arresting officers
"The crowd was sharply divided over Him. Some of them even wanted to apprehend Him. However, no one laid hands on Him." —John 7:43-44
The police assigned to arrest Jesus were deeply touched by His words. They forgot their assignment, and came back to head-quarters empty-handed. Naturally, they were asked: "Why did you not bring Him in?" They replied: "No man ever spoke like that before" (Jn 7:46).
Jesus' words are "spirit and life" (Jn 6:63). His words create, empower, heal, and free us. With one exception, every element of creation trembles at the words of Jesus. The human person alone can choose to remain unresponsive to Jesus' words. Policemen have frozen, the national guard have fallen down (Jn 18:6), storms have stopped, and the dead have risen. Nevertheless, we can refuse to join the cosmic symphony in response to God's word.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8). He is still speaking as no one has ever spoken before. "Some in the crowd who heard these words began to say, 'This must be the Prophet.' Others were claiming, 'He is the Messiah.' But an objection was raised" (Jn 7:40-41). Will we tremble at Jesus' words or raise an objection? Two weeks from today is Easter Vigil. Will we listen to His words and be raised from the dead or will the stone of unbelief keep us trapped in the tomb?
Prayer: Father, this weekend may Your word burn in my heart (Lk 24:32).
Promise: "But, You, O Lord of hosts, O just Judge, Searcher of mind and heart, let me witness the vengeance You take on them, for to You I have entrusted my cause!" —Jer 11:20
Praise: Officer Johnson relies not so much on his training or his weapon or his fellow officers as he does on Jesus, his King.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our tape The Word of God on audio AV 5A-3 or video V-5A.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, August 18 8, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 23, 2004