John 6:25-59 – All God Wants From Us

Read John 6:25-59

What a teaching those people received! The day before they had been fed bread and fish, and today they had been nourished by the Bread of Life himself. It appears from the reading that they had found Jesus on the other side of the lake, presumably in Capernaum, teaching in a synagogue. Although, intrigue turned to doubt for many who had come to find Jesus.

Jesus got the crowd riled up when he began explaining what it meant for him to be the bread of life. Can you imagine hearing those words the first time spoken! Even people today think it is gruesome and cannibalistic. But Jesus was not speaking literally, although later his words will be very meaningful during his last meal with his friends. This teaching is a good companion text to that sacramental meal. Continue reading “John 6:25-59 – All God Wants From Us”

John 6:1-24 – Time to Slip Away

Read John 6:1-24

What a miracle! Jesus multiplied the fish and barley loaves so that everyone was fed, with leftovers galore. The sheer number of people who experienced that miraculous feeding boggles the mind. This time, since the crowd recognized Jesus as the “prophet” they had been waiting for, Jesus had to slip away to avoid being crowned king. That was not his earthly mission.

Yes, Jesus is our King of kings, but his kingdom is not of this world. The people seeking him and following after him in those days had no idea about Jesus true mission as their Messiah. All the healings and signs and wonders had created the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation of being rescued from the oppressive Roman government ruling their land. That had to be so front of mind for them. Continue reading “John 6:1-24 – Time to Slip Away”

John 5:31-47 – Witnesses for Jesus

Read John 5:31-47

Imagine you were waiting to be called to the witness stand to testify about Jesus, your Lord and Savior. Do you know what you’d say? If you’ve never been in a court of law, you’ve probably seen dramatizations on television or in films. Jesus continues to speak to the religious leaders who are questioning him, even though Jesus said his own testimony would not be “valid,” and he didn’t need human witnesses either. Why do I feel so compelled to stand up for Jesus?

The religious leaders Jesus was speaking to couldn’t grasp who Jesus was. While he wasn’t pleading his case, Jesus did point to his Father and all the teachings and miracles he had performed. I can’t imagine how you could witness those things and not know for certain that you had seen God’s Son. Continue reading “John 5:31-47 – Witnesses for Jesus”

John 5:19-30 – Future Events

Read John 5:19-30

Jesus continues to address the issue of the healed man while opening up much bigger and life-changing topics. He even throws in a foreshadowing of Lazarus’ resurrection, not to mention the resurrection of the dead yet to come. This is not the first time John’s gospel gives a glimpse of future events out of sequence.

Jesus touches on judgment during his education hour this time. Based on what Jesus says, as believers, we need not fear judgment because not only has Jesus chosen us, but we’ve also chosen Him. We do that when we honor his name and accept his offer of eternal life with our love, worship, and obedience. Continue reading “John 5:19-30 – Future Events”

John 5:1-18 – What Do You Want?

Read John 5:1-18

I’m always surprised by Jesus’ question to the man who had been sick for 38 years. That’s a very long time to be suffering. After that much time had passed, the man may have become accustomed to his pain and disability. To be healed would have been too frightening to imagine. What would he do if he were actually healed? Did he truly believe the bubbling water was the answer? It was easier to stay in denial.

Then we see how the man responded to Jesus’ question. He made excuses. In his words, “I can’t.” That didn’t answer Jesus’ question at all. Yet Jesus’ compassion for the man was great, and Jesus immediately healed him. Continue reading “John 5:1-18 – What Do You Want?”

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