Wednesday of the
Fourth Week of Lent
(Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30)
In the first three gospels when Jesus is tried by the
Jews, he is accused of calling himself the “son of God.” In the long discourse from John’s gospel
today, Jesus defends that position.
Differences between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke and the
Gospel of John are apparent to all readers.
Typically, however, careful readers find that they relate the same
message.
Jesus defends his relationship to God, his Father in two
ways. First, he claims to do the work of
the Father which is to give life. Sons
throughout the ages -- and certainly in first century Palestine – have taken upon
themselves the occupation of their fathers.
If their father is a fisherman, they likely fish for a living. Thus, being thought the son of Joseph, Jesus
is alternately called the carpenter’s son in Matthew and a carpenter in Mark. In yesterday’s gospel passage Jesus does the
work of God, his true Father, by healing – a form of giving life which is God’s
prerogative. Second, Jesus defends his being
God’s son by judging, that is, by vindicating the just. He does this when he gives eternal life to
those who believe in him.
Today’s gospel is prepping us to celebrate the Easter
mysteries. Then we will be challenged to
believe the proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Expressing our faith by assenting to this
proclamation and living accordingly, we will receive the eternal life Jesus promises.
