So much has been written about Jesus walking on the water! Matthew and Mark also record Peter’s response to Jesus, which is often the part we focus on. This gospel story includes a storm, which is relatable on more than one level. Read John 6:16-19. After Jesus fed the multitude,…
This story from Jesus’ ministry takes place in a specific location, at a distinct point in time. In the same way, we encounter Jesus in definite ways at unique moments in time. Read John 6:1-4. It’s interesting that John wrote four verses (an entire paragraph) to set the stage for…
God’s Word always has appropriate timing. Some translations head this section, “Testimonies About Jesus.” We’re reading this the week after Easter, when certainly testimonies about Jesus, especially his resurrection, flew among his followers. Let’s read what people said before the last week leading up to the crucifixion. John wrote one…
Jesus’ resurrection is such good news John wove it through his entire gospel (book of good news). This isn’t a common Easter passage, but Jesus did discuss the life he gave and resurrection in these verses. John led into Jesus’ discussion about the Father and the Son with a brief…
This week I participated in more than one conversation about sickness, prayer for healing, and how God still works today. Good reminders for us to not put God “in a box.” To watch and notice in wonder God’s miracles, large and small today. Miracles are simply things that don’t make…
Two ideas stand out in this passage. John wrote several words to describe people speaking. We saw an earlier theme of conversations within Jesus’ ministry. Related, John also included a couple different terms to convey the thought of understanding, perception beyond what people see and know on the surface. This…
When I studied words in this passage, the word “speak” and its different forms stood out. John’s record allows us to listen in on a real-time conversation Jesus had with an individual and her acquaintances. John used five different words that relate to speaking, and one word he used four…
This week, we see God at work in one individual’s life, even as John’s narrative sets the stage for future opposition in response to Jesus’ invitation to all. Read John 4:1-9. John clarified Jesus was not baptizing—only his disciples. The Pharisees heard Jesus was gaining popularity, which sets the stage…
Last week we read God’s love letter to us declaring how much he loves everyone in the world. He wants us all to choose to trust in Jesus, believing God’s way is the best for our life. His wonderful gift to us is eternal life, a blessed life in his…
How wonderful that God allowed us to poke along reading and writing the first two chapters in John’s gospel. Therefore, we’re reading chapter 3 this week, when our culture celebrates Valentine’s day, which symbolizes love. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called…