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 15:1-17 – Abide

Read John 15:1-17

I love it when Jesus uses one of his “I am” statements to describe himself. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the “true grapevine”? Verse 5 sums it up for me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”  I feel honored to put myself in the “branches” category.

Jesus wants us to abide and remain in Him. Do you think the disciples knew what that meant? Do we even begin to understand the depth of meaning that Jesus’ words have for our lives and how we live? When we remain in Him, we also “abide” in Him, living our lives while acknowledging his presence. There is some great stuff to ponder and reflect on in this reading. Continue reading “John 15:1-17 – Abide”

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