This is the daily reading for Wednesday next week, comes from John 5, and can deeply challenge us in our walk with God.

“But Jesus answered them (the Jews), ‘My Father is still working, and I also am working.’ For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God”. 

The context of this Gospel text is important; it is set at the conclusion of the story of Jesus healing the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda. The man had been crippled for thirty-eight years, and Jesus healed him, though the miracle was awe-inspiring, the rigid Pharisees quickly chastised the man for carrying his mat, which they saw as a violation of the Sabbath law.

While God commanded through Moses in Exodus 20, “Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy”, it was the Pharisees who made detailed interpretations of this. They forbade numerous forms of work, including carrying a mat.

When Jesus healed the man and told him to rise and pick up his mat, the Pharisees believed Jesus violated the Law of Moses in two ways. First, they claimed that the healing itself was a form of work and thus a violation of the Sabbath. Second, they saw Jesus’ instruction to the man to pick up his mat meant he was breaking the Sabbath. 

What is worth pondering is Jesus’ response to this criticism. When someone criticises us, we might become defensive, respond in kind, or even backtrack in our actions. Criticism and persecution can tempt us to fear, and that fear can pressure us into compliance to avoid consequences. Jesus, however, did not take this approach.

Instead, Jesus reaffirms his authority to perform works of mercy on the Sabbath, declaring himself Lord of the Sabbath. He says, “My Father is still working, and I am also working.” There is a connection between Jesus’ work of healing and the ongoing work of the Father, the source of the Law. Jesus’ act of healing came from the Father, who gave the Ten Commandments, then his healing could not be a violation of the Law.

Jesus’ goal was not to defend Himself against the Pharisees’ criticism or to resolve the conflict. His goal was to proclaim the truth, even though it would further enrage the Pharisees. He did not fear their judgment, was not intimidated by their condemnation, and did not allow their rigid legalism to stop Him. Instead, He spoke clearly and openly to them about the truth, in love.

Reflect on how you handle rash judgment, criticism, and false accusations. Do you let criticism lead to fear or anxiety? Do you respond with anger or try to defend yourself? Or do you confront errors with truth, sharing that truth with love and confidence? Fear and anger come in many forms and can deeply affect the way we relate to others. Though they are different emotions, they are often interwoven, emerging together in our hearts. Pray that God will dispel all fear and replace anger with courage and truth. Like Jesus, we must speak and act in communion with the Father’s will, rejecting the intimidation and manipulation of those who falsely accuse us. Have a blessed Lent.

Update on the Keyed Up Appeal

People have supported so generously so far this week; we have received an amazing £7,685.90, and further pledges have been made to help us move closer to our target.  This is fantastic. 

We are grateful for every donation, if you have not done so already, why not come on board and be part of this, every pound makes a difference.

Find out more and donate from: https://www.bletchingleyparishchurch.org.uk/keyed-up-appeal/

This is your church, and every gift, large or small, brings us one step closer to enhancing music in the church and enriches our village life.  I am sure this will be something we can all enjoy for years to come. If we raise more than needed, we will use the surplus to promote our concerts and recitals.

Every Blessing 

Father Paul