4/5/2025 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 7:40-53

40 Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.”
41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he?
42 Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”
43 So a division occurred in the crowd because of him.
44 Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
45 So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?”
46 The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.”
47 So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived?
48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?
49 But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.”
50 Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them,
51 “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?”
52 They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
53 Then each went to his own house.

4/5/2025 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / sermon / homily: John 7:40-53

In this Gospel passage, we see a powerful moment of division among the people regarding Jesus. Some believed He was the Prophet, others declared Him to be the Messiah, and yet some doubted, saying that the Messiah could not come from Galilee. Even the religious leaders, who were supposed to guide the people in truth, were blinded by their pride and refused to acknowledge the evidence of Jesus’ identity.

This narrative reflects the reality of our world today where people are divided in their opinions about Jesus, faith, and what is true. Some recognize Christ’s authority and embrace Him, while others reject Him, clinging to their own understanding. But in this scene, one person stood out – Nicodemus. He did not rush to condemn Jesus like the other Pharisees. Instead, he challenged them, reminding them that their own law required a fair hearing before judgment.

1. The World Will Always Be Divided About Jesus
When Jesus walked the earth, people were confused about His identity. Some saw Him as a prophet, others as a troublemaker. Today, people still have different opinions about Him. Some follow Him wholeheartedly, while others question or reject Him. But the truth remains—Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Our responsibility is to seek Him with open hearts rather than be swayed by the doubts and skepticism of the world.

In life, we will face moments when our faith is challenged. Friends, colleagues, or even family members may not understand our devotion to Christ. But just as in Jesus’ time, the truth is not based on popular opinion. It is found in God’s Word and in the personal encounter we have with Christ.

2. Pride and Prejudice Can Keep Us from the Truth
The Pharisees in this passage were so consumed by their own knowledge and status that they dismissed Jesus outright. They assumed that since He came from Galilee, He could not be the Messiah. But their arrogance blinded them. They never stopped to consider His teachings, His miracles, or the way He fulfilled prophecy.

How often do we allow our own assumptions or pride to prevent us from seeing what God is doing? Sometimes, we resist His truth because it does not fit into our expectations. We judge others without understanding their hearts. Like the Pharisees, we risk missing out on God’s blessings when we hold onto our own preconceived ideas instead of seeking Him humbly.

3. The Courage to Stand for What Is Right
Nicodemus showed quiet courage in this passage. While he did not yet fully declare his faith, he was willing to challenge the unjust judgment of the Pharisees. He reminded them that their own law required fairness, urging them to listen to Jesus before condemning Him. Though it was a small act, it was significant. He chose to seek truth rather than blindly follow the crowd.

Sometimes, standing for Christ means speaking up in small ways. It may be defending someone who is being wrongly judged, choosing honesty over convenience, or refusing to compromise our faith. Like Nicodemus, we may not always have the boldest voice, but our willingness to seek and defend the truth matters.

4. Jesus Invites Us to Know Him Personally
While the Pharisees debated about Jesus, they never truly sought Him. They relied on their knowledge, but they did not go to Jesus themselves. In contrast, Nicodemus had earlier gone to Jesus at night (John 3) to ask questions. Later, after Jesus’ crucifixion, he would boldly help bury Jesus’ body (John 19:39). His journey of faith reminds us that those who sincerely seek Jesus will find Him.

God does not force Himself on us. He invites us. He calls us to look beyond our doubts and fears and to personally experience His love and truth. If we seek Him with an open heart, He will reveal Himself to us.

Let us choose truth over popular opinion. The Gospel reading above teaches us that people will always have differing opinions about Jesus, but we must seek the truth for ourselves. Pride and prejudice can keep us from recognizing God’s work, but when we humbly seek Him, He will guide us. Like Nicodemus, we may have questions, but if we take small steps of faith, God will lead us into deeper understanding.

Today, will you choose to seek the truth rather than follow the crowd? Will you have the courage to stand for Christ, even when others doubt? Jesus is waiting for us to come to Him, not with pride or fear, but with an open heart. Those who seek Him will never be disappointed.

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