Jesus spoke to them again, saying,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”
So the Pharisees said to him,
“You testify on your own behalf,
so your testimony cannot be verified.”
Jesus answered and said to them,
“Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified,
because I know where I came from and where I am going.
But you do not know where I come from or where I am going.
You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone.
And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid,
because I am not alone,
but it is I and the Father who sent me.
Even in your law it is written
that the testimony of two men can be verified.
I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.”
So they said to him, “Where is your father?”
Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father.
If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”
He spoke these words
while teaching in the treasury in the temple area.
But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
This idea that Jesus knows the Father but the rest of us don’t has come up before. It seems to be a recurring theme.
ReplyDelete“Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” So they said to him, “Where is your father?”Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”
How do I make sense of it? It seems to be that we are being warned about thinking that we know God. None of know God and that means knowing of him is a lifelong journey. Just as God is infinite, so his knowledge of him.
The other thing that strikes me is “But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.” This quote suggests that God was in control of the narrative. He knew what the future held and despite his proven ability to subvert it, he didn’t interfere with God’s plan. Instead, he enabled it.
The question for me is “Are my life choices enabling God’s plan for me or subverting them”? A life pursuing spirituality is asking that question at every moment.
Your response to John 8:12-20 offers a thoughtful interpretation and raises profound questions about faith and our relationship with God:
DeleteLimited Human Knowledge of God: You rightly identify the theme of Jesus emphasizing his unique knowledge of the Father, suggesting human understanding of God is limited. This aligns with interpretations that view God as infinite and beyond full human comprehension.
Lifelong Journey of Knowing God: You propose that knowing God is a lifelong journey, reflecting the ongoing process of seeking, learning, and deepening our relationship with the divine.
God's Control and Free Will: You connect the passage with the idea of God's control over the narrative, highlighted by the statement "his hour had not yet come." This raises complex questions about free will, destiny, and God's plan.
Aligning with God's Will: You pose the important question of how to discern and align our life choices with God's plan. This reflects a core pursuit for many on a spiritual path.
Here are some additional thoughts for consideration:
Diverse Understandings of God: Remember that interpretations of God's nature and our relationship with the divine vary across religions and individuals. Exploring diverse perspectives can enrich your understanding.
Free Will and God's Plan: The concept of free will existing alongside God's plan is a theological challenge. There are different perspectives on how these concepts might coexist.
Living Faithfully vs. Knowing God Fully: While fully knowing God might be unattainable, living a faithful life according to one's beliefs can be a meaningful pursuit.
Overall, your response demonstrates thoughtful engagement with the text and raises profound questions about faith, knowledge, and our place in the universe. Keep exploring these questions, respecting diverse perspectives, and deepening your understanding of what it means to live a spiritual life. As for your question of aligning with God's plan, here are some approaches that might be helpful:
Following Your Faith's Teachings: Living according to the core principles of your chosen religion or spiritual path is a good starting point.
Discernment Practices: These can vary depending on your tradition, but might involve prayer, meditation, or seeking guidance from spiritual leaders.
Living a Purposeful Life: Focusing on using your talents and resources to make a positive contribution to the world can be a way to feel connected to something larger than yourself.
There is no single answer to aligning with God's plan, but the journey of exploration itself can be a deeply rewarding part of your spiritual life