Creative Space for Wanderers
Read 1 John 2:12-17 The art of storytelling is an ancient craft. Those who are gifted know how to build tension early to capture the reader’s attention. John knows his audience well. He begins his first letter reminding us that Jesus is the Word of life and just in case you don’t read the whole …
Read 1 John 2:3-11 Once again, John boldly points out the distinction between those walking in light versus darkness, liars, and truthtellers. The lesson is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. When we avoid speaking the truth in love, we fall into a trap. Sometimes this happens when we mistake being kind and …
Read 1 John 1:5-2:2 John set the stage in the preamble to his brief letter; now he dives right into the problem of sin. While the topic is undoubtedly timeless, it is essential to consider those who would be reading this letter in the first century. Their view of God is probably a lot different …
Continue reading “1John: Light, Darkness, Sin, and Forgiveness”
Introduction Having read John’s words in his Fourth Gospel, we now get to hear his appeal to a few of his church plants. We’ll take this one piece at a time, but let me encourage you to imagine John wrote these letters to you. There are only five chapters in 1 John, so that shouldn’t …
Read John 21:15-25 Breakfast on the beach with Jesus continues from the previous story. The early morning fishing expedition that seemed like a rout turned out to be fantastic because of Jesus. That shouldn’t be surprising. When Jesus is in the middle of anything we do, we should expect amazing results. This time is no different. …
Read John 21:1-14 The last chapter ended with a purpose statement for the entire Fourth Gospel. This chapter bridges the gap with a word that makes me wonder: afterward. After how long? Jesus showed the disciples definitively that the resurrection was more than a prophecy, it was genuine. He was quite alive. But what did …
Continue reading “John: Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish”
Read John 20:30-31 Just before the last chapter, and just after Jesus appeared to Mary and the disciples, John pressed pause to remind us why he was inspired to tell the stories presented in the Fourth Gospel. These two simple verses are very significant in my mind. Jesus performed many other signs in the presence …
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 …
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 …
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 …