David Bahn – Reflections

John 8:12-20

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.”

I have had the opportunity to interact with some very intelligent and at least somewhat intellectual young people here at theCanadian L’Abri Community. Situated on Bowen Island – at the top of a nearly impossible-to-drive-up hill – is this rustic gathering of houses, walking paths, ponds, lagoons, and people. Most of those who are studying here are young people – in their early 20’s – and some have deep theological questions and searching minds and hearts.
Yesterday I had a conversation with a young man who is a philosophy major from Iowa. He is exploring what it means to be a Christian, as opposed to his previous disposition toward God and Jesus. He described a moderately religious approach to life – easy to leave behind when he went to college. The idea of prayer or spiritual realities were at best on the periphery of his practice. But he didn’t embrace Christianity as a deep-rooted philosophy until much more recently.
When I asked him if it changed things to think about being a disciple of Jesus as opposed to considering Christianity as an entity to be examined, his response intrigued me. He thought that might be somewhat of a fanatic approach. Following someone without knowing if he is true and with good intent toward you can be dangerous. Indeed. Jim Jones comes to mind.
Unlike this young man, however, the Pharisees seem not to be engaging in this question about Jesus’ identity and intent in an honest manner. They seem more dedicated to proving that Jesus is unworthy of their or anyone else’s faith. They come right out and say it: “…your testimony is not true.”
So the question of the day is, “How do we help someone who has sincere questions about Jesus and his call to faith as they grapple with Jesus’ identity and intent? How can we help others embrace the truth of Jesus and the gift of abundant life that he gives? The only way I know is to tell the story of Jesus, sharing his teaching and encounters with people as recorded in the Bible. Perhaps telling your own story of Jesus’ touch of grace and truth in your life will shed some light for others. Following Jesus as he leads through life in loving God and your neighbor is the key to having such stories to tell. Obeying his commands and walking in the ways of truth will assure us of the best possible opportunities to shed light into others’ hearts and minds. For Jesus is the light of the world!

PS: There are no photos with these posts written here on Bowen Island. One of the realities of living in this community is a very limited internet access. I don’t have the means to get my photos uploaded, so when I do, I may put a gallery on my Sabbatical Reflections site.

John 8:12-20

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going,