In this passage, Jesus still referred to sheep. Some translations head this section, “reassurance for believers.” We must read carefully, though, to understand who receives Jesus’ promise and its context. Still, we rejoice in our position close to Jesus. As we begin reading this passage, two-thirds through chapter 10, John…
Do we ever tire reading how Jesus is our Shepherd, who lovingly takes care of his sheep? In this passage, Jesus contrasted his role as our good Shepherd with the behavior of a false, or hired shepherd. Read John 10:11-13. Jesus is our good shepherd. Not adequate, but good, a…
This week’s post is late because real life trumps computers. Helping my son and his family took me away from the computer Thursday and Friday. All on the mend now with other family members there this weekend to support. This week we read a familiar passage, in which Jesus declared…
Picking up where we left off in John chapter 9, Jesus healed a man born blind, and the Pharisees questioned the healing. It didn’t help that Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath. Read John 9:35-38. The Pharisees forcefully cast the man out of their presence.1 They refused to acknowledge…
According to the Berean Bible Society,* Jesus healing the man born blind counts as one of seven miracles Jesus performed as part of his divine mission during his earthly ministry. Read John 9:13-15. Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath. The man received (physical) sight he never had before.1 The…
My third-grade year, our school performed the operetta Pinocchio. Students could audition for parts, and of course, additional parts were created so as many as possible could participate. I, along with two or three other girls, were sunbeams. We sang a song with a little dance, as I recall. When…
Understanding who Jesus is reveals his ultimate purpose, to give glory to God the Father. As believers, God’s adopted children, we inherit this same role. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). Read John 8:42-47. The Jews claimed God was their Father. But Jesus had pointed out…
Life is about choices. Banana or muffin for breakfast? How shall we use unexpected free time? More than one option may be acceptable. Some choices carry more weight, not only in an eternal sense, but how we live our daily lives. Read John 8:31-36. Jesus’ followers are those who hold…
Jesus often exhorted his audience—followers, curious bystanders, Jewish leaders—to truly listen and hear what he said. Many times during his ministry, he explained who he was and his relationship to the Father. Read John 8:12-18. Jesus reminded people he was indeed the light John proclaimed earlier and the light gives…
In other gospel passages, Jesus asked his disciples “who do you say I am?” Even though Jesus didn’t ask the question in this passage, it’s almost implied as an undercurrent. Throughout his earthly ministry, those who encountered Jesus wrestled with who he was, how he affected their lives, and how…