gods? So those who received this word of God were called gods, and the Scripture is always true. What then should be said of the
one anointed, and sent into the world, by the Father? Am I insulting God when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I am not doing the works
of my Father, do not believe me. But if I do them, even if you have no faith in me, believe because of the works I do; and know that the
Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Again they tried to arrest him, but Jesus escaped from their hands. He went away
again to the other side of the Jordan, to the place where John had baptized, and there he stayed. Many people came to Jesus, and
said, “John worked no miracles, but he spoke about you, and everything he said was true.” And many in that place became believers.

Reflection:

Truth can be hard to accept. It provokes a violent reaction to those
not ready for it. Thus Jesus incurred the ire of His fellow Jews. They could
not accept His teachings that run contrary to what they are used to believe.
Hence violence ensued. But Jesus could not shrink from His responsibility to
proclaim the truth. At the expense of personal safety, He plodded on appealing
to the unbelieving crowd to give His teachings a chance to be subjected to sound
reasoning in the light of their scriptures. But their hearts have been agitated.
Feelings got in the way. There is no use talking to people whose feelings
are provoked. Thus, Jesus has to walk away. It is useless talking to them.
The better part of valor is to leave, when talking to one another doesn’t make
it anymore.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021