There is a mystery a couple boys argue about.   “Will your tongue stick to an ice cold pole in the winter?”  The argument gets heated, a crowd gathers, and the dares begin to fly. Schwartz skips from the “double dog dare” all the way to the coup de grace of all dares, the sinister “triple-dog-dare.”

 

Flick has no choice to stick his tongue on the pole, and what do you know? It sticks! Everyone bolts, because no one wants to get in trouble. The fire department is called in to save the day. Mystery answered, with only minor damage to Flick’s tongue. 

 

In our reading today there is a huge mystery that surrounds Jesus. “Is he the Christ?” If he is the Christ, he would have to go to Jerusalem in order to make that claim. That’s where the temple is and where any Jewish king would choose to reign. 

 

The mystery needs to be solved. Is Jesus the Christ? The pressure is on. Jesus brothers doubt he is the Christ, so they want to force him to go to Jerusalem finally answering the question once and for all (John 7:2-5). 

 

Jesus knows the Jews in Judea are ready to take his life (John 7:1). Instead of making an entrance with his family, he shows up after his brothers arrive for the Feast (John 7:10). Jesus begins teaching at the temple, but the religious teachers doubt his authority (John 7:15).   Finally, they send temple guards to bring Jesus in (John 7:45-46). 

 

The mystery still remains. Jesus could not be captured by their dares, taunts and accusations. John 7:30 says they tried to seize him, but they couldn't because his time had not yet come. 

 

What would it take to prove this mystery? Responding to a triple dog dare? Many people began putting their faith in Jesus.   They said, “When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs then this man?” John 7:31

 

Do you wonder? Do you doubt? Is there still mystery? Have faith. 

 

There are more miracles to come!