Thursday, March 29, 2007Reading: John 8:51-59
“You do not know God. But I know him. Were I to say I do not know him, I would be no better than you - a liar.” Jesus didn’t mince any words. He never restrained himself when it came to the Pharisees. He told them what he knew they needed. Why wasn’t he more polite about it? Because he loved them deeply.
“You do not know God. But I know him. Were I to say I do not know him, I would be no better than you - a liar.” Jesus didn’t mince any words. He never restrained himself when it came to the Pharisees. He told them what he knew they needed. Why wasn’t he more polite about it? Because he loved them deeply.
It probably never occurred to the Pharisees that Jesus loved them. According to their ideas of love, his sure did not match up. It may surprise you, too, to become aware that he spoke to them as he did because he loved them.
Genuine love sometimes requires toughness. It pains the one who administers tough love more than the receiver. The parent who spanks the child from genuine love (not just from anger) feels the pain more than the child. God loves all of us so much that he will allow suffering to come upon himself - and upon us - when it is for our good. This is why Jesus spoke to the unbelieving leaders of the Jews as he did. He saw this as the only hope they had for changing, for being saved from their sinfulness.
When the unpleasant occurs in your life, consider this: It might be God trying to get your attention. He might be trying to tell you something. I hope the Pharisees finally took what Jesus said to heart. And I certainly hope the same for you - and me.
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