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

John 12:16-50 – To Believe or Not to Believe

John does a great job of capturing the crowd’s response, showing their lack of belief. Even the disciples didn’t understand everything completely, and it wasn’t until later that they connected what they had lived through as fulfillment of prophecy. Isn’t it amazing that even though “most” of the people didn’t believe, including religious leaders, we are still talking about Jesus all these years later?

When we read about the prophecies of Isaiah, it makes perfect sense why some couldn’t see Jesus. It was supposed to be that way. Yet Jesus spoke truth to those who would listen. Plenty of people were open and receptive to Jesus’ message. They would be the ones to carry Jesus’ message to us. Continue reading “John 12:16-50 – To Believe or Not to Believe”

John 12:1-15 – Anointed

Read John 12:1-15

Passover is a big deal in the lives of Jesus and his fellow Jews. John points to a specific day for this event, which is unlike many of the events John records. The timing was crucial, and whenever we hear these words, it can move us to be a little bolder in our faith.

Were you surprised by the backstory shared about Judas? John does not want to leave his readers in suspense. He calls out the betrayer by name in the story before the disciples would have known it in real time. The truth about Judas helps explain his outburst about the extravagance of Mary’s actions. Continue reading “John 12:1-15 – Anointed”

John 11:28-57 – What a Miracle!

Read John 11:28-57

Not only do we see the blessing Jesus brought to Lazarus and his family, but we see how such a sign has sent ripples of discontent in priestly circles. Let’s not rush past the beautiful miracle and blessing that happened as our Lazarus story continues from our last reading.

When Jesus first saw Mary, now after Martha had left, he was moved. John tells us Jesus had anger well up inside him, asked a question, and then he wept. Anger is a deep emotion that can often resolve itself in tears, hopefully tears of relief. In Jesus’ case, the tears would still be of grief for the pain Mary and the others felt. His anger would remain so long as his loved ones were hurting. But this grief would soon be washed away, and Jesus knew that, too. Continue reading “John 11:28-57 – What a Miracle!”

John 11:1-27 – What a Teachable Moment!

Read John 11:1-27

We have just gotten started with this story. The true miraculous sign is yet to come. But Jesus has pretty much already spilled the beans about that one. His disciples are about to see yet another jaw-dropping act of God. The setup in the first part of this Chapter is worth taking a look at all by itself, as it builds up to something beyond comprehension.

What we see Jesus do here is meant to teach and to bless. The teaching part comes first. Jesus knew that his disciples were having a hard time with their unbelief. It had to be hard to totally grasp that the Messiah you had been waiting for your whole life was standing there before you. Continue reading “John 11:1-27 – What a Teachable Moment!”

John 10:22-42 – Not All Fans

Read John 10:22-42

John’s gospel shows us that not everybody was an adoring fan of Jesus. We see how people who didn’t believe treated Jesus during his time of ministry. The text says “people,” but it is very possible from the tone that these people were the religious leaders. They seem to have almost ambushed Jesus on his stroll through the temple.

To nearly be stoned for blasphemy seems ludicrous, but spiritual blindness is a real thing. We know who Jesus was, but even Jews today do not recognize that Jesus and God are one. Jesus was just a man in their eyes. Jesus’ defense was simple: “Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work.” All the healings and miracles were proof. Continue reading “John 10:22-42 – Not All Fans”

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