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John 7:40-52
Some in the crowd who heard these words said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But others said, “The Messiah will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not scripture say that the Messiah will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this one.” So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
Grace Prayed For
Empathy: The capacity to understand and appreciate the experiences of others, even those who disagree with us.
The Division and the Defense
This passage from the Gospel of John highlights the mixed reactions Jesus received during his ministry. Some recognized him as a prophet, even the Messiah, while others dismissed him based on their preconceived notions about where the Messiah would come from. This division in the crowd reflects the challenge of discerning truth and recognizing God’s work in unexpected ways.
The Pharisees, blinded by their rigid interpretation of scripture and their own authority, rejected Jesus despite the powerful testimony of his words and deeds. Their accusation that the crowd was “accursed” for not knowing the law reveals their arrogance and contempt for those who did not conform to their religious views.
In contrast, Nicodemus, a Pharisee himself, courageously challenges his colleagues’ rush to judgment. He reminds them of the principle of due process, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding before condemning. Nicodemus’s defense of Jesus, though subtle, demonstrates his openness to the possibility that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.
Inspirational Message:
This passage reminds us that following Jesus often requires us to challenge prevailing opinions and confront our own biases. The Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus serves as a cautionary tale against clinging to rigid interpretations of scripture and tradition at the expense of recognizing God’s work in the present.
Nicodemus’s example encourages us to speak up for truth and justice, even when it means standing against those in authority. His willingness to listen and consider alternative perspectives inspires us to approach others with empathy and understanding, rather than quick judgment and condemnation.
In a world filled with division and disagreement, let us strive to be like Nicodemus: open-minded, willing to listen, and courageous in defending truth. May we also seek to recognize the work of God in unexpected places and people, just as some in the crowd recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Praying for Grace: The passage reveals the need for grace in discerning truth and resisting prejudice. As we meditate on this passage, we can pray for the grace to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, to be open-minded like Nicodemus, to stand firm in the face of opposition, and to trust in God’s Word.
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