First Things First

A few weeks ago, I gave a series of teaching on John 5 — and thought I would make a short summary of those teachings here —

The topic of the teaching day was Identity in the Father’s Love. When preparing for the teaching, I went first to the story of the woman at the well in John 4 – it’s a story I love, and felt there would be some inspiration there, but I kept reading and found that John 5 was what I wanted!

John 5 starts with the story of Jesus healing the man at the Pools of Bethesda on the Shabbat. This started a discussion between Jesus and the Jews who were there as to why He would do this on a Shabbat. Jesus’ answer was to reveal Himself as the Son of the Father, and that He was only doing what He sees the Father doing. Of course, this answer was further baffling his listeners — how can He be the Son of God?

In response, Jesus explains that John the Baptist has testified to this same truth — but even stronger He says, “the Father who sent Me has testified on my behalf.” (John 5:37). This was probably not the answer that his listeners were looking for!

The key for me in this whole passage comes towards the end of the chapter – Jesus says, “How can you believe when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44)

Jesus knew who He was in the Father — He knew His identity as the Beloved Son. He didn’t take His identity from what the others said or expected. He didn’t receive human praise, He only listened to the Father’s voice, and did what the Father did.

So this is the first thing. . .who do I allow to shape my identity? Is it the voice of the Father who loves me? Or do I depend on human praise? What do I do with words of condemnation? Earlier in John 5:24, Jesus says, “Whoever hears My word and believes in the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation. . .”

What did Jesus do as the Son of the Father? Well. . .in this Gospel he healed the man who had been crippled for 38 years. In John 5:6 — Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to be well?” Do you want WELL to be part of your identity? Can you accept His healing so that you can say “He made me well.”?

I think we often and unknowingly (I speak from experience) choose words unwisely — “I am sick. . .sad. . .depressed. . .unwell. . .” Such a small thing. . .but do these words become part of my identity? What does the Father say? Always a good question to ask in prayer. . .

I titled this blog, “First Things First” because becoming established in my true identity as one who is loved by the Father is and should be a foundation for everything else. Oh, but how often we run after things – seeking human praise, proving myself to the other, getting torn up when I’ve not been praised, thanked, accepted. . .

Let’s take a step back and begin to put first things first again — let us go to Him, rest with Him, hear His voice and become re-established — every day, every hour, every minute if need be. One of the saddest lines of Scripture come in John 5: 40 — “You do not want to come to me to have life.” Let it not be said of us.

Shalom, many blessings till we meet each other hear again. . .

Sr. Mary Paul, 5. November 2019