In this passage from our study in the Gospel of John, we come to the crucifixion of Jesus. We may want to look the other way, to not face the harsh reality of an innocent man nailed to a cross, to not bear the weight of the torture and agony and injustice of this moment, … [Read More…] The Crucified
Jesus gets it. He gets how hard life is. He gets how heartbreaking it can be. He gets how violating and brutal and unjust people are sometimes. We all need a God who gets it, because when life’s cruelties break into your life, you don’t need a god who’s aloof and pampered and insulated. … [Read More…] The Condemned
In today’s passage, we will see John’s account of the betrayal, arrest, and preliminary interrogation of Jesus. We’ll explore three lenses: The Sequence of the Storm: This is the quick overview of the narrative leading up to the crucifixion. Betrayal and Arrest (Mt 26:47-56; Mk 14:43-52; Lk 22:47-53; Jn 18:2-12): All 4 gospels … [Read More…] The Betrayed
In this passage we come to what is arguably the pinnacle of John’s Gospel. It’s Jesus’ last night, and in the next hours, He will be betrayed by Judas Iscariot from His inner circle. He will be put on trial, condemned, and crucified the following day. And Jesus, knowing all that awaits Him, has … [Read More…] The Priest
How do we know that everything will be alright in the end? In many ways, that’s the very question that was haunting the minds of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus had told them to prepare for battle, that the persecution that was coming for him would come for them also. They no doubt felt like underdogs. … [Read More…] The Overcomer
In this passage, we are in the early hours before the crucifixion. Betrayal, arrest, whipping, and crucifixion awaits Jesus, and He knows it. But he mustn’t fixate on the tidal wave of agony that is about to break up on Him; instead, he focuses on preparing His disciples for the battle ahead. As American … [Read More…] The Helper
Our natural default is to try to do things on our own. But when trouble comes, whether it’s relationships, temptation, anxiety, or sin, we realize that we aren’t strong enough to do it on our own. The spiritual strength we need is found in our Savior. We need His strength for our weakness. Three … [Read More…] Supernatural Strength
In John 15, Jesus taught His disciples (and through them, us) that the secret to a fruitful life is abiding in Him. At the heart of this discourse is an extended metaphor (vv. 1-8) which Jesus then expounds upon in vv. 9-17. The Vine: “I am the true vine” is the 7th and final … [Read More…] The Vine
In John’s account of Jesus’ last night before the cross, we encounter some of the most tender words in all the Scriptures. In the Upper Room, Jesus poured out His heart to His disciples, teaching them (and through them, us) how to live in the love of God, because living in the love of God … [Read More…] The Dance
In this passage from John 14:1-14, we find the disciples troubled by news that Jesus is leaving. How could they ever go on without Jesus? But as Jesus shows them, his departure means more of the love of God, not less. Jesus offers us four things as He departs: A Loving Home: Our … [Read More…] The Way
