John 7:50-53 NRSVue
50Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before and who was one of them, asked, 51“Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” 52They replied, “Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.”
[[
53Then each of them went home,
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
This week's readings from the Fourth Gospel are full of foreboding, as the
leaders of the Jews prepare to move on Jesus. The just ones like Nicodemus
insist that they must not judge a man without first hearing him. The others
turn on him: /Are you from Galilee too? / - personal abuse instead of
listening and arguing.
Reflection
/They went each to his own house. / They retreated to safety: at their own
table they would not face disagreement; there they could indulge their
prejudices at will.
Reflection
Lord, I do it myself; I turn away from people with different viewpoints, do
not engage with them, but snuggle into the company of those who share my
prejudices. Give me the blessed gift of listening and answering even when I
am uncomfortable with it.
Reflection
Nicodemus is an honest man, ready to speak up for truth. I ask God for
courage to speak for truth, even at the risk of rejection.
Reflection
Those with power are always tempted to use the law to preserve their own
comfort. I pray for the integrity of all those in decision-making positions
and for the courage of those who resist wrongdoing. I think of what I may
need to do to stand for justice.