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Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 17
John 7:40-52
In John’s text we find Jesus at the center of a great deal of controversy. Jesus has just finished making a statement that seems to have opened up a wellspring of controversy. In the midst of the discussion as to what Jesus has just proclaimed, many questions begin to arise. It is in the answer to these questions where we find division among the people.
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus has such an astonishing ability to create division? From his birth to his death to the present day people still remain divided. As John gives account, his words forge dividing walls between believers and non-believers, authorities and commoners, even hostility and peace. His words create within us questions that we so frantically search for answers to. Is he a prophet? Is he a blasphemer? Is he the Messiah? To paraphrase C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. These are the questions the people were attempting to answer in John’s account. They are the same questions we are left with today.
As we wait during this time of advent, we wait upon the arrival of Jesus. Simultaneously we await Christ’s second coming. It is in this time of waiting that we have the opportunity to look beyond the questions and grapple with the impact of the answer.
God, who dwells among us, open our eyes to see you. Open our ears to hear you and our hearts to trust you. In doing so, may we rest securely in the new reality of Jesus Christ who was, and is, and is to come. Amen.
P. Doug Cartwright (MDiv’11)
Pastoral Intern, First Presbyterian Church,
Wichita Falls, Texas
For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
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