Today as we are approaching the end of the Lenten season I would like to speak on the subject
“Whom are you seeking”
John 18:4-5
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
5 They answered Him, “Jesus [a]of Nazareth.”
Jesus said to them, “I am He.”
The setting of this passage is during the arrest of Jesus.
As we reflect on the moment when Jesus asked those who came to arrest him, “ Whom are you seeking?”
it prompts us to ponder a deeper question:
A relevant question for us today: Who and what are we looking for in and through Jesus ?
To establish a bit of context, and help us in our thought process today let us be reminded that it is through the Gospels collectively, we come to know that prior to his arrest Jesus was with his disciples and they were
1.Sharing the Passover meal: Just as Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples, we too participate in communal rituals and gatherings within our religious communities. It’s in these moments of shared tradition and fellowship that we seek connection with something, better yet someone , greater than ourselves. That Someone is God. We know that this final meal is where Jesus instituted the church ordinance that we refer to as the Lords supper. Today our Communion Sundays offer us a day of remembrance, that is to be preceded by a moment of reflection and self examination, in which introspective questions arise. Who is God to us? Who are we in relation to God? Are we living out our faith tradition in a way that is consistent with our beliefs? As we ponder these questions and others related to our self examination we find ourselves in a quiet place, drawn closer to God who speaks to us, strengthens us, grows our faith, and gifts us with hope for a brighter tomorrow. In these moments God brings clarity to the question who it is that we are seeking.
It is important to observe that in the midst of this gathering of Jesus and His disciples there was the presence of the spirit of betrayal.
2.The betrayal: The betrayal of Jesus by one of his own disciples, Judas, reminds us of the complexities within human relationships and the potential for betrayal even among those closest to us. In our contemporary context, it prompts us to examine our own actions and relationships, challenging us to strive for integrity and loyalty in our interactions. Are we part of the modern day betrayal of Jesus. Do we embrace his teachings and govern ourselves accordingly or are we living in a way that is antithetical to the teachings and ministerial example of Jesus? Are we driven by internal and external pulling towards betrayal God and each other. A current example can be found in this:
Sadly When we here about church leaders embroiled in scandalous behaviors, corruption and outright exploitation of parishioners, this is a form of betraying Christ and it leads to phenomena of church hurt. And in the same way when we offend one another, we hurt each other, tearing each other down instead of building each other up. These betrayals place us on the sometimes difficult journey of navigating the aftermath with either integrity and forgiveness, or conversely, leading to further division and hurt. Church hurt is an unwanted reality. People come to church to be in right relationship with God, not to be betrayed and hurt by each other. Let us be reminded to have enough humility to check the condition of our hearts and how we impact the lives of others.
So let’s take a deep breath right here and return to the scene of the arrest of Jesus.
3. Why were they looking for Jesus: The inquiry into why Jesus was sought after by the authorities of his time unveils a complex interplay of power dynamics, entrenched authority, and a perceived threat to the status quo. Their pursuit of Jesus was driven by motives far removed from genuine spiritual inquiry or pursuit of justice. Similarly, in our contemporary religious and political landscape , conflicts over interpretation, doctrine, and practice within diverse institutions often arise, reflecting the enduring struggle for power, supremacy and control.
As followers of Christ, we are challenged to confront these power dynamics and while remembering those who are marginalized, and how we navigate these intricate dynamics within our faith communities and daily lives. Today, parallels can be drawn to those who seek to obstruct or even arrest efforts aimed at bringing truth, justice, and holistic well-being, particularly for those impacted by societal sins such as social inequalities.
In our society, there exist individuals and systems that actively resist progress, whether it be through impeding educational efforts to teach comprehensive histories, obstructing initiatives aimed at healthcare accessibility and economic empowerment, or hindering strides towards environmental justice and racial equity.
The tragic fate of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. serves as a stark reminder that movements towards God’s will on earth are often met with vehement resistance and rejection.
In navigating these challenges, we are called to emulate Jesus’ unwavering commitment to truth and justice, even in the face of adversity. Our faith compels us to actively engage in dismantling systems of oppression and advocating for the marginalized, knowing that our pursuit of God’s will may encounter opposition but ultimately aligns us with the transformative power of divine love and justice.
4.Where did they find him: Jesus was found in the garden of Gethsemane, a place of prayer and solitude. This underscores the importance of spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and reflection in our own search for meaning and connection with the divine. In the face of adversity, and betrayal, Jesus retreated to a place of prayer. For us, the daily retreat to a place of prayer is at the core of our relationship with God. We live in an age of distraction that is constantly trying to pull us away from our time with God in prayer. I highly value my retreats into the presence of God and always emerge, lifted in spirit. These moments in conversation with God have helped me find peace, clarity, and strength to face my challenges with faith and resilience.
5.As they came to arrest Jesus He asks them: Whom are you seeking?”
Ultimately, this question challenges us to examine our motives, intentions, and desires in our spiritual journey. Are we seeking comfort, truth, salvation, or something else entirely? Are we looking for a Jesus that we have constructed in our minds that is far from the historical Jesus and the resurrected Christ. This question invites us to reflect on our image of God, what truly matters to us and to align our pursuits with our deepest values and convictions.
When I entered into seminary I realized that my spiritual formation had been impacted greatly by my social location, lived experience, reasoning and even family and friends. Through this passage of scripture We are invited to unlearn, and dismantle the often misguided and sometimes harmful embedded theologies of our youth.
In order to do this we need to prayerfully ask God to reveal himself to us. By reveal I mean for God to grace us, or gift us with His self disclosure towards us.
In our modern religious landscape, as we grapple with the evolution of theological frameworks and religious practices, the profound question posed by Jesus, “Whom are you seeking?” echoes with timeless significance. It compels us to halt in our pursuits, to introspect, and to reevaluate the trajectory of our spiritual journey and the embodiment of our faith tradition.
This question serves as an invitation—an invitation to delve beyond surface-level answers and delve into a deeper, God-inspired understanding. It beckons us to cultivate compassion and authenticity as we navigate the complexities of our quest for meaning and transcendence, both in our relationship with the Divine and in our interactions with fellow members of our communities.
In embracing this invitation, we embark on a journey of profound discovery—one that leads us closer to the heart of God and to a more enriched expression of our faith. Through reflection, discernment, and a commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus, we uncover layers of truth and depth that illuminate our path towards knowing God.
Amen
