Category: John

Read John 11:38-44

If you haven’t read the last two reflections, you might want to do so to get the full impact of this text. We have seen Martha, Mary, and even Jesus grief-stricken at the death of their brother and friend, Lazarus. However, even before he died, Jesus knew this moment would come. God was going to be glorified. The people should finally believe that he had been sent by God. Jesus called on God by saying, “Father.” There should be no doubt.

Details. Martha was worried about the stench. Yes, we know that the smell of death and decay is not at all pleasant, but Jesus was looking at the big picture. He wanted them to have faith in what he could do. He was about to bring a man back to life calling on the power from God above. The smell would dissipate and because Lazarus would no longer be dead the wretched smell would soon be gone. Continue reading “John 11:38-44 – He’s Not Dead”

Read John 11:17-37

Jesus has now safely arrived in Bethany. News of his arrival reached Martha and Mary.  Mary stayed behind and Martha rushed to meet Jesus. You can imagine the scene. There are many friends gathered to pay their respects. It would be awkward if both sisters took off at the same time. But why didn’t Jesus just show up at the house, too? Continue reading “John 11:17-37 – Jesus Grieves”

Read John 11:1-16

This is a difficult text. If you’ve ever had a friend or loved one who is dying, it is hard to watch them slip away. It seems we are never ready to say goodbye. As followers of Jesus, we have the hope and assurance that death is not the end. It may be the end of our relationship with that person on earth, but it is only the beginning of a new life for that person in the arms of the Savior. The mourning is ours alone.

In today’s reading, we see Jesus being given news of his dear friend’s illness and impending death. The difference here is that Jesus knows what is to happen with his friend, Lazarus. Jesus knows he doesn’t have to rush off to say his final goodbyes. Had he done so, the plan of receiving glory from the situation would not have worked. But how hard must it have been to stay away knowing his friends were in agony. Continue reading “John 11:1-16 – A Dying Friend”

Read John 10:22-42

Jesus has been identifying himself in many different ways to help people understand him and his mission. We’ve heard him reference a gate, good shepherd, Son of Man, the bread of life,  the Messiah, the true bread of heaven, and the light of the world. Today, he proclaims he is the Son of God to the religious leaders. That didn’t go well. They had stones in hand.

People just don’t go around claiming to be God. That’s blasphemy and it’s sinful. But when you are God, you should be able to say so.  Jesus doesn’t blast the news. He’d rather quietly do God’s work and have those who surround him become his followers. He tells the religious leaders, point blank, they are not part of his flock. That’s why they cannot see or recognize him for who he is. Their hearts are sealed shut. Continue reading “John 10:22-42 – Who is Jesus?”

Read John 10:11-21

I did not grow up knowing any shepherds. I lived in Iowa so there were plenty of farmers. They often tended to livestock in addition to their corn fields. But the bond Jesus is talking about between a shepherd and his sheep goes so much deeper than what I think of for a present-day farmer and his herd. If you are a farmer and I am mistaken, please forgive me and let me know.

If the people were a bit confused over the whole gate analogy in yesterday’s reading, Jesus again challenges them. This passage is such a beautiful picture of how Jesus cares for us. It brings tears to my eyes as I treasure all of the hidden meanings.  Continue reading “John 10:11-21 – The Good Shepherd”