“But if I do them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” John 10:38 (John 10:22-42)
In 168 B.C. during the Greek Empire, Antiochus Epiphanes profaned and desecrated the Temple with Hellenic gods and made it a crime to observe Jewish customs. A revolt led by Judas Maccabaeus was successful, but the Temple was in very rough shape. Four years later it was ready for rededication. In Jesus’ time, and still today, Jews celebrate this minor holiday called The Festival of Dedication, better known as Hanukkah, in honor of the relighting of the Temple lamps representing God’s presence.
In this episode, occurring in the winter before the crucifixion, Jesus is accused and nearly stoned for blasphemy. Blasphemy is the act of claiming to be or acting as though you are God. This IS a very offensive act. Consider the many ways man promotes himself as God. Telling lies and demanding others act upon the rewrite of reality, thus assuming God’s sole authority, is risky business? Judging others and acts of oppression are more invasions of places only God has the right to go. This is a serious matter. It was when Jesus walked the earth and it is today in a world of confusing messages. It was not uncommon for religious leaders to question Jesus. They guarded the sanctity of God carefully, even if they did become painfully legalistic.
While Jesus was in the Temple celebrating, many gathered around and again asked Him to clarify who He was. Jesus rested His authority on God, with whom He is One, but presented His acts of love as evidence of His deity. The people CHOSE to remain in suspense. At this moment they made the conscious decision to ignore who Jesus was, becoming violent in their frustration. Jesus escaped and returned to the place of John’s baptisms. There, many listen follow, and come to believe.
While there is every reason to believe, many will refuse. We don’t come into faith by accident and we don’t remain an unbeliever passively either. Press on in light and truth and let God do the rest.
Happy Monday,
Gretchen