Be Still…

Read John 15:1-8

Jesus is giving us yet another way to think of him. As we build our relationship with Jesus on our faith journey, think of him as the vine. Have you ever pruned a bush or vine? You’ve then seen how the branches cut from the living tree soon wither and dry up. The life of the bush has been cut off from them and they are no longer alive. The cut branches become trash with no more life inside.

As you picture that, you can see why it is so important for us to stay connected to Jesus. We don’t want to wither away and die without him. We don’t want to be those branches that are cut off intentionally by the gardener (God) for not producing fruit. Take a moment to think about the fruit you are producing. That is, how are you helping promote God’s kingdom? Continue reading “John 15:1-8 – True Vine”

Read John 14:15-31

This passage is jam-packed with nuggets and blessings. Re-read it several times until you feel the peace of God descending on you.

This is one of those passages that will speak to each of us a little differently. It would be great to be sitting in a discussion group with you so we could share our insights. Instead, feel free to write in the comments at the end what spoke to you most about this Bible text.  Continue reading “John 14:15-31 – Jesus’ Gift to Us”

Read John 14:1-14

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The disciples are a little concerned because they don’t know where Jesus is going. All of this discussion has been so confusing. By now, they should have been clear on who Jesus was. His mission was clear–to seek and save the lost. Yet, it seems, the disciples are still a little unsure. Continue reading “John 14:1-14 Jesus is the Only Way”

Read John 13:31-38

God’s timing is always perfect. Today as I read and reflect on this passage it is February 14 (Valentine’s Day). You’ll be reading this a day late, but that’s okay, it’s a great message for any day of the year. How fitting that Jesus’ would be telling us to love each other. Continue reading “John 13:31-38 – Love Each Other”

Read John 13:18-30

Jesus spilled the beans. He wanted to show how Scripture was being fulfilled by betrayal in their midst. Can you imagine how the disciples felt when they heard one of them would turn against Jesus, their friend? I was unclear whether or not at the time Jesus proclaimed it–did Judas know himself. The passage makes it sound like Satan entered Judas at that moment. What did that look like exactly? In the movies, we’ve often seen devil eyes to be like red hot flames or glowing embers. Did Judas take on a new appearance on the outside, or was he just burning up on the inside? Continue reading “John 13:18-30 – The Bad Guy”