Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42)
Today’s gospel looks forward to next Friday when the Passion of the Lord will be commemorated. Its action takes place on the Feast of the Dedication, known as Hanukkah today. The Jews are celebrating the rededication of the Temple altar that was defiled in Antiochus Epiphanes’ effort to crush Jewish culture. As grievous a crime as that was, John the Evangelist sees the Jews attempting an even more serious offense in trying to kill Jesus.
The Jews harass Jesus because he has called himself the “’Son of God.’” They rightly conclude that making such a claim Jesus is equating himself to God. Jesus defends himself by observing that Scripture itself calls “’gods’” some who have received the word of God. He claims an even greater right to the title because he is the word made flesh whom the Father has sent. Jesus’ argument only infuriates the Jews more. He must leave Jerusalem and Israel until the moment comes for his sacrifice.
