Daily Devotional for February 25
February 25 John 7:1-13
"My time has not yet come, but your time is always
here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because
I testify of it that its works are evil."
When pushed by his brothers to be more public in his ministry,
Jesus responds that it is not yet his time, but that their time
is always here. The brothers represent those who do not
believe. They urge Jesus to be more public in order to convince
the disciples of his divine mission, yet it is the brothers
themselves who seem to need further proof of Christ's power
and identity.
Jesus is drawing a contrast between himself and his unbelieving
brothers. He says that the world hates him because he testifies
that its works are evil. Jesus then points out that his brothers,
in contrast, are not hated, implying that his brothers do not
testify to the evil at work in the world, and may even be
cooperating with it either deliberately or unconsciously.
Are we more like the brothers of Jesus than like his disciples?
Do we keep asking for more proof of Christ's power before
believing? Do we claim Christ's name, but not Christ's
authority? We seem at times to want to follow Christ only so
far, then to ask for more evidence of what has already been
demonstrated. Do we fear that if we challenge the world about
its evil, we may be hated as Christ was? Are we afraid we won't
be loved? Is God's love too little for us? Do we withhold our
witness, trying to be loved both by the world and by Christ?
We make only a partial witness to Christ. We hold back.
Jesus, sometimes hearing your word and
being your disciple is uncomfortable for me;
I have wanted both the world's affection and yours.
Today I choose to follow you, whatever the cost.
Your love is enough for me.
From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle
Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C