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John 11:55-57
Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?” For the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should inform them, so that they might arrest him.
Grace Prayed For
The grace of courage: to stand up for our faith, even in the face of opposition or persecution..
Anticipation and Ambush
Inspiration: In today’s Gospel reading, we sense the anticipation and tension surrounding the approaching Passover feast. While many pilgrims journey to Jerusalem with hopeful hearts, seeking purification and encounter with the divine, the religious authorities lurk in the shadows, their hearts set on capturing Jesus. The contrast is striking: eager expectation versus calculated ambush.
The Search for Jesus: The pilgrims’ question, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?” reveals their longing for Jesus’s presence. Despite the threats, they believe He will be there, drawn by faith and hope. Their search for Jesus echoes our own spiritual yearning. We, too, seek His presence in our lives, amidst the noise and confusion of the world.
The Plot Against Jesus: The chief priests and Pharisees, blinded by fear and pride, seek to eliminate Jesus. They perceive Him as a threat to their authority and control. Their actions serve as a stark reminder of the opposition that often confronts those who stand for truth and righteousness.
Points for Reflection:
- Longing for Jesus: How do we actively seek Jesus’s presence in our daily lives? Are we open to encountering Him in unexpected ways?
- Facing Opposition: How do we respond when our faith is challenged or threatened? Do we stand firm in our convictions, even when it’s difficult?
- The Power of Hope: The pilgrims’ hope in Jesus’s presence, despite the danger, inspires us to remain hopeful even in challenging times. How can we nurture hope in our own lives and share it with others?
- God’s Plan Prevails: Despite the plots against Him, Jesus ultimately fulfills His divine mission. This reminds us that God’s plan will always triumph, even when faced with human resistance.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we long for Your presence in our lives. Help us to seek You with eager hearts, even amidst the challenges and distractions of the world. Give us the courage to stand for truth and righteousness, even when faced with opposition. Fill us with hope, knowing that Your plan will ultimately prevail. Amen.
Key Takeaway: This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we actively seeking Jesus’s presence in our lives? Are we willing to stand for Him, even in the face of opposition? May we always choose the path of faith and hope, trusting in God’s ultimate victory.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Kindling a Desire for His Presence: The pilgrims’ eagerness to see Jesus, even amidst threats, reflects a deep longing for His presence. This can inspire you to examine your own desire for Jesus. Do you actively seek Him out? Do you yearn for His presence in your life?
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post