John 8:30-59
Dear RTB’ers,
We had some good discussions at our RTB gathering yesterday, one of which focused on John’s gospel, where the point was made that his gospel is more about Jesus’ words than about His actions. Yes, we see dramatic miracles in John’s gospel (Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana; His healing of a man born blind (tomorrow’s reading); His bringing Lazarus back from the dead), but there are probably more of Jesus’ words compared to text or narrative in John’s gospel than in any of the Synoptics. Today’s reading is a perfect example of that, of Jesus in conversation with the Jews.
Beginning with verse 12, the entire chapter is one conversation, with Jesus’ words angering the Jews enough in the end that they are ready to stone Him. He has strong words for them, You are of your father, the devil… (v. 44) and a divine claim for Himself, …before Abraham was, I am. The dynamic of the conversation is interesting. At one point we see some Jews in the crowd believing His words (v. 30), but then He offends those same people as He continues the conversation. No doubt He is speaking words that are completely foreign to their hearing, but it also seems to be the case that their pride keeps them from truly listening to Him. How would I have felt if I were in that crowd? I think I would have felt more confusion than anger. I would have been especially confused of this “Father” of whom He speaks. I would have known of Joseph, his earthly father, but He seems to speak of God being His Father. He would leave me confused!
Thankfully, this side of the Cross (as I have said before) His words are more clear to me, but I remain sympathetic to His first-century listeners!
Blessings.
See also: