Words, works and wonders

John 10: 31 - 42

"believe the works that you amy understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father"

Someone whom I would consider has gone through a long spiritual formation process once remarked that we can never fully know Jesus. He said that in the context of praying the gospels - something we do year in and year out, especially during Lent and Advent perhaps. Each time round, Jesus does remain somewhat of an enigma for us, as he was for the people of his time. That little remark really struck home, because I was beginning to think that I could 'grasp' Jesus if I just meditated on the gospels regularly.

The 'Jews' of Jesus' time could not understand him either. They were closed to what he was trying to show them - the works and wonders he did, that should have pointed then to the Father. They had followed and closely observed his ministry - and perhaps marvelled at his works. But his words "I am the Son of God" were a stumbling block. They could accept a great teacher, a prophet even, a miracle worker......but God's Son?

When we first become Christians, it is Jesus' work of salvation that we appreciate and appropriate for ourselves. Later, if we respond to his invitation, we try to 'know' Jesus more intimately. But he will always amaze, challenge and perhaps even cause turmoil, if we are honest. For, just as his words were a stumbling block for the "Jews", there are many of his teachings that would make us realize that our initial understanding of him is fairly shallow. Or maybe, we first see only what we want to see, rather than what he wants to reveal to us. So he lovingly draws us always into deeper waters, not to cause us to fear, but to enable us to learn to entrust ourselves to him. His works and wonders open our hearts to his words and to loving relationship....with God's Son who shows the heart of the Father.