Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Scott Tunseth.

The end of the text that was read in worship this past Sunday is a bit puzzling. In fact, I decided not to preach on these verses (John 2:23-25) at all. It’s not that they are impossible to decipher; they hint at John’s Christology (understanding of who Jesus is) and are a transition to the next “come and see moment” in the Gospel when a Pharisee named Nicodemus comes to Jesus in the dark of night (chapter 3).

According to John, many who were in town for the Passover Festival “believed in [Jesus’] name because of the signs he was doing” (2:23). What those signs were is not actually reported. But even though many seemed to believe in him, Jesus “would not entrust himself to them” (2:24). Why? John claims that Jesus knew what was really in their hearts, and their belief was only temporary or skin-deep.”

I have no trouble believing that many believed in Jesus only because he did miracles (signs in John), and real commitment probably wasn’t in the cards for them.  I’m a bit more troubled by the sense that Jesus was sort of writing them off, “because he knew what was in everyone (2:25).

I assume Jesus knows what is in me, and sometimes that isn’t pretty. I don’t need to see miracles to remain faithful, but at times I want a little more evidence that things are getting better, that life as we know it is not spiraling out of control, that God’s love, so evident in the life and death of Jesus, can break through the divisions and violence that dog our days. Maybe I want a savior who will step in and clean up the mess, just as he cleaned up the temple grounds (at least for one day). But I guess that is not exactly the point of faith. Faith, real trusting faith, is active. It understands that making this world a better, more livable place in not on Jesus alone. That’s why he gave the Holy Spirit to guide, encourage, and empower us to be this hands and feet, and even the voice, in the world.

I’m not sure there has been a time in my life, in our lives, this has mattered more.

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we are wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, but always to your glory and the welfare of your people, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. (ELW, p. 86)