Jesus’ brothers went on their way (after their advice was firmly rejected), now Jesus secretly makes his way to the Festival of Tabernacles. His teaching always amazed those who listened, even if it confused the “wise,” some listened and heard.
John 7:10-24
Journey through Samaria
The Samaritans were not altogether pleased about the Jewish pilgrimage through their territory, so it’s no surprise that the envoys ahead of Jesus were not met with great enthusiasm. Jesus isn’t surprised by the reception, but the “sons of thunder” suggested a lightning strike might teach them a lesson! Jesus rebukes this behavior and they move on.
Luke 9:51-56
Ridicule by Jesus’ half brothers
After this, that is, after Jesus’ “hard teaching” in the synagogue in Capernaum (review the insight posted on John 6:60-71), those closest to Jesus in human terms, his brothers, give him some advice: leave. Jesus has a few words for them and ignores their advice.
John 7:1-9
First direct prediction of the rejection, crucifixion and resurrection
Just when things seemed to be going well, Jesus begins to teach his disciples about the end of his presence among them. Peter’s reaction and Jesus’ rebuke are documented by Matthew and Mark. The business of Christ is serious, not for the faint of heart.
Matthew 16:21-26, Mark 8:31-37, Luke 9:22-25
It’s not about the bread, are you dense?
If the topic weren’t so serious, this passage would make me laugh–ok, it did, I confess. The disciples forgot to stock up for the trip, someone forgot to gather bread, while Jesus continues to teach. They were on two completely separate trains of thought!
Matthew 16:5-12, Mark 8:13-21
Feeding the 5,000
One of the few miracles covered by all four Gospels, Jesus steps in and feeds a huge crowd. The Disciples hadn’t eaten, and it was getting late. Jesus understands these difficulties and chooses to feed the crowd.
Matthew 14:15-21, Mark 6:35-44, Luke 9:12-17, John 6:4-13
Mark 6:31 adds an interesting detail: “they did not even have a chance to eat.” It makes me smile when I think about the disciples suggesting to Jesus that they should send the people away so they can eat, after all, it’s getting late (oh, and by the way Jesus, we’re starving). It’s not that they were overly selfish; they were hungry.
Jesus, of course, hears through their concerns and decides it is time to teach them a new lesson. They’ve just returned from their first preaching tour when Jesus tells them to gather whatever food they have to feed the people. Remember, the number 5,000 refers to the men. There were women and children present as well, so the total fed is likely 10,000 or more. The actual number isn’t significant. Nothing short of a miracle was required to feed such a large group.
This is such a significant miracle, but so many try to rationalize it away. Perhaps these reasons are worth pursuing, but I don’t find myself motivated to think about this at this time.
This phrase jumped out to me this morning:
Twelve basketfuls of broken pieces
The Old Testament provides an incredible story of the roller-coaster ups and downs of our ancestors. Is there a story in the symbolism here?
Twelve tribes, broken pieces, leftovers.
It seems that we too often find ourselves as leftover pieces in this broken world. The path on which this country is heading will no doubt continue to break us into smaller and smaller families of Christ. If I understood the prophesies better, I might be able to point to current issues as foreseen by Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel and others. Though much of their words were specifically for Israel, what we see today appears more and more relevant. Sad. Even worse than sad, it’s dangerous. My heart breaks for those who look at God and claim he doesn’t exist. The religion of no religion is beyond foolishness and a cancer that is tearing us apart as a nation and ultimately as a world.
Parable of the Yeast
The preaching of the Gospel is like yeast or leaven, working from the inside out. The dough that is kneaded with yeast looks the same as that which has no leavening agent…at least at first. Given the right conditions, the right ingredients, the dough with yeast behaves much differently. It’s a very interesting parable for me since my dad spent many years working as a baker. He taught me the simple rules of making yeast breads and emphasized the importance of temperature, kneading (not too much) and most significantly, proofing.
My people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth with a parable;
I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
things we have heard and known,
things our ancestors have told us.Psalm 78:1-3
Parable of the Yeast: Matthew 13:33-35, Mark 4:33-34
Blasphemous Accusation by the Teachers of the Law and Pharisees
Jesus and Beelzebul: Matthew 12:22-37
Jesus Accused by His Family and by Teachers of the Law: Mark 3:20-30
Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son
The incredible interaction between Joseph and an angel of the Lord: Matthew 1:18-25
This passage provides a little insight into Joseph, Mary’s husband, the man who would raise Jesus in his home along with other children. Joseph must have been an incredibly kind person, one who watched his life take a turn which no one would have predicted, yet he managed the news with eloquence. “Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly” (Matthew 1:19). Though this was hundreds of years ago, people knew without a doubt what caused pregnancy, yet somehow Joseph, a faithful man, was able to accept his role in this story. I’m pretty confident I would have failed this test, I doubt I would have been so gracious or willing to listen to the rumors spread in the village.
“But after he had considered this…” (1:20 begins). The angel didn’t show up to pre-warn Joseph, he had to wrestle with this incredible problem first. That’s definitely not the way I like to operate! How many times have difficult situations presented themselves before there is any hint that God has a plan, that his hand is in the mix. “…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream” (middle of 1:20)–a dream because Joseph wasn’t sleeping well, no doubt tossing and turning and trying to figure out how this amazingly sweet young betrothed bride could do such a thing and how he could somehow live his life peacefully.
The angel has these incredibly comforting words: “Joseph, son of David…” Wow! Not only is Joseph visited by an angel, but he is immediately credited with being a member of David’s family. The angel explains that Mary carries the Messiah, the one they all hoped would come, the one the read about, studied and dreamed would come one day. This is the day. It seems odd to me that those who study and preach expectation and hope would miss the very thing that they most desired. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet” (1:22), through Isaiah’s words of long ago, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). The “therefore” in this case is a result Ahaz’s disobedience and ultimate inability to follow the Lord. A solemn reminder that God doesn’t need us to carry out his plan for the world, we have a choice. Joseph choose to listen.
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife” (Matthew 1:24). Lord, I don’t think we can fully grasp the significance of these words in this day and age, but I thank you for providing this short description of a man who listened well and I pray that we, as your people, would learn from this lesson and listen to your Spirit all the time!
Joseph did not consummate the marriage with Mary, he did not have sexual relations with her before Jesus was born. In my mind, I picture a kind and gentle man, probably much older than Mary, caring for her patiently. God choose Mary for a reason and Joseph was there as well, though we know very little about his actions. As a father, I like to think he was a good and patient teacher, loving his wife and children, well respected for his kindness. This impression is only supported tangentially as we don’t have the details, but there’s no evidence that people were surprised that Jesus was wise and thoughtful when he began his ministry, no surprise when he was in the temple or spoke to people. Joseph did his job as a faithful servant in the background, something I admire and pray that I can do for whatever days I have left on earth.
Teach me, Lord, the ways of Joseph. Guide my thoughts and speak to me when I’m troubled and may my words and actions always, always give you the honor and glory you deserve.