Reflection

There was an irony to this week that I hadn’t really noticed in the Bible until now. But it’s there. Hiding in the Scriptures. Hiding in the lives of some people in the Bible. Hiding in my own life, and maybe even in yours as well.

It’s the irony of distraction.

Jesus – Image source: http://www.facebook.com/BibleSeries

Before Sunday’s episode, I hadn’t given much thought to the motivations of the Pharisees. I knew they didn’t like Jesus. I knew they felt threatened by Him. But I didn’t realize why they felt threatened.

They were threatened because they were distracted by their routine. They were distracted by their traditions. They were so concerned about celebrating the Passover that they didn’t notice that the Passover Lamb – the ultimate sacrifice – was standing right there in front of them.

It’s like turning your back on a starving child because you’re late to volunteer at a soup kitchen.

It’s like ignoring your husband because you’re reading a book about how to improve your marriage.

It’s like skipping your quiet time for a whole week because you’re too busy with your obligations at church.

The worst part about this kind of distraction is that it’s often so easy to notice in others, but so difficult to see in ourselves. I remember several years ago when my father and my uncle were talking about their mother, my grandmother. They said that she was often too busy to give them the undivided attention that they desired. Midway through their conversation, my cousin crawled up into my uncle’s lap and tried to talk to him. He pushed her aside and told her he was busy. In the moment, it was easy for me to notice the irony of the situation and I pointed it out to my uncle. “Isn’t it strange,” I said, “that you’re talking about how you wish you had more attention from your mother, but when your own daughter wants the same thing from you, you push her aside?” My uncle just paused and said, “Whoa.”

Now that I have my own children, I have seen myself in the exact same predicament more times than I care to admit. My children want my attention, but I’m just too distracted “caring for them” to notice. The laundry takes precedent over the laughter. The cleaning takes precedent over the conversation. Feeding their tummies takes precedent over feeding their souls.

But the worst part is that I do that to God too. I get so busy serving Him that I forget about spending time with Him.

Do you do it too? Maybe you’ve spent all of your efforts knowing about God instead of knowing God. There’s a difference.

Theme – From Religion to Relationship

One of Satan’s greatest lies is to tell you that you need religion. He used it with the Pharisees when he told them that their Passover traditions were more important than Jesus, the Passover Lamb. And he uses it today when he tells you that you need to master a checklist of religious requirements rather than focus on your relationship with God.

[Jesus] turned the religious conventions on their heads because he had not come to spread religion… His purpose was not to establish a religion but to propagate a relationship, through which all humanity could enjoy forgiveness… righteousness… and power… Like any relationship, it will grow and you will appreciate it more as you invest more time and attention to it. In this relationship, the depth and power of His love for you is infinitely more important than the perfection of your performance.  The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook (p. 124)

God is not interested in religion. He’s not interested in a checklist. He’s not interested in meaningless prayers or empty words. He wants your attention. He wants a relationship with you.

Perhaps you came to know Christ long ago, but you haven’t spent much time with Him since.

He misses you.

Perhaps you’ve been so distracted by the demands of your blessings – your job, your family, your schedule – that you’ve neglected to spend time with the One who has blessed you.

He misses you.

Perhaps you’ve become too busy.

He misses you. And He’s waiting.

Discussion (answer one or more in the comments)

1. Read John 15:1-17.
2. Would you describe Jesus’ words in this passage as ‘relational’ or ‘religious’? And why?
3. Jesus talks repeatedly about his followers ‘remaining’ in him. What do you think he means by that?
4. How, in practical terms, do you think we are supposed to ‘remain in’ Jesus?

Coming Up

• If you’re using The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook, finish the book by completing days 25-30 this week.
• Tune in again next week for the last lesson, Week Five: Passion/Courage. This week will be everything you’d expect from an Easter presentation and more! It will cover the crucifixion, the resurrection, as well as the beginning of the Church.
• As you watch, consider next week’s theme: From Darkness to Light
  
• Join us next Tuesday here on the blog for our last discussion!

Related Posts:
Week One: From Death to Life
Week Two: From Slavery to Freedom
Week Three: From Victim to Victor
Week Four: From Religion to Relationship
Week Five: From Darkness to Light
So… Satan looks like Obama? What does that mean?