Mud slinging.

"The Jews answered him, 'Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?' Jesus answered, 'I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me...'"

(John 8:48-49)

The Gospel of John is so different from the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke). The author of John, in the first half of the book, likes to have Jesus interact with someone and engage in a long (and deep) discussion. It helps reveal the theology (beliefs about God) that set the foundation for the early church.

In chapter 8, Jesus is teaching at the Festival of Booths (Tabernacles). The Pharisees challenge him (and his teaching)... it isn't pretty. Near the end, when the religious leaders are clearly getting frustrated with Jesus, they call him a Samaritan and accuse him of being possessed.

Samaritans had a historic tie to the Israelites - in fact, they were part of the 12 tribes "back in the day" (thought not a tribe themselves). Over time, they were attacked by foreign powers, who then assimilated them into the other nations and cultures. They'd also conquered. So most Jews didn't consider them Jewish anymore because of their intermarriage and lack of "racial purity" ('Mudbloods,' for my fellow Harry Potter fans!).

I find it interesting that when their "dander is up," the religious leaders resort to name-calling (and demonizing - quite literally). They know Jesus is from Nazareth (Northern Israel), nevertheless, they smear him by calling him a Samaritan. Wow. When threatened, call someone out as being "not one of us" (and throw in the demonic part for good measure).

Jesus' response is perfect. "I'm not possessed. I honor God. You dishonor me." How true. When we resort to name calling... when we try to distance ourselves from others by suggesting they're not equal to us... when we assign evil to another's personhood, we dishonor them and God.

We must not live in a state of fear and mistrust. We are called to be gracious, inclusive, welcoming, and full of love. Just like God. Just like the way Jesus lived. (But it's so hard, sometimes, isn't it?!?)