Encounter: Find a space where there are few to no distractions. Settle in by taking some deep breath prayers. Inhale and say (or sing) to God, “Open the eyes of my heart Lord, now exhale and say, “I want to see you.” Listen to or read the following scriptures and begin to ask God for the grace to understand what he is saying, what he is saying to you, what is the invitation? Underline words or phrases that shimmer for you.
Luke 19:41-48, John 12:1-36, 1 Chronicles 17:23-24, John 1:1-18
Imagine a town eagerly awaiting a hero, one who is prophesied to bring freedom and prosperity. They prepare grand celebrations, cheering as the figure arrives. However, the hero comes not with a sword, but with a message of self sacrifice, love and forgiveness. In their desire for immediate change, the townsfolk fail to see the true power of his message, missing the deeper transformation he offers.
In Luke 19, we witness Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, an event that mirrors His arrival in John 12. The crowd in Luke greets Him with jubilation, laying down their cloaks on the road, an act signifying honor and respect. Yet, their recognition is limited; they see Him as a political liberator rather than the spiritual savior He truly is. As Jesus approaches the city, He weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting their inability to recognize the peace He offers.
In contrast, John 12 presents us with Mary, who anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume. Her act is a profound recognition of Jesus' divine nature and impending sacrifice. While Judas dismisses her gesture as wasteful, Mary understands the significance of honoring Jesus in this intimate manner.
Both texts offer profound examples where Jesus' identity and mission were misunderstood by those around Him. These stories serve as a mirror for us today, prompting reflection on our own ability to recognize and embrace Jesus in our lives.
Could our own expectations and desires keep us from recognizing Jesus in our midst? Could we be so busy that we wouldn’t recognize Jesus if He came among us today? I’m sure all of us have experiences where like the disciples, our realization of Jesus working in our lives came much later. The scriptures from this week’s reading and in many others throughout the gospels, witness to this as our #1 human problem that causes all other problems. It’s the first domino in a long series of effects.
John tells us story after story to show us that he understands how we struggle to recognize who Jesus is and the way of life he is inviting us into. Like an old friend we haven’t seen in years showing up on our doorstep, we struggle to remember where we know them from. Until the old friend begins to remind us who they are by telling us bits and pieces of their lives and suddenly we remember. Revelation does not usually come without an open and receptive heart.
Ultimately we recognize Jesus because of the way he lived. How Jesus shared with us his love for the Father and the work of the Spirit. All the ways our old friend is telling us who he is through story after story that cause us to suddenly recognize him. To what end? So we, like old friends, can share life. So we can know Jesus, live like Jesus and do what Jesus did.
I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you. John 12:24-26
As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: Are we like the crowd in Luke, blind to the deeper peace Jesus offers? Or are we like Mary in John, recognizing and honoring Jesus' presence in our lives? May we strive to open our hearts and minds, seeing beyond our expectations and embracing the true nature of Christ's love and mission.
Now, what will I do with this Jesus?
Peace,
Pastor T
Reflect: How can we recognize when something is inspired by Jesus? How can we recognize the voice and presence of God? Contrast the way of Jesus and ways of the enemy and our own selfish desires.
Spiritual Practice: For the next week try and read or listen to the scriptures in the 730 challenge as the first thing you do when you wake up and the last thing you do before you go to bed. Think about how this helps you recognize Jesus in your day. Does it make a difference?
Gather: John 12:37 tells us that despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most people still did not believe in him. John points to the prophetic word from Isaiah to explain why. Discuss what kept people from recognizing who Jesus really was. What can keep us from recognizing Jesus?
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