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Knowing GodFriday, March 30, 2001
John 7:25-30 The problem with Jesus was never that God was working through him. His followers exalted in his victories over disease and evil, were awed by his mastery of the elements, amazed when he turned a slice of bread into a thousand loaves. They didn't see him as God ... these things would hardly be difficult for God. Jesus was their hero because he provided such a clear path for God to touch men. There were days, though, that his followers felt confused and a little embarrassed for Jesus. Days like this. For all the single syllable words he uses, Jesus makes no sense to them. He is not from Nazareth, he is from God. God sent him. What is he talking about!? Why doesn't he just be quiet and heal somebody? Jesus' words are staccato and demanding. Look at me! Listen to me! I am not who you think I am. There is more here than meets your eyes. He is sure of himself, certain of his origin, clear about his mission. When they tried to seize him they could not. I imagine him stopping them cold with his eyes. I've had a few experiences with very charismatic religious people. Surrender sometimes is so delicious, letting myself be drawn in to the beauty and strength of their dreams, feeling the power of their conviction. These people were not one-dimensional cult leaders; they were often humble, intelligent, clear-thinking, close to God. I have never once thought they were anything but human, but they provided such clear paths for God to touch men. Yet if they were to say the things Jesus said about himself in this passage of simple words, I would turn and run. On this rainy, cloudy day it's worth spending a few moments being still, listening to God speak, asking him what the difference is with Jesus.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still ... and know that I am God." |
We have our heroes, they walk in shoes like ours, eat and sleep like us - they might be heroes but they're human too. No matter how much bigger than life they seem, they live, they die, they laugh, they cry, they are just like us. Jesus was the hero here, but almost no one thought he was anything other than human.