Christian Reflection and Prayer

(Lenten Meditation)

Scripture:

Read John 7:14-24.

TEXT: (Jesus said) "... 'Why do
you seek to kill Me?'" (John 7:19b)

The darkness of unbelief hangs like
a thick blanket over the temple grounds.
For the first half of the festival it looks
as though the darkness has driven away
the Light-Jesus is nowhere to be seen.
But midway through the festival He
steps into the temple courts and begins
shining His light for all to see. Jesus
immediately addresses the reason He
stayed away for the first half of the
festival. He asks the religious leaders
why they want to kill Him for doing a
good deed.

Unaware that Jesus is talking to the
Jewish leaders, the crowd thinks He
is talking to them. Since they aren't
seeking His death and are unaware
of their leaders' thoughts, they reach a
false conclusion: they accuse Him of
being demon possessed!

When He hangs from the cross they
will reach another false conclusion:
Jesus was a fake and God is using
the cross to show the world Jesus of
Nazareth is not His Son. They will
have no idea God is giving His
only-begotten Son to die for the sins
of the whole world.

Judging by appearances and jumping
to conclusions is something we often
do too. We are offended by our
neighbor, so we condemn him before
we even learn his reasons. Jesus
warns, "Do not judge by appearances,
but judge with right judgment."

Stop a moment and reconsider Jesus
Christ. Did you start this Lenten season
thinking of Jesus as only being meek
and humble? Have you begun to see His
strength, commitment and courage?
Stick around, because as Jesus once
told Nathanael, "... You will see greater
things than these" (John 1:50b).

THE PRAYER:

Father, forgive me for judging by
appearances. Open my eyes to see
Your Son as He is-my powerful Lord
and Savior. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Lutheran Ministries