Ever just know you are right? You know that your opinion has hit the nail on the head? My reading in John this morning provided a verse I had never “chewed” on before. John 7:52:
They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a propheta does not come out of Galilee.”
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The Pharisees were so caught up in their apparent hatred and fear of losing control they couldn’t even look into the birth records of a citizen. It’s often easier to just “go with your gut” even if you “know” there is more information out there to analyze. I do this, I’m not proud of it, and I hope to never do it again. Things like this simple assumption that Jesus was a Galilean because that is where he “grew up” is like saying Arnold Schwarzenegger is American because he lives here and made a lot of neat movies here. You can think of many simple examples I’m sure. Could it be any more clear that the Pharisees had an ulterior motive? I will grant the possibility that records were not complete and that they did try to look up Jesus’ lineage, it IS possible, but….not likely since the region was stable during Jesus’ lifetime and record keeping was a big time duty.
So, how does this apply to my life (and maybe yours)? How often do I see someone and just “know” what they are up to? Just know what they are thinking? Just know they are up to no good? Just know they are wrong? Shame on me! THERE IS NO WAY I CAN KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN THEIR LIFE! NO… WAY…
Great example – Ever get mad at the car that cut you off? Ever think that person is on the way to the hospital to see a loved one before they die? Has a pregnant wife about to have their first child? Is mentally ill? I mean we really do have an issue immediately judging a situation for what it most likely IS NOT. I need to remind myself of this often, hopefully this may have reminded you as well. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and was a Galilean by association.
Blessings,
Jeff
Filed under: Detailed Thoughts, Encouragement, Religion | Tagged: anger, attitude, Challenge, Christianity, Jesus, judgement, racism, road rage, roadrage, sterotypes, Study, Thoughts
Absolutely. What many people of faith are lacking is not a passion for God but a passion for mercy. Empathy is not a common word. I’ve been reading (and just posted) a bit about ‘phenomenology’ which in a nutshell says that we are products of our environment but if we had a completely different environment we would essentially be completely different people. Something to keep in mind when we consider others that are different than us or perhaps even ‘enemies’. Imagining ourselves in their shoes is often the first step towards loving them.
Just blogged about this same thing. I do jump to conclusions and I’m trying to be more patient and less critical. It’s a struggle sometimes.