John 16:1-33 – What Do You Think of Jesus?

Read John 16:1-33

Some people say the best place to start reading the Bible is the Gospel of John. I heard that again recently on a podcast with one of the Duck Dynasty boys who said something like, if you’re just starting your faith journey and want to know more about matters of faith, you should get to know Jesus by reading the book of John. Now that we’re sixteen chapters in, what do you think of Jesus?

Jesus has done mighty things, unbelievable things. Jesus has both devoted followers and haters. Jesus’ messages are challenging. Jesus is devoted to his Heavenly Father above all, and wants that for us, too. Jesus is the only way to eternal life, or what we often call the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus loves us. You should write down all the things you’ve learned about Jesus from these first 16 chapters and then be ready to add to your list as the story plays out from here. The story is still being written beyond the pages of Scripture, and you are part of that story. Continue reading “John 16:1-33 – What Do You Think of Jesus?”

John 15:18-27 – Where Hate Comes From

Read John 15:18-27

The word “hate” gets thrown around so loosely these days. But using this “buzzword” is nothing new. In fact, Jesus reminds us that people hated him, and he warns us that as his followers, we can expect to be hated as well. Does this reading give you a new and different perspective on what it means to hate or be hated?

For me, I see people saying bad things about Christians all the time on social media. The “h” word is usually part of the conversation, but the claims are usually that Christians are the ones who hate. That breaks my heart. Jesus has been telling us repeatedly in our last couple of readings that we are to set ourselves apart by loving one another. According to Jesus, hate comes at us for our allegiance to him. Continue reading “John 15:18-27 – Where Hate Comes From”

John 15:1-17 – Abide

Read John 15:1-17

I love it when Jesus uses one of his “I am” statements to describe himself. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the “true grapevine”? Verse 5 sums it up for me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”  I feel honored to put myself in the “branches” category.

Jesus wants us to abide and remain in Him. Do you think the disciples knew what that meant? Do we even begin to understand the depth of meaning that Jesus’ words have for our lives and how we live? When we remain in Him, we also “abide” in Him, living our lives while acknowledging his presence. There is some great stuff to ponder and reflect on in this reading. Continue reading “John 15:1-17 – Abide”

John 14:1-31 – Great Wisdom

Read John 14:1-31

What a reading full of great wisdom! Jesus knew his time with his disciples was winding down, but the truths he had to share seemed only to be ramping up. Does that ever happen to you? You’re trying to say goodbye to loved ones, and yet you can hardly part with them, thinking of one more thing to say or one more hug to share.

What spoke to you most in this reading? It probably depends on what is happening in your life right now. Hearing Jesus bring comfort can touch us all at our point of need. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” Jesus doesn’t want us to let the troubles of the world get us down. Continue reading “John 14:1-31 – Great Wisdom”

John 13:18-38 – Messengers of Jesus

Read John 13:18-38

Jesus’ meal and time with his closest friends continue in this reading. Jesus gives a promise to us as his messengers, identifies his betrayer, issues his final command, and surprises Peter with some news. There’s a lot packed into these verses to reflect on.

Do you know who the disciple Jesus loved refers to? Many believe it to be the author of this gospel, John. Although Jesus loved all of his disciples, John is one of the inner circle who was witness to things the others didn’t see. John had to have felt the love of Jesus because of being chosen in that manner. I know I would. Imagine being singled out by Jesus to see his power at work! Continue reading “John 13:18-38 – Messengers of Jesus”

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