Category: John

Read John 2:1-12

The gospel of Mark also tells of this wedding feast in Cana. For a bit of history, a wedding celebration in Jesus’ day could last for a week. That helps me understand how gallons of wine could be needed. I have always liked this story because while it was the kick off of Jesus’ ministry, it reminds us how human Jesus actually was. He even talked back to his mom just a little bit.

As we’re meeting Jesus for the first time in John, we’ve seen him encounter his first disciples. Now he and his new friends are attending a wedding feast with his mother. Mary must have been so delighted to have her son and his friends with her. What mother doesn’t like to spend time with her children and show them off in public. Even if they are grown. Especially if they are grown.  Continue reading “John 2:1-12 – The Wedding in Cana”

Read John 1:43-51

To be called on by Jesus, what an honor. Did Philip even understand how huge this was? Close your eyes for a moment and imagine Jesus saying to you, “Follow me.” I think we can all follow a little closer than we already are. Some of us might be following for the first time, like Philip.

What was Philip’s reaction? He, like Andrew, knew he had to tell someone. He found Nathanael.  While Philip was all in for Jesus, the mere fact that Jesus was from Nazareth made Nathanael a skeptic. But Philip wanted his friend to see for himself, “Come and see,” was his request. Nathanael was pleasantly surprised because Jesus recognized him as an honest man. Continue reading “John 1:43-51 – Follow Me”

Read John 1:35-42

This is our first conversational encounter in the book of John with Jesus. If we were to strip away all that we know about Jesus and meet him for the first time here, like Andrew and his friend, what might we think? Let’s imagine for a moment we are the “other” disciple of John with Andrew that day. We had just heard John, someone we trust, introduce us to the “Lamb of God.”

Based on what happens next, it’s very likely that Andrew was present the day before when John was going on about Jesus being the Messiah. And of course,  John’s whole mission had been to prepare people for this very person, Jesus. So you and Andrew are in the presence of the Lamb of God. Doesn’t his first question seem a little abrupt? “What do you want?” Jesus’ tone could have been very warm and receiving. So,  instead of sounding like he was a bit bothered, he may have sounded more like a  servant. Let’s go with that one. Continue reading “John 1:35-42 – New Friends”

Read John 1:29-34

Today, John introduces the one for whom he has been preparing the crowds. John’s mission from God had been to prepare the way, and from our reading today we hear more about that mission. John himself didn’t recognize who the Messiah was until he saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, just as God had told him. The sign from God had revealed the identity of Jesus.

You may recall the other gospel writers don’t reveal Jesus’ true identity quite so boldly. Here in the first chapter, John has already called out Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God! In particular, John introduces him as the Lamb of God. I understand these are the only Biblical references to Jesus being the “Lamb of God.” What does that mean, exactly? Continue reading “John 1:29-34 – Lamb of God”

Read John 1:19-28

Having been a paralegal for trial attorneys for many years, I know how to prepare people to testify. Appearing in court can be a daunting experience, and we always wanted to help our witnesses feel ready. A good testimony is when the witness professes what he or she knows to be the truth based on an eyewitness account. In general, facts are what you’re looking for,  not opinions or feelings. Of course, a line of questioning could take a more personal slant in some cases, invoking emotion, but sticking to the facts makes for good witness testimony. Continue reading “John 1:19-28 – How to Testify”