Wednesday, February 21

Why do ya gotta be so mysterious, Jesus?

Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Daniel D. Maurer from Clergy Stuff.

Once again, we see the crowds not comprehending something Jesus has said. And, once again, I'm in the same boat as the crowds!

I suppose, though, I shouldn't be. I search all the time for God's actions in the world and can't seem to find them . . . especially when I read the news (or on rarer occasion, watch it on TV).

The point Jesus is trying to make, I believe, has to do with him inferring about his eventual capture and execution. No, Jesus didn't physically travel to the diaspora to preach to the Greeks. However, those who only try to see Jesus physically won't see him. It is only in and through the reality of the cross where Jesus makes the Father most "real."

In the same stroke, we can also see Jesus in and within suffering. We can know God does not wish us to suffer, but that bad things sometimes just happen. Looking for easy answers is never the right solution, because sometimes there simply aren't any. Still, trusting in God's promises despite everything we see in front of us affirming the opposite is no easy task. It's a lifelong struggle, but one worth pursuing.

Narrative Lectionary Text: John 7:32-36

The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering such things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent temple police to arrest him. Jesus then said, ‘I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will search for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.’ The Jews said to one another, ‘Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What does he mean by saying, “You will search for me and you will not find me” and, “Where I am, you cannot come”?’