Friday 03 April 2009

Background

Like the text for yesterday, today's passage tells of a group of "the Jews" whobecome so incensed by the claims Jesus makes for himself that theyseek to stone him.

The previous verses explain that this episode took place during"the festival of the Dedication" (verse 22). This is known withinJudaism as Hanukkah, and usually falls in late December. Jesus, whowas walking through a part of the Temple in Jerusalem that iscalled "the portico of Solomon" (verse 23), is surrounded by agroup of Jews who wanted him to tell them plainly whether he is"the Messiah".

The Hebrew word 'Messiah' (like its Greek equivalent 'Christos')means anointed one, and can apply to any person who is anointedwith holy oil, such as the high priest (1 Samuel 12:3-5)or the king (2Samuel 1:14-16). In the light of God's promise to David thatthe throne of Israel would remain in his family forever (2 Samuel 7:13),David and those of his royal line came to be seen as especiallyanointed. One prophecy stated that a descendent of David would oneday deliver his people (Jeremiah 23:5-6)and so many in Jesus' day were eagerly awaiting this comingMessiah.

In response to the Jews who wanted to know if he was indeed thisMessiah, quite typically Jesus did not answer directly. Instead, hefirst referred them to the wonderful works he had done in hisFather's name (verse 25), then spoke of his "sheep" to whom hegives eternal life (verses 26-29), and then proclaims, "The Fatherand I are one" (verse 30).

Today's passage is the aftermath of that proclamation, from whichit is clear that Jesus was certainly not the type of Messiah thisparticular group of Jews had expected!

To Ponder

For Christians, Jesus is the promised Messiah. Inwhat ways do you believe that his people are delivered by him?

Jesus claimed that his good works showed plainlythat he was one with his Father. What evidence could a Christianpoint to if someone asked whether they were really one with JesusChrist? What about you?