His ain folk didna ken Him

He came unto His own and His own received Him not. John 1:11

I was considerably interested a week or so ago when I found this text translated “He came… and His own did not recognise Him.”

And then when I found a Scottish version of it which read “He cam unto His ain folk and His folk did’na ken Him.” I was distinctly intrigued.

It is one of the most chilling experiences of life to deserve and expect a warm welcome from strangers and yet to receive none. But to be greeted coldly and slightly by our relatives is even worse. None of us is immune from the hurt that come from being deliberately avoided and cold shouldered by those who know us.

That is the tragedy that lies behind this text. And it runs right through the Gospel -

John commences His Gospel with the pathos that this text lends it and strangely enough he closes it with a story equally as tragic “And when the morning was come Jesus stood on the shore but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.” Once again “He cam unto His ain folk and His ain folk didna ken Him.”

It is the SUPREME TRAGEDY of the New Testament.

MESSIAH came to OWN PEOPLE – (carefully prepared) Failed to recognise Him.

Reminds me of two stories – Ulysses

                                               Lost son.

THAT WAS HIS HEARTBREAK -

AND WHY DID IT ALL HAPPEN? Why so carefully instructed did they fail to recognise their King -

TOO CAUTIOUS!

TOO ORTHODOX – Dr Stalker

“Life of Christ” at time of Advent Jewish Nation had attained a degree of orthodoxy unprecedented in its history -

Free of idolotry – priests recognised and honoured – Temple Services attended Feasts observed with strictest regularity.

But FAITH had become STEREOTYPED – no room for new light – so failed to recognise their Lord.

(3) LANGUAGE – Masters of the letter – but strangers to the spirit of the prophecies.

R.L.S. used to tell of a beggar who often sought his company, Could recite noblest passage in English Poetry – could not DISCUSS -

Dr W.L. Watkinson – tells of student of his acquaintance – extraordinary genius for acquiring book-knowledge.

That was the tragedy – The Jewish leaders mastered the prophets - but all words.

Ye search the scriptures thinking that in them ye find eternal life; but they merely testify of me, and ye will not come to me that ye might have life.

(DETAIL) pay tithe 7 mint & cumin & have omitted the weightier matter of the law, judgement mercy and faith. These ye ought to have done and not left undone.

He came unto His own folk etc. It is the most ancient of tragedies - & Most MODERN – HOW CAN I PUT IT RIGHT?

Story from early days of American history. The animosity between red and white men had reached such a pitch that no home was secure – Resolved great Yeoman Army – BANCROFT described lovliest scene witnessed in Western World.

Beneath bower erected on green river bank – chiefs and warriors, Sencas, Delewares, Shawness sued for peace -

Surrendered captives – reunion.

But many remained unclaimed – someone suggested lullabies -

God knows every move of the soul to-wards Himself and will go out to meet them.

To those who know and receive He gives the right to be called His sons.

Preached in Horninglow Methodist Church. Year unknown.