Powerless

I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going. (John 14:30-31) Read: Jeremiah 2:31 – 4:18, Colossians 1:1-17, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs…

Jesus Unites

He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. (John 11:51-52) Read: Ezekiel 17:1 – 19:14 Relate: Every…

Different Sheepfolds

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. (John 10:16) Read: 2 Kings 19:1-37, 2 Chronicles 32:24-31, Isaiah 37:1-38 Relate: “What religion are you?” I get that question a lot when talking to…

The Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) Read: Isaiah 30:1 – 33:24 Relate: I don’t know much about shepherding. Most of what I’ve been taught about sheep and their care has come in the form of sermon illustrations. Until these past few devotionals, it isn’t something I’ve really done…

Sneaky Thieves

 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! (John 10:1) Read: Psalm 120 – 123, 125, 126 Relate: Anne Rice, author of Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt and Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana along with a plethora of vampire…

Get Real

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.” Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain…

Jesus wasn’t very religious

“Where is he now?” they asked. “I don’t know,” he replied. Then they took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees, because it was on the Sabbath that Jesus had made the mud and healed him. The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, “He put the mud over my…

Jesus and Judging

The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.” Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I…

Then Nicodemus

This blog is best read after reading both Nicodemus and The Crowd. Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up. “Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?” he asked. They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself—no prophet ever comes from…

John 5:33-35 (Flash In The Pan)

In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message.…