12/6/16
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
In John 8:12-20 the Evangelist reports Jesus continuing an interrogation. How does he have authority to do what he does? Where is he from? Who gave him this authority? Jesus’ answer does not follow the strict logical requirements we might hope for. He again turns the discussion from one dependent on earthly reasoning to one which is more spiritual in nature.
Jesus claims that his authority and the testimony about his identity comes from “the one who sent” him. This is his father. While he does not clearly claim God as his Father in this passage Jesus claims all the authority of God. This is unmistakable.
We notice also John’s attention to detail. Verse 20 points out exactly where Jesus was. We already had a context of the time. It would be possible for some time that witnesses to the event could be found.
Why was Jesus not arrested? The apostle makes only one simple comment on this. It was not yet Jesus’ time.
Jesus not only acts in the authority of God, but he also shows a remarkable freedom to avoid arrest until the time he considers appropriate, then to arrange for his arrest, conviction, and execution at just the right time and in just the right manner to fulfill prophecy. Jesus acts like none other than God the Son.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
In John 8:12-20 the Evangelist reports Jesus continuing an interrogation. How does he have authority to do what he does? Where is he from? Who gave him this authority? Jesus’ answer does not follow the strict logical requirements we might hope for. He again turns the discussion from one dependent on earthly reasoning to one which is more spiritual in nature.
Jesus claims that his authority and the testimony about his identity comes from “the one who sent” him. This is his father. While he does not clearly claim God as his Father in this passage Jesus claims all the authority of God. This is unmistakable.
We notice also John’s attention to detail. Verse 20 points out exactly where Jesus was. We already had a context of the time. It would be possible for some time that witnesses to the event could be found.
Why was Jesus not arrested? The apostle makes only one simple comment on this. It was not yet Jesus’ time.
Jesus not only acts in the authority of God, but he also shows a remarkable freedom to avoid arrest until the time he considers appropriate, then to arrange for his arrest, conviction, and execution at just the right time and in just the right manner to fulfill prophecy. Jesus acts like none other than God the Son.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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