The gospel in Lent, Sat 5 April: The plot thickens

 

The appointed gospel reading for the Service of Holy Communion on 5th April 2025.



The taking of Christ, by Caravaggio, 1602

John 7 :40-52

When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Messiah.’ But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?’ So there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, ‘Why did you not arrest him?’ The police answered, ‘Never has anyone spoken like this!’ Then the Pharisees replied, ‘Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed.’ Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, ‘Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?’ They replied, ‘Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.’

 

Christian Art

You can listen to or read a helpful reflection on this gospel here:

https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-7-40-52-2025/

 

Sacred Space

You can find a gentle aid to prayer and devotion here: 

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-04-05/



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