Category: John

Jesus spends time with his disciples.

Jesus did not write off Simon Peter. He did clarify Peter’s mission though.

Jesus is interested in the process of growing disciples. Sometimes it is in the “low points” (like Peter’s betrayal) that we really can grow the most.

Believers need encouragement and centering on Jesus.

Jesus’ command for Simon Peter to “feed my sheep” and “follow me” is my call as well.

Relationship cannon be replaced with knowledge, training, or experience. This is where lasting transformation happens. Nothing takes the place of time with the Master.

Jesus, may I never try to replace you with anything.

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Jesus is alive!

Someone coming back from the dead was no more common in ancient times than it is now. Jesus’ disciples were stunned. It was hard to believe what they were seeing.

This is where we see the post-resurrected Jesus announce good new to his disciples. “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah…”.

The disciples needed to see the resurrected Lord with their own eyes. They also needed Jesus to remind them of his mission.

I need to see Jesus daily and be reminded of his mission.

Everyone needs to “see” Jesus before they believe in him. I need to be persistent in pointing people to Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for conquering the grave! May I live in your resurrection power!

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Jesus is crucified.

Jesus claimed to be the Messiah- the very Son of God. If this is so, then why would he be humiliated like this…stripped naked, ridiculed, tortured, and executed publicly in the worst possible way?

Jesus was not a victim. Rather, he was on a mission. His attention was set on enduring the cross and he would not be sidetracked.

People at the foot of the cross were such a mixed bag- hiding disciples/friends, angry accusers, reluctant bystanders, brutal soldiers, a brokenhearted mother, and secret believers. All needed their sin debt paid regardless if the recognized it or not.

Never forget the cross and all that went with it. Never.

Jesus’ sacrifice is the pinnacle of God’s love for mankind. I don’t think most people recognize the significance of the cross as being “good news”.

Father, help me to always cherish the message of the cross.

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Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and questioned.

The plot thickens! Why would the Messiah be arrested? If Jesus is truly the king who would deliver the Jewish people…why?

Jesus humbled himself by setting his own divine power aside.

Men were willing to plot and connive in the dark of night. One of Jesus’ own betrayed him. Another disciple and close friend denied him publicly. Still Jesus continued his plan.

God help me from betraying Jesus or denying him with my mouth or actions.

Jesus was willing to endure false accusations, betrayal, & ridicule because his mission was more important.

Lord, help my resolve to know you and make you known be greater than obstacles that come along the path…your path.

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Jesus prays for his current and future disciples.

1st century Jewish ears would once again perk up at the claims of Jesus that he was the Messiah.

Jesus has specific plans and concern for his followers.

Even Christ-followers have an “Achilles heel”, namely points of spiritual attack (v.11): lack of joy (v.13), hatred from the world (v.15), being paralyzed by sin (v.17), disunity (v.21), & a tendency to think this world is home (v.24).

I would be wise to recognize Jesus’ concerns and walk with him closely.

I am not the only Christ-follower who Jesus prayed for. I need to pray and equip my brothers and sisters as Jesus prayed.

Father, help me to learn from Jesus’ prayer. Thank you for hearing my prayers.

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Jesus prepares his disciples for times he will not physically be with them.

Again and again John has emphasized the divinity of Jesus. Now Jesus speaks of returning to the Father.

Jesus does not leave his followers leaderless.

Mankind doesn’t need a physical king to follow. We need our hearts inhabited by God himself.

I need to rest in the reality that Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for justification. I also need to rely on the Holy Spirit for direction and sanctification.

When I rely on the Holy Spirit God uses me as his ambassador. While salvation is for my sake it is not JUST for my sake.

Father, help my trust in Jesus grow. Help me reliance on the Holy Spirit flourish.

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Jesus explain the how and why of being vitally connected to him.

The concept of relationship with God rather than ritual would have been difficult for “cultural Jews”. Today it is also difficult for “cultural Christians”.

God does the work of producing fruit.

Man’s dependence on remaining in a right relationship with Jesus moment by moment cannot be overstated.

Stay attached to Jesus with a vital life sustaining relationship.

I need to always lift up Jesus’ concept of relationship to everyone.

Jesus, our connection is essential. I thank you for it!

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Jesus tells his disciples how the Holy Spirit will work in their lives.

This triune-centered conversation was likely very difficult for faithful Jewish people to take in.

God does not leave us alone and unequipped for this world or the world to come.

Man has a responsibility to God by believing in Jesus and following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

V.12 says as a follower of Jesus I will do “greater works” if I will believe/trust in Jesus being who he said he is.

Following Jesus is more than intellectual belief. Its total reliance as the Spirit moves us to action.

Lord, help me to trust Jesus more and more. Empower me with your Spirit for your mission for your glory. Amen.

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Love one another.

The way the world will recognize followers of Jesus the Messiah is not primarily by their beliefs but by the way they express love.

Jesus came to serve- to demonstrate his love.

There is something about being served, especially when undeserved or unexpected, that helps us develop a humble attitude. Maybe this opens our hearts a little wider to the wonder of the Gospel.

I need to be persistent in serving others #onmission #onpurpose.

A simple definition of love is “meeting needs”. Jesus gave a command to love and an example to show love through the way we serve.

Father, give me opportunity and holy “want to” to serve in your name.

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Jesus made his mission plain- obeying the Father’s plan of a salvation mission.

Jesus is calling God his Father over and over. The Jewish audience is divided, once again contemplating his claims, his actions, and the Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled.

God the Father is going to great lengths to save mankind. Even though some will oppose him the Father will stay the course with his plan.

Man’s disbelief and rebellion against God is chipped away by the actions of Jesus, not just his claims. Anyone can make a claim but Jesus backed his words up with action.

I am compelled to be a child of light and not just for my sake.

My mission is to point the spotlight on Jesus and his mission.

Father, thank you for the way you have glorified yourself through Jesus. Take my life and glorify yourself however you please.

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