Creative Space for Wanderers
The Pharisees inquisition and excommunication of the man. Perhaps that’s a better title! The Pharisees decide to check into this matter by talking to the man who was healed, then to his parents (though his parents are not exactly the model leaders in the community). The man is questioned a second time and provides a …
The healing by Jesus and his neighbors astonished reaction. Who sinned? The disciples are trying to piece this together. John devotes the entire chapter to this story, so we’ll take three days to look at it. This is part 1 of 3. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts about Serving the …
As Jesus spoke many believed him, but they still had questions. In this section a group of Jews who “had believed him” wrestle with his answers to their questions, but they aren’t listening. Jesus explains that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, a point they must not have heard, then this great statement …
Continue reading “Jesus and Abraham, Jews who believed turn on him”
Jesus speaks to the people in the temple courts again, this time he says “I am the light of the world” and the Pharisees respond that Jesus is making an invalid claim because of a lack of witnesses. It’s like they’re speaking two different languages or having two completely separate conversations. The content of what …
Continue reading “Conflict over Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world”
Scholars don’t consider this passage as part of the canon since it is absent from almost all the early manuscripts. Those that include it sometimes place it elsewhere. However it is believed to be an authentic story and is consistent with others. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts about Serving the …
Continue reading “Jesus forgives a woman caught in adultery”
As Jesus teaches, word spreads and those in Jerusalem who were on the lookout for him are alerted. The mixed reaction by those attending might be here to give us comfort, some hear and get excited, others fear and anger, but the word lives on and will continue as God commands. Thoughts about serving othersThis …
Jesus’ brothers went on their way (after their advice was firmly rejected), now Jesus secretly makes his way to the Festival of Tabernacles. His teaching always amazed those who listened, even if it confused the “wise,” some listened and heard. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the …
Continue reading “Jesus Teaches at the Festival, but not with his brothers”
The Samaritans were not altogether pleased about the Jewish pilgrimage through their territory, so it’s no surprise that the envoys ahead of Jesus were not met with great enthusiasm. Jesus isn’t surprised by the reception, but the “sons of thunder” suggested a lightning strike might teach them a lesson! Jesus rebukes this behavior and they …
After this, that is, after Jesus’ “hard teaching” in the synagogue in Capernaum (review the insight posted on John 6:60-71), those closest to Jesus in human terms, his brothers, give him some advice: leave. Jesus has a few words for them and ignores their advice. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts …