St John of the Cross | Monday 14 December 2020

Today is Monday the 14 December, the feast of St John of the Cross, in the 3rd week of Advent.

As you hear today’s music by Keith Duke, you might like to echo these words as you begin to pray: ‘Maranatha: Come, Lord Jesus’.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 21:23-27

When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

How do you feel about this cat and mouse game we see in today’s passage… one man up against a very powerful group?  Have you ever felt in a similar situation yourself? 

How do you imagine Jesus reacting in the scene as he takes on animosity and finger-pointing here and doesn’t crumble? 

What does the authority of God look like to you? Can you allow the authority of God to filter through the scene as you hear the reading again?  Hear the tones of the voices; watch the body language…

Is there a situation you are experiencing where you want to react in just the right way?  Is there someone else whom you need to defend?  Do you need to defend Christ Himself? During this season of Advent, wait in the presence of God who defends you.  Speak to Him about what is on your heart. 

O Wisdom

Lord and Ruler

Root of Jesse

Key of David

Rising Sun

King of the Nations

Emmanuel

Come, Lord Jesus