The first time I read John’s gospel, I was a curious teenager and I was introduced to the identity and heart of Jesus. Knowledge pushed me to read (and reread it) as an inquiring disciple and I was rewarded with redemption, transformation and purpose. I know God uses many ways to draw people to HimContinue reading “The End”
Tag Archives: ReadingtheBible
The Thief of Joy
Pondering John 21:20-25. It’s the enemy of a contented life. It’s the thief of joy. It lies to us when it whispers we must self-promote. It gives birth to envy, jealousy, anxiety and ambition. And no one has escaped it and its consequences. Comparison. Comparing oneself to others is always, always a losing proposition. ItContinue reading “The Thief of Joy”
“I Do”
Pondering John 21:15-19. Jesus tried to prepare them. The sorrow-filled separation death brings loomed in the future. John 13 records Jesus saying, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will later follow.” Peter responded by professing his unwavering allegiance. He answered, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay downContinue reading ““I Do””
Jump Out of the Boat!
Pondering John 21:1-14. Everyone has opportunities to lead. And we since we can often feel inadequate, can learn a lot from this passage. The disciples had seen the resurrected Christ twice. They had experienced Him. But what were they to do with the truth they knew about Jesus? Perhaps they were floundering a bit. PeterContinue reading “Jump Out of the Boat!”
On the Path
Pondering John 20:19-31. I have so many questions. There are theological issues I struggle to fully understand. And the paradox within the Bible sometimes leaves me flustered. I’ve wrestled with God when prayers seemed to be ignored. But I know…that I know…that I know…Jesus lives. I trust Him. I’ve decided to place my faith andContinue reading “On the Path”
Easter in Italy
Pondering John 20:1-18. Jesus is victorious. The empty tomb declares He is even victorious over death. The grave couldn’t hold Him. In that time, the resurrection of Christ was not disputed because there were too many eye witnesses. And it remains indisputable today by those who call Jesus their King. This truth sits as aContinue reading “Easter in Italy”
Finished
Pondering John 19. Crosses. We hang them on our walls. We wear them on necklaces. We display them on end tables. Yet as beautiful as we think they are, the word cruel cannot adequately describe the brutality of death on a cross. It was barbaric. The physical agony that Jesus endured on the cross isContinue reading “Finished”
My King
Pondering John 18:28-40. Jesus was arrested by Jewish religious leaders because they wanted Him executed. The problem was that they did not have the power to do so. So they brought Him to Pilate, the Roman governor, with false charges of insurrection. Consider this irony. The Jews refused to enter the Roman palace because theyContinue reading “My King”
I’m No Better
Pondering John 18:12-28. Witnessing injustice for someone’s political or financial gain is beyond frustrating. But it is our response that reveals our integrity, our bravery or our cowardice. Our response can make a difference. Jesus was arrested, bound and brought before the highest of the religious leaders. One cruel leader turned Him over to anotherContinue reading “I’m No Better”
Oh, It Will Happen
Pondering John 18:4-14. The drama intensified! Jesus asked the approaching Roman soldiers and Pharisees, “Who is it you want?” Jesus knew. He knew what was going to happen. He knew betrayal, rejection, agony and separation from His Father were quickly approaching. But He willingly went forward with the plan conceived before creation for our rescueContinue reading “Oh, It Will Happen”
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