Reading the Gospels for Lent

 

Read ~ John 8-10

A quick scan of these three chapters continues to help us notice and note themes in John. In chapter 8, Jesus continues to preach and teach about being the light (see I AM statements from yesterday and how the light shines in the darkness from John 1 from Monday), but that people won’t get it – Jesus will face death.  John is returning to that prophetic, powerful poem in chapter 1 that not everyone will understand what Jesus is up to.  Jesus heals a blind man in chapter 9, but that starts a whole kerfuffle (almost comical episode) about the religious people not getting Jesus and putting parents on trial, which makes me think of the way religious people today put each other on trial about who is really faithful.  Finally, Jesus draws us to the shepherding metaphor, which might bring to your mind the beloved Psalm 23.

 

Three questions to ponder: when have you shined your light, but someone wanted to put a basket over it?  That is, when have you wanted to do something new, but a family member or friend said, “For the love of God, don’t do that”?  When have you witnessed the church putting people on trial?  When did you last time you felt the shepherding presence of God?

 

These chapters make me think of family systems theory.  In a nutshell (and oversimplification), this theory says that in families we all play roles, and when someone no longer wants to play that role or there is change, the whole system does whatever it can to re-establish equilibrium.  We blame and shame and guilt people to stay in their lanes because in a world of chaos, we long to control something.  Change brings anxiety in us and others and groups (see morning meditations from a few weeks ago).  John is pointing to this truth.  The religious leaders want Jesus to fit into the confines containers of religiosity ~  of where they are comfortable…and I am challenged that we can still do that today in the church.  In this season of Lent, I honestly name my need for control and how I can misuse power to feel in control.  I lament the ways this story has been repeated in the church with African Americans, LGBTQ brothers and sisters, Latinos, women, and countless others.  As someone who embodies/looks like those who oppress and have received privileges in my life, I long to live in ways that challenge and change the systems around me.  I do this with prayer and openness to the One who is the good shepherd trying to guide all humanity to the rivers of life.  Amen.