On the heels of the dramatic prediction of Peter's betrayal/denial at the end of chapter 13, the first words out of the mouth of Jesus in chapter 14 are "Do not let your hearts be troubled". The theme continues:
v. 2 "I am going to prepare a place for you"
v. 3 "that you also may be where I am"
v. 4 "You know the way"
v. 6 "I am the way, the truth and the life"
v. 12 "anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these"
v. 14 "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it"
v. 19 "Because I live, you also will live"
v. 26 "the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
v. 27 "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid"
Start to finish - an entire chapter of reassurance, love, acceptance and hope. Incredible.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
John 13 - Washing feet and predicting betrayal
Sorry for missing a week. My sincerest apologies.
John 13 rocks my world. We begin by reading about the King of kings washing feet. Doing the most disgusting, lowly task that existed in that society. And as if that isn't enough, He follows this amazing act of service by predicting that His time is running out and that betrayal is soon to come. He will be betrayed in different ways - by Judas handing Him over, and by Peter, who will disown the Lord three times. I can't get over how Jesus, knowing these men were on the brink of such incredibly hurtful failure, washes their feet anyway.
I've memorized verse 34, which is a nice sounding verse. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have love you, so you must love on another." That verse would sound nice if spoken at a picnic on a warm, spring day. But to speak those words in the midst of all that was happening and about to happen, Jesus shows us a kind of focus and calm in the midst of turmoil that desperately makes me want to be like Him.
John 13 rocks my world. We begin by reading about the King of kings washing feet. Doing the most disgusting, lowly task that existed in that society. And as if that isn't enough, He follows this amazing act of service by predicting that His time is running out and that betrayal is soon to come. He will be betrayed in different ways - by Judas handing Him over, and by Peter, who will disown the Lord three times. I can't get over how Jesus, knowing these men were on the brink of such incredibly hurtful failure, washes their feet anyway.
I've memorized verse 34, which is a nice sounding verse. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have love you, so you must love on another." That verse would sound nice if spoken at a picnic on a warm, spring day. But to speak those words in the midst of all that was happening and about to happen, Jesus shows us a kind of focus and calm in the midst of turmoil that desperately makes me want to be like Him.
Friday, February 4, 2011
John chapter 12
In this chapter, we enter the final phase of Jesus's life, as He is anointed at Bethany then "triumphantly" enters Jerusalem. He predicts His death and summarizes His mission. He has come to save the world (v. 47).
What stands out to you? What verse or verses will you memorize this week? Can we live as Jesus did, hearing from the Father and speaking what the Father commands us to speak (v. 49)?
What stands out to you? What verse or verses will you memorize this week? Can we live as Jesus did, hearing from the Father and speaking what the Father commands us to speak (v. 49)?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)