Friday 20 March 2026 - The voice of Jesus

Today is Friday, the 20th of March, in the fourth week of Lent.

The stillness and the stir, the spirit in the quiet, the son of God and men.

The sinner's lamentation, the flesh of the Isle, the song of our salvation.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.

John Geras sings Jesus.

If my way, the stone on which I stumble, the vineyard owners wage, the shepherd of the humble.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.

Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, I have believed that you are the Christ, the son of God.

It's true, but who are you to me? You are my life, the love of God, my Lord, my God.

Stay close, don't be far. You know how I need you. Make in me a heart pure enough to see you.

In every speck of dust, and dry and lonely places.

Today's reading is from the Gospel of John.

After this, Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him.

Now the Jewish festival of booths was near, but after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly, but as it were in secret.

Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, is not this the man whom they are trying to kill, and here he is speaking openly, but they say nothing to him.

Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from.

When the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from. Then Jesus cried out, as he was teaching at the temple, you know me. You know where I have come from.

I have not come on my own, but the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him because I am from him, and he sent me.

Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him because his hour had not yet come.

Jesus went up to Jerusalem in secret, step inside this scene. What is the mood of this passage? Really get a feel for it.

Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah?

There is a lot going on in this scene. We see how information or misinformation is spreading.

Crossed wires, rumors, where is the truth?

Perhaps you can recognize similarities in the world today.

In your day to day life, are you able to let the truth of who Jesus is cut through competing narratives?

As you hear the passage again, listen for the voice of Jesus.

After this, Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him.

Now the Jewish festival of booths was near, but after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly, but as it were in secret.

Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, is not this the man whom they are trying to kill, and here he is speaking openly.

But they say nothing to him. Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from, but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.

Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching at the temple, you know me, you know where I have come from. I have not come on my own, but the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him.

I know him because I am from him, and he sent me. Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him because his hour had not yet come.

Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, you know me, and you know where I am from.

How would you respond to Jesus here? Perhaps you want to cry back to him? Spend these last moments really recognizing Jesus voice and speaking back.

You have given all to me, to you Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours. Do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me. Amen.

Amen.