Category: John

John 15:7 – What Do You Want?

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7)

Let’s unpack this memory verse. It’s important to know from the start that this is not Jesus telling his followers that he is a magic genie in a bottle who will grant all wishes. That is not who Jesus is or ever will be. Jesus is talking about the importance of our relationship with him here.

Context (John 15:1-17): Jesus describes himself in this passage as the “true grapevine.” That image would have spoken more directly to his audience, but we are all familiar to a degree with the importance of pruning to keep our plants healthy and growing. We also know that branches cut off from the tree soon wither and die. Jesus doesn’t want us to be separated from him, but to abide in him, be in relationship with him, and trust him with our lives. Continue reading “John 15:7 – What Do You Want?”

John 6:63 – Hard Truth

“The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63)

This verse isn’t giving us the okay to be lazy. Far from it! Jesus is really challenging us here to accept the hard truths he spoke about while he walked this earth. Jesus knew we humans would try to impress him, doing great things, thinking we could earn our way into heaven. That’s not how it works.

Context (John 6): A lot happens in Chapter 6 of John’s gospel. We find the accounts of the feeding of the 5,000, of Jesus walking on water, and of Jesus explaining he is the bread of life. This is significant because Jesus explains some really hard concepts difficult for most to accept. If he is the bread of life coming down from heaven, how can he also be from Nazareth? Jesus began to lose followers whose faith was not ready to believe all that he had to say. That’s where our verse comes in as Jesus further clarifies in verse 66 that “people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” Continue reading “John 6:63 – Hard Truth”

John 14:6 – Who is Jesus?

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)

This was the first verse I had the girls at the orphanage memorize because it is that important. If the girls take nothing more away from my class than this truth, they are on their way to living a more Christ-centered life. This verse is simple, yet powerful. If we have any desire to be close to God, Jesus is how we get there.

Context: Jesus was speaking intimately with his disciples in this chapter, telling them about the future and what was to come. He could sense their uneasiness in the unknown, and so he gave this direction to comfort and assure them. We may not understand the kingdom of God, heaven, or where Jesus is physically at this moment, but we can be sure he is the one to be watching. He certainly has left us a bunch of great teaching nuggets in this chapter. Continue reading “John 14:6 – Who is Jesus?”

John 10:27-28 – His Sheep

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” (John 10:27-28)

I don’t often think of myself as a sheep, but when I read and reflect on this verse I want to be one. Well, at least I’d like to be as Jesus describes them. To be totally devoted to Jesus is how I want to live my life, and this verse has some great promises.

Context: In Chapter 10 of John’s gospel, Jesus has identified himself as the “Good Shepherd.” It would have been a very interesting comparison back in those days because shepherds were not revered highly in society. Yet, the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep would have been unique and almost intimate. These verses follow that discussion when the people were pressuring Jesus to confirm he was the Messiah. His response is priceless and worth memorizing. Continue reading “John 10:27-28 – His Sheep”

John 17:17 – Jesus Prays for You

“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” (John 17:17)

Jesus declares that God’s word is truth, so there can be no question. People go around today throwing the word “truth” out there as if it suggests their own meaning of life. I wish they’d find a different word because, for me, the only truth is God’s word. And God’s word points to Jesus as the truth. Any other truth is only fiction.

Context: This verse is only one tiny excerpt of Jesus’ prayer for us found in John 17. I suggest you take some time to read the whole prayer and be blessed by how Jesus cares for you. There are plenty of other gems there to hold on to and memorize as encouraging insight. To know that Jesus prayed this for his disciples and us is powerfully comforting. Continue reading “John 17:17 – Jesus Prays for You”

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