Advent Eleven

Intolerance by Lygia Pires- behance.net

The story returns to first century Palestine.  The enemies of Jesus who see the people turning their ears to a new way of living are unnerved. They want to eliminate Jesus.  This is a snapshot of an interchange between them and Jesus.

 Words Not Actions

He was very, very lucky to get away alive.

I was one of the group that cornered him at the festival.

We knew he would have to come, so it was only a matter of time before we could get him alone.

Surrounded as he was, he was careful what he said.

"Say it straight - are you the divinely appointed messenger?" we demanded.  We're through with pleasantries.

He replied, "I have told you so many times, but you've never listened... so what will make the difference now?  The ones who know me, and care about me, they can tell you."

 Surely, 'enough' (we are not likely to get more). This is 'incitement to hatred and intolerance'.  It's cryptic, but that's what we expect.  We know he's playing games with us. We must act while we can.  It's the only way terrorist acts can be prevented.  'Catch the snake as it leaves its hole', as the saying goes.  Our actions will be understood in a court of law.  Self-defence for public well-being.

 He will say more. He's pleading now.

 "You have seen how the poor have been helped.  For which of these acts am I to die?"

 It's not for your bloody actions that you die, it's for your words.  We have him round the throat, but he still manages to say more...

 "You recall those words... of the Psalmist, in chapter 28, verse 6, "and you are all gods.."  just words.... and I've only said I am 'the son of god'... you never believed me, even when wonderful things happened to honour the Creator....a paradox eh? You see, impossible for you to believe.”

 Everything went red.  I threw a stone, it hit another guy on the head.   Lunging and ripping.  I still have a bit of his shirt.  How he got away from us, I just don't know... but he did.

 He went back to that place where his cousin had been. And people said they saw the link.  His cousin spoke powerfully, but never did amazing things.  This guy… it's all happening.

 Jesus Withstands Intolerance and Just Survives 

It is amazing to think that the presence of the Creator, the omnipotent king, is here so fragile and so nearly snuffed out.  Just 'words' cause complete torture and agony to the Jewish leaders.  The threat is so powerful it turns to violence.  When we are scared, one reaction is adrenaline filled violence.  

Jesus points out that the bible can be brought to his defence.  The point is, if you are not open, you are going to be fearful.  I am reminded of my daughter's philosophy teacher at school who asked his class "who here is prepared to allow what we study in this lesson to change what they believe?"  My daughter raised her hand and I am proud of her for doing so.  If our faith is secure in Jesus, it is secure. We are free not to be held to ridged beliefs.  Our faith is alive and dynamic.  It is based on what is true.  

PRAYER May I not let fear hold me back from knowing you more clearly, and may my relationship develop and mature.