3/19/2019   2 Comments (at the bottom of this reflection.)

Today's question:
Then they said to him, "Where is your father?"

From John 8:

18 I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.’ 19 Then they said to him, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’ 20 He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Reflection from John Nankervis

Jesus is in a discussion with the Pharisees who do not understand because as Jesus told them, “You judge according to the flesh.”  They see Jesus as just another man.  A  man of no particular importance neither by birth nor wealth.  “Can anything good come from out of Nazareth?” was the prevailing attitude.  The basic reason the Pharisees met with Jesus  was to catch him in misinterpreting the law since he did not have education to match theirs.  Yet Jesus was continuously astounding them with his knowledge of the Law and the Prophets which, as so often happens, led them to fear him.  Jesus growing popularity among the Jews also caused the Pharisees great concern.
 
The question “Where is your father?” arose from the Pharisees in response when Jesus said to them “…my judgement is true, for it is not I alone that judge, but I and he who sent me.  In your law it is written that the testimony of two men is true;  I bear witness to myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness to me.”  The Pharisees did not understand that Jesus’ Father was God because they could not accept his divinity.
 
In many ways, today, we are like the Pharisees.  We focus on the physical world around us, the world of the flesh.  We have difficulty with our own spirituality when it is challenged by the world we face.
 
 As Christians, we accept the Trinity…The Father. The Son and Holy Spirit.  Three in One.  Yet God is in all three manifestations. Jesus is God’s earthly presence.  So it stands to reason that if you know Jesus you would know the Father.  And to this day God’s messenger, The Holy Spirit, is present among us.  All we have to is find a quiet place and listen with our inner self.  Jesus stands at the door and knocks, but the only handle is on our side of the door.  Will you open it?
 
Remember the paradox of Grace.  Grace is a gift from God that you must accept before you can receive it.

Comments

MaryLouise Shakespeare/Muench
Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 11:41 am
A great message for us to ponder. As long as I have known you I have appreciated your faith and your way of sharing God's word. And thanks for ending it with a question for us to find the answer. Love hearing your thoughts. Thank you 

---

Pastor Irene Taylor
Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 3:31 pm
John, 
Thanks for your reflection. It is most helpful during this season of Lent. Blessings!

---

---

To Post A Comment

​Use the form at the bottom of today's reflection.

---

About Today's Author

From John Nankervis: I have been a member of First United Methodist Church for over 55 years.  During this time I have taught Sunday School, sung in the choir and served on various committees. 

Sharing worship with folks of this church has been an important part of my life and helped me develop a deeper understanding of my own relationship with God and my place in His wonderful creation. 

---

More Reflections

Look up all of this year's entries at
Lent On Line Study 2019

Are you subscribed to receive daily Lent emails?

You can join the program here. Just enter your email address.