Lent Bible Study

In the last chapter in the Book of John, we learn about Jesus’ conversation with Peter. The other three Gospels don’t record this meeting. Personally, I really needed to hear it. Peter was very close to Jesus, yet he denied him when he was confronted by Jesus’ accusers, just as Jesus had told him he … Continue reading »

Jesus gave Mary Magdalene instructions to tell his disciples what she had seen. I’m sure she wasted no time. But, while Jesus appeared to her very early in the morning, he didn’t appear to his disciples until that evening. The text says that they were together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. … Continue reading »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »