Jesus has another run-in at the Temple here. He plainly states for us, "The Father and I are one." in verse 30. In response, they pick up rocks to stone him (which was the proper sentence for blasphemy).
In fact, Leviticus 24:16 plainly states, "One who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall be put to death; the whole congregation shall stone the blasphemer. Aliens as well as citizens, when they blaspheme the Name, shall be put to death." (NRSV)
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| Our actions may shape the intent of how we use rocks against one another. |
We see a strong tie between judging people not by their words alone but by their actions. Are their words verified by their actions?
If I claim to be a Christian, do I have good works that back it up? If I read the Bible and pray, am I letting it influence my interaction with my family members, co-workers, peers and strangers? And how do I handle conflict?
This is an ongoing movement for all of us. Hopefully, we are moving toward God's will in all these things!
Prayer for the day:
O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray, with the graces of your Holy Spirit; with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. Teach us to love those who hate us; to pray for those who despitefully use us; that we may be the children of your love, our Father, who makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. In adversity grant us grace to be patient; in prosperity keep us humble; may we guard the door of our lips; may we lightly esteem the pleasures of this world, and thirst after heavenly things; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Anselm of Canterbury, 1033-1109
Photo by Lisa L. Wiedmeier via Flickr.com. Used under the Creative Commons license.
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