Context
In John 12.20ff. we read of Jesus contemplating his own passion and death. There is pain and struggle. As we look upon a world of suffering and pain it can be a challenge to find God. Three very different news stories from this week can help us in this.
- This week’s news has been dominated by the response to the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury and the response of the British and Russian governments.
- On Wednesday the scientist Stephen Hawking died at his home in Cambridge.
- On a lighter note the entertainment show Dancing on Ice concluded this week with victory for Jake Quickenden and Vanessa Bauer.
Reflection
Stephen Hawking lived a remarkable life. In 1964 doctors gave him 2 or 3 years to live. He not only survived but flourished, and became one of the most significant scientists of the twentieth century. He had motor neurone disease for most of his adult life. He believed that life on Earth was at an ever-increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster such as sudden nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus, or other dangers. He also frequently warned of the danger of global warming. Yet he stressed the importance of not losing hope. Hope is at the heart of the Gospel reading as Jesus contemplates the passion (John 12.28). He sees God at work and therefore can recognise that is suffering is not pointless.
Serial reality show contestant, Jake Quickenden, won Dancing on Ice. During the show he responded in disbelief on receiving positive comments from former Olympic Champion Christopher Dean – ’he won a gold medal, I worked in MacDonalds’. His reaction to the positive remarks of the judges, and the support of the viewers, has been shock and amazement. His tears at his victory can be seem as tears of humility. At the heart of serving and following Jesus, is humility and those who serve will be honoured by God (John 12.26).
The attempted poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal has brought a measured response. This incident has been a threat not merely to two individuals, but also to a community and, in a sense, a country. Some sort of response is inevitable. However, acts of revenge would be wrong. There is in John 12.27-32 an underlying assurance of the presence, support and activity of God , even though it must have been hard for Jesus’ listeners to see it. In this time of darkness God is present and active and that should be the basis of our hope for the future. In contemplating the passion and death of Jesus it can be hard to see God at work, and yet, by seeing the full story with its outcome, we can recognise that God was active throughout. At present it may be difficult to recognise God’s presence and activity, but that is when faith is especially required – and to remember that, just as God heard and responded to Jesus’ prayers (John 12.27-28), he will respond to ours.
Prayer
God of all we turn to you to pray for those who, like Christ, face fear and uncertainty –
for British citizens in Russia, for the people of Salisbury.
God of all we turn to you to pray for those who, like Christ, carry the wounds of pain and suffering –
for the victims of John Worboys, the black cab rapist, and all who have suffered sexual assault or abuse.
Questions
- What is the Christian response to the poisonings in Salisbury?
- How can we see God active in international relations between UK and Russia?
All-age activity
Cut out some pictures from newspapers and lay them out on a table. Invite people to look for God in the images and the scenes they portray. Can God be seen? How? Pray for God to make his presence felt in our lives this week.
Young people
Plant some seeds or bulbs in pots or cups, to give to people who are struggling at the present time. Make cards to accompany them with a simple message that ‘God is with us’.
Rev Stuart Wild is a minister in the Bolton and Rochdale Methodist District.
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