Creative Space for Wanderers
The ambassadors return and are excited that they were able to do amazing things, even the demons were frightened of them. Jesus uses this as a teachable moment and explains this is what God was pleased to do and Jesus rejoiced, full of joy. Jesus tells them:
However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
Rejoice in that which is eternal, not gloating, complete joy. Now this is the definition of success.
Luke 10:17-24Jesus sends out ambassadors, sheep among wolves, whether 70 or 72, it appears he has enough followers to pick a sizable group to begin expanding the ministry. This commissioning is only recorded in Luke, perhaps this is just Luke’s bias (as the author of Acts). The warnings are just as relevant today!
Luke 10:1-16Jesus is the gate, the good shepherd. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;” Jesus came to provide life to the full. The good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for the sheep, not so with the hired hand. In this passage Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees; some hear the lesson while others think he is insane. Odd isn’t it? Same story, same words, diametrically opposed reactions. Some things never change.
John 10:1-21Jesus found the man who the Pharisees threw out of the synagogue and preaches on spiritual blindness. Some of the Pharisees heard this lesson and begin to wonder if they are blind too for they cannot seem to understand that Jesus is the Son of Man.
John 9:35-41The Pharisees inquisition and excommunication of the man. Perhaps that’s a better title! The Pharisees decide to check into this matter by talking to the man who was healed, then to his parents (though his parents are not exactly the model leaders in the community). The man is questioned a second time and provides a lesson for the Pharisees that results in him getting thrown out of the synagogue. This is an amazing passage, especially this quote:
One thing I do know.
I was blind but not I see!
Sometimes it’s just that simple. What is amazing is that the Pharisees resolutely agree NOT to see, “and they threw him out.”
John 9:13-34The healing by Jesus and his neighbors astonished reaction. Who sinned? The disciples are trying to piece this together. John devotes the entire chapter to this story, so we’ll take three days to look at it. This is part 1 of 3.
John 9:1-12As Jesus spoke many believed him, but they still had questions. In this section a group of Jews who “had believed him” wrestle with his answers to their questions, but they aren’t listening. Jesus explains that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, a point they must not have heard, then this great statement of hope: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Sadly they spiral farther and farther away to the point they “picked up stones to stone him.”
John 8:31-59Jesus continues to speak to those who would listen, even if it was difficult to be clear. He says he is not of this world and three times he reminds them “you will indeed die in your sins.” Though there is confusion, it’s encouraging to read that “many believed in him.” Tomorrow we’ll read more about that group.
John 8:21-30
The cross-reference to Ezekiel is quite interesting.
Ezekiel 3:17-18
Jesus speaks to the people in the temple courts again, this time he says “I am the light of the world” and the Pharisees respond that Jesus is making an invalid claim because of a lack of witnesses. It’s like they’re speaking two different languages or having two completely separate conversations. The content of what is being said is ignored because of disagreement over petty arguments. Jesus continues to teach because some people are listening.
John 8:12-20
Scholars don’t consider this passage as part of the canon since it is absent from almost all the early manuscripts. Those that include it sometimes place it elsewhere. However it is believed to be an authentic story and is consistent with others.
John 7:53-8:11