Creative Space for Wanderers
Read The title I’ve chosen to give this section of the narrative is meant to be provocative. As Jesus continues to explain who He is, many appear to be moved; many believed in him (). Jesus seems to turn to these people and dive deep into a completely new theology. His teaching is true, and …
Continue reading “John: Many Believed and Picked Up Stones to Stone Him”
Read Back to the Feast of Tabernacles, this passage picks up where John left off in the previous chapter. Lots of people have gathered to listen to Jesus. He draws a crowd with His words. There’s no water to wine or miraculous healing happening here. But His words of life are incredibly affirming. If He …
Continue reading “John: Jesus Declares, “I Am the Light of the World””
Read Here’s a story inserted in the middle of the Tabernacle of Feasts that is controversial for at least two reasons: 1) it’s not found in the earliest authorized transcripts and 2) Jesus forgives the unforgivable. I’m not likely to satisfy the debate in this brief discussion, but I hope you’ll be encouraged to think …
The closing section of chapter 7 includes no words from Jesus. Instead, it’s a very brief debate between religious leaders as they try to figure out what to do with Jesus. As if their decision. When we zoom out a bit we see this is a midpoint of the discussion during the Feast of Tabernacles. …
Who is this man? What is he teaching? There were dozens of questions in the minds of those present at the Feast of Tabernacles, the huge celebration for all Jews: sons and daughters, male and female servants that ran for an entire week. John points out the highlights in his narrative description of key events. …
Read It looks like Jesus couldn’t stay away from the Festival of Tabernacles any longer. Halfway through the week-long celebration, He made an appearance. When He did, He didn’t find some side tent or hidden area, He went straight to the temple courts. The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get …
Continue reading “John: Jesus Teaches at the Festival of Tabernacles”
Read If we were Jewish or celebrated with our Jewish brothers, this would be the time of year when the Feast of Tabernacles would kick into high gear. John uses the backdrop of this festival to highlight some significant lessons for us to consider. The first vignette is a look at the interaction between Jesus …
Read The last section in this chapter challenges us all to accept that which is hard to understand. Those of us that have worn the Christian badge for many years might have a hard time understanding the challenge here, but I want to strongly encourage you (exhort) to read this chapter from the eyes of …
Read John dedicates the third section in chapter six to answer some questions and raise even more. Some of the crowd finally track Jesus down after His water-walking escape. They’re confused. Their motivation is for signs and wonders more than understanding the message. John records the highlights of the conversation which ends with a section …
Read John’s version of Jesus walking on water is concise. We have to look around for some more details, but we shouldn’t miss the point that Jesus is Lord of all and wants us to know that we should not be afraid as we fight the battles in this life. John sets up the story …
Continue reading “John: Jesus Walks on Water — Don’t Be Afraid”