For this reason they tried all the more to kill him,
because he not only broke the sabbath
but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.
because he not only broke the sabbath
but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.
Friends and foes alike will strain the scriptures to find Jesus’ saying, “I am God!” This eighteenth verse of John 5 comes as close as any passage I know. The sentence never appears, perhaps, because it would mean nothing. Its interpretation would be so entirely subjective, by the reader’s presuppositions about God, that no two persons could agree upon it.
This fifth chapter of Saint John, however, reveals much of the mystery of Jesus. He is the obedient Son of the Father, and his obedience goes far beyond anything we dare to imagine – “so that you may be amazed!”
If you haven’t done it yet, it’s not too late in Lent to be amazed. Awe, devotion, reverence, wonder, or whatever you call it: it’s time to put on that look of astonishment as we enter Passion Week, Holy Week and the Triduum. If you think you’ve been through this before, put that thought aside. It will only frustrate your willingness to enter the Holy of Holies.
I heard a radio interview of a woman who describes for blind listeners pornographic pictures. The moral issue aside, I think her job might be easier than trying to induce religious awe in jaded Christians. Her hapless listeners are probably more disposed to hear her disembodied voice with her limited vocabulary of salacious words, than many Christians are to hear,
Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own,
but only what he sees the Father doing;
for what he does, the Son will do also.
but only what he sees the Father doing;
for what he does, the Son will do also.
For the right disposition we must ask the Holy Spirit to move in us.
Jesus’ awe-inspiring identity as God abides in his profound obedience. Although he is free to do as he chooses -- more so than anyone -- he prefers and elects obedience to God. Although he is worthy of universal worship, he despises himself – if I may use so strong a phrase – in deference to his Father. Freedom is obedience to God, and obedience to God is freedom.
God has sent Mary's Son to save humankind from sin and Jesus is eager to do that; but he does it not because he wants to, but because his Father has sent him. By his obedience he is the equal of God.
The stone the builders rejected
has become the corner stone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.