Thoughts on the Gospel of John (104) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Therefore Jesus no more walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with his disciples. And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, What do you think - that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they might seize him.
John 11:54-57.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (104)
For the religious leaders in Israel the matter was decided: Jesus was to be killed. Did the Son of God fear the leaders' murderous intentions? Not at all! So long as His "hour had not yet come" no-one could lay hands on Him. So He waited in a secluded spot for the Passover feast, at which He Himself would be the Passover Lamb that died instead of the guilty (cf. John7:30; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

John' gospel repeatedly reports that the Son of God evaded the multitudes. His public appearances were to testify the Word of God, even though He was immediately attacked and rejected.

Christ was an outsider, and people continued celebrating their religious feasts, making their assumptions concerning Jesus. The hostile leaders sought their opportunity to capture Him.

The Christian world acts in a similar fashion today. Religious festivals and ceremonies play a great part: Christmas, Easter, christening and confirmation are popular occasions and events. For God, however, the decisive thing is whether I have opened my heart to receive the Son of God.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Judges 1:1-15 · 2 Corinthians 1:1-7