C O N T R O V E R S Y

John 7:1

What kinds of situations are there among your teammates, which if mentioned, immediately stir up controversy and dissension?  Which issues in your family can most easily provoke a fight?  How do we handle such hot potatoes?  Let’s watch how Jesus does it.

In John’s gospel we can read about this at chapter 7 and verse 1.  It says, “After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him.”

You might think this is rather simple, they want to kill Him in Judea, so don’t go there!  The problem is that much of what He needed to accomplish could only be done in Judea.  It would be like knowing that the people who want to kill you are at the gym, but you have to go there for practice and competition.  You’re stuck in a tough spot.

The wisdom in this is that Jesus didn’t kick sleeping dogs.  He didn’t awaken controversy or animosity without cause.  He gave those who were most opposed to Him a little room.

We can do similarly with controversial situations and issues among our teammates and families.  Don’t provoke your coach with that look, gesture or tone of voice that you know will annoy him.  Exercise some wisdom with officials and don’t needlessly provoke a penalty against your team.  Let’s be as wise as Jesus in today’s competition and give the sleeping dogs a little space.  Our whole team will benefit from the applied wisdom of God.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 18:28-40
Revelation 12
Job 35
Micah 4-5