Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 20, 2024

Date:   Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent

Scripture Text:  John 8:31-42

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, 'You will become free'?" Jesus answered them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So, if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father's presence; then do what you have heard from the Father."They answered and said to him, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!" So, they said to him, "We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today from John recounts one of Jesus’ exchanges with those in the crowd when He was teaching in Jerusalem. Jesus begins by assuring the listeners that is they will abide by His word and live as His disciples, they will possess the truth which will set them free. However, He is faced with immediate push back.

They respond that they “are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone.” We know this is not true! They were enslaved in Egypt, but the LORD heard their cry and freed them. They were enslaved through the exiles after the fall of the northern kingdom to Assyria and the southern kingdom to Babylonia. They exist at this time under the governance of Rome. Their response to Jesus demonstrates their “stiff necked” demeanor and mindset.

Jesus ends the argument by repeating that He has been sent by the Father who loves Him and if they truly align with the Heavenly Father, they would love Jesus.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Can I be “stiff necked”? Can I refuse to listen and embrace the teachings of Jesus because they call me to change and to surrender to the will of the Father? Can I be argumentative with the LORD?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we can be a “stiff necked “people, insisting upon our way rather than seeking to prayerfully discern your will for us and surrender lovingly to it. You created us free. Send your Spirit to illuminate in our minds and hearts the responsibilities of freedom – to choose well and choose love. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.