Who are you? – The audience is completely confused. What Jesus is preaching there, they can not quite understand. But He is the one you can trust.
Lent Daily Devotional
But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” “Who are you?” they asked. (John 8:23-25)
Jesus’ listeners are shocked
Many people who have listened to Jesus do not fully understand his mission. They do not understand God’s vision. That is why Jesus’ words seem strange to them.
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First, He says to them: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). Now he proclaims: “I am not of this world.” (John 8:23)
How can a person make such a statement and make it public? Who is he? The question that people around Jesus ask themselves leads directly to what justifies and sustains our faith as Christians.
Who are you?
We also constantly ask Jesus the question: Who are you? What answer would we expect, and what would depend on that answer?
One thing is clear from what Jesus says about himself in today’s Gospel. His unique relationship with God is at the heart of Jesus’ life and actions. A relationship so close and trusting that Jesus addresses this God as Father.
Jesus knows that this God will not leave him alone. Out of this unconditional acceptance, Jesus is ready to defend this God with his whole life, proclaim his love, and his readiness to reconcile, even in the face of critical questions and skepticism.
He is the one you can trust
Who are you? – This is also a question for God. In Jesus, God can be revealed, who wants to be close to people with infinite love.
Looking at the life of Jesus, we can trust him. We can trust that God is the one who puts everything in place for us.
Especially now, in difficult times, when everything is in turmoil. We can draw courage and strength from this promise and try to pass on this confidence to those who no longer know how to live and no longer sleep because they fear the future.
Prayer for Today
Dear God, do not leave us alone in this uncertain time! I pray for all who live in fear and worry. Be close to them.
Lord, protect all those who are stricken with nerves at the moment. Give them peace and serenity. I pray for all who care for others. The doctors, nurses, caregivers, those in nursing homes and care services, police, firefighters, and all those who help where help is needed.
I ask for Your blessing for all the people who need it most now, our loved ones, and ourselves. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
