Get his credentials!
At times, we have to produce some paperwork to let inquisitors know that we are alive – that we are who we say we are, that we are stamped, notarized, and bonafide.
Produce some identification. Wallets can hardly hold all the cards we must produce. There are medical cards, insurance cards, driver’s licenses, library cards, and bank cards. If only Jesus had a wallet.
Without ID cards, we have to rely on others to be certified. And that’s how it is for Jesus, who walked into Jerusalem gifting miracles, putting a new spin on Jewish teachings, and supplementing Jewish learning with an appendix. To what purpose? Wrapped up in an exposition of identity, Jesus seeks to enlighten one and all that he has authority given to him by the Father.
Perhaps the Jewish audience was curious, or maybe dissenters or believers, but there were witnesses and witnesses to witnesses. Could there be any doubt? Here was the Messiah, the one to come, not from some fairy tale myth but from the testimonies of verifiable prophets.
Church condenses this lesson in our Creed. We believe Jesus is the only begotten son of the Father. Born of the Spirit, the giver of life. Dissenters and assenters continue to put forth their positions with the intent to crucify or glorify.
Jesus may not have had an ID card, but he has us. So, whatever our talents and strengths may be, let’s set them on fire to burn a light to Christ so others will find their way. After all, we are witnesses for the defense.
Prayer:
A bird chirps. Distinct. Invisible. Your voice, Lord, Distinct. Invisible. You are known. The invisible is more real than the visible—all praise for chirping birds.
