Reflecting on John 5: 30-47
Perhaps it’s the increasing role that social media plays in our lives, but we live in an age where – like it or not – we think more and more about what we present to the world. Every “like” we click or link we post tells people something about what we think, want, or how we’re trying to define ourselves. Are we witty? Compassionate? Irreverent? Thoughtful? Social media user or not — our words, opinions and statements say much about ourselves and our values.
In this text, Jesus uses his words to point not to himself, but to God. He testifies not on his own behalf, looking for praise or affirmation from people, but with words focused on the role God has for him in the Kingdom. Jesus represents his Father, and points to his Father to define himself as the one who has come to fulfill the scripture.
Sometimes I read about the way a person chooses to characterize themselves online and it doesn’t ring true as authentic to me. Jesus recognizes that the people hearing his words may also not be able to recognize them as coming from God. Still, Jesus’s words are different – they point past him, to God’s word. And in God’s word, we have an opportunity to understand timeless truth.
Prayer: God, Help us to know Jesus by understanding you. Allow us to recognize you. Help us to consider the ways we point to ourselves when we can point to you and your work in our lives. Amen.
Written by: Laura Ketchum-Jahn, Living Grace Lutheran Church
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