Monthly Archives: April 2014
The Empty Tomb- John 20:1-18
Jesus was placed in the tomb on Friday afternoon just as the sun was going down. The Jews were not allowed to go to the tomb on the Sabbath, (Saturday), but as early as possible, around daybreak on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene went to visit the tomb. When she arrived, the stone sealing the tomb … Continue reading
The Crucifixion- John 19: 1-42
After the Jews refused to let Jesus go, Pilate had him flogged. He was brutally beaten with a whip weighted on the ends to cause massive pain and injury. The Roman soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on his head and clothed him in a purple robe to represent royalty. Then they … Continue reading
Jesus is Arrested- John 18:1-40
John’s Gospel, leads us immediately to the olive grove where Jesus was arrested. Our last readings had Jesus first telling the disciples about the events that were coming and then he prayed to God about what was coming and asked for God’s protection over the disciples. Today, Jesus purposely walks to the place where he … Continue reading
Jesus Prays – John- 17: 1-26
Today’s chapter is a continuation of yesterday’s reading. After a lengthy discussion with his disciples about the events that are coming, Jesus prays. Jesus prays. I think there’s no other testament to the importance of prayer than the fact that Jesus prayed. His prayer is broken into three parts in this Gospel and it’s his … Continue reading
Jesus Talks About the Holy Spirit and Prayer- John 16:1-33
Today’s reading is a continuation of the conversation from yesterday. Jesus continues to talk with his disciples about the events that are coming. For the most part, they still don’t understand, but he knows that they will. I suspect, that most of them will remember this conversation very clearly after the resurrection and even after … Continue reading
The Vine and the Branches- John 15:1-26
As Jesus continues to talk with his disciples, he uses a vine metaphor. He tells them that he is the true vine and that God is the gardener who cuts off every branch that doesn’t bear fruit. If you stopped reading there, you might give a sigh of relief, thinking, “Whew! Glad I missed that … Continue reading
Jesus Comforts His Disciples- John 14:1-31
First, we had Jesus showing the true spirit of service and humility by washing his disciples’ feet. Next, he tells them one of them will betray him and that he will be leaving them soon. They are very upset and troubled at this news. Jesus, too. was troubled, but what did he do? Did he … Continue reading
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal and Peter’s Denial- John 13:18-38
The first half of this chapter was a beautiful example of service. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. The second half is much sadder and darker. Jesus tells them that someone who shares bread with him has lifted up his heel against him. Sharing bread would mean eating together. Sharing a meal would mean close fellowship. … Continue reading
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet- John 13:1-17
John begins today’s passage by saying that it was just before the Passover Feast and Jesus knew that his time had come to leave this world and return to his Father. Notice, that Jesus knew? Jesus was always a willing participant In God’s plan for him. John says that Jesus loved his disciples during his … Continue reading
Jesus Predicts His Death and the Jewish Unbelief Continues- John 12:20-50
Right after the Triumphal Entry, there were some Greeks who were there to worship and approached the disciple Philip. They told him they wanted to meet Jesus. There were some people who were attracted to Judaism because of its monotheism as well as its morality, but they did not like its nationalism or the idea … Continue reading