Category: John

Read John 7:37-53

This is another one of those Bible scenes that I can picture so vividly in my mind. I’m not sure I’ve seen it re-enacted in a film, but you never know. Certainly, I’ve seen the players in similar scenes so I have a visual on what the robed Pharisees might look like, as well as the dress of the people. For me, the visual is an important means by which impressions are made and messages found to reflect on.

As I’ve read through the book of John this time with you, I’ve sensed a different boldness from Jesus than was portrayed in Mark (see my reflections). Here, knowing he has totally confused and amazed the people, he shouts again his invitation to “come and drink” to those who believe. The living water will be given by Jesus when the time is right and those who receive will feel it flow from within. Continue reading “John 7:37-53 – Make Time”

Read John 7:10-36

Jesus goes ahead and goes to the festival anyway, despite what we believed he would do after our last reading. He was careful not to be seen until he began teaching in the temple.

Before that, we see people talking about him. Jesus had made quite a stir in this region. People will be people and talk about the things making the “news.” Even today. Sometimes it turns to gossip, which is a very dangerous thing. We should avoid talking about other people when we are not involved in the situation. Too many times things get taken out of context, feelings get hurt, reputations damaged. Once an untruth is started and spread, it’s never the same. You can’t unsay things or ever totally stop the spread of misconception. Continue reading “John 7:10-36 – No Fear Zone”

Read John 7:1-9

I can just picture the scene. Several brothers in a room, the oldest being more than a little on the popular side. The younger brothers are giving him a hard time about it. Could they be jealous? Maybe a bit embarrassed for some reason? After all, they weren’t as popular. And in today’s reading, we hear they didn’t even believe in their own brother. You have to admit, that’s not the easiest truth to get your head around.

If nothing else, it reminds us that Jesus was human with siblings, rivalry, the whole bit. But Jesus had inside information to know that it wasn’t his time yet. His brothers couldn’t understand that either, and that’s okay. They still teased him, chiding him about showing off vs. hiding out. Continue reading “John 7:1-9 – Were They Jealous?”

Read John 6:60-71

Jesus’ teaching was not easy to understand. If he was indeed the Messiah, then why wasn’t he saving them from the oppression of the Roman authorities? Why wasn’t he showing any strong military tendencies? Jesus, the Messiah, was the savior of the world, a much bigger assignment. Yet his words were confusing. He was not saying what the people expected. He was not telling them what they “wanted” to hear.

People who had been following him left. Jesus even gave the Twelve  an opportunity to leave, too. (Did you like how “Twelve” was capitalized to distinguish them from the disciples?) Peter spoke for the group when he said, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.  We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”  Continue reading “John 6:60-71 – Outta Here”

Read John 6:22-59

The people are eager and looking for Jesus. They figure out a way to find him. What are their motives? Jesus suggests they want more food or to see him do something else amazing. Instead, they request to learn how to do amazing things, too. Jesus’ counsel to them is simple. He told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” I’m not sure that’s the answer they were expecting, certainly not hoping for.

If that is our message today, as well, it’s simple yet very difficult. We need to believe in someone we have not seen. The people Jesus was speaking to directly had seen him. He was in their presence. Yet, what was their response? They asked to see more. They fondly remembered their hero, Moses who had fed manna to their ancestors. But this was bread from heaven supplied by God, not Moses. They got the story a little mixed up. Continue reading “John 6:22-59 – Bread of Life”