Heeding Jesus’ Voice - Tuesday 9th May 06
John 10:22-28a (GNB)
22 It was winter, and the Festival of the Dedication of the Temple was being celebrated in Jerusalem. 23 Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch in the Temple, 24 when the people gathered around him and asked,
"How long are you going to keep us in suspense? Tell us the plain truth: are you the Messiah?"
25 Jesus answered, "I have already told you, but you would not believe me. The deeds I do by my Father's authority speak on my behalf; 26 but you will not believe, for you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never die."
Sometimes “knowing” is not enough. Recently the newspapers contained the story of a young man who threw himself off a cliff into what he clearly thought was deep sea water, despite the obvious danger of submerged rocks, and despite a Danger notice to that effect. The man was killed, and now others were accused of egging him on; the Danger notice was not adequate; it was not obvious the sea was dangerous.
What Jesus taught, what he said about himself was obvious “I have already told you” v25, but clearly people chose to think otherwise
When talk with friends turns to religion, I might talk about Jesus’ death and resurrection. But my hearers say something like, “You can believe that if you like, if that’s ‘your bag’ – you suit yourself.” Truth seems to be an option nowadays.
However, experience does seem to matter. That man who dived off the cliff wanted to try himself despite the warnings of others. So those who listen to Jesus, who experience for themselves his life changing transformation – they will heed!
So it is not enough to witness to the truth of Christ in such a world. Our dictum should perhaps be the invitation: Taste and see that the Lord is good!
A thought: Who shall I invite to dinner next week? | 