9.14.23 - John 7:40-41a
How might you simply be present to others today such that God's presence is experienced?
“When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Messiah.’”
Scrutiny and debate over Jesus’s identity were constant among onlookers throughout his ministry.
Many perceived him to be among the lineage of Israel’s prophets, as he did demonstrate the prophetic characteristic of unique connection to God and the ability to relay God’s message to the people.
But he also demonstrated more: the ability to relay God’s presence, which healed, transformed, fed, restored, and liberated people–all the work called salvation.
Many see Jesus as a prophet or profound Teacher, but he cannot be known fully apart from his identity of Messiah. To proclaim the Messiah is to proclaim that he can and does change things–our broken lives, and our broken world–restoring them to the goodness bestowed by God.
How can you welcome change in your life or community by Christ’s saving power?
--Evan Amo