Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 14, 2024

Date:   Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent

Scripture Text:  John 5:31-47

Jesus said to the Jews:

"If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John's. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form,and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life."I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you.I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today continues Jesus’ response to the critics and doubters who rise up against Him for His works of healing and His teachings. This particular response comes after Jesus’ healing of a man at the Pool of Bethesda on a Sabbath. As we read Jesus’ response, we can’t help but notice that Jesus points to the Father as His greatest witness because it is the Father who know Him best, it is the Father who sent Him, and it is the Father’s will whom Jesus’ follows.

The Father has given testimony to Jesus at His baptism, “This is my beloved Son.” John the Baptist heard the Father’s words and witnessed the Spirit hovering. In John 1:29-34, John the Baptist testifies to his disciples and followers that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus is aware in his response today that to some, it does not matter who testifies on His behalf, it will still be met by disbelief.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What about me? What do I really believe about Jesus? Do I accept that He truly is the Son of God sent by the Father?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved and only-begotten Son, to us to dwell among us as our brother, to reveal your unfathomable love to us, and reconcile us to You. As we continue our Lenten journey and focus on turning our hearts and minds to You and your great love for us, we ask that You send your Spirit to kindle within us your transformative love for us. Grant that we may still seek to follow the words and examples of your beloved Son, our savior, and deny ourselves, pick up our own crosses, and follow Him. We ask this in the name of your Son, our LORD, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.