Sunday Apr 25th, thoughts going in

Easter 4
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon's Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."


There are so many interesting details about this passage swirling around in my head. The first has to do with the TIMING/SETTING of the passage—the Festival of Dedication at the Temple. This is a festival celebrated by Jewish people to this day—known as Hanukkah. It is a celebration of the reclaiming of the Temple after it had been profaned by pagans in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes and Judas Maccabaeus (c. 167BC). There are many sentiments wrapped up in this festival, sentiments such as God hearing the cries of his people; God fighting on behalf of his people; God securing victory for his people against unfavorable odds; God restoring his presence among his people. How appropriate then, that it was during this festival that God IN THE FLESH, in Jesus, was walking among his people, listening to their cries; (eventually) fighting for them and securing victory on the cross; defeating an enemy of great power (Satan), etc. etc.

Vss 24-26: Of course in John’s gospel whenever we see the term “the Jews” we need to remember that 99% of everyone in the story is Jewish. Most English translations of the bible translate the “Ioudaioi” as “Jews,” when in reality a better translation would be “Judeans” (Jews from Judea as opposed to those from Galilee or other areas), or in certain contexts, “Jewish Leaders.” Regardless, a usual common denominator is that these are people of Jewish extraction that do NOT believe in Jesus (as the Messiah). Hence, “the Jews” can also be thought of as shorthand for “the unbelieving Jewish people,” as opposed to the Disciples who were “believing Jewish people.” “How long will you keep us in suspense,” might be better translated: “How long will you annoy us?” In other words, their patience was being tried. Jesus’ point in 25-26 is that he has already told them…in his actions. We in our culture should be able to relate to this concept as we have the saying: “Actions speak louder than words.”

Vss 26-27 form an interesting ‘circle.’ Non-sheep do not believe because…they’re not sheep. Sheep, on the other hand, DO believe—because they are sheep. It reminds me of the old commercial that debuted on superbowl Sunday “herding cats is hard work.” Of course it is; cats aren’t sheep, they’re not meant to be herded. This passage presents a tension for us. On one hand we are rightfully concerned that there are others in this world who do not believe the Gospel and follow Christ (some of our own friends and loved ones no doubt). Yet on the other hand, so long as a person is NOT a sheep, it would be silly to expect them to act like one—including to have belief.

The passage concludes with some of the greatest words ever spoken: . “27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” As sheep of the good shepherd, we:

LISTEN
BELONG
FOLLOW
ARE SECURE

Cheers,

TM