Day 22: Courage and Humility

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  13.1-11 and John 8.47-59

“He who is of God hears the words of God; the reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”  The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”  Jesus answered, “I have not a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it and he will be the judge. Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, as did the prophets; and you say, ‘If any one keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you claim to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God.  But you have not known him; I know him. If I said, I do not know him, I should be a liar like you; but I do know him and I keep his word.  Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”  The Jews then said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”  Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. (John 8: 47-59)

 

Like all Christians I am aware of Jesus’ suffering on the Cross, but I often forget the many other struggles he faced throughout his life.

This verse highlights one such struggle.  Jesus was here to challenge and change the old and bring the world into the new, and change tends to threaten the Old Guard.  In this case the Old Guard actually picked up stones to inflict violence.  While we are fortunate to live in a day and age in which violence against Christians is rare, I’m sure we will all face a hostile reception as we evangelize throughout our lives.

I find this passage insightful in a couple of ways.  First, it reinforces that Jesus was not always the meek shepherd we tend to envision, but instead was willing to be firm and hold his ground when needed, even in the face of aggressive opposition.  I find this particularly pertinent as a Methodist, where we frequently tend to see the World as “grey”.  This passage reminds us at times we must take a black or white position and firmly support that position, even in the face of those that may strongly and/or aggressively disagree.  Second, it illustrates how threatened people can become when presented with a change to their status quo.  I hope the FirstChurch family will remember this and always present a warm and welcoming environment to visitors who have taken the brave first step to exploring Christianity.

During Lent I hope recall this passage and Jesus’ courage when I am challenged to take a stand on an issue that may be unpopular, but which I know is right.  I also hope to remember how threatened some can feel when their existing belief system is challenged, and want to be extremely humble when given the opportunity to share my faith with those that might be considering a Christian walk.  I challenge you to do the same.

Jody Staggs, UrbanLife president