John – Page 8 – Be Still…

John 2:1-25 – Jesus’ Power

It helps to embrace that John’s gospel is different than the other gospels, known as the synoptic gospels. All four gospels tell Jesus’ story, but from a different vantage point. John tends to be more concerned with showing Jesus’ majesty than following a strict timeline of how events may have happened. Keep that in mind as you read John’s account.

John shows us from the start that Jesus is the Creator, Son of God. In the first chapter, Jesus has been identified as the Word, the Messiah, the Lamb of God, the Son of Man, and a rabbi. All of that before his ministry begins in the second chapter with the events of the wedding feast. Jesus’ power was clearly seen when huge jugs of water suddenly became wine at his command. Continue reading “John 2:1-25 – Jesus’ Power”

John 1:35-51 – Come and See!

Read John 1:35-51

John’s disciples had heard his teaching. When they finally saw Jesus, they knew they needed more from Him. It’s like that for us, especially new believers. When we start to realize we can know Jesus personally, as well as learn from Scripture, our lives start to have a new and fresh meaning. It’s like turning the light on in a room that had only been half-lit. We want more of the light.

For some, that light can be intimidating because it exposes the darkness of our sin. We can get comfortable and begin to overlook our sinful behaviors, telling ourselves we’re not “that bad.” Before we know it, our human tendencies have separated us from the love of Jesus. Having a daily dose of Scripture becomes the reminder we need to keep our focus on Jesus. Continue reading “John 1:35-51 – Come and See!”

John 1:19-34 – Being Used By God

Read John 1:19-34

We all have a mission for God. The religious leaders were questioning John about his. They wanted to know who John was and what authority he had to do what he was doing. We hear a bit of John’s testimony here, also identifying who he is not. John’s explanation that he is a voice suggests he was being used by God in a specific way, with a message or testimony to share.

John’s testimony can also be an example for us. Did you notice how he responded? He quoted Scripture, telling the leaders he was the one the prophets had spoken about. That was a bold move, but it shows us how John stepped into his greatness in that moment. He was not afraid to be used by God. Continue reading “John 1:19-34 – Being Used By God”

John 1:1-18 – This is Him!

Read John 1:1-18

Was your mind blown just a little bit by this reading? We’re starting the Gospel of John, and right away we meet Jesus. But Jesus’ name is not directly mentioned here. He’s first introduced to us as the “Word.” Before he was known as Jesus, He was the Word. He has always been God.

How fitting that God would choose an earthly relative of Jesus to be the one preparing the way. John the Baptist wasn’t any random person, but Jesus’ own cousin. We’re told this messenger spoke of Jesus as the “light.” Jesus wasn’t just any light coming from a lamp or a lightbulb. Remember, there was no electricity at that time, so the idea of light would have been much different. Continue reading “John 1:1-18 – This is Him!”

John 1:1-14 – The Word and The Light

Read John 1:1-14

This is one of my favorite Christmas texts that seems to become richer in meaning with each passing year. Who is the Word? Jesus is who we recognize here. Feel the thrill when you picture Jesus so active in creation. There is such an intimacy at work as we meet our Savior as also the light who created us. We know Jesus’ humanity, but here we see clearly his divinity.

God’s design and purpose for each of us is so perfect. We are the ones who mess it up when we choose our own way. Even those who could have personally met Jesus when he walked the earth, rejected him. What a tragic loss for them and for anyone who denies Jesus as Lord of their lives. Continue reading “John 1:1-14 – The Word and The Light”