30 July 2022

But as for me, here I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will be bringing innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.’

From Jeremiah 26:11-16,24, NRSV

Following on from yesterday’s reading in which we heard Jeremiah speaking in the Temple about the doom that would come to the people of Israel, today we hear of his trial before the priests and prophets. They determined that he should die for the prophecy he had made. Jeremiah reminded them that he was speaking only the words given him by the Lord. Interestingly, it was the people who came to his defence. They understood that he spoke in the Lord’s name and insisted that he did not deserve to die.

• • Why do you think it was the people rather than the priests and prophets who realised what they were hearing?
  • How can we discern whether or not someone is speaking on the Lord’s behalf?

Pray today for those who are unjustly condemned by others.