Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Good to Me’. Can you trace the goodness of God in your life at the moment?

I can taste the sweetness of Your mercy

But I feel the sting of grief still in my chest

Not sure I've known the one without the other

So I will cling to the belief I know the best

You have been

You will be

You are so good to me

I reach out my hand in hopes You hold on

But time and time again find empty space

So I will keep open though they're shaking

And call to mind the time I felt the grip of grace

You have been

You will be

You are still here with me

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 10:31-42

The Judeans took up stones again to stone [Jesus]. Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ The Judeans answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods”? If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands.

He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there.

Imagine yourself in the area of the Temple. See Jesus. See the people wanting to attack him. Where are you in this scene?

What do you want to say those holding stones? Say it now.

What do you want to say to Jesus? Say that too.

Jesus’ words about himself and God challenge the onlookers. What ideas about God do you find challenging?

How do you react when your image of God is threatened? How can you ensure that your relationship with God is growing and deepening?

Jesus replied, 'I have shown you many good works from the Father.’ As you hear the passage again, identify some of the good works of God that you have seen.

John 10:31-42

The Judeans took up stones again to stone [Jesus]. Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ The Judeans answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods”? If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands.

He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there.

End this time of prayer by speaking with God about what has stirred in you. Ask for the grace to recognise and trust God’s work in your life.

You have given all to me

To you, Lord, I return it

Everything is Yours

Do with it what You will

Give me only Your love and Your grace

That is enough for me

Amen