Reflection - Answers

by Steve Hall

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032820.cfm
Jeremiah 11:18-20
John 7:40-53

In each of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke Jesus poses a question to the Disciples: “Who do the people say the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13ff, Mark 8:27ff, Luke 9:18ff) John offers no such incident, although something similar is presented in a slightly different way as we read in this current passage from John.

It is common, when reflecting on the incident as recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke, to focus on the word “who” and the celebrated response of Peter. This reading from John, however, directed my attention toward a different question, though it is a question that is unspoken in the text. That question is “how?” How were the people to know who Jesus was?

The question became more engaging when I tried to imagine it being posed in a modern context: If Jesus were to appear on the scene today, in our town, instead of two thousand years ago, how would we know who he is? We would have the same guidelines and prophecies of the Old Testament. But they might be just as puzzling for us as they were for the people in Jesus’ time.

“The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? The Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem.”

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46)

“We have heard from the law that the Christ remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up?" (John 12:34)

No, the prophecies and foreshadowing of the Old Testament support belief. They do not create it.

His words were a marvel for people two thousand years ago and they remain so today. Even many who do not believe are impressed.

“Never before has anyone spoken like this man.”

“The crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” (Matthew 7:29)

By in large, however, Jesus taught nothing new, though he did provide a new perspective on what was important. Then again, we are apparently impressed by the teachings of a lot of people. Just go to the self-help section of Barnes & Noble and count how many.

The people of Jesus’ day had an expectation of the Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah, imbedded in their DNA. Yet, when push came to shove, there always seemed to be room for dissension.

"Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" (John 4:29)

"Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?" (Matthew 11:13)

"Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?" (Mark 4:41)

How? How were they to know?

Certainly there was suspicion.

"Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" (Mark 14:61)

"If you are the Christ, tell us." (Luke 22:67)

"How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." (John 10:24)

But Jesus seems to have expected a recognition that was not dependent on his words.

Then, of course, there were the signs, the wonders, the miracles. These do not even need to be recounted, for our own skepticism far exceeds that of those living two thousand years ago who had no scientific training.

The question is one deserving of some serious reflection on the part of each of us. My own resolution to the question comes after a lifetime of asking. Maybe you will agree. Maybe you will have an alternative. But to me the only viable answer is “holiness.” We recognize who Jesus is, not by his words, or our expectations, or even by Old Testament revelations, but by his holiness.

This is serious business! Evil and Holiness are antithetical to one another. We recognize one by recognizing the other. In this day we are encouraged to blur the lines and, in effect, know neither. If that is our case, how will we ever know Jesus?