John 8:1-30 – Jesus Reveals More

Read John 8:1-30

Our walk through the New Testament in a year is an ambitious goal, so some readings will require more reflection than others. This passage is one of those examples. Each section has so much value, deserving of contemplation. What do we see?

Jesus reveals more about his character and who he is. Even from the very first story. The woman caught in adultery was treated with compassion and love, even though she had broken a sin that, by the law, carried a death sentence by stoning. But this sin involves two people, and only the woman was brought before Jesus. Why didn’t they bring the man, too? Continue reading “John 8:1-30 – Jesus Reveals More”

John 7:25-53 – Is Jesus the Messiah?

Read John 7:25-53

There is so much to unpack in this reading. However, take a moment to just sit with what you just read and let everything that happened in these few verses replay in your head. Who is Jesus? Is he the Messiah?

For those in Jesus’ day, the answer to that question would depend on who you asked. Have you ever imagined yourself as one of those in the crowd, having seen Jesus or having heard about His miraculous signs? The word of mouth must have been terrific since there were no news headlines or social media announcements to spread the word. Do you think you would have recognized the Messiah? Continue reading “John 7:25-53 – Is Jesus the Messiah?”

John 7:1-24 – Look Beyond Appearances

Read John 7:1-24

The Festival of Shelters is one of three festivals for which Jews are mandated by Old Testament law to pilgrimage back to Jerusalem. This joyous festival commemorates the provision received by the Israelites while in the wilderness. It’s not surprising that Jesus and his followers would plan to go to Jerusalem. What is surprising is how their planning played out.

Jesus wasn’t going to join them, even though the disciples encouraged him, saying this would be the perfect opportunity to come out of “hiding.” They seemed to be so concerned with directing Jesus’ ministry, growing the number of followers, and seeing more of the miracles themselves. Jesus’ response was, “You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” I’m sure the disciples were perplexed by what he meant. Continue reading “John 7:1-24 – Look Beyond Appearances”

John 6:60-71 – Are You Offended?

Read John 6:60-71

Do you think Jesus thought he’d lose followers because of what he was saying? Jesus’ words suggest he anticipated that not everybody would be able to handle the truth he was revealing. While it grieved him, it didn’t stop him from sharing. These were important words that needed to be said about who would be his true followers.

I couldn’t help but think of a current-day application. For those of us on social media, for years, the push was to get as many followers as possible to “prove” our likability and authority. Now, it seems that people follow and unfollow each other all the time simply because they don’t agree with each other. Jesus experienced that when his disciples began deserting him because of what he was saying. Continue reading “John 6:60-71 – Are You Offended?”

John 6:25-59 – All God Wants From Us

Read John 6:25-59

What a teaching those people received! The day before they had been fed bread and fish, and today they had been nourished by the Bread of Life himself. It appears from the reading that they had found Jesus on the other side of the lake, presumably in Capernaum, teaching in a synagogue. Although, intrigue turned to doubt for many who had come to find Jesus.

Jesus got the crowd riled up when he began explaining what it meant for him to be the bread of life. Can you imagine hearing those words the first time spoken! Even people today think it is gruesome and cannibalistic. But Jesus was not speaking literally, although later his words will be very meaningful during his last meal with his friends. This teaching is a good companion text to that sacramental meal. Continue reading “John 6:25-59 – All God Wants From Us”

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