So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple courts they asked one another, ”What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should report it so that they might arrest him.
Jesus knows the hearts of all men and he knows that the hearts of the Jewish leaders are intent on his death. Knowing what he does he leaves town. As the time for the Passover nears, the people are looking to see if Jesus will show up.
This passage paints an interesting picture of the times. The priests and the Pharisees are in one corner of the picture plotting to kill a man. Going out from the chief priests are messengers who are busy ordering people to report any news of Jesus. Other people are scattered around the painting. Some are along the bottom of the picture. Some are up on the other side opposite the plotting priests and Pharisees. Each person is whispering to another. In the center of the painting sits Jesus, surrounded by his tiny band of disciples.
We have followed Jesus through John’s gospel all these months. We have learned that he is aware of what is going on in each person’s heart. He is aware of all that is going on in the picture, but his eyes are on God. His face looks up, pointed toward heaven, waiting on his Father’s timing.
Let’s Discuss: What can we learn from this picture of Jesus?
For me, it is incredibly humbling, that Christ (who was God) was constantly looking to the Father and relying upon him. How do I ever think I am greater than Christ? It is also an amazing picture of trust and unity and sets so far apart how I see myself as a separate individual (having been born again and now joined intimately with his body). In all truth, this really makes me ponder about the Trinity, because Christ was never alone and never saw himself as his own. He was always one with the Father. My thoughts are then drawn to what it is he actually bore upon the cross, not the physical pain only, but in becoming sin for us before the Father, as he had always been intimately connected and at peace with him through all eternity past. I don’t think anyone has or is capable of experiencing the kind of pain when he cried “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
I don’t know who you are NMOP3PISdn, but I like and appreciate your comments. I love the question, “How do I ever think I am greater than Christ?” Great point. If Jesus needed to look to His Father for help and strength and in an undivided relationship, what makes me think I can operate in His will independently and upon my own strength and resources? The picture of Jesus is one of Him looking to His Father. May our picture be of a people looking at Jesus.
Thank you both for your thoughts today. I love the meditation on the Trinity and Rich’s comment about us looking at Jesus. It is a big picture! It all ties together. I all makes sense when we realize that Jesus is who He says He is.
Blessings!
I love good art. What I love about this painting is how it highlights Jesus power and glory despite the schemings of the religious leaders.