Disappearing Jesus - 2

6. John 8.59

So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

This attempt to stone Jesus to death comes after some banter and name calling between Jesus and some of his Jewish brothers. Jesus says they are of the devil; they say that Jesus is demon possessed. Jesus claims to have known Abraham; they counter this ridiculous statement by saying, “You’re not even fifty years old.” To which Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” It’s not for the bad grammar that they become angry enough to murder him; it’s his implied claim to be divine, even to the point of using the Divine Name—I AM. But, somehow, Jesus hides from them and escapes from the temple precincts.

7. John 10.39

Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands.

Earlier in this chapter Jesus makes this statement: “I and the Father are one.” This statement sparks indignation by the Jewish opposition. They pick up stones to kill him (verse 31). But before they can throw one stone Jesus engages them in more dialogue. They accuse him of claiming to be equal with God. Jesus turns the tables on them by quoting their Scriptures which say that they are all gods (Psalm 82.6). Jesus reiterates his claim for himself, saying, “The Father is in me, and I am in the Father.” Now they try to arrest him. But he escapes.

8. John 11.54

Jesus therefore no longer walked about openly among the Jews, but went from there to a town called Ephraim in the region near the wilderness; and he remained there with the disciples.

Chapter eleven is a turning point in John. Jesus brings Lazarus back from the dead. The Pharisees are informed of this miraculous feat. The great Jewish Council is convened to discuss this development and how they will respond. The high priest Caiaphas makes his infamous statement: “It is better for one man to die for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed.” This section ends by saying, “From that day on they plotted to kill him.” So, Jesus withdraws from public ministry and leaves Jerusalem.

9. John 12.36

 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.

In chapter twelve Jesus begins to speak more clearly about his pending death and its meaning. The crowds question him about his talk of death. They question his designation as ‘Son of Man’ – an apocalyptic title. They remind Jesus that the Messiah is not supposed to die. Jesus returns to his imagery of himself as the Light of the world. He contrasts living in spiritual light and spiritual darkness and urges them to trust him. Then he goes away—into the shadows as it were.

(continued in next post)