Jesus: Fulfillment of the Contract Part 2

30th in a series on how men and women in the Bible  

deal with waiting, disappointment and unemployment

Jesus: Fulfillment of the Contract Part 2

Observations of John 6:60-71

What happens when you start a job with visions of your importance and the opportunity to make a difference and then you discover that you are just another cog in a big machine.  I’ve had friends, after two weeks on a new job, come face to face with the reality that there is no perfect job.  Humans are often optimistic and frequently idealistic; and the realistic assessment of ourselves and others can be startling without a firm grasp of the nature of this world and the hope that’s held out to us.

If we had been with Jesus while he was on this earth and paid attention to what he said, then we might have grasped the hope that only he could offer.  Up to this point in the Gospel of John chapter 6, Jesus had demonstrated his power over nature by walking on water, performed multiple miracles and spoken some strange words about his body being real food and his blood being real drink.  The confusion remained with some because they were so earth-bound.  They did not understand Jesus’ words as being spiritual and they certainly could not anticipate his eventual death and resurrection which would have clarified much. 

This reminds me of Jesus’ conversation with the disciples in  Matthew 16:11 in reference to the ‘yeast of the Pharisees when he said,“How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread?”  And John 3:12 “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?”

Many people were following Jesus because he did cool things.  He challenged the Pharisees who kept the people in a legalistic bind.  He healed the sick and cast out demons.  He provided an amazing meal of bread and fish to thousands.  And his words themselves were miraculous.  The Gospel writer Luke recorded, “They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.”  

Jesus asked, “Does this offend you?”  The Apostle Paul reflected on Jesus’ claims and remarks in 2 Corinthians 2:16, “To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.”  It should be no surprise that John recorded, “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.”  Maybe you had an experience working for a boss who pushed the envelope a bit too far or the new company policy was a bit over reaching.  One response can be compared to those who left Jesus, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Another could be like that of the disciples, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

In other words, we don’t quite get it, but we trust you.  We’ll hold on a little longer hoping that even these hard words will make sense some day.  I’m learning a lot in my present job.  Some things I get right away, others, I’ll need practice and further explanation.  If I quit the first time I have a disagreement or misunderstanding I won’t last long anywhere.  

Judas reminds me of people who come into a group or organization with preconceived ideas, obtuse opinions and poor logic.  His mind was bent toward self-interest and twisted reasoning.  So much so that Jesus called him a devil.  Know anyone like that?

So, how will I approach today knowing that I do not have complete knowledge of my situations or the people around me?  We often enter employment the same way we enter into faith.  It all begins with trust.

Stuff to think about:

1. When have you entered a job with certain expectations only to learn very quickly that things are not what they seemed in the beginning?
2. What do you think it means to appropriately think about things that are spiritual and things that are earthly?  What mistakes did the people in Jesus’ day make and what mistakes do we make today?
3. Have you ever given up on a job or a person too quickly?  i.e. your judgment was premature or you ran into an anomaly that would have been unusual for anyone.
4. How can we balance a healthy skepticism without being pessimistic with giving others the benefit of the doubt?
5. Peter speaks for the rest of the 12 disciples, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”  Neutrality is impossible.  Does Peter speak for you?  Explain.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?

2 Corinthians 2:14-16