Our Scripture meditation is based on John 10:31-33, the end of next week’s Gospel Reading.
[31] The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. [32] Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” [33] The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
What’s striking about this passage is that the Jews were again picking up stones to stone Jesus. Just like the last time He was threatened (John 8:59), Jesus was walking in the temple in Jerusalem (John 10:22).
In both cases, these Jews thought murder was justified because Jesus claimed to be divine (John 8:58, John 10:33). Since they did not have faith in Jesus, they did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12). Faith is required for us to understand the “things of God,” including the mystery of God being one, yet also three persons.
The truth of Jesus’ divinity is especially important during the season of Easter. It explains how death could not hold Jesus. Since Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, he was not born under the curse of original sin. Hence Jesus could live a sinless life. Jesus was raised from the dead because he died for our sins. Jesus remained sinless.
Praise be to God that he provides us with a new worldview when He brings us to faith in Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we have insights into this relationship with God that would otherwise be impossible. This is all the more reason to daily delve into God’s Word, increasing our capacity for spiritual insight.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 