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)?
Friday, January 28, 2011
John 11
Well known for a few reasons, the 11th chapter of John continues the building action toward the execution of Jesus, as He continues to upset the establishment. It contains the shortest verse in the Bible, and also the story of a man who being raised from the dead in dramatic fashion. Incredible stuff!
Read it a bunch and pick a verse to memorize.
Read it a bunch and pick a verse to memorize.
Friday, January 21, 2011
John 10
It's not uncommon to hear Jesus referred to as the Good Shepherd, and John 10 is where He gives Himself this title. You can read the chapter by clicking here.
Remember, the idea of this chapter a week study is to be reading each chapter at least 4-5 times each week. It would appear there's nothing magical about the numbers 4 or 5, and that's true. At the same time, there are studies that I wish I could properly credit, but I can't remember where I've seen them, that indicate that Bible reading three times a week results in virtually no discernible life change, while those who read 4 or more times are far less likely to get arrested, etc. Why would that be? It's because God's Word is alive. It's been called the "raw material of life change". Encouraging people to spend time reading and learning God's Word is why this simple blog Bible study exists.
As you study John 10, imagine the care Jesus provides you as your Good Shepherd. Check out verses 27-28 and ask yourself if you are better able to recognize His voice than you were a year or two ago.
Remember, the idea of this chapter a week study is to be reading each chapter at least 4-5 times each week. It would appear there's nothing magical about the numbers 4 or 5, and that's true. At the same time, there are studies that I wish I could properly credit, but I can't remember where I've seen them, that indicate that Bible reading three times a week results in virtually no discernible life change, while those who read 4 or more times are far less likely to get arrested, etc. Why would that be? It's because God's Word is alive. It's been called the "raw material of life change". Encouraging people to spend time reading and learning God's Word is why this simple blog Bible study exists.
As you study John 10, imagine the care Jesus provides you as your Good Shepherd. Check out verses 27-28 and ask yourself if you are better able to recognize His voice than you were a year or two ago.
Friday, January 14, 2011
John 9
As always, you can read the chapter here.
In Chapter 9, we get at least somewhat of an answer to the unanswerable question, "Why do tragic things happen to innocent people, particularly children?" And as we track along through chapters 7,8 and now 9, we begin to see things coming to a head. The leaders are not going to be able to continue to allow Jesus to keep doing what He's doing without dramatically changing their way of doing things.
Verse 41 is one that I've worked to memorize. "Since you claim you can see, your guilt remains". What a great call to humility.
Enjoy the chapter and post your comments, questions, etc. below!
In Chapter 9, we get at least somewhat of an answer to the unanswerable question, "Why do tragic things happen to innocent people, particularly children?" And as we track along through chapters 7,8 and now 9, we begin to see things coming to a head. The leaders are not going to be able to continue to allow Jesus to keep doing what He's doing without dramatically changing their way of doing things.
Verse 41 is one that I've worked to memorize. "Since you claim you can see, your guilt remains". What a great call to humility.
Enjoy the chapter and post your comments, questions, etc. below!
Friday, January 7, 2011
John chapter 8
Read chapter 8 by clicking here.
Like most chapters in John, there is a ton here to discuss. First, Jesus deals with a woman caught in adultery. Later, we see Him explaining the freedom He offers vs. a life of "slavery to sin". Finally, we see the Lord really ruffling some feathers (verse 48 and 57-59).
What jumps out at you?
Like most chapters in John, there is a ton here to discuss. First, Jesus deals with a woman caught in adultery. Later, we see Him explaining the freedom He offers vs. a life of "slavery to sin". Finally, we see the Lord really ruffling some feathers (verse 48 and 57-59).
What jumps out at you?
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