2/22/14- Jesus Faces His Enemies

25At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill?26Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? 27But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.”

28Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, 29but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.”

30At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31Still, many in the crowd believed in him. They said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man?”

32The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things about him. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest him. (John 7:25-32)

Thoughts: Jesus knew that the leaders in Jerusalem would quickly be jealous of his ability.  The people were amazed at Jesus' courage in light of the authorities who they all knew (including Jesus) that they were trying to kill him.  There were all kinds of questions about where Jesus was from.  In the south it is one of the most important questions: "Where are you from?"  Many said he was from Galilee since that is where he grew up.  Others noted the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.  Others were saying the Messiah would just show up mysteriously- and no one would know where he was from.  Jesus said he was sent from heaven and many tried to seize him.  He did not back down from his claim.  Some believed him, and this caused the Pharisees to want to arrest him even more.  Jesus did not back down from his claim even in the face of opposition.  Christians who back down, and cower, giving up their morals and spiritual identity in order to conform to the world around them are chameleons rather than lights.  We are called to be lights to the world, reflecting the great light of Christ to the world. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your courageous example.  Help me to be strong for you.