Creative Space for Wanderers
Jesus is speaking to a gathering at a prominent Pharisee’s home when He shares a parable that ends with: But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Isn’t …
Continue reading “Be blessed: Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind”
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 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 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 …
Read The story of Lazarus being brought back to life spread like wildfire. Many believed in Jesus while others somehow saw a completely different message. There’s a lot going on here for us to wrestle with, much of which I can only pretend to understand because I don’t have any firsthand experience with the Sanhedrin, …
Read The second half of this chapter begins in the winter. It’s time for Hanukkah. By now we have learned that John’s style shows how Jesus used the setting as part of the teaching. It’s common for us to follow this example as we preach during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Independence Day, etc. The reason I bring …
Read: The first part of this chapter briefly captures the moment when Jesus healed this unnamed man who was blind from birth. The story now shifts focus to questions by the man’s neighbors, those that remember him as a beggar, his parents, and most significantly, the Jewish religious leaders. It’s amazing to hear how this …
Continue reading “John: Blind from Birth Now Healed – Part 2”
Read The story in this chapter is amazing! There are many subtle details that describe the story of a man who was blind from birth but now is completely restored at the hands of Jesus. As we read this narrative, consider this in both literal and figurative terms. We are blind without Jesus. This man …
Continue reading “John: Blind From Birth Now Healed – Part 1”
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””