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You bunch of Sabbath breakers!
John 5 gives us the story of the lame man healed at the Pool of Bethesda. The real problem the Jewish leadership had was… horrors! … Jesus healed on the SABBATH. They were so concerned about Sabbath breaking they missed the larger point of actually helping someone. Each of us, regardless of our theological leanings, have this temptation in us. We cut…
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We want to see Jesus the way WE want to see Jesus
Philip wanted to see the Father. He basically says to Jesus, “Okay, just show us the Father! That will be enough!” Jesus basically says back, “Have you not been paying attention at all?” We have our mindset of what it would be like for Jesus to “show up,” so when Jesus finally DOES come by and reveals himself to us,…
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The powerful, permanent work of the cross
The cross is the great sign, the reality from which every other sign becomes like a shadow, outlining that reality but lacking its complete form. The hour of Jesus brings a work that has eternal consequences. Even raising Lazarus was temporary.
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The incredible power of the crucifixion
The irony of Jesus’ crucifixion is often lost in a couple of poorly translated words. We often just don’t know what to do with the words in that context, so it ends up being that Jesus was crucified with a couple of thieves. Actually, Barabbas, along with the two crucified with Jesus, were probably terrorists. They threatened the Empire. Jesus…
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How to astonish the world as the church
As Jesus prayed for the church in John 17, he prayed a HIGH OCTANE prayer for us! We need to hear this call in our lives. As the church bears the Spirit, it also bears the “call of God to the world” because we are to live out the manifestation of the love and glory of God in the world.…
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The Political Jesus
When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, it was a time the crowd decided to boldly make a play for his leadership. They laid out palms, as symbols of Jewish nationalism. They cried out for their King to save them… from the Roman oppression. Jesus wants our praise and celebration. “But too often we only see him through the issues…
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Jesus will always divide the house
As I work my way through John, and Gary Burge’s commentary in The NIV Application Commentary, I am struck by Burge’s notes on the alienation Jesus will create. Jesus will ALWAYS divide. We can make our claims about “if Jesus were here he would obviously take up MY view and thus all sides would have to agree with me,” but in…
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Loving religion more than God
A sentence from Gary Burge’s commentary on John (The NIV Application Commentary) hits hard. It is a reflection on John 5 and Jesus’ accusation toward the religious leaders: They love the religious life, but they have forgotten how to love God. Ouch. A lot of things can be more of an, “Oh me!” rather than an “Amen!” God, help me!
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Jesus WILL Offend You
60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you?” (John 6:60-61, NIV) Contrary to contemporary “religious” belief… excuse me, “spiritual” belief… Jesus will not just give you a sloppy wet kiss and hug you into heaven. He will…
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We Settle for SO LITTLE
26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (John 6:26-17, NIV)…
Tag: Gospel of John
