John: Jesus Appears

Read John 20:11-29 Jesus is resurrected! He is alive! Just like He said. He appears to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, then a special visit to Thomas. John recalls these moments with great fondness, almost playfully if that doesn’t sound too irreverent for you! Look at the interactions: Mary Magdalene Mary was the first one to arrive …

John: The Empty Tomb

Read John 20:1-10 The pain of the events leading up to the mock trial, the insanity of Jewish leaders and the crowd they mustered, Pilate’s capitulation, and the soldier’s mechanical actions that led to the death of their beloved. Three years went by in a flash. Now He was dead and buried. Early on the …

John: Jesus Crucified

Read John 19:16-42 If you think my previous post regarding Pilate’s problem exonerated his actions, make sure you read the first part of this passage carefully. 19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place …

John: Pilate’s Problem

Read John 18:28-19:16 I’m writing this post the day after International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2019. Honestly, I didn’t know there was such an event, but I am certainly moved to remember the atrocities committed against our Jewish brothers, sisters, moms, and dads. They weren’t killed by some supernatural phenomena, each person was corralled and killed by …

John: Jesus Questioned by the High Priest and Peter’s Denials

Read John 18:15-27 John provides a brief glimpse into the details of Jesus’ interrogation by Annas surrounded by Peter’s failure. As we read this section, it’s interesting to note the contrast painted by John. Peter lies. Jesus tells the truth. Lies, truth, lies. As we watch Peter keep warm with the late night party, there …

John: Jesus Arrested

Read John 18:1-14 Chapters 18 and 19 of John’s gospel rather briefly cover the events of Jesus’s arrest, mock trial by Jewish leaders, interaction with Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, and burial. We begin with John’s version of the events surrounding His arrest. It’s pretty different from the Synoptics. I Am He In typical fashion, Jesus neither …