Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Slippery wisdom Jesus

Friday, March 22, 2013

John 10:31-32
Once again the people picked up stones to kill Jesus. He said, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?"

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032213.cfm

Unlike Jeremiah, Jesus did not mutter imprecatory curses under his breath against his enemies. Instead he spoke plainly to them. Here, in response to their threats, he asks a simple question and awaits their answer.

Jesus refuses to hate his enemies. He models the love for them he asks us also to have.

As I read on, Jesus' response confuses me; I think it also confuses his opponents. Is he kidding? Is he saying they also can call themselves God? But he settles back into familiar ground when he stands solidly on his body of work. "Believe the works," he says, "so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father."

Of course, that enrages them once again. He describes this mystery so matter-of-fact-ly. How can a man be God and still a man all at the same time? It is impossible!

Jesus is describing for them what the Council of Chalcedon settled into orthodox Christian doctrine once and for all more than 400 years later, that Jesus is fully human and fully divine.

That it is doctrine makes this no less comprehensible, however, and we are left, as were those with stones in their hands, with Jesus once more eluding our grasp.

I love you, O Lord, my strength, O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. You are my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Crushing breakers, surging floods, cords of the nether world and all the snares of death hold me bound and hopeless. In my distress I call upon you, Lord. You hear my voice, and I hear yours. O God, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 18)

Devotions Archive

Slippery wisdom Jesus

Friday, March 22, 2013