Monthly Archives: November 2011
Jesus: the light we had for a little while
John 12:20-50. All through John’s Gospel Jesus is described as a light. In this passage, the temporary nature of that light is emphasized. He came into a world of darkness and shone briefly. He urged the planet to: “Walk while … Continue reading
following Jesus
John 11:55-12:19. There are many who count themselves as followers of Jesus. The question is “Why are you following him?” Judas followed him for the occasional dip into the moneybag. Do you follow Jesus for financial gain? Mary followed Jesus … Continue reading
Jesus: the resurrection and the life
John 11:1-54. This magnificent story from the life of Jesus has much to teach us about reality. Death is real. It is not some mysterious departure into another world. Death for Lazarus was a cold, hard, unconscious sleep in the … Continue reading
believing in Jesus’ works
John 10:19-42. Lots of people struggle with what Jesus said about himself. I, personally, have come to the conclusion that Jesus is the very God the Son that the doctrine of the trinity defines. Some good friends of mine are … Continue reading
Jesus: the true Shepherd
John 10:1-18. Many of us aspire to be shepherds – to lead people to God and to safety from this dangerous world they were born into. There is nothing wrong with such aspirations, as long as we are clear that … Continue reading
Jesus: the true light
John 9. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day believed that they had received light through the writings of Moses. they had codified a system of spiritual teaching that explained the world around them, and helped them to understand it. Jesus came … Continue reading
Jesus: light, freedom, life
John 8. The contrast that is seen throughout this chapter is between those who follow Jesus and those who have rejected him. Those who reject Jesus are walking in darkness and following their father, the devil. Those who accept Jesus … Continue reading
Jesus: the Galilean Prophet
John 7. Jesus grew up in Nazareth in the region of Galilee. He had made his headquarters in Galilee for most of his public ministry. As the time came closer to the public revelation of his Messiahship, he decides to … Continue reading
Jesus: the Bread of Life
John 6:22-71. Even non-believers in this generation do not seem to have any problem with Jesus calling himself the bread of life. It was not so in first century Galilee. The Jews were insulted that a mere man would dare … Continue reading
Jesus makes the difference
John 6:1-21. Reading through this very familiar passage again, I was struck by the difference Jesus made in these two incidents narrated. If Jesus had not been there, the disciples would never have thought to provide food for the 5000. … Continue reading
Devotions 