Creative Space for Wanderers
Read John 15:1-17 Several years ago, too many for me to accurately remember, I was blessed to hear a sermon series on this portion of John’s gospel message. A lot of the early parts of the series focused on pruning vines, burning branches, and rather seemingly destructive behavior, until I studied the concept. If you …
Read John 14:15-31 I don’t know about you, but there are times when I read a passage and just have to stop and let it sink in. This is one of those times. It’s like a scene in a movie when you know the plot is about to take a hard twist and the characters …
Read John 14:1-14 If you’ve been reading along with me, you have to appreciate the mood in the upper room has to be incredibly somber. Things were challenging up to chapter 13, but no one expected Jesus to take on the role of a servant and wash their feet, then announce one of the twelve …
Read John 13:31-38 Judas Iscariot has exited the very private dinner. While Jesus was able to see what was going on clearly, the Eleven disciples seemed to be confused. The title of this post focuses on the last two verses of chapter 13, but we shouldn’t miss the greater emphasis on God’s glorification and a …
Read John 13:18-30 The low point of John’s gospel is hard to read and appreciate. Jesus painfully informs the disciples that one among them will betray Him. The scene unfolds so quickly that they don’t have a chance to grasp the significance of Judas’ hasty exit. It’s dark and difficult, but we have to read …
Read John 13:1-17 Before we begin this reading, it’s interesting to note that the NIV Application Commentary divides the book of John into two parts: Part 1, Chapters 1-12, is referred to as the “Book of Signs,” and Part 2, Chapters 13-21, comprise the “Book of Glory.” The first part includes an account of Jesus’ …
Read John has to look back at this moment and shake his head in utter disbelief that so many people have seen what Jesus has done and heard His words, yet turn away. When Jesus met with the disciples after His resurrection, He opened their minds to all the scriptures () so they could see …
Read John 12:20-37 John is about to turn the corner on his Gospel account of Jesus’ ministry. This section begins with outsiders, from the Jewish perspective, who are trying to see Jesus. This is the time when Jesus changes the talk from, “his hour had not yet come,” to “the hour has come.” Don’t miss the …
Continue reading “John: Jesus Predicts His Death — The Hour Has Come”
Read John 12:12-19 It’s crazy to think that Jesus goes from Bethany, out of the reach of the religious leaders that were trying to kill him, to ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday…the next day. In these chapters, John slows down time to focus in on significant events and actions that grab our attention. Therefore Jesus …
Read John 12:1-11 Chapter 12 begins with two references: this is the week before Passover and a reminder that Lazarus is the one Jesus raised from the dead. Just in case you missed it or forgot somehow. With that quick intro, John tells his first story about Martha and Mary, Lazarus’ sisters. Martha is always …