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?”

John 4:27-54 – Coming to Faith

Read John 4:27-54

Did you notice how many people came to faith because of one woman’s testimony? We’re not given an exact number, but it’s impressive how God uses us all to grow His Kingdom. We each have a special story that tells of how Jesus has changed our lives. Our encounters may not be dramatic, but their impact can be life-changing. You never know when your story will resonate with someone who needs to hear it.

It sounds like the disciples were a little confused by what had happened while they were busy gathering food. Jesus’ ministry had taken an unexpected turn from their perspective. And then Jesus started talking about food and harvesting. “You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true.” Continue reading “John 4:27-54 – Coming to Faith”

John 4:1-26 – Jesus Knows You Like That

Read John 4:1-26

Are you as perplexed as the Samaritan woman that Jesus would want a relationship with you? In case you didn’t know, that’s what he wants. It was no accident Jesus went through Samaria that day and was waiting at that well at just the right moment. This woman had a divine appointment with Jesus. We, too, can experience Jesus when least expected.

This woman didn’t have a clue who she was talking to. Even after Jesus said, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” How often are we clueless as we walk through life? How many times has Jesus tried to confront us and we weren’t ready to hear? Continue reading “John 4:1-26 – Jesus Knows You Like That”

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