Christianity is not about a system of how to be good. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:31) The gospel of John evidently could have been written with other material and other stories, […]
Read More The Word In John: 20 – So That You Will BelieveThe final hours of Jesus before He dies are interesting for the ways in which He is rejected. Judas rejects Him in the way he leads the plot for the arrest. This betrayal may well have been known in advance, but it doesn’t stop it being tragic to see someone who stayed with you so […]
Read More The Word In John: 18 – The King RejectedThe Father and the Son: I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. (John 17:4) It’s prayer time usually meant heads bowed, eyes closed and solemn, somber tones. When Jesus communicates with His Father, His head is up, His eyes are open and He communes as Son […]
Read More The Word In John: 17 Ever Increasing Circles Of UnityIt must have been quite something knocking around with Jesus. The many acts He did; the teachings He shared; His manner of life; His relationships both good and bad. Imagine hanging around Him for the best part of three years at close quarters taking in all that He was doing and believing that He is […]
Read More The Word In John: 16 – Always Someone There To Remind YouFrom the very beginning it was the purpose of humanity to be fruitful. Among other things Jesus now here in His intimate conversation with His followers says that He is the Vine. He is the very source by which we can be fruitful. For that to work, we need to be connected. Yet in the […]
Read More The Word In John: 15 – Fruitful FriendsThis part of Jesus’ conversation with His disciples features a number of questions and answers. Questions from disciples who don’t always get attention – Philip, Judas and Thomas. I like how that shows Jesus as being one who loves conversation with any of His followers and in this setting invites questions even if they reveal […]
Read More The Word In John: 14 – Peace: So Your Heart Won’t Be TroubledYou have 24 hours left to live. What would you do? You’re enjoying your final meal with those who have followed you for the last three and a half years. They don’t know it, but you know it. You know how this story ends and you know how it will impact those who have followed […]
Read More The Word In John: 13 – The Loving Lord Foot WasherIt’s interesting seeing the way the crowd changes from near the beginning of the chapter to near the end. Near the beginning a crowd hails the coming of Jesus into Jerusalem as if He’s someone special. Near the end of the chapter a crowd hears what Jesus says and questions His utterances about the Son […]
Read More The Word In John: 12 – Believe It Or NotIt’s interesting seeing how Jesus addresses scenarios. Back in chapter 9, the disciples asked Jesus who was to blame for the man’s blindness. Jesus didn’t see fault, Jesus saw opportunity. Note the basis of the incredible episode with Lazarus, So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard […]
Read More The Word In John: 11 – Opportunity For GloryReading the gospel account as shared by John is reading of Jesus in continued contention with the Jews. They express an adamant refusal to acknowledge who He is and preferred stance of seeking to undermine Him through ridicule and then blatantly looking to get rid of Him through violent means. Chapter 10 is typical of their […]
Read More The Word in John: 10 – Shepherdgate
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