Be Still… – Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart

John 7:25-53 – Is Jesus the Messiah?

There is so much to unpack in this reading. However, take a moment to just sit with what you just read and let everything that happened in these few verses replay in your head. Who is Jesus? Is he the Messiah?

For those in Jesus’ day, the answer to that question would depend on who you asked. Have you ever imagined yourself as one of those in the crowd, having seen Jesus or having heard about His miraculous signs? The word of mouth must have been terrific since there were no news headlines or social media announcements to spread the word. Do you think you would have recognized the Messiah? Continue reading “John 7:25-53 – Is Jesus the Messiah?”

John 7:1-24 – Look Beyond Appearances

Read John 7:1-24

The Festival of Shelters is one of three festivals for which Jews are mandated by Old Testament law to pilgrimage back to Jerusalem. This joyous festival commemorates the provision received by the Israelites while in the wilderness. It’s not surprising that Jesus and his followers would plan to go to Jerusalem. What is surprising is how their planning played out.

Jesus wasn’t going to join them, even though the disciples encouraged him, saying this would be the perfect opportunity to come out of “hiding.” They seemed to be so concerned with directing Jesus’ ministry, growing the number of followers, and seeing more of the miracles themselves. Jesus’ response was, “You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” I’m sure the disciples were perplexed by what he meant. Continue reading “John 7:1-24 – Look Beyond Appearances”

John 6:60-71 – Are You Offended?

Read John 6:60-71

Do you think Jesus thought he’d lose followers because of what he was saying? Jesus’ words suggest he anticipated that not everybody would be able to handle the truth he was revealing. While it grieved him, it didn’t stop him from sharing. These were important words that needed to be said about who would be his true followers.

I couldn’t help but think of a current-day application. For those of us on social media, for years, the push was to get as many followers as possible to “prove” our likability and authority. Now, it seems that people follow and unfollow each other all the time simply because they don’t agree with each other. Jesus experienced that when his disciples began deserting him because of what he was saying. Continue reading “John 6:60-71 – Are You Offended?”

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”

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