John 20:1-18 – Jesus is Alive!

Read John 20:1-18

Since Jesus’ body had been laid to rest, his followers would have all been experiencing their own grief and loss. It had been three days, and we see how Peter, John, and Mary responded. Mary arrived at the tomb while it was still dark. I imagine she couldn’t sleep and was missing her Lord. If only she could get closer, maybe she would feel less lonely. She must have been horrified to find Jesus’ body missing.

Peter and John were the disciples Mary found to help her process what was happening. The story had to have sounded incredible because the disciples’ immediate response was to run and see for themselves. In typical “ambitious” Peter style, he burst into the tomb immediately upon arrival, while John was cautiously looking inside. I think I would have been more like John, curious but not quite as bold. Continue reading “John 20:1-18 – Jesus is Alive!”

John 5:31-47 – Witnesses for Jesus

Read John 5:31-47

Imagine you were waiting to be called to the witness stand to testify about Jesus, your Lord and Savior. Do you know what you’d say? If you’ve never been in a court of law, you’ve probably seen dramatizations on television or in films. Jesus continues to speak to the religious leaders who are questioning him, even though Jesus said his own testimony would not be “valid,” and he didn’t need human witnesses either. Why do I feel so compelled to stand up for Jesus?

The religious leaders Jesus was speaking to couldn’t grasp who Jesus was. While he wasn’t pleading his case, Jesus did point to his Father and all the teachings and miracles he had performed. I can’t imagine how you could witness those things and not know for certain that you had seen God’s Son. Continue reading “John 5:31-47 – Witnesses for Jesus”

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