where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; as for me, I don’t judge
anyone. But if I had to judge, my judgment would be valid for I am not alone: the Father who sent me is with me. In your
law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid; so I am bearing witness to myself, and the Father who sent
me bears witness to me.” They asked him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You don’t know me or my Father; if you knew me,
you would know my Father as well.” Jesus said these things when he was teaching in the temple area, in the place where they received
the offerings. No one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Reflection:

One of the paradoxical Talmudic statements that has
confused modern jurisprudence is this: “If everyone is in
agreement to condemn someone accused, release him, for he must
be innocent.” In other words, unanimity in judgement often
endangers justice, because such unanimity could be a sign of blind
conformity to group think and of the fear of standing up for a more
just but unpopular view; and at other times, it simply serves a
hidden agenda. Watch the movie “Twelve Angry Men” directed by
Sidney Lumet to understand how unanimity can trump justice, and
how, one person choosing to dissent, can change the verdict!
Young Daniel shows the courage to dissent, and becomes the
catalyst for the change of verdict and redemption of Susanna.
However, the reverse unanimity that led to the murder of the
two elders was unfortunate too! Our human judgements are
imperfect, until we learn to judge in the Light of Christ.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2022