Today’s Reading: John 4:43-54; Psalm 8

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. – Luke 4:14-15

Many of the Galileans had seen Jesus in Jerusalem, so news of his arrival spread quickly across the region. Jesus began to preach the same message of repentance that John the Baptist had been preaching in Judea. This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined” (Matthew 4:15-16).

John goes on to tell us in detail about the second miracle Jesus performed in Galilee:

As he traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die…

Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home.

While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” Then the father realized that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. This was the second miraculous sign Jesus did in Galilee after coming from Judea. – John 4:46-54

GOD’S TIMING IS A BEAUTIFUL THING!

It is often in the timing of an event or miracle in our lives where our faith is strengthened the most. The miracle itself is incredible, but it is the timing of God’s movement that confirms that it is God Himself at work.

I see two elements of timing in this account of John’s:
1.) Jesus arrived in Galilee just as the government official’s son became very sick, and
2.) the boy was healed at the very time when Jesus had said the words, “Your son will live.”

For most of my life, I have heard the saints in the church say, “God is always on time. He’s never late and He’s never early.” I have found that to be true in my own life, but I must admit it is not always easy to patiently wait for God’s timing. Yet, it is in these moments of waiting that our faith grows.

IT IS IN THE WAITING THAT GOD HAS OUR ATTENTION AND IT IS IN HIS PERFECT TIMING THAT WE LEARN TO TRUST IN HIM.

I am learning right now how to trust in God in new ways. He is stretching me and I know I am only at the beginning of all He is about to teach me. I am not sure what is ahead but I am sure that I can trust Him. His timing is perfect and so I plan to give Him my attention as I wait on Him.

What are you waiting for the Lord to do? Let me join you in praying that the Lord will answer your prayers in His perfect timing, and that He will give you the strength to wait patiently on Him. May this time in your life bring you closer to God as you learn to trust Him in new ways.

Today’s Reading: John 4:27-42

Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him. — John 4:27-30

Jesus made it clear early in his ministry that he had come to bring salvation to everyone. By his actions, he showed that this woman had value — this woman who was unmarried, this woman who could be stoned for her actions, this woman who was of a race hated by the Jews. This woman did not stick around to hear what the disciples had to say; their opinion was probably clearly written on their faces. Instead, she ran to the village she avoided; she got the attention of those whose attention had brought her pain. This woman had met the Messiah and her first response was to share the presence of Jesus with others.

Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.”
But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.”
“Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other.
Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” — John 4:31-34

The disciples saw the day as routine — it was a travel day. They would walk through Samaria, grab some food, and be on their way. The well would provide them with the water they needed to refill their skins, and they would enjoy a moment to rest their legs and prepare for the remainder of the journey. They saw Samaria as less of a destination and more of a pit stop along the way. They were unaware that Jesus had other plans.

THEY WERE CAUGHT IN THE MUNDANE, WHILE JESUS WAS OPERATING FROM THE ETERNAL.

“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” — John 4:35-38

Wake up and look around! There are people all around us who are lost, and we are about to make a difference in their lives. I sent you into town to buy food that someone else had grown. They planted the seed and harvested the crops. Pay attention, for we are about to see a great harvest of souls!

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” — John 4:39-42

I wonder how long it took the disciples to start expecting the unexpected. Life with Jesus brought spontaneous moments of teaching and healing. The number of people who were beginning to believe that Jesus was the Messiah was growing, and life was getting very interesting for the disciples! No schedules or preset agendas. Every day was an adventure and the disciples were learning each day how to care about the needs of others, putting prejudices and conveniences aside.

WHAT WILL TODAY LOOK LIKE?

I plan to drive home from last night’s pregnancy center banquet and start packing for tomorrow’s trip to Pennsylvania. I need to pick up my mail, do laundry and run a few errands. I could easily put blinders on and miss opportunities to be used by God in the lives of others. It would be easy to dismiss God-anointed moments if I am not intentionally responding to the Spirit’s promptings.

Thank you, God, for the reminder this morning to wake up and look around. Someone else’s salvation may be dependent on my availability. May I not get so caught up in the mundane that I miss the opportunity to operate with the eternal in mind. Thank you for the reminder this morning of the place of sin from which you rescued me, and how my life has changed because of the living water you so generously gave to me. Lord, my story is yours to use in the lives of those who are thirsty. Amen.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord. – Psalm 40:1-3

Today’s Reading: John 4:13-26; Psalm 146

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

“Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” — John 4:13-15

Can you hear the desperation in her voice? Can you sense her longing for a different life — to find the satisfaction she had been seeking for so long? Can you hear the years of pain and rejection reflected in her desire to never have to come to the well again?

It was noon. Women usually came to the well early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the heat of the sun, but this woman had walked to the well at noon to avoid the stares and whispers of the other women. She was desperate for relief from the self-righteousness of others. She longed to come and go unnoticed. Yet on this day, the Savior of the World made it clear to her that she was indeed seen!

“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.
“I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.
Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” — John 4:16-18

And there she was. The sins of her past revealed by a stranger. But it was not condemnation that she saw in Jesus’ eyes, but love. It was not accusations she heard in Jesus’ voice, but compassion. Everything in her life was about to change because she had met the Giver of Life Himself. She had met the Messiah.

The Samaritan woman was simply living out her routine of daily coming to the well and Jesus met her there. Her life was never the same. God had a plan for her life; she was on a JOURNEY OF GRACE – a journey that would take her a long way from the sinful life she had known for so long; a new life in which she would never thirst again.

“Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”

Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” — John 4:19-26

If you are thinking you are not worthy, remember that Jesus chose to reveal his identity to a woman who was rejected by her community. The man who was without sin strategically positioned himself in the life of a sinful woman in order to offer her living water. In their conversation at the well, Jesus called the woman to worship God in spirit and in truth — with her heart and her head. That day he gave her the experience of both feeling loved and knowing she is loved.

So before you argue with God that your past is too messy to be used by Him, remember that He used the Samaritan woman to bring her entire village to a point of faith. God would love to use you as well. He would love to redeem your story for the sake of others experiencing the living water he has to offer.

And before you discount the value of the woman that you know has gone from one relationship to another, remember that Jesus extends to her the same grace that he has shown you. And it’s possible that God is calling you to offer a very thirsty woman the living water that she was created for.

He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
The Lord loves the godly.
The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
The Lord will reign forever.
He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.
Praise the Lord! – Psalm 146:6-10

Today’s Reading: John 4:5-12; Psalm 72

Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. — John 4:5-6

Let’s take a moment to consider the significance of this location by looking back at the life of Jacob, the one for whom this well was named. When Joseph received word that Jacob was nearing death, he went to visit his father, bringing along his two sons — Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob placed his hands on his two grandsons and declared they would have all of the privileges of his sons. When his inheritance was divided among his boys, Ephraim and Manasseh would be included, even though their mother was Egyptian and their other grandfather was a priest of a false god.

These children had been a blessing to Joseph at a rough time in his life. After being rejected by his brothers and sold as a slave, God had brought joy into Joseph’s life. After being falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph was set free and placed in a position of great authority and privilege in Egypt.

During this time, before the first of the famine years, two sons were born to Joseph and his wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On. Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, “God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.” Joseph named his second son Ephraim, for he said, “God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief.” — Genesis 41:50-52

And now here Joseph was, reunited with his father and introducing him to his sons. God had restored Joseph’s relationship with his family. His troubles were forgotten, and he was now enjoying the land that had once brought him so much grief. Jacob embraced his grandsons, placed his hands on their heads, and bestowed upon them this blessing:

“May the God before whom my grandfather Abraham
and my father, Isaac, walked—
the God who has been my shepherd
all my life, to this very day,
the Angel who has redeemed me from all harm—
may he bless these boys.
May they preserve my name
and the names of Abraham and Isaac.
And may their descendants multiply greatly
throughout the earth.” — Genesis 48:15-16

Jacob blessed Joseph and his sons with the richest land of the inheritance — part of which would eventually become Samaria. As Jesus was passing through this land generations later, he sat beside the well known as Jacob’s well. John tells us that Jesus was weary from the travel and his disciples had gone into the village to get him some food. But Jesus had plans to do so much more than rest.

Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”…

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” — John 4:7-12

And there you have it — the wounds of discrimination were laid bare and the woman of the well was defending the value of her people. The “elephant in the room” was exposed and the dividing line of racism was drawn. You are a Jew; I am a Samaritan. Why are you talking to me?

WHAT DO WE DO WHEN GENERATIONS OF PREJUDICE HAVE CREATED A BOUNDARY WE ARE EXPECTED NOT TO CROSS?

The answer to this question is clear — We do what Jesus did. We erase the lines and begin the process of racial reconciliation. We do not have to live out the arguments of those who have gone before us, but we can become an instrument of peace across neighborhoods and across our nation. We can sit at the well and begin a conversation.

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Galatians 5:14

He will redeem them from oppression and violence,
for their lives are precious to him. – Psalm 72:14

Today’s Reading: John 4:1-4; Psalm 12

Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). So he left Judea and returned to Galilee.
He had to go through Samaria on the way. — John 4:1-4

It was time to leave Judea. In their gospel stories, Matthew and Mark tell us that John the Baptist had been arrested. Jesus knew it was not yet time for him to go head to head with the Pharisees, so he strategically led his disciples out of the Judean countryside back towards Galilee, where his ministry had begun.

On their way to Galilee, Jesus and his disciples had two options — they could take the long route around Samaria, like many of the Jews did, or they could choose the short route through Samaria. Most Jews had strong feelings of prejudice against the Samaritan people because their ancestors had intermarried with the Assyrians.

Perhaps you remember our Old Testament study of when Jerusalem fell and the majority of the Israelites were taken into captivity. The northern kingdom’s capital of Samaria had fallen to the Assyrians, and most of the Jews had been led away. But those Jews who remained in Samaria formed alliances with the foreigners by intermarrying with them. When the Jews returned from captivity, they rejected this new mixed race.

YOU ARE ON THE FASTEST ROUTE.

My husband and I do a lot of traveling with both of our jobs, and we have found Google Maps to be very helpful. One weekend a couple years ago, there was a multiple car pile up on the interstate, as well as a long stretch of construction. Google Maps alerted us to the upcoming delay and chose a different route for us, telling us we were now on the fastest route back to Kansas City.

The disciples may have thought they were simply taking an undesirable shortcut through Samaria, but Jesus had intentionally chosen this path in order to impact a certain woman and her entire village. Jesus did not see the color of their skin as a problem, nor did he judge them by the history of the generations before them. He saw them as sinners in need of a Savior, and he deliberately chose to show them the difference he could make in their lives. He did this by having one conversation with one woman who had experienced rejection over and over again.

Friends, it’s important for us to cross racial and cultural boundaries; it’s time for us to stop avoiding people who are different than we are. We must stop judging people by the actions of others and start seeing them through the eyes of Jesus. It is time for us to strategically position ourselves in the lives of other people so that God can use us however He wants to to whomever He wants to. Sometimes that means leaving where we are to go where He sends us; sometimes it means starting a conversation with someone who does not want to be talked to. EVERY time it means showing love to others; it means seeing beyond our differences and doing good for the sake of others.

LET’S ALLOW GOD TO REROUTE US TODAY!

Let’s allow God to lead us into conversations as we respond obediently to the nudge of the Holy Spirit. Let’s cross cultural and economic boundaries to show the fierce love of God to everyone. Let’s put aside racial prejudice and economic segregation, and let’s allow God to fill our hearts with a genuine compassion for ALL of His people.

Lord, give us eyes that see what you see and give us ears to hear the cries of your children. Reveal in us any preconceived notions or prejudice towards others, and forgive us for showing favoritism towards those we have more in common with. Thank you for being the God who extends salvation and gives peace to anyone who will surrender their life to you. Amen.

Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

“And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” — Acts 10:34-43

The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless,
and I have heard the groans of the poor.
Now I will rise up to rescue them,
as they have longed for me to do.”
The Lord’s promises are pure,
like silver refined in a furnace,
purified seven times over. – Psalm 12:5-6

Today’s Reading: John 3:21-36; Psalm 42

Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people. – John 3:22

I wonder if there were moments when the disciples considered going home. They had watched Jesus quietly turn the water into wine, and they had watched Jesus make a scene in the Temple as he threw over tables and challenged the selfish motives of the Temple leaders. Perhaps they had listened in on his conversation with Nicodemus, wondering what Jesus meant when he said one had to be born again in order to see the Kingdom of Heaven. One thing is clear, when Jesus left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside, his disciples made the decision to stay by his side.

THE DISCIPLES SAW OTHERS COME TO FAITH IN JESUS BECAUSE THEY CHOSE TO STAY CLOSE TO HIM.

At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. – John 3:23

Opposition was building against John the Baptist and there were many who wanted to quiet him, but John continued to preach a message of repentance and many were saved. Verse 23 makes a statement that is obvious yet profound — John baptized at Aenon because there was water there. John, who was called to preach salvation and bring people to a point of decision, positioned himself by the source of water in order to be equipped to do what God had called him to do. He chose an area known for its water source in order to have what he needed to baptize those who came to hear him preach.

JOHN THE BAPTIST STAYED CLOSE TO A WATER SOURCE IN ORDER TO DO WHAT GOD HAD CALLED HIM TO DO.

I have been thinking a lot about the concept of proximity lately. Where is God calling me to position myself in order to be used by Him for the sake of the Kingdom? If the Lord asks me to uproot and relocate, am I willing to respond in obedience? One thing I know for sure, God calls me to position myself at His feet each morning as I study His holy word and seek understanding from Him. I wake up eager to spend time with my Savior, as I drink my morning coffee.

A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. – John 3:25-27

John’s disciples seem to be concerned about the future of John’s ministry. After all, if people start going to Jesus for baptism, then less people will come to John the Baptist for the same. Their concerns were coming from a mindset of scarcity, but John’s faith was in a source that would never run dry. He knew that everything he had came from God.

THERE IS NO REASON TO WORRY ABOUT LIMITED RESOURCES WHEN YOU STAY CLOSE TO THE SOURCE OF EVERYTHING YOU NEED.

You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. – John 3:28-30

John the Baptist gave us a beautiful word picture of him standing beside the bridegroom. He describes himself as the friend who finds joy in being close to the man of the hour — to listen to the words of the bridegroom as the bride joins him in a covenant relationship. John was willing to be less in order to watch Jesus become greater in the lives of God’s people.

THERE IS JOY TO BE FOUND WHEN WE POSITION OURSELVES CLOSE TO THE SAVIOR.

“He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” – John 3:31-36

John the Baptist had been filled with the Holy Spirit since he was still in his mother’s womb, so he recognized the work of the Spirit in Jesus. He knew the source of everything Jesus was doing was God Himself, and that God was a limitless resource!

Father God, thank you for being the source of everything that we need to be who you have called us to be and to do what you have called us to do. As we position ourselves beside you this morning, we ask for you to make your presence known. Give us the words to say today. Give us understanding and wisdom as we position ourselves in proximity to the source of everything that we need. Amen.

As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him? – Psalm 42:1-2

Today’s Reading: John 2:23 – 3:21; Psalm 36

Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart. – John 2:23-25

Jesus was able to discern the heart and intentions of each person he came in contact with. He knew when they were trying to trap him, and he knew when they were struggling to understand yet genuinely trying to believe. That means he knew the heart of a Pharisee named Nicodemus when he came to Jesus after dark one evening.

“Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” – John 3:2b

Nicodemus had gathered from the miracles that God was with Jesus and from his teaching that Jesus was sent from God. But Jesus understood the heart of Nicodemus and he knew that he was not ready to step into the light and declare that Jesus was the Son of God.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
“What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” – John 3:3-8

While Nicodemus was trying to theologically understand what Jesus was saying, Jesus wanted Nicodemus to go beyond an intellectual reasoning of faith and fully experience the power of the Holy Spirit transforming him. What Jesus was presenting did not seem possible to Nicodemus and, until he fully embraced the truth of who Jesus was, he would never cross the gap between where he was and where he needed to be.

IN ORDER FOR NICODEMUS TO FULLY UNDERSTAND, HE HAD TO FIRST BELIEVE.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” – John 3:16-21

IN ORDER FOR NICODEMUS TO EXPERIENCE THE LIGHT, HE HAD TO STEP OUT OF THE DARKNESS.

John is the only one of the disciples who wrote about Nicodemus, and he mentions him two other times after this interaction. First, the leading priests and Pharisees had sent the Temple guards to arrest Jesus, and they were frustrated when the guards returned empty handed. The guards had been impacted by the teaching of Jesus.

“Have you been led astray, too?” the Pharisees mocked. “Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him? This foolish crowd follows him, but they are ignorant of the law. God’s curse is on them!” – John 7:47-49

This was the moment when Nicodemus could have strongly professed faith, but instead he safely asked the question of whether or not it was legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing. The Pharisees did not like Nicodemus’ question. Not knowing that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, they used their knowledge of the Scriptures to argue that Jesus was from Galilee and that no prophet ever comes from Galilee.

We see Nicodemus again after the crucifixion of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea had been a secret disciple of Jesus because of his fear of the Jewish leaders, yet he had boldly asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus’ body off of the cross. Nicodemus brought 75 pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes, and together these men wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth, as was the Jewish burial custom. Then they laid Jesus in the tomb (John 19:38-42).

I long to believe that this was a turning point in Nicodemus’ life — that he walked away from this sacred moment into a bold faith, declaring that Jesus was in fact the Son of God. I hope he was able to see the risen Christ and experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit. I hope it all finally made sense to Nicodemus how a person could be born of the Spirit because he, too, had experienced it first hand. Imagine the impact of this Pharisee becoming a follower of Christ and actively participating in the early church. Imagine the great loss if he did not.

Lord, I pray this morning for those who are struggling to believe because their need for intellectual understanding has kept them from fully embracing the child-like faith you require. I pray for those who have not yet experienced the transforming work of your Spirit in their lives. May we be a conduit of patience and love to those who are pursuing an understanding of who you are and who you have created them to be. Give us the words to say to help close the gap, and may our lives be an example of what it means to truly be born again. Amen.

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see. – Psalm 36:5-9

Today’s Reading: John 2:12-22;Psalm 69

It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. – John 2:13-14

God’s people had already begun to gather in Jerusalem for their annual celebration of the day the Lord protected the Israelites from the last of the ten plagues inflicted on the Egyptians. Their ancestors had been instructed to mark their doors with the blood of a lamb so that the angel of death would pass over their homes. This was a special day of remembrance — a day that those in the Temple were using for their own profit and gain. Instead of treating the Temple as a holy place of worship, they were creating opportunities for self gain at the expense of the weary travelers arriving in the City of David.

Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” – John 2:15-16

This is the moment in the gospels that stands out as the day Jesus took strong action against what the church had become. This was a holy place, a sacred space to authentically worship God, listen to the reading of the scriptures, and offer prayers to the Holy One. This was a day set apart to focus on God’s faithfulness, recognizing that He is the One who rescues us from our slavery and bondage. God’s people were to be welcomed as they joined in this day of worship, not to be robbed or turned away if they could not pay the high prices of the required sacrifices.

Both of the gospels written by Matthew and Mark add that Jesus said this: “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” (Matthew 21:13, Mark 11:17). We see these words reflected in the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah and David.

I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem
and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer.
I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices,
because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations. – Isaiah 56:7

Don’t you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the Lord, have spoken! – Jeremiah 7:11

Passion for your house has consumed me,
and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. – Psalm 69:9

​​Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.” – John 2:17

The Jewish leaders demanded that Jesus perform a miracle to show that God had given him the authority to do what he had just done in the Temple. Instead he took a moment to predict his death and resurrection, a moment remembered by his disciples after Jesus was raised from the dead.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE CHURCH TODAY LOSING ITS FOCUS AND PURPOSE?

Jesus left us with the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as our calling here on earth. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, while authentically loving those around us as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). And we are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20).

Does this describe our church today? Are we about the business of loving God by loving people, leading them into a saving relationship with God? Is our focus on bearing fruit as we stay connected to the vine, or are we focused on self-promotion and earthly applause? Do we create an authentic opportunity for worship in God’s house? Are we keeping our eyes on the God who is able to rescue us from our slavery and bondage to sin, reminding each other of His faithfulness and goodness yesterday, today and tomorrow.

IN WHAT WAYS AM I LOSING MY FOCUS AND PURPOSE IN THE PLACE OF WORSHIP?

Lord, thank you so much for this reminder that we gather together for the sake of worshiping you and growing in our knowledge and understanding of who you are and who you have created us to be. I should not come with a desire to draw attention to myself or gain from the needs of others, but to humbly stand before you asking you to continue the work you began in me years ago. May my motive be pure and my worship be authentic as I enter the place of worship I call my church home. Amen.

Then I will praise God’s name with singing,
and I will honor him with thanksgiving.
For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle,
more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.
The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. – Psalm 69:30-32

Today’s Reading: John 2:1-11; Psalm 64

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” – John 2:1-3

Many of us have this natural curiosity about the relationship between Mary and Jesus. We wonder what it must have been like to be the parent of the promised Messiah. We put ourselves in this position and imagine how special Jesus must have been to Mary — how much she must have loved him. As we look at this occasion in scripture, we get a small glimpse into their relationship.

MARY WAS MADE AWARE OF A PROBLEM AND SHE LOOKED TO JESUS FOR THE SOLUTION.

I picture Mary as sympathetic towards the family, knowing how tragic it would be for them to have to face their guests and tell them that they were out of wine. Perhaps it would have brought shame on both the parents and the union of the bridal couple, a simple mistake continuing to define both families for years to come.

Mary was not only sympathetic, but she was moved to action. This was not her problem and the blame would not land in her lap, but she was willing to help find a solution. She did not just recognize the gravity of the problem; she wanted to do something to help. After all, her own family had faced the accusations and gossip of the community when she was found to be with child while engaged to Joseph. She had been a virgin and the opportunity to carry the Christ-child in her womb had been a gift, but who had believed her story? How many had treated them differently from that day on?

Perhaps Jesus responded to his mother with affection and understanding. He knew her well and understood her concern for others. Some translations say that Jesus referred to her as “woman” and some use the term “mother”, but my favorite translations describe Jesus as affectionately addressing his mother as “dear woman”.

“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” – John 2:4-5

MARY DISPLAYED FAITH IN WHAT JESUS WAS ABLE TO DO FOR THOSE IN NEED.

I am curious as to what happened between verses five and six. It seems like we get a peek into this mother-son relationship at this moment. Was there unspoken communication made in their eye contact? Did Mary turn and walk away, or did she wait to see what Jesus would do next.

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. – John 2:6-8

Let’s consider Mary again at this point in the story. Was she standing there with any level of uncertainty that Jesus knew what he was doing? Did she worry that she had just made things worse for the family and for the servants? Or was her heart ready to explode with love and pride for her son’s willingness to do something to save these families from the disgrace of running out of wine. Was she confident that everyone at the wedding was about to experience something miraculous?

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” – John 2:9-10

Somewhere between filling the jars with water and the emcee taking the first drink, the water had turned into the best wine served so far at the wedding. The master of ceremonies was impressed and the celebration went on as expected, with only a small number of those present witnessing the miracle that had just taken place.

I love how Jesus found a way to respond to the need without drawing attention to himself. Remember that Jesus said it was not yet time. But the servants knew, and the disciples were greatly affected by what had just happened. And, of course, his mother was aware. I imagine her watching the miracle unfold with tears streaming down her face, not just proud of what her son had just done but in awe of what her Lord was willing to do.

This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. – John 2:11

Lord, thank you for this reminder that we can take all of our problems to you. Thank you for opening our eyes to the importance of bringing the needs of others to your feet and trusting you to respond as you deem best. Lord, forgive us for the moments when we doubt, when we push, when we demand, when we blame, or when we respond emotionally to how you answer our prayers. Help us to trust you and fully submit to your beautiful and perfect ways. Amen.

O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely. – Psalm 63:1-8

Today’s Reading: John 1:43-51; Psalm 139

Jesus now had his first two disciples — Andrew and Simon Peter. But Jesus was not done choosing those he would invite into his closest circle. These next verses tell the story of how two more came to know Jesus and become true followers of the Lord. May this passage inspire us to look back at our own path towards salvation, as well as consider the role God is asking us to play in someone else’s life today.

I love the intentionality with which Jesus built this small team of followers. They would be more than just traveling companions, bodyguards or assistants to serve him along the way. This group of men would be his disciples — students he would teach and prepare for all that God was calling them to be and to do.

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. – John 1:43-44

Jesus was in Bethany when he called Andrew and Simon Peter to follow him. He then made a decision to go to Galilee. This passage said Jesus “found” Philip there. To me, this language implies that Jesus was looking for Philip, seeking him out with the opportunity to be one of his disciples. He had chosen Philip and perhaps he traveled to Galilee for the specific purpose of finding Philip.

Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”
“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. – John 1:45-46

In these next verses, we again see intentionality and determination. Upon receiving the call to follow Jesus, Philip went to look for Nathanael. Perhaps the two of them had many conversations discussing the coming Messiah. Perhaps he knew that Nathanael would share in his enthusiasm that he had found the One they had been hoping would come in their lifetime.

WHAT LENGTHS WOULD YOU GO TO IN ORDER TO INVITE YOUR FRIEND TO MEET JESUS?

What level of intentionality do you display in your relationships with others? Are you eager to introduce them to the One who has changed your life? Have you invited those you love to come and see the Lord for themselves?

As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”
“How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” – John 1:47-48

If Nathanael only came to meet Jesus out of curiosity, everything changed once he experienced the Lord face to face. He came to observe this Jesus Philip had told him about, but his heart was awakened to the reality that he was known by Jesus. He had been seen under the fig tree. This obviously meant something to Nathanael because his faith was ignited by this interaction with the Lord.

Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”
Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” – John 1:49-51

Jesus acknowledged Nathanael’s past, interacted with him in that moment, and spoke hope over his future. Nathanael knew in that moment that he had the Lord’s full attention, and this interaction changed his life forever.

Lord, use this passage of scripture to give us perspective on your heart for those who have not come to you yet. Ignite a passion in our hearts to bring others to a place of recognition of your love and attention. May this same kind of intentionality daily guide us into conversations and invitations, and may we see many people finding their way into a saving knowledge of who you are and who you have called them to be. Lord, thank you for seeing me before I saw you. Thank you for the reminder this morning that I am known by the one who created me, and that you are actively involved in my life — yesterday, today and tomorrow. Amen.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered! – Psalm 139:15-17