John 20:1-31 – How We’re Set Apart

Read John 20:1-31

As believers, we’re set apart by the promise from our risen Savior. We “will have life by the power of his name.” This Resurrection story beautifully recounts what happened to Jesus’ followers just days after he was brutally killed. Jesus’ death was on purpose; it had to happen because God loved us so much. Because Jesus was God, He could not stay dead. The impact of his resurrection from the dead is huge, and without it our faith would be meaningless. The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”

This was a long reading, and there are so many nuggets of truth and wisdom for us to meditate on. We see Mary and his disciples at the tomb, angels, several appearances of Jesus, a doubting disciple, and so much more. Can you imagine how hard it would have been to make sense of what had happened that weekend? Jesus had died, and then he was back. The fear of association, the doubts, would have been crippling. And yet everything Jesus had told them was coming true. We can all learn from this that Jesus’ word is to be trusted. Continue reading “John 20:1-31 – How We’re Set Apart”

John 17:1-26 – When Jesus Prays

Read John 17:1-26

After all that Jesus shared with his disciples, he closes in prayer. This is significant because usually Jesus would go off by himself to pray. Here, his disciples are an audience to hear how Jesus prays to the Father. In this instance, Jesus prays for himself and for others.

Jesus knows what is coming next, such a pivotal time in history. Jesus’ work on earth will soon be finished, and his emotions are on high alert. He opens the prayer with his cry of intent to bring glory to God in these final moments, while at the same time craving the glory of the LORD, his accustomed surrounding. Jesus anticipated great pain before that moment in glory. Continue reading “John 17:1-26 – When Jesus Prays”

John 14:15-29 – What a Promise!

Read John 14:15-29

Our reading today kicks off our new theme of “The Holy Spirit & Prayer.” We hear directly from Jesus as he promises the Holy Spirit to his disciples. You can imagine those close friends were a bit perplexed about the whole notion of an Advocate like this. Little did they know as they heard these words that this would be their last meal with Jesus.

This whole passage is full of wisdom Jesus wanted to make sure he shared. We’ll be discussing this very passage as part of our Bible study with the orphanage youth group tomorrow night. I am always excited when I can encounter the same passage more than once in the same week. There is likely a very profound message for me in this text. Let’s explore it together. Continue reading “John 14:15-29 – What a Promise!”

John 14:1-14 – The Way to the Father

Read John 14:1-14

There are so many gems in this reading. The wisdom Jesus shares may have gotten lost on his original audience because they were so close to him. Maybe they were blinded by the light, so to speak. While we think it would be obvious who Jesus was, his initial followers were held back for some reason. We may wonder how they could be so hesitant.

We’re like that, too, to some degree. We may let influences outside the church distract us from our utmost devotion. We may take Jesus for granted or not give him all the honor he deserves. In those moments, Jesus needs to reel us in and set our minds straight. What insight can we take here from Jesus? Continue reading “John 14:1-14 – The Way to the Father”

John 3:1-21 – How God Loves Us

Read John 3:1-21

Our next theme, “Salvation, Forgiveness, and New Life,” is off to a fantastic start with these verses from John’s gospel. We’ll be seeking a greater understanding of what these mean according to our faith. Just like Nicodemus, we seek truth, and he went right to the source, Jesus. Seeking Jesus would not have been a popular choice for someone in his position, so he had to hide in the darkness of night.

Can you imagine having an audience with Jesus himself! What questions would you ask him? As a religious leader, Nicodemus would have had some “deep” faith questions. I just love that he felt moved to approach Jesus with an openness to learn. We can glean a lot from his example. Continue reading “John 3:1-21 – How God Loves Us”

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