John 7:37-52
As someone who has frequently been judged for where I am from, I instantly bristle at the words of the Pharisees and those questioning Jesus because of his place of origin. My initial focus is not on Jesus’ words, or the importance of his message, but rather what is being said to question his authority and express doubts about his value. I am brought back to my own memories of having people move physically away from me or say “eeww” when they learn where I grew up. It is difficult not to linger on these feelings of anger at the unfairness of judging someone’s worth based on something so arbitrary.
Of course, part of the benefit of being asked to reflect on a passage like this is that you are forced to dig a little deeper and get past those initial thoughts. While I am still irritated by the unfairness of those willing to question or dismiss Jesus’ message simply because of his background, I realize that this kind of judgement is actually pretty familiar. Just like in Jesus’ time, we all do this to each other, all the time. And though we may not be judging Jesus quite as directly as these folks were, or using an authority as respected as the Scriptures they were debating, we are certainly comfortable judging each other by the standards we have created, and letting those judgements guide our thoughts and actions. It makes me wonder about what we are missing. Just as some of those in Jesus’ time became so involved in the debate that they missed the meaning and importance of his words, we also run the risk of missing things in our own lives and communities because we are too busy judging or debating the details.
In the beginning of this passage, we hear what Jesus actually had to say: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Jesus is talking about those who will receive the Holy Spirit, and it does not seem like he has put too many parameters around who that will be. He does not list appropriate cities of origin, family names and titles, or even particular good works. What he says, is anyone. The only requirement in place is belief. He speaks simply of the believer’s heart. There is no list of conditions, set of rules, or exclusions that may apply. It is our belief that brings us the Holy Spirit, and our thirst that gives us this living water.
Now this idea of belief might be all well and good when it comes to ourselves, but it is hard not to want some of those conditions and rules to help us decide about other people. After all, we can never be completely sure of what is happening in the heart of another person, or how strong their belief is. Doesn’t it seem like it would make sense for us to have a checklist of attributes or behaviors to look for in each other so we can recognize those like us?
But, of course, this is not what Jesus wants for us. If Jesus is using our belief as his standard, who are we to create more restrictions than that? Perhaps this Lent is the time to put aside these judgements and instead focus on our own belief. Rather than assessing others based on where they grew up, the car they drive, or the kind of water bottle they carry, let us instead welcome all with an open mind and heart, as fellow children of God. Let us truly embrace the idea that Jesus really does mean anyone, despite what we may think. Maybe we can learn something from their belief, and discover another, slightly different river of living water that opens new prospects for our own hearts. Let us pray for them and for ourselves, asking that we be led to a deeper understanding of our own belief, and the faith that makes us worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit.
Meditation by Clare Gutwein
Diocesan Youth Missioner
Diocese of New Jersey