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Stealth saviorFriday, March 27, 2009
John 7:1-2, 10, 28-30 In the temple courts Jesus spoke to the people. "I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me."
At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.
Jesus drew out the depths in everyone. Who am I down inside? Let Jesus walk into my house and look me in the face ... I'll bare my soul. Am I angry? Am I sad? What despair do I wear and soil and wash and wear again? I will show it all to Jesus. And he will know me. Jesus, on the other hand, must not have felt known at all. Everyone saw what they wanted to see. The response to Jesus defines charisma ("arousing fervent popular devotion and enthusiasm"). But for what? Jesus wanted these excited people to follow him into a generosity of spirit that allowed him to die for their sins. There is suffering on that road, and dying, and learning a new way to live. Later Jesus will say, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." As he descends down the path to the cross he calls out, "Let me show you how to come to our Father. Follow me. Don't think so much about yourself, just follow me. Look at what I do, and do it too." When I look to you, Lord, my face will be radiant and never covered with shame. I taste and see that you are good. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but when I seek you I lack no good thing. |
John goes on to say that many people "put their faith in him." Many hoped Jesus would lift them out of their bondage to the Romans and to Herod, perhaps by inspiring a revolt or leading some para-military guerrilla movement. And many others wanted Jesus to heal their children or their parents or themselves. The blind wanted to see and the lame wanted to walk.