“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11) Jesus was indeed human on this earth. If he weren’t, this verse would not be in the Gospels. He gave his life to the service of love. That is why he comforted John the Baptist in prison. John worried. Was Jesus the one? Yes, he sent word that the blind could see, the lame could walk, the deaf hear, the lepers cleansed, the dead raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. (Matthew 11:2-5) All of these things were acts of love. Love freely given by Christ.
Take a look at verse 6. He blesses those who are not offended in him. It’s hard to believe that one who gave so much of himself would be an offense to anyone. But just think of the people who have devoted their lives to spreading the same kind of love. The ones who populate churches, tend to the needs of the poor, the imprisoned, the orphans, and spread the same message of love. Just think of the kind of things they have probably had to put up with.
It’s fair to say that Jesus talked until he was blue in the face trying to convince the Jewish community that the awaited saviour was here in front of their faces. He was met with incredible hatred and cruelty. That is why he turned from them and faced the crowds with his message in verses 28-30. It’s a beautiful one, too. His call is to individuals now. Take his love and follow his plan and find rest: rest from this world, rest from pain and heartache, rest from troubles and worries. Psalm 23 says it all. It comforted me one night walking down a dark country road after I had a flat. A German shepherd came up beside me and remained there until I found a house that had a light on. Then he was gone. He is a living Jesus who keeps his word. Thank you God.
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