Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Read John 7:14-24.
(Jesus said) "... 'Why do you seek to kill Me?'" (John 7:19b)

Lenten Devotion- 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.