The light of Christ

WED EP Reflection 082620 (John 7: 1-13)

John talks about the Jewish Feast called Sukkot which commemorates the years that Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and celebrates the way in which God protected them under difficult desert conditions. Sukkot is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, or the Feast of Booths. John places this story before this week long celebration. We are told that Jesus preferred to remain in Galilee rather than go to Judea because the Jews sought to kill him. If we go back two chapters, in Ch 5: 16, we read the story of a man who was sick for 38 years, and Jesus proceeded to heal him on the sabbath, so the Jews were enraged about it and began to persecute him. If there is something to learn from Jesus response is that the Gospel light is taken away from those who seek to extinguish it. Jesus will effectively withdraw from those who drive him away. In times of imminent peril, we should withdraw for our own safety and preservation, and to choose those places that are least perilous. I have lived as a refugee; it is not an easy status to have. People always disregard refugees because they look different and speak a different language, but they had to get away from perilous situations. They should have left so they don’t get killed.

As Jesus was being persecuted, his brothers came with a subtle tone of mockery. Hey you want to be famous? Go to Judea, at the Festival of Tabernacles, Aren’t you a prophet? It sounds like they didn’t believe in him at the time. Jesus answer is surprising… “My time has not come yet.” Jesus’ focus was always in the Kingdom of God, but his brothers’ focus was with earthly secular fame. Jesus’ time to die and redeem humanity was not yet complete. That’s what Jesus meant. But he said their time is always here! Since Jesus did not desire earthly fame like his brothers did, his response to them brings out an important spiritual principle that is so timelessly true: “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify against it and that its works are evil.” I call this, a spiritual principle because, the works of darkness are always in opposition with the works of the light.

Just think about a moment when someone tried to correct your behavior, either your parents or your spouse. Did you not have any ounce of rebellion? Did you think it was unfair? None enjoys being told he/she is wrong. This is our nature. Jesus presence is already a light. Anyone who challenges the works of the evil one end up being persecuted.

John the Baptist is one example that comes to mind. He told Herod that he shouldn’t take his brother’s wife and so Herodias wasn’t amused to say the least. John was murdered because of her plot. Think about what happens to whistle blowers. Often enough they get killed before change happens. People get into witness protection program because telling the truth would challenge the works of evil. This is why I called it a spiritual principle. The works of darkness are always opposite the works of light.

Was Jesus fearful of the Jews? He must have been, but for him, accomplishing the will of the Father was more important to him than anything. There is an element of authenticity in people with works of the light, that’s what makes those with works of darkness upset. Jesus walks away… He walks away because the light has nothing to do with darkness and the light does not force its way. It is just the light; its existence only chases the darkness away.

When we refuse the light, the light walks away. This is a sad state to be in. The Bible has many stories of people who deliberately refused the light and consequences were rather terrible. As believers we have a mission: to bring the light of Christ to others. When Jesus Christ lives in you, some people may persecute you just like they persecuted Jesus. John tells us in Chapter 8  that Jesus is the light of the world, and that those who follow him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Be Blessed to day and forever!

Amen.