They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”’?” vs. 42
Ephesians 4:25-29
The religious folks were having a tough time with Jesus. He’d come from Nazareth where he was known as the son of Joseph–his mother was Mary, a good woman who everyone knew. And now he was claiming to be the Bread of Heaven?! They just couldn’t buy it! We know what that’s like. Those wondering feelings pop up frequently in our lives. Is there really a God? With all the advances in science there’s really no reason to believe in a Creator. We even wonder right in the middle of worship. How can it be that the ordinary bread of Holy Communion is the Body of Christ? And this book in the pews–it was written completely by human beings. Sure, the stories are interesting, but why do some say that it’s the Word of God? And while we’re on that subject, why do some think the preacher is proclaiming God’s Word during the sermon? If it were God’s word, why is it sometimes so boring? And so we wonder–and some wander off in search of certainty. But others continue to believe. In spite of the wondering, in some sort of miraculous irresistible way, they are drawn to God, and find connections with God in Jesus, the creation, Holy Communion, the bible, the community, and yes, even in boring sermons. And those believers trust that in God there is eternal life! What a gift!
Thought for the Day: What do I wonder about?
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