A Universal Truth! John, 7:40-53 lists the “groups” of people in every “crowd” in every generation!
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Those in Group 1 saw, and see, some truth! “Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.”
People in Group 2 see more Truth! “Others said, “This is The Christ!”
Members of Group 3 look for reasons to reject Words of Jesus. “But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”
Three “Groups” within “the crowd” had become visible!
“So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him.”
Catholics know! Jesus did promise: “I come to divide.”!
The Bible is clear! In every generation, Words of Jesus Christ still divide “the crowd” into groups. The Bible Reading tells us about three more groups in every “crowd”!
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Group 4? They are the oppressors of anyone who speaks inconvenient Truth! “Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.”
Then! We find that Group 4 works for Group 5! “So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?”
Group 4 answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” (There is hope for some in Group 4!)
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The Reading is clear! Group 5 is in control!
“So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?”
Group 5 tells us how much they despise their neighbors! “But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.”
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Thankfully, there is Group 6! A few decent leaders rise above the self-worshiping rulers of Group 5! “Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?”
The evil people of Group 5 always respond the same way! They change the subject! “They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
What happened? “Then each went to his own house.”
What do the groups do when they get home? Some congratulate themselves. Others ask God for guidance.
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Catholics know! We have free will. We each decide which group in the “crowd” we want to be in! May God help us all to be in the only group given “the keys to The Kingdom of Heaven” by Jesus Christ, Himself!
