Picking Up Stones

Jesus said, “Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.”

The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, ‘He is our God,’ though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:47-59 

Yesterday we voted in the primary after seeing many tv ads which hurled criticisms back and forth. Many people are quick to be cruel and to fight, yet in these times, we need more people who can behave with honor and respect. Angry people throw things yet helpful people tear down walls. Working for a better world does not start from offence and throwing stones and criticisms across a divide. A better world for all comes when we lean in and get closer and let ourselves be known.

Jesus is stirring up trouble in the temple by challenging the authority and relationships of the temple officials. They are not listening but rather responding and attacking. They believe themselves to know God and to be living righteous lives. Jesus challenges their self-understandings and throws everything in to chaos. They are ready to kill him. We are invited to see how easy it can be to begin a riot and how hard it can be to stop it. Violence does not stop violence as we see Jesus hide himself and slip out. Sometimes avoiding stones is all we can do when chaos and hurting people erupt into violence.

Today I ask God to help me be a good listener and mediator. May we live our lives without picking up stones and without responding to anger and violence with the same. May we know ourselves to be carried in the loving arms of God on our bad days as well as our good ones.