The Cost - John 21

Today, we end our reading in the book of John. And, we tie up several important stories (at least for me anyway).
We have that second miraculous catch of fish that brings us full circle. Remember when the disciples first met Christ? It was after they had been fishing all night and caught nothing. After they [...]

Hey! I’m a Believer - John 20

As we begin to wrap up the book of John, my thoughts turn to how it must have been in those times. I started thinking about how cül it must have been to be living, walking and talking with Jesus. How different would it be to have actually seen Jesus heal the sick and raise [...]

Exactly As It Is - John 19

In chapter 19 of the book of John, the writer describes the scene the day Jesus was crucified.
I was drawn to Pilate and the trap he found himself in. All around him, the Jewish leaders and people they incited were in a frenzy to see Jesus crucified. Pilate tried to placate them by having Jesus [...]

Denied! - John 18

I just can’t help thinking how disappointed Jesus must have been in His disciples during these few days. The mystery of God knowing all things vs. our free will swirl in my mind.
Many times when I read about Peter’s denial, different thoughts go through my head. Perhaps I dwell on this scene in Jesus’ final [...]

Overcomer - John 16

Try to put yourself in the shoes (sandals?) of the disciples as Jesus is speaking to them about His leaving. They have been completely uprooted, leaving everything behind, forsaking family, friends and careers to follow Jesus for 3 years. Now, He’s telling them (in verses 1-4) that they will be thrown out of church and [...]

Guilty because you claim to see… - John 9

Wow - I got so excited when I read this chapter. What a great example of Jesus’ power and authority.
First, a question. Do you get the feeling that Jesus intentionally healed people on the Sabbath to irritate the religious leaders? Or, do you think we just are not hearing about all the other examples of [...]

It’s Not About Me (again) - John 7

Here it is again! Jesus is making it clear that we have less to do with all this than we might think. Once again, I’m reminded of my four favorite words: It’s not about me!
Look at this passage:
Jesus secretly attends the festival of shelters - a celebration that occurs about 6 months after Passover where [...]

Happy only if Helped - John 6

As I read this chapter again this morning, I found the progression of the people’s comments very interesting - and very disappointing. Look at the progression:
14 When the people saw this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!”
30 They replied, “You must show us a miraculous sign if you [...]

Poolside Torture - John 5

Imagine for a moment that you had a serious illness that was not getting better. Imagine that right next to you was a cure that would heal you of this illness. Now imagine that every time you reached for the cure, someone else would grab it and use it for their illness - and they [...]

Living Water For All - John 4

Arguably one of the more famous passages of scripture is the “woman at the well” story found in chapter 4 of the book of John. It’s a wonderful story of love and compassion how Jesus, being a Jew, shared a drink with a Samaritan woman (despised by Jewish people).
In the end, Jesus’ compassion for her [...]