Today’s Reading: John 12:1-11; Psalm 136

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. – John 12:1

CAN YOU IMAGINE HIS GRATITUDE?

Lazarus had been very sick for days. We do not know how many days he was conscious of just how sick it was. Was he praying for his healing? Did he have hope when someone told him that they had sent for Jesus? Was he asking if Jesus had arrived yet? Did he have peace as he took his last breath? But now Lazarus was here, surrounded by his family and friends, as they prepared a dinner in Jesus’ honor. This was his opportunity to once again express just how grateful he was for his resurrection from the dead.

A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. – John 12:2

CAN YOU IMAGINE HER GRATITUDE?

Martha had her brother back! I am guessing she could remember everything about that day — from her voiced disappointment that Jesus had not arrived sooner to her protest to Jesus’ instructions to remove the stone. She was so worried about the smell of death that she was missing the vision of life Jesus was preparing for all of them to see. I am sure she would never forget the sight of Lazarus walking out of the grave.

Martha was in her element throwing a party for Jesus. This was her love language. As she selflessly served each guest who had arrived for this dinner, her heart must have been so grateful for the mercy and grace Jesus extended to her. And this wasn’t the first time. Let’s look back at another dinner Mary and Martha threw for Jesus:

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

What great timing for this passage of scripture. Today many of us will find ourselves scurrying around a kitchen, preparing a Thanksgiving feast for our family and friends. There is so much to do, and our hope is that everything will go perfectly. But let’s not miss the purpose behind this holiday. Let’s discover what Mary knew — today is the day to sit at the feet of Jesus and show our gratitude for the many ways in which we have been blessed.

Let’s take a moment to look around the room today. Perhaps there will be some missing from our holiday celebration; perhaps there will be heavy hearts and deep needs represented around the table. Let’s not miss the moment to gather together in prayer, letting our Lord know how grateful we are for His faithfulness and provision.

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. – John 12:3

CAN YOU IMAGINE HER GRATITUDE?

Can you position yourself at the feet of Jesus today and pour out your heart of gratitude to Him? Can you value your time with Jesus over everything else?

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” – John 12:4-8

WHERE WAS HIS GRATITUDE AND WHERE IS MINE?

I love Thanksgiving and I am really looking forward to ALL today holds. I am looking forward to the food and the game time; I know my cup will be filled from all the hugs and laughter. But I do not want to miss this opportunity to invite Jesus into our day. There is so much to be thankful for!

What are you thankful for today? I am thankful for YOU! Thank you so much for so faithfully joining me in the study of God’s word each day. Your words encourage me and I thank God today for YOU!

He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:23-26

Today’s Reading: John 11:25-26; Psalm 38

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” — John 11:25-26

The Lord gave me a song for 2020 — a song I would daily listen to, letting the truth of God’s promises wash over me during a time of uncertainty in many areas of my life. When 2021 started, I waited for God to give me another song for what I needed. I needed to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, and I needed to surrender myself to His call on my life once more. This morning I allowed the Lord to take me back to all that he was teaching me in 2021.

In January of that year, I had to make some pretty big decisions for the ministry and I needed God to equip me for the leadership to which he had called me. I leaned hard on God.

February began and we drove to Joplin, Missouri, to check out the medical school God was leading Libby to attend. As we looked at apartments and checked out coffee shops, I reminded myself that God was working all things out according to His purpose. When everything inside of me wanted to pull my girl closer, I had to once again tell God that I would trust Him.

A few weeks later, as I rushed to the hospital, I had to trust that God had my husband in His very capable hands. Fast forward to April, God was stirring our obedience and the possibility that there was a big move in our future. When I accepted a call into full-time ministry when I was 17 years old, I told God I would go anywhere and do anything for Him. He reminded me that I needed to be light on my feet and remain willing to be used by Him in the “Second Act” of my life.

In the midst of resting in what He had ahead, God gave me my 2021 song — I Will Trust by Red Rocks Worship. The lyrics speak of our experience of God’s love during seasons of darkness, where we pursue God even when we cannot see where we are going. We cry out for our Good Shepherd to lead each step while also leading our heart.

It is one thing to pack up our belongings, hand over the keys to the home we love, and move a few hundred miles away, but my heart needed to make the move as well. A long time ago, I asked God to see the desires of my heart – that my heart would always be in sync with what He wanted in my life. That continues to be my prayer today. Good Shepherd, lead my heart — transform my desires and use me however you want. Do what you want to do with me, no matter where your heart takes me. I choose to trust you.

In October of 2021, we traveled to visit my parents and spend a few hours with family. I walked in the front door and my dad walked towards me with a smile on his face. He gave me a big hug and I had no doubt that he was genuinely happy to see me. We sat in the living room and talked for a long time. He was alert and I could understand everything he said. I smiled at him and told him he was having a really good day. He looked at me and said, “I’m having a really good day.” I thanked God for allowing us to visit my father on one of the summits of the roller coaster ride Parkinson’s creates for families.

Do not abandon me, O Lord.
Do not stand at a distance, my God.
Come quickly to help me,
O Lord my savior. – Psalm 38:21-22

One week later, my dad was clearly descending from that summit. He stopped eating, stopped talking, and stopped having good days. By the weekend, we were standing around his ICU bed. The second morning, I walked in the room and greeted him, squeezing his hand. I told him I loved him. He opened his eyes, lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed the back of my hand. A few days later, the hallucinations began. We sat around his bed and sang hymns. He mouthed some of the words. When we turned off the music, he began his sermon. We couldn’t hear the words and we couldn’t understand him, but there was very little doubt that he was either talking about Jesus or to Jesus.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

The lyrics of my 2021 song continued to remind me that Jesus was with me during this unfamiliar storm we were experiencing. I did not need to fear the grave; I did not need to fear the waves. And God was faithful. He anchored each one of us as we said goodbye to the one who had brought so much life to our family. The Lord proved to us that we can trust Him as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

It has been two years since we gathered together to celebrate the life of Larry Alan Fortado. He is no longer trapped in a body that won’t allow him to do what he wants to do. He is singing in tune, walking without assistance, and he is dancing. Oh, how he loved to dance and smile and praise God. And he loved people. He looked beyond how messy their lives were, and he dove deep to make a difference in this world. And now he is surrounded by many whose lives were impacted by his willingness to be used by God.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” — John 11:25-26

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?

I do not know what kind of storm you are going through right now, but I hope that the words of these verses have encouraged you. Perhaps you are still grieving the death of a loved one, or maybe you are in the middle of that journey right now. If you are facing the possibility of your own death, I pray that God will give you a peace that surpasses understanding. My prayer for you this morning is that you will trust the Good Shepherd to both lead your steps and your heart. Even though it may be the hardest thing you have ever done, I pray you will choose to trust God today.

[I Will Trust lyrics by Kory Miller, Brinnae Keathley / Red Rocks Worship Publishing / Be Essential Songs (BMI) (admin. at EssentialMusicPublishing.com)]

Today’s Reading: John 11; Psalm 35

But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days. Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” – John 11:4-7

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

When Lazarus became sick, Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus. We see later in the passage that there was an unspoken expectation with that message, and there was hurt expressed when Jesus did not do what they wanted him to do when they wanted him to do it (11:21-22). But Jesus saw the larger picture, and he made the choice to wait for two days before making his way back to Judea. In fact, it was not until he knew that Lazarus had passed away that he told his disciples of his plans to go and wake up his sleeping friend.

They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” – John 11:14-15

SO THAT THE DISCIPLES WOULD REALLY BELIEVE

Jesus showed up in the midst of their grief. Martha was the first of the two sisters to meet Jesus as he arrived at Bethany. After she voiced her disappointment that he had not come sooner, Jesus told Martha that Lazarus would rise again. Her faith brought her to the point of agreeing that Lazarus would rise again on the last day with everyone else, but Jesus was there to take her faith to the next level.

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”
“Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” – John 11:25-27

Martha went to find Mary. Pulling her aside, she told her that Jesus wanted to see her. Mary immediately went to him, but the mourners saw her leave and followed her, creating a chorus of wailing that followed each step she took. When he saw Mary’s grief and heard the loud sorrow of the uninvited mourners, scripture says a deep anger welled up within him.

Jesus asked where Lazarus was, so they brought him to the cave, which had been sealed by a stone. Jesus wept as he moved to the place where Lazarus had been laid. Even as he moved toward the miracle, the people standing nearby criticized that this man who had healed a blind man had not kept his friend from dying.

Have you seen yourself in this passage of scripture yet? Have you witnessed any of this behavior in others? When God does not answer our prayers in the way we want him to, many choose to pull their faith. Others start doubting the wisdom of God or they criticize His perfect timing. When we can’t see the purpose behind the delay or we have to sit in the reality of God’s “no”, we can either focus on our disappointment or we can allow this difficulty to strengthen our faith.

Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.

But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”

“Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in grave clothes, his face wrapped in a head cloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” – John 11:38-44

FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE OBSERVING THE SITUATION

We live in an imperfect world where sin has resulted in sickness, disease and disaster. Accidents happen and tragedies are a reality of this earthly existence. No one is exempt from the pain of this world. Therefore, when we find ourselves needing a miracle, we do what Jesus taught us to do — we ask. And when our prayer is not answered in the way we asked, we do what Jesus taught us to do — we trust. We trust that God will be glorified, we trust that God will use the situation to grow our faith, and we hope that those observing the situation will see both the glory of God and our unwavering belief that God is always good!

Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. – John 11:45-46

Not everyone will respond in the way we hope they will. Some will explain away the miracles God gives us, while others will join us in giving God the glory for answered prayers. Some will delight in trouble coming our way and encourage us to be angry with God, while others will join us in praying for God to get the glory no matter the outcome.

Lord, one thing we are confident of this morning — you show up for us in our grief. You are a God of compassion who cares deeply for us, and you are patient with our emotions. You understand our anger because you know what it feels like to be angry; you understand our grief because you, too, have grieved. We come to you this morning with all of our needs and requests, trusting for you to be glorified and for faith to be fueled no matter the outcome. As we focus on thankfulness this week, we want to declare that we are grateful to serve a God who is always faithful and always good! Amen!

Today’s Reading: John 10; Psalm 65

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” – John 10:1-5

There is so much that Jesus is revealing about himself in this chapter. If we lean in and look closely at this passage, we might gain a better understanding of our Lord and Savior this morning. You see, Jesus does not want to remain a mystery to us. He invites us to get to know him, just as he went to great lengths to explain his analogies to the crowds of people who were seeking to understand who he was and who he came from.

Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” – John 10:6-10

JESUS IS THE GATE.

Jesus came that we may have life, and that we might have it more abundantly (John 10:10b KJV). He not only opened up the gate, his coming provided the opening through which we can experience freedom — a gate that allows us to come and go freely, finding good pastures to rest in and to eat from. Before Jesus came, there was no gate. We were confined by our sinful nature, a slave to sin (Romans 6:6). But sin is no longer our master, because we no longer live under the requirements of the law, but under the freedom of God’s grace (Romans 6:14).

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” – John 14:6-7

JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE.

Jesus walks ahead of us, and those of us who know his voice choose to follow him. He is the only way to truly experience abundant life. We can place our faith in him, trusting everything he said, because Jesus is truth. As we listen to Jesus, we gain an understanding of the sacrifice he made out of his deep love for us.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.” – John 10:11-13

JESUS IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

What a great reminder that Jesus cares deeply about us, protecting us from the enemy who attacks us. This enemy or wolf wants to scatter the flock, dividing us and creating chaos among us. This is his consistent mode of operation against the church and among followers of Jesus worldwide. But Jesus speaks out over the chaos, allowing us to hear his voice. If we will just listen to the voice of Jesus, we will be one flock with one shepherd.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” – John 10:14-18

The people in those days lost their patience with Jesus’ analogies. They wanted him to tell them plainly whether or not he was the promised Messiah. He had performed miracles among them, yet they refused to believe that he was sent from God. He revealed himself through every word spoken and every story told, but they did not listen to him because they did not recognize his voice.

JESUS IS THE MESSIAH.

Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” – John 10:25-30

Let’s spend time with our Lord this morning, soaking in the truth of who he was when he walked on this earth and who Jesus still is today. He is the gate; he has provided a way for us to experience abundant life. All we have to do is keep our eyes on our Good Shepherd, following his lead and listening to his beautiful voice. As we enter into a celebration of Thanksgiving, let’s find our way back to an authentic gratitude for the sacrifice that God made when He sent His Son to die for our sins so that we can experience freedom from sin and protection from the evil one.

Lord, lead us and we will follow. Speak to us and we will listen to your voice. Thank you for being the way, the truth and the life, providing a light for us in this dark world we live in. We are overwhelmed with love for you this morning. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 9; 2 Kings 20

“Why, that’s very strange!” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from? We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.” – John 9:30-33

These were the words of a man who was born blind. But today Jesus and his disciples had walked by him and his life would never be the same. The disciples had asked Jesus if the man was blind because of his own sin or because of the sin of his parents. Right before Jesus spit on the ground, made mud from the saliva and placed it on the man’s eyes, he said these words to his disciples:

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:3-5

Jesus, the light of the world, stopped in front of the man who had never known anything but darkness. Jesus was present and available to do something miraculous in his life, but it required action on the blind man’s part. First, the man had to be still and allow this stranger to place mud over his eyes. Next, he was faced with the decision of whether or not to obey the instructions Jesus gave him. Jesus said to go, and the blind man went.

He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing! – John 9:7

THIS IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO BE SENT.

The man followed the instructions of Jesus before he was healed. Nothing had changed yet; he was still blind. But Jesus said to go and he went. Jesus sent him to the pool of Siloam, requiring an action of faith on the man’s part. The gift of healing was made available to the blind man, but he had to cooperate with the gift giver in order to receive the gift.

The pool of Siloam was built by King Hezekiah, another man who knew what it was to obey the Lord’s instructions in the midst of a fatal illness. After praying for the Lord to see him in the midst of his terminal condition, God sent this message to Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah.

“Go back to Hezekiah, the leader of my people. Tell him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you, and three days from now you will get out of bed and go to the Temple of the Lord. I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my own honor and for the sake of my servant David.’” – 2 Kings 20:5-6

THIS IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO BE SEEN AND HEARD.

In his distress, Hezekiah had cried out to the Lord, asking Him to remember him. He had been faithful to the Lord, consistently doing what would please God, and so Hezekiah prayed to be seen. The healing was not in this moment of asking, but rather three days later. Hezekiah had to sit in the promise of his healing, waiting for God to do what He said he would do. He had to choose between inpatient bitterness or faith. The servants were sent by Isaiah to make an ointment for Hezekiah, and Hezekiah had to cooperate with the Lord’s plan. Hezekiah was patient and he experienced divine healing, and God added fifteen years to his life.

King Hezekiah had a pool built inside the city of Jerusalem, but it did not fill with water until he also had a tunnel built. This tunnel connected the fresh water supply to the pool, which Hezekiah named the Pool of Siloam, which means “sent”. To be sent means someone or something has caused you to go or to be taken to another location — to cause movement or to arrange for delivery. The fresh water the people needed was provided by God but it had to be SENT to the pool, just as the blind man was SENT to the pool to receive the healing that he needed.

THIS IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO BE FOUND.

When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”
“You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”
“Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.
Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” – John 9:35-39

Have you followed the last instructions you received from the Lord? Obey and experience what happens when we cooperate with the Gift Giver. My friend, you have been sent. What are you waiting for?

Are you facing a situation that has you longing for God’s attention? Cry out to the Lord and experience what it feels like to be heard and seen by the God of compassion. Jesus told us to ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7). Make your request to the Lord and then wait patiently for His response, trusting His answer no matter what it is.

Do you recognize the impact of God’s prevenient grace in your life? He has been actively involved in your life since before you were born. He found you in your sin and offered you the gift of salvation. Jesus was SENT by God and now He is calling you to step into your day as a SENT follower of Christ.

My friend, this is what it feels like to be found and this is what it looks like to be SENT. Now we must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the one who sent us — the Light of the World who wants to shine through us so that the blind can see and the lost can be found.

Today’s Reading: John 8:37-59; Psalm 135

“Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message.” – John 8:37

We are about to take a look at one of the more heated conversations between Jesus and the crowd of people, which included religious leaders. But first, let’s make sure we have room in our hearts for the message the Lord wants us to hear today. May God’s Spirit speak to each one of us individually, casting light on any erroneous thinking or false theology. May we be open to any area of our life or attitude that the Lord would like to work on this morning.

LET’S MAKE ROOM IN OUR HEARTS FOR THE MESSAGE GOD HAS FOR US TODAY.

“Our father is Abraham!” they declared.
“No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father.” – John 8:39-41a

The people saw themselves as having what you could call a religious pedigree. They took pride in being an ancestor of Abraham. Jesus pointed out to them that they took after their earthly fathers rather than Abraham, because Abraham would never have responded to the promised Messiah with threats and murderous strategies.

They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”
Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me.” – John 8:41b-42

They wanted to claim a spiritual pedigree by declaring that God was their true father. They were Jewish and therefore part of God’s holy anointed people. Not only were the religious leaders who were joining in this argument Abraham’s descendants, they were part of the spiritual elite. They were teachers of the Jewish law, experts in the holy scriptures, and leaders in the synagogue. But Jesus pointed out that they were all missing the heart of God, who loves Jesus and, in fact, sent Jesus to them to warn them of their sinful ways.

“Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” – John 8:43-47

It’s as if Jesus was saying — Let me tell you about your father. It’s not Abraham, and it’s certainly not God. Your father must be the devil himself because you are acting just like him. You refuse to follow the truth, telling lie after lie, which is a reflection of your character. When you hear the truth, your natural reaction is disbelief. When I speak the truth, your first response is to accuse me of sin. I speak the truth; I am the truth. If you belonged to God, you would listen to the words of God that I am speaking.

The people retorted, “You Samaritan devil! Didn’t we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?”
“No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” – John 8:49-51

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

This seems to be the heart of the argument between the people and Jesus. They saw themselves as God’s children because they were descendants of Abraham. Jesus was telling them that he was God’s son, but they refused to believe him. They were wrong about who they were and they were wrong about who Jesus was.

Jesus answered, “If I want glory for myself, it doesn’t count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, ‘He is our God,’ but you don’t even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.” – John 8:54-56

The people identified as children of God, when in fact they did not know Him. If they knew God, that familial relationship would be evidenced in how they responded to the message of Jesus. They would have recognized the presence of God in every word Jesus spoke and every miracle he performed. They were so focused on the position they believed God owed them because of their spiritual heritage that they were missing the opportunity to authentically worship the Messiah himself.

WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE?

How often are we guilty of identifying as a Christian while neglecting our relationship with the Lord? Do we mistake our knowledge of the scripture for an understanding of God? Do we know him? I do not want to make the same mistake that the crowd made that day. I do not want to be wrong about who I am in Christ, and I do not want to be wrong about who Jesus is. And the best way I can protect myself from false assumptions and misinformation is to spend time every day getting to know my Lord — spending time in prayer, studying the bible and listening to His still small voice.

Lord, we believe you are who you say you are. We believe you are the Great I Am, and we humbly submit to who you are calling us to be. Thank you for the opportunity to enter into a relationship with you and get to know you more each day. Show us the ways we are trying to fit you into a mold we can be comfortable with, instead of genuinely seeking you. We know that we are not worthy to be called a child of God, but we thank you for the opportunity to be adopted into the family because of what you did for us on the cross and through your resurrection from the dead. Amen.

In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. – Galatians 3:6-7

Today’s Reading: John 8:1-36; 1 John 1

When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.” – John 7:40-42

They thought they knew where Jesus came from. What they didn’t know was that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, because Mary and Joseph had traveled back for the census taken by the Roman Emperor. The religious leaders thought they knew the situation Jesus was born out of. What they didn’t know was that Mary was a virgin, even though she was found to be with child while engaged to Joseph.

It seems obvious to me that rumors had reached the religious leaders about the legitimacy of Jesus’ birth because they brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him.

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” – John 8:4-5

Instead of condemning the woman who had been caught in sin, Jesus stooped down and started writing in the dust. The teachers of religious law and Pharisees impatiently demanded an answer from Jesus. So our Lord stood up and invited anyone who had never sinned to throw the first stone. One by one the accusers walked away, for not one of them was sinless.

WE HAVE ALL SINNED. ALL OF US ARE GUILTY OF SINNING AGAINST GOD.

Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”
“No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” – John 8:10-11

Jesus did not say that the woman was not guilty. Jesus showed the woman compassion but he did not affirm her adultery. Instead, Jesus told her to go and sin no more. In fact, you could say that it was out of compassion that Jesus instructed her to stop sinning.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” – John 8:12

WE DO NOT HAVE TO WALK IN DARKNESS. WE CAN WALK IN THE LIGHT THAT LEADS TO LIFE INSTEAD OF CHOOSING TO SIN.

The religious leaders continued their argument that they knew who Jesus was and where he came from. They had not gained any traction with the argument of who his mother was, so this time they focused on his father. Jesus pointed out that they did not know who he was and that they did not know his father (John 8:19).

Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24

IF WE CHOOSE TO STAY IN THE DARKNESS, TO CONTINUE TO SIN, WE WILL DIE IN OUR SINS.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. – John 8:31-36

Jesus is calling us to respond to his faithfulness by living a life that is faithful to all that he taught us. He invites us to know the truth because the truth will set us free. We no longer have to live as slaves to our sinful nature because the Son has set us free from the bondage of sin. God has given us the Spirit to do a work of transformation within us, empowering us to walk in the light that leads to eternal life rather than the darkness that leads to death.

AND YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.

Jesus invites us into a relationship with him where we can know him just as we are known by him. We do not claim to be sinless. In fact, we recognize that we are sinners in need of a Savior, but we also choose to walk away from the spiritual darkness of sin. We ask God to break the bondage that we have been living in so that we can truly experience what it means to walk in the light. God is calling every one of us to live in the light — to confess our sins, asking Jesus to cleanse us from our sin and making him Lord of our lives.

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. – 1 John 1:5-10

Lord, thank you for the freedom we experience when we walk in relationship with you — not freedom to do whatever we want to do but freedom from a life of sin that steals away the joy of our salvation. Thank you for the example of compassion you show us, inspiring us towards compassion towards those who are in bondage to sin. Strengthen us to walk in the light of your truth, recognizing that you are not calling us to affirm sin in others but to help them experience freedom from their sin. We love you, Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 7; Isaiah 55

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) – John 7:37-39

It was the Jewish Festival of Shelters (or Feast of Tabernacles) and crowds had come from all over the land for the celebration. People were grumbling amongst each other, some who looked at Jesus favorably and others who thought he was a fraud. The Jewish leaders walked among the people, asking if anyone had seen Jesus. Halfway through the festival, Jesus went to the Temple and began to teach, answering the accusations against him.

So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys it! In fact, you are trying to kill me.” – John 7:16-19

The people were talking with each other, trying to figure out who Jesus was. They knew the Jewish leaders were trying to kill Jesus, so they were not surprised when Jesus said this. All of his miracles seemed to point to him being the Messiah, but he was not meeting their preconceived notions of how the Messiah would appear or where he would come from. It was not an easy decision for them and many walked away still undecided.

“Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I’m not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don’t know him. But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you.” Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. – John 7:28b-30

“ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN ME MAY COME AND DRINK.”

Many today still struggle to believe that Jesus was who he said he was. There is division and unbelief among us, just as there was while Jesus walked this earth. Because of this, it is important for each of us to dig deep and ask ourselves if we truly believe in Jesus. Do we have confidence in what the scriptures teach us about Jesus, and are we willing to walk in faith no matter how those around us choose to react or what they say about Jesus? If we choose faith, Jesus is calling us to come and drink of the Spirit.

“Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” – Isaiah 55:3

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. – Revelation 22:17

“ANYONE WHO IS THIRSTY MAY COME TO ME.”

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink…”
Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. – Isaiah 55:1,6-7

On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” – 1 Corinthians 11:23b-25

Do you believe? Come and drink.
Are you thirsty? Come and drink.
Come experience the rivers of living water that flow from his heart.

Today’s Reading: John 6:41-71; Psalm 14

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” – John 6:35

Jesus warned them not to get caught up in the perishable things this world has to offer (the things that do not last), but spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you (John 6:27). But witnessing miraculous signs was not enough for this crowd, they wanted the ability to perform these miracles themselves; they wanted power and glory (John 6:28-29).

At times our focus is on the desire for God to do something great and mighty through us for others to see. But God’s response to us may be the same as it was to the crowd – to first seek Him, consume Him, believe in Him and fully experience life through Him.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” – John 6:47-51

TAKE THIS BREAD AND EAT.

It has been a tradition in the church to take communion on a regular basis. This is a beautiful moment to remember who Jesus is and what he has done for us. We take the bread and hold it in our hands, remembering the words of Jesus when he called us to consume his flesh — to remain in him and he in us. It is a holy moment in our covenant relationship with Christ and we are not to take it lightly.

“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” – John 6:53-56

TAKE THIS CUP AND DRINK.

Next we take the cup and drink in remembrance of the blood of Jesus shed for our salvation. We intentionally take time to consider the requirement of a sacrificial lamb for the sins of God’s people, and how Jesus became that sacrifice that we may experience life, both now and for eternity.

“I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.” – John 6:57-58

After they left the synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus’ disciples began to raise their concerns to one another. Jesus had used symbolic language before, and many were able to believe in the truths presented through the stories and lessons of Jesus. But who would be willing to accept this? What did Jesus mean when he said you must eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to gain eternal life?

Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” – John 6:61-65

One by one, disciples start walking away from Jesus. What Jesus was asking of them was too much. They would not accept this teaching; they chose to walk away instead of believing in all that Jesus was saying. Twelve disciples remained. Twelve were left to respond to the question Jesus asked of them.

ARE YOU ALSO GOING TO LEAVE?

All of us have seen followers of Christ walk away from the faith. Something Jesus taught became an obstacle for them and they chose another life. This path Jesus asks us to walk is narrow and the gate is small; few find it. “Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

There will be moments in our journey with Christ when we have to once again make an intentional decision to follow him. If we remain in him, the Lord will strengthen us for those difficult days when the world misunderstands us and when exiting Christians encourage us to join them. Living out the commands of Jesus is not always easy, and we will watch many choose an easier theology to digest. They will explain away scriptures and devalue the relevance of portions of God’s word in order to create a teaching that is more palatable for others to receive.

WHAT PATH WILL YOU CHOOSE?

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” – John 6:68-69

Lord, our hearts respond with Simon Peter’s this morning. We cannot imagine walking away from this relationship with you. You alone have the words that give us the experience of eternal life both now and forever. Reveal in us if we have begun to soften your message or revise your words in order to fit in with the culture that daily demands that we change. Strengthen our faith and give us a bold confidence as we take the bread and drink from the cup. We long to consume all that you are so that you will remain in us and us in you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 6:16-40; Psalm 39

That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. – John 6:16-18

SOON

All was going well, until it wasn’t. Does that sound familiar? Have you had seasons in life of waiting on the Lord, when all seems to be going as expected until there is a sudden turn of events? Does it ever seem like you are making progress and gaining ground, just to be faced with a setback that leaves you uncertain of what is next?

SUDDENLY

They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination! – John 6:19-21

Jesus was teaching his disciples through every encounter they had with him. They were learning what he was capable of while learning who he was and what he was calling them to do. And with each miracle, each healing, each parable, their faith was growing. They were coming to believe that with Jesus the impossible is made possible.

THE NEXT DAY

It didn’t take long for the crowd of people to find Jesus. He was no longer where they expected him to be, so they followed the disciples across the lake to Capernaum and, sure enough, there he was! They came hoping to see another miracle or to watch Jesus do something spectacular. But Jesus wanted them to dig deeper in their understanding of who he was; he wanted them to believe in him, not just in what he could do for them.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” – John 6:26-27

Their response leaves me questioning their motives. They wanted the ability to perform the works of God, just like Jesus did. It was not the person of Jesus that they were seeking to experience more of, but rather the miracles they were most interested in. Jesus was calling them to believe in him and they demanded more miracles from him. After all, Moses had given their ancestors bread from heaven to eat, and all Jesus had done was feed them fish and bread from a boy’s lunch sack.

AFTER ALL

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me. – John 6:32-36

EVERY DAY

The crowd wanted to experience the miracle of bread from heaven, just as their ancestors had, but they were so hyper-focused on the miracle of God’s provision that they were missing out on the bread of life himself. They didn’t want more of Jesus, they wanted more of the blessings that he could provide for them.

Do you see a reflection of our present day culture in this interaction between Jesus and the crowd of people he had just fed the day before? How often do we find ourselves having a stronger desire for the blessings that come from God than we do for having a deeper relationship with Jesus? That’s a dangerous posture to find ourselves in, don’t you think? When we position ourselves for greatness and God’s generous bounty, we can find our faith shaken when life brings us hardships and suffering.

For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” – John 6:40

AT THE LAST DAY

God is calling us to believe in Jesus, not for all He can do for us here on earth but so that we can experience eternal life in Him. He wants us to follow him every day, not so we can experience more of the good this world has to offer but so we can experience ALL the eternal blessings that God has to offer.

Let’s posture ourselves this morning for more of Jesus. He is the bread of life, and Jesus promises us that all who come to him will never be hungry again; whoever believes in him will never be thirsty.

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.”
We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you. – Psalm 39:4-7