Sermon - 5-8-22

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Religion

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Fritz Kreisler was one of the best violinists the world has known. A story is told of Kreisler as he once traveled from Hamburg, Germany to give a concert in London. Kreisler had about an hour before his boat sailed, so he wandered into a music shop. The proprietor asked if he could look at the violin Kreisler was carrying. The store owner then vanished only to return accompanied by two policemen, one of whom told the violinist, “You are under arrest.” “What for?” asked Kreisler. The policemen responded, “You have Fritz Kreisler’s violin.” Kreisler said, “I am Fritz Kreisler.” The cop said, “You can’t pull that on us. Come along to the station.” As Kreisler’s boat was soon to sail, he faced a crisis. His identity was being questioned and there was no time for prolonged explanations. Kreisler asked for his violin and played a piece for which he was well known. “Now are you satisfied?” he asked. They were. Kreisler’s identity was revealed through his action and the playing he exhibited. His actions spoke louder than any words he could have uttered regarding his identity. In today’s reading from John’s gospel, we are plunged into a crisis – an identity crisis. In today’s gospel reading Jesus’ identity is again being questioned by the religious leaders. It is the middle of winter and the festival of Dedication, a festival now known as Hanukkah. Jesus is walking in the Temple, in the portico of Solomon – the place from which the king would render judgments upon those seeking justice. And, it is in that place where Jesus again responds to questions about his identity. The religious leaders who wish to discredit Jesus taunt him and demand to know just who he thinks he is. They say, “Hey, Jesus, stop keeping us in the dark. If you’re the Messiah, just tell us straight out. Just who are you, Jesus? What are you up to and how long are you going to annoy us?” Now, in John’s gospel, Jesus’ identity has been

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