with devotion: JOHN

Showing posts with label JOHN. Show all posts

She bent over to look into the tomb ...

Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb ... Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!”. Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. -John 20:11,15-17 NRSV

I so love this exchange between Mary and Jesus. The transition from tears to joy speaks so deeply to me about the transformative power of the resurrection. Isn't it so interesting how Mary did not pay too much attention to this guy? It was unimaginable that this "gardener" could be the one she followed for many years.

Then he spoke her name and everything changed. Gardner became Teacher! Death became Life. Sorrow became Joy! I can see her rushing to him with a holy embrace. Such is the impact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Believing that Jesus is alive gives us a holy hope that we will live with him forever.

Dear Lord Jesus. Because you live we live too. Because of the resurrection our fear of death is gone.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

Where you do not wish to go ...

Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” ... When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” -John 21:18,21-22 NRSV

I love how fearlessly Peter is when he speaks to Jesus. He seems to verbalize the kind of questions that I often ask. It is hard to understand why "bad" things happen to some and not others. Peter would be crucified and John live to an old age. Each were followers and friends of the Lord. Yet each walked a different path as they followed God in their lives.

The phrase "take you where you do not wish to go" is so tough yet so true. It reminds me about how little control we have over the big things in our lives. Cancer hits the healthiest of us. Kids can break our hearts. Accidents happen. These things have the power to instruct us and teach us to trust the Lord for both the present and the future.

You are trustworthy Lord. I commit myself and my future into your loving arms. With your help, I will follow you.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

Do you love me?

He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” -John 21:17 NRSV

John tells us that this was the third appearance that Jesus made to the disciples after the resurrection. The Lord meets them on the beach and, over breakfast, questions Peter about whether he really loves him. It was such a difficult, yet important, conversation. Peter needed to be reminded that just days before he denied the Lord three times.

I do not think that Peter left that breakfast the same man. With each humbling question came a command to tend and feed the Lord's flock. It was as if Jesus was telling Peter that he needed more than words. He needed to put his love into action. It is a reminder to all of us, who profess to love the Lord, that divine love demands divine action.

We fall short Lord. Our mouth speaks of our love but our actions contradict our words. Help us to love in word and deed.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

Jesus did many other signs ...

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. -John 20:30-31 NRSV

As John wraps up his Jesus story, he seems to take a breath and speak to us about the reason for his writing. He presents no treatise on the nature of sin or our need to repent. He says nothing about the Jewish scriptures. He summarizes his gospel in a few words. Jesus is the Messiah and believing in him is all about having real life.

That message is so different than many religious ones that we hear even today. Instead of delineating five steps to religious success, John simply tells us to believe that Jesus is who he said that he is. It is a simple message yet one that goes against our works oriented approach to God. Even so, I have found it to be a life giving message.

Lord, lead us in the ways that lead to life in your name. Help us to find hope in the name of Jesus.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

Do not doubt but believe.

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” -John 20:27-29 NRSV

It is a week after Easter. Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples and has refused to accept the testimony of those who saw the resurrected Christ. In an intense dramatical moment the Lord once again materializes before his friends. Jesus offers Thomas a rebuke. Thomas is shocked into belief and can utter but a few words.

I think that Thomas is representative of many 21st century skeptics. Society's preoccupation with things that can be experienced with our senses have blinded some from things that can only be seen through the eyes of faith. Such folks relegate the resurrection of Christ to myth. Even so, the words of Christ still ring true, we are blessed when we believe.

We are blind Lord. Open our eyes to your invisible kingdom. Help us to believe even though we have not seen,

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

He breathed on them ...

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” -John 20:21-23 NRSV

It is Sunday evening. The disciples are gathered together in a locked room. Rumors are flying around about Jesus being alive. Fear and confusion abound. Then, in an instant, all fear is gone. Jesus materializes before them like something right out of Star Trek. His first word to them is peace. What an amazing entrance of the resurrected Messiah!

I love the way that he breathes on them, imparts the Holy Spirit and commissions them for ministry. So interesting that John remembers most that this holy mission was first about the message of forgiveness. Just a few days earlier John heard Jesus forgive those who drove nails into his hands. Now forgiveness would be the centerpiece of all ministry.

Father, forgive those who have hurt us and caused us pain. Help us to release our pain and join you in that forgiveness.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

As yet they did not understand the scripture...

Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. -John 20:3-10 NRSV

Two days have past since they laid Jesus in the tomb. Mary Magdalene has come from his grave and found it empty. The disciples cannot believe her. Peter and John race to verify her story. The drama is unfolding. The grave clothes have been removed. Jesus has come back from the dead. Yet these two cannot imagine what has already happened.

If not for the witness of people like Mary, I too would not understand the scripture. I was a bitter man in 1975 when my wife Ellen had an amazing experience of healing and salvation. Her healing from blindness was unbelievable and I rejected the idea that God had healed her. Yet on a beautiful day in April 1976 my eyes were opened and I understood.

Lord, please open the eyes and hearts of hurting people, that they might understand that Jesus has risen from the dead.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

They took the body of Jesus

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. -John 19:38-40 NRSV

Again I want to think about those that were there on that day. John tells us that two unexpected disciples showed up to bury Jesus. A man named Joseph asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Nicodemus, the Pharisee, brought a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes. How odd that such men would risk so much to publicly identify with Jesus.

I wonder what was going through John's mind as he watched these events unfold. Did he flash back to the words that Jesus shared with Nicodemus, that night so long ago, about being born again? He must have been amazed by the courage of these two men. It reminds me of the unseen secret disciples that impact the world every day.

Thank you Lord for the secret disciples who courageously follow you in the way of love.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

So that you also may believe ...

He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe.
His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth. -John 19:35 NRSV

Jesus died and John helplessly stood by watching his friend executed before his eyes. I cannot imagine how traumatic this was for him to witness. Time has passed since that day. Years later John is writing and remembering that life changing day. As he recounts the events of that sad day he pauses to insure his readers that his recounting is true.

John's words remind me that the gospels are filled with eyewitness accounts of the life, teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ. They were written by people like John who were simply testifying to the truth. They wrote so that people, who were not eyewitnesses, could have a reason to believe. They speak and witness to us yet today. And invite us to believe.

Lord, we pray for those who have never read the gospels. Give them opportunities to hear about Jesus. And believe.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

I am thirsty. ... It is finished.

Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. -John 19:28-30 NRSV

I want to again look at the cross through the eyes of Mary, John and others at the cross. They had no understanding about what would happen in just a few days. Unlike us, they had no ability to see the cross in light of the resurrection. It reminds me of that day that I stood by my wife's side when she breathed her last breath. "It is finished" seemed so final.

Jesus' death seemed both human and divine. Like a man, he was thirsty. Like God, he had power to leave his body. Yet the people who were watching Jesus die did not understand the divine part of the story. It causes me to consider how I forget about my own divine story. I am more than the sum of the things that happen to me. Divinity lives in me.

Lord help me to remember that I am part human and part divine because you live in me.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

Your Son. Your Mother.

There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. ... When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. -John 19:18,26-27 NRSV

It is so easy to get wrapped up in all of the hoopla that is surrounding Jesus as he suffers on the cross and forget that one is watching him with a broken heart. What would it have been like to have been Mary? Can you even imagine watching your son being treated in such a vile fashion? What a nightmarish experience this must have been for Mary.

Yet another is also watching with a broken heart. John, the writer of the gospel, who describes himself as the disciple whom he loved, is standing next to Jesus' mom. He too cannot believe what he is seeing. His soul has been pierced and hope seems so far. To these two hurting souls Jesus speaks sweet words calling them into a family relationship.

With these words Christ speaks to us about finding comfort in each other when life seems out of control. In a sense we are God's familial gifts to each other. Lord, give me a heart for your family. Help us to share our pain with each other.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

I have power to crucify you ...

“Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him. So Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?” Jesus answered [him], “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” ... They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” -John 19:9-11,15 NRSV

The trials are over and two courts have spoken. The Jews render a guilty verdict. Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus. He does not want to execute the man before him and tries to talk with him. In the end Pilate washes his hands of the matter and submits Christ to the court of public opinion. The verdict is rendered. Crucify him. Crucify him. Hate wins the day.

In the end it seems that Pilate's words were empty. He had no power. He was a pawn played by religious leaders and the power of public opinion. The greater sin was committed by them and not Pilate. Yet, even in such darkness, God was working. His power was on display. Love was overcoming hate. And the power of good turning evil inside out.

Help me Lord to see the power of good working in my life. Teach me to see love winning the day.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

My kingdom is not from this world.

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. -John 18:36-38 NRSV

Jesus stands before Pilate condemned to death by religious leaders who twist his words as they bring him to the governor. So Pilate asks Jesus if he sees himself as the King of the Jews. In a few sentences Jesus not only refutes the claims of his accusers but goes on to declare to Pilate who he really is and the sort of kingdom he rules over.

I love the phrase "For this I was born". Jesus came to tell humanity the truth. Some listened. Most refused to hear. Some, like Pilate, would not know truth if it stood before them. Yet the truth remains. The visible kingdoms of this world are subservient to the invisible kingdom of God. And Christ Jesus now sits as King of kings and Lord of lords.

We bow to you King Jesus. Open our eyes to the truth Lord. Help us to see the invisible kingdom.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

Why do you ask me?

Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together.
I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” -John 18:19-22 NRSV

Questions. Some arise from a good heart and a sincere motive. Some arise from evil hearts and motives. Yet a question, in an of itself, is (generally speaking) neither good nor bad. So when Jesus returns a question with a question he is addressing more than the question. He is speaking to the dark motives of the religious leaders that asked.

The reaction of the religious policeman speaks to how the words of Christ were received. Many then, and even today, respond by lashing out against those who would question those in authority. It is a sad commentary on the abuse of power and authority. It gives us cause to pause and weigh the intents of our heart when we ask questions.

Help us Lord to watch over our hearts. Teach us to really listen before we speak.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

Am I not to drink the cup?

Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. ... Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” -John 18:4-6,10-11 NRSV

Such an interesting contrast of power in this passage. Peter, and all present, watch as soldiers twice recoil and fall as Jesus speaks the words "I am". It is a reminder that of the words that Jesus spoke about having angels at his disposal. Yet Peter, a fisherman, felt a need to swing a sword. He was ready to go to war. His messianic vision was earthly.

The words of Jesus challenge me. I wince when he speaks of drinking the cup of suffering. Sometimes the things we do for others come at great cost. In truth, I want to swing a proverbial sword of resistance. Yet love compels me to drink of the cup. To endure the suffering when I want to strike out. To patiently trust that God is at work in my pain.

I hurt and want your power Lord. Help me to remember that your power is made complete in my weakness.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

That they may all be one ...

I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. ... I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

-John 17:15,20-21 NRSV

It is moments before soldiers will come to take Jesus away. He is praying and his disciples are listening. And a main theme of his prayer is that these would stay together after he was gone. Looking back over the past two millennia, I have to wonder if this prayer was answered at all. Division, not unity, seems to have marked the history of his followers.

On this same night Jesus told his followers that outsiders would know that they followed him because these would see the way that they loved each other. Love for each other would protect them from the evil one. It would breed harmony and not dissension. It would create a bond. These followers would be one in heart and spirit if they would only love.

We have fallen so far Lord. We, your church, have chosen to divide instead of love. Forgive us. Make us one again.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

This is eternal life ...

And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. -John 17:3-5 NRSV

If ever one wondered about the nature of Jesus Christ they need only hear what he says here when he speaks of being with the Father before the world existed. Could ever a statement be clearer? In saying this Jesus gave us few options. He either lied, was a mad man or spoke the truth. How we respond is important to subject of eternal life.

So when we think about the whole idea of heaven and eternal life we must really begin with what Jesus says about knowing God. It is not enough to know about God. Not enough to be religious. According to this passage eternal life is all about knowing God now not later. Life that begins with a second birth before we die. A spiritual and eternal birth.

We pray as you prayed Jesus. To be people who glorify the Father by finishing the work you have given us.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

I have said these things to you in figures of speech.

Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. I have said these things to you in figures of speech. -John 16:23b-25a NRSV

Many feel that the bible should be read literally and of course much of it should be. But there are times when a greater meaning can be learned from the scriptures when we allow ourselves to hear the words in a nonliteral fashion. These verses are certainly an example of this principle. Jesus invitation to ask anything in his name is not a carte blanche one.

His point in saying "ask anything" is not to invite genie in a bottle type of intercession or petition but to affirm the Father's love for us. It is analogous to a parent telling a child that they would do anything for them. It is understood that this is a figure of speech and the parent (i.e. the Father) will use discretion in what they do. Such is the nature of parenting.

Give us wisdom to know how to read the scriptures Lord. Help us to know how to pray.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

No one will take your joy from you.

When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. -John 16:21-22 NRSV

The resurrection points us to this joy that Jesus speaks of. The disciples watched their Messiah die a torturous death. They felt such intense anguish as Jesus was beaten, unrighteously judged, sentenced to death and crucified. Hope was no where to be found as they gathered together after Jesus was buried. Then in an instant, he stood before them.

The resurrection of Jesus was a moment of pure joy. In a moment, anguish turned to joy. Hopelessness to hope. Because Jesus conquered death everything changed. Eyes were opened. Like the delivery of a baby, lives were forever changed. It is still that way. Joy comes when our eyes are opened to the resurrected Christ. How could it not?

Thank you for the joy of knowing you Jesus. There is no greater joy.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

He will glorify me ...

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. -John 16:12-14 NRSV

It is so remarkable that Jesus displays such care for the wellbeing of his friends in the hours before his torturous death. His words exude such a loving concern for these who he has been with these past years. He seems to understand the necessity of his absence and the Holy Spirit's presence. Yet his followers seem so clueless about their future.

I sometimes think that the book of Acts should have been titled the Acts of the Holy Spirit. In that book we see the things that Jesus speaks about in these verses come to fruition. Clueless people become spiritual leaders. Jesus is glorified as the Holy Spirit comes in the lives of the disciples. Eyes are opened to truth. And the message lives yet today.

Fall on us afresh dear Spirit of God. Open our eyes and guide us into truth. Glorify Jesus in us.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

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