It's complicated

Today's Scripture

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We have all experienced it. We are looking for the simple, straight-forward answer and it seems like we are getting 'corporate-speak', or someone is talking in circles. It can be frustrating. Although we hate to admit it, there are normally reasons why the answer does not come to us as simply and clearly as we would like. Instead we hear something like: it's complicated.

This is what Jesus is saying to those who gather around Him at the temple during the feast of Dedication (Hannukah). It is certainly interesting that they gather during this feast, which celebrates the re-dedication of the temple and the establishment of an independent nation. While He indeed is the Christ, He does not desire to wear that label for them because of the assumptions that come with it. So many of the Jews expect a revolt and a result much like the Maccabean Revolt, which they were currently celebrating. If these people pursue this, they will be distracted from what Jesus really wants to happen here on earth. He knows that once He says He is the Christ, they will fill in the rest and begin to push for the completion of THEIR VISION for the Christ.

Jesus has a new vision for them, and He wants them to come to see and appreciate that for itself. In order to do that, He needs a different title: Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd takes care of every need for His sheep. When they are convinced of this, they follow His voice everywhere. His works testify that He can and will meet their every need. Now, He needs them (and us) to trust Him - completely. That, my friends is a hard sell.

We can trust Him for some things: inner strength, forgiveness, motivation, advice on moral living, etc. but He wants us to trust Him and talk to Him about EVERY thing. This might mean that we don't put a label on Him and put Him with the religious articles in our home. He is here to redeem every corner of our lives - AND to give us life eternal. These are two things not expected of The Christ in Jesus' time. So, you see, it's complicated. He wants to know us better, He wants us to trust Him more, He wants to give us more than we ever expected. This is not overly complicated, but our expectations can make it that way. So then, it's complicated - and GOOD.