Keeping Open
Scripture – John 7:45-52: Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards declared. “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. “Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) Look at the different people in this passage and their response to Jesus. The Pharisees have already determined He’s wrong, He must be stopped, and they’re open to no other possibility. A notable exception is Nicodemus, who suggests a different approach. However, he is quickly dismissed. The crowd – referred to here as a mob – is beginning to believe in Him. At least they are open to what He’s saying, and are considering the implications of His message. Then there are these poor temple guards. They, too, were ordinary people, working as security officers at the temple. They were sent to arrest Jesus. But something in His words and/or demeanor stopped them. Most people, it seems, are not predisposed to reject Jesus automatically. They may not like the church. And that’s what we have to address. How can we help people hear the words of Jesus? How can we move around their perceptions of the church to do that?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I will not assume people don’t want to know Christ. I will not try to get them to church. I will look for ways to bring Christ to where they are.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Again, Lord, I don’t know how to do this. I only know people are longing for you. Teach me and empower me to be a good witness for you today.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) Look at the different people in this passage and their response to Jesus. The Pharisees have already determined He’s wrong, He must be stopped, and they’re open to no other possibility. A notable exception is Nicodemus, who suggests a different approach. However, he is quickly dismissed. The crowd – referred to here as a mob – is beginning to believe in Him. At least they are open to what He’s saying, and are considering the implications of His message. Then there are these poor temple guards. They, too, were ordinary people, working as security officers at the temple. They were sent to arrest Jesus. But something in His words and/or demeanor stopped them. Most people, it seems, are not predisposed to reject Jesus automatically. They may not like the church. And that’s what we have to address. How can we help people hear the words of Jesus? How can we move around their perceptions of the church to do that?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I will not assume people don’t want to know Christ. I will not try to get them to church. I will look for ways to bring Christ to where they are.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Again, Lord, I don’t know how to do this. I only know people are longing for you. Teach me and empower me to be a good witness for you today.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
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