Monday, March 25, 2013 -- What Do We Do With Jesus? (1)

After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. 2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

6 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. 8 You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. 10 However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 11 Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” 12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.”  Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” 13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders.  (John 7:1-13 NIV)

Who is Jesus and what does He have to do with my life?  Recently I sat in a circle with about a dozen women while we reviewed the events of Jesus' life prior to his death and resurrection.  We actually read a dramatic reading and several women were touched with the "things they had to say" as the characters they played in the story.  We all have some reaction to Jesus, what He does, the way He does it, and how it impacts us.  Jesus' brothers didn't believe He was the Messiah and you can almost hear some scorn and derision in their tone as they suggest that if He really wants to be the "important guy" that He go and do His miracles where He can be seen instead of "little unknown Nazareth."  The leaders of the church have their eye out for Jesus because they've had enough of Him and His influence.  The crowds are divided in their response.  Everyone had some response. 

Things haven't changed much these days.  There's quite wide popularity right now with History Channel's "The Bible" series and various stories of Jesus are the topic of conversation even today.  We've heard many commentators in recent weeks speak of faith and their personal response to what'been happening in The Vatican with the election and installation of a new pope.  What's the impact of Jesus, of the church, in our daily lives?

As the events of Easter unfold in this next week, it's good to pause and become conscious of the question and our own response:  Jesus, who are You and what am I to do with You?  If we sincerely ask that question and long for a real answer to which we will give committed action, God will meet us and we will encounter loving truth such as we have not yet experienced.