Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
(Acts 11:19-26; John 10:22-30)
Experts tell people new to publicity never to joke with the press. In today’s contentious society, journalists are inclined to give the most controversial interpretation possible to anything a public official says. For this reason a politician or a bishop if she or he talks with reporters at all is very circumspect. In a similar way Jesus deftly answers his interrogators in the gospel today.
The Jews ask Jesus to state clearly whether or not he is their long-awaited Christ or Messiah. We should take note how this is the same question the high priest puts to Jesus during his interrogation in the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke. As in those gospels Jesus gives an indirect answer here. He says that they should know he is the Christ because of the works he performs. Still, the Jews refuse to believe.
Sagacious and intelligent, Jesus outwits his adversaries. But his accomplishment just begins here. More significantly, he tells how he gives eternal life to his sheep. We can take comfort here. As long as we stay close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, nothing can ultimately harm us. Come cancer, car-wreck, or other catastrophe, Jesus will save us from disaster.
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