doubt or anxiety creep in when life does not make sense. Your understanding far surpasses mine. Help me to trust in your love even when I cannot trace your hand. Amen.

Bible notes author: Gary Best
Gary was headmaster of Kingswood School from 1987 to 2008 and volunteer warden of the New Room in Bristol from 2009 to 2019. He has published over 20 books, including The Christian Alphabet, a study book for home groups.