From 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 – ShepherdgateChapter 9 is one of my favourite episodes in scripture. I absolutely love how the man who was born blind stands up to the religious rulers of the day. A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is […]
Read More The Word In John: 9 – If You See What He MeansThe encounter of Jesus with the Jews in this chapter is fascinating. In a way it’s a bit like children bickering – the Jews accuse Jesus of being demon possessed, Jesus responds by calling them children of the devil. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will […]
Read More The Word In John: 8 – The Light and the Son? Who Do You Think You Are?This is the Messiah. No, he’s not the Messiah because he doesn’t tick this box. How can he do all these things and not be the Messiah? How can he come from there and be the Messiah? I believe you are the Messiah and I will follow you! I believe you are not the Messiah […]
Read More The Word In John: 7 – Jesus Provokes A ResponseHe is supposed to be the one that has come to rescue His people. He is to fulfil the expectations of prophecies from hundreds of years before Him. He is supposed to establish a rule that attracts many and brings peace to all. It’s a bit bizarre then, that when He performs a stunning miracle […]
Read More The Word in John: 6 – Jesus Is Weird
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