by David Bendickson
The Jews took up stones again to stone Jesus. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’ —and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands.
He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, “John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there.
John 10:31–42
Jesus’ opponents accused him of blasphemy. Instead of backing down, Jesus owned his identity. He affirmed his status as God’s Son. If we don’t believe Jesus, look at his works. Notice, he didn’t tell the Jewish leaders “Just take my word for it”. Actions, deeds, and even our lives reflect the transformative power of God. People’s actions and deeds should be a reflection of their faith. We live in a society where many people are losing faith in institutions: local, state, and national government institutions, political parties, academic, technological, and financial institutions.
I wonder if we can hold onto our faith in Jesus. This is an ultimate truth, which can bind us with followers of Jesus everywhere and throughout history. Although institutions come and go (even entire nations have risen and have fallen) the truth of Jesus is the same. How can we follow Jesus not only with our words, but as he did, in our actions and in truth?
Calico Aster – Symphyotrichum lateriflorus
These photographs, shared each day during Lent, capture the beauty of plants native to the Upper Midwest. As we spend time in Lenten reflection, these images of new life can remind us daily of our calling to be caretakers of God’s Creation.
Photo by Jo Anna Hebberger
