The Gospel text for today shimmers and gleams with controversy.

We forget sometimes, just how controversial a figure – Jesus really-truly was.

Controversy surrounded him from the beginning of his life, up to and including – his death and resurrection.

So, we should not at all be surprised that the “good news” about him and his life – would also be extremely drenched or steeped in controversy.

John’s gospel would be no exception.

John, chapter 8 begins with a group of Scribes and Pharisees “questioning Jesus” about the Mosaic Law – as they prepare to stone a woman caught in adultery…

The chapter closes with them actually wanting to stone Jesus because of his answers and his statements…

Jesus, we must remember, was considered (by a great many people) to be a radical for his day and for his time.

In between there – there is this rather lengthy discussion – where Jesus speaks about his “authority” and his relationship with God the Father.

Some individuals in the crowd that day – “believed” or “had faith in Jesus,” so to them – he says, “If you continue in my Word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will “set” or “make you free.”

Which spawned… a whole new series of controversies to emerge…about, not only the “Word,” but also about … freedom from “what or from whom?”

Jesus was just – this very controversial figure…love him or hate him, believe in him or deny him…

He was – a “stumbling block” for a great many…

If you remember, John’s gospel begins with the words…in the beginning was the Word and the Word was God…and it then continues with the declaration that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us – full of grace and truth…”

“Word” and “freedom…”
“Grace” and “truth…”

Those “four words” plus the words of Paul in the Book of Romans became inspirational words to a German monk and theologian, Martin Luther.

“We are justified by Gods “grace” as a “gift,” through the “redemption” that is in Christ Jesus.

There ya have it – “saved by grace through faith.” Freed, “made free” – by the Word of truth…as written in the Holy Scriptures…the Word of God.

We are “enlightened” and “saved by” the Word of God. Sola Scriptura!

Light bulbs went on…flares went off…sky rockets soared…Hollywood lights shone – candle-lit-lanterns drifted skyward and the reformation movement was begun…with canons going off in the background…

It was, as if, a new day had dawned…

“Academic freedom” allowed for the questioning of “everything” and “everyone”…the pope included…the hierarchy…the dogma…the doctrines…literally, everything became up for grabs…

Martin Luther became one of the most “controversial figures” of the last 500 years.

And it all started with daring to ask a question or two.

“Controversial questions” abound in John’s gospel – as conflict simmers – always “just beneath the surface” – of several conversations involving Jesus.

Nathaniel asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Judeans questioned: “Will you raise the Temple in three days?”

Nicodemus wondered: “How can these things be?”

The woman at the well asked: “How is it that you a Jew, asks a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?”

To the man healed of his blindness – came the question, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?”

And when Jesus spoke about the bread of life, someone asked, “How can this man give us flesh to eat?”

And perhaps the biggest question coming from the lips of none other than Pontius Pilate – the Royal Governor, is “What is truth?”

Questions and controversy…controversy and questions…both abound, but questioning and controversy alone cannot set you free…The point of John’s gospel is – if the Son of God sets you free – you will be free indeed.

Freed from sin, death and the evil one…freed to have life and have it abundantly.

In Jesus there is life…and hope – for today and for all the tomorrows…