Category: John

Read John 13:18-30

Jesus spilled the beans. He wanted to show how Scripture was being fulfilled by betrayal in their midst. Can you imagine how the disciples felt when they heard one of them would turn against Jesus, their friend? I was unclear whether or not at the time Jesus proclaimed it–did Judas know himself. The passage makes it sound like Satan entered Judas at that moment. What did that look like exactly? In the movies, we’ve often seen devil eyes to be like red hot flames or glowing embers. Did Judas take on a new appearance on the outside, or was he just burning up on the inside? Continue reading “John 13:18-30 – The Bad Guy”

Read John 13:1-17

Yet again, Jesus is setting an example for us. We may have heard Jesus referred to as the suffering servant. This is one example we have of Jesus taking on the role of a servant to demonstrate for his disciples something they should learn and do.

It was done in silence. Jesus rose from the table and moved from disciple to disciple. Leave it to Peter to break the silence with his question. Peter didn’t understand the significance of what Jesus was showing them. Good leaders become great when they can master the art of servanthood. Jesus needed to use this as a teachable moment they would understand and remember. Continue reading “John 13:1-17 – Wash Up”

Read John 12:37-50

Do you love the praise of man more than the praise of God? Many times that is exactly what we face in our daily lives. When given an opportunity to do something or think a certain way, are we more worried about what the “neighbors will say” or what God will say? Your knee jerk reaction to this question may be, of course, God’s approval is much more important. But then take a few minutes to think about situations in your life.

I am confident that you, like me, have often been a people pleaser. Your intentions are to please God, but when it comes down to it you are concerned about what others will think or say. In the case of the people in today’s reading, they were afraid to believe in  Jesus. They didn’t want to be kicked out of the synagogue. That would be disgraceful, and who wants to fall out of grace with the community? Continue reading “John 12:37-50 – To Believe or Not”

Read John 12:20-36

Jesus invites us,  ^“anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” We want to be where Jesus is. We get a bonus, too, honor from God the Father. Who would not want that? 

Jesus’ words are a bit confusing to the people because they don’t understand the true meaning of why Jesus came. If he is truly the Messiah, he should be using his power to conquer and save the people from their oppression. Little do they realize that is exactly what Jesus does. It’s just on a much deeper, permanent level. It is also for the whole world, then and now. Continue reading “John 12:20-36 – Jesus Invites Us”

Read John 12:12-19

Well, the religious leaders got their answer. A couple of readings ago they were wondering if Jesus would dare come to Jerusalem for the Passover. There were people assigned to be on the lookout for him, ready to give intel of his arrival to the religious leaders. Now he was here. He didn’t slip in quietly, did he? Continue reading “John 12:12-19 – Cheers Today!”