Scripture: John 7:1 (The Message)
"Later Jesus was going about his business in Galilee. He didn't want to travel in Judea because the Jews there were looking for a chance to kill him."
Observation:
At this point in his ministry, Jesus had become a target because of the things he was saying and doing. Now, he feels as if he can't go into the city because the folks there are trying to kill him.
Application:
It's no surprise that folks who couldn't wrap their heads around the possibility that Jesus actually might be who he said he was were looking for an opportunity to be rid of him. We still, today, destroy that which we don't understand. Jesus acted like the Messiah. He sounded like the Messiah. He healed like the Messiah, and taught like the Messiah. However, he was from Galilee and they all knew that they weren't supposed to know where the Messiah came from.
I wonder how many folks today walk around in isolation, misunderstood, or simply aren't allowed to be who they really are for fear that they will be treated in a similar manner. Folks may not actually be trying to kill them, but still, they are not treated well. If those of us who are already on the inside could open our minds to the possibility that a child of God can come from anywhere and look like anything, then would the kingdom begin to unfold.
Prayer:
God of the unknown and misunderstood, open our eyes to see your presence in all those we meet. Allow us to see them for who they really are, not as we would judge them to be. Remind us that we have all fallen in one way or another and allow us to see the face of Christ in all. Amen.
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