Phenomenons

Katy Emslie-Smith July 01, 2024 7 2

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John 10: 22-30 (NIVUK)

22 Then came the Festival of Dedication[a] at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered round him, saying, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’

25 Jesus answered, ‘I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.’

The recent visit of Taylor Swift to our capital city in Scotland taught us much about current celebrity culture. We learnt about how the dancing of 70,000 fans can cause recordable seismic activity six miles away. We learnt of the counselling suggested for those young people who were unsuccessful in the ticket ballot. We learnt how a global superstar can halt her show to ask if a single fan is alright. We learnt that it was cheaper to buy a Scottish ticket and fly from America to stay for several days in high price accommodation than to try to see her in the States. We learnt that homeless people were relocated from the city centre prior to her arrival.

I wonder if those who pressed in around Jesus in the Temple, asking if he was the Messiah, had the  desire to position him as a celebrity, then to wrap him round with the complicated mix of behavioural and psychological actions that people display around those that they have elevated.

Jesus doesn’t do three day tours from a remote stage and then leave. He encourages the slow, patient activity of following him, first listening and learning his voice, getting to know him as the gentle shepherd, who can be trusted with the steadfast and safe holding of our very lives. He invites scrutiny of the signs and work that he does in order to discern his true nature, inviting this crowd to draw their own conclusions from water turned to wine, the healings of a young boy, a blind man, a paraplegic, feeding five thousand people, settling of the storm, raising to life from death. The paced consideration of the way he goes about in the world allows time for formation of deep relationship not only with him but with the Father whom he loves and with whom he is one. No one-night neon shows here, but rather the enduring love of Father and Son to be enjoyed into eternity.

Prayer:

Gentle shepherd

You show us green paths

Where still waters slow our pace,

In the rhythm of abundant days.

Restore us in the company of your goodness.

Amen.