Growing Deeper Into the Soil of God's Word to Bear Fruit For His Kingdom
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." (John 21:15) The story of Jesus' breakfast on the beach with the disciples is one of restoration. Peter, who... Continue Reading →
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30) Jesus bows his head, perhaps in mortal weakness, perhaps in silent submission, or perhaps as a nod of approval. Then, John tells us, Jesus ‘gave up his spirit.’ The phrase “gave... Continue Reading →
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” After that time, the disciple took her into his home. (John 19:26-27) Today, most churches in the United States are known for supporting “family... Continue Reading →
Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stayed outside the tomb crying. (John 20:10-11a) There was very little celebration that first Easter morning. As Christians around the globe prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in a few days time, I was struck by the contrast with that first Easter morning. We... Continue Reading →
“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” - John 12:15 The account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on what is now known as "Palm Sunday" is quite familiar to many. As familiar as it is, I'm not sure I noticed the "do not fear" portion before.... Continue Reading →
"Jesus wept" John 11:35 In English, this is the shortest verse in the Bible. I remember this because, like many of my friends in Sunday School, we would cite this verse any time we were asked if we had any verses in the bible memorized (I won my share of Sunshine Dollars from this one).... Continue Reading →
"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam." (This word means Sent). John 9:7 The ninth chapter of John tells the story of a healing and its aftermath. Jesus is traveling with his disciples when they come upon a man who has been blind from birth. The disciples inquire whether there is some... Continue Reading →
"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" John 4:29 John 4 is a story of transformation. An unnamed Samaritan woman encounters Jesus at Jacob's well in Sychar, Samaria. He asks her for a drink, which surprises her. A Jew would become unclean if he drank from... Continue Reading →
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth: no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3 In the late 90s in America, it seemed like almost every week we were getting sent another free disc from AOL (an internet service provider). Try AOL 6.0 - 500 hours... Continue Reading →
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