Steal Kill Destroy

 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose…

What They Thought

The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. They asked them, “Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he now see?” His parents replied, “We know this is our son and that he was born blind,…

John 7:25-27 (The Insiders)

Some of the people who lived in Jerusalem started to ask each other, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? But here he is, speaking in public, and they say nothing to him. Could our leaders possibly believe that he is the Messiah? But how could he be? For we know where this…

John 4:25-26 (I AM)

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!” (John 4:25-26) Read: Joshua 12:7 – 15:19 Relate: All the right roads lead to this moment. Every great journey leads to this destination. Jesus felt compelled to go…

A Different Road

If Jesus wanted to be the Messiah they were expecting, there could not be a better time. If He wanted to set up an earthly kingdom and avoid the scandal of the cross, now was the time. They were ready.

Jesus Is (John 1:34)

I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God. (John 1:34) Read: Job 12:1 – 14:22 Relate: The theology of Jesus’ identity is so rich in John. We have only worked our way through the first half of the first chapter but already we have seen that Jesus is… Pre-existent (1:1, 1:15, 1:30) The…

It Isn’t Me (John 1:19-20)

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” (John 1:19-20) Read: Genesis 37:1-39:23, 1 Chronicles 2:3-8 Relate: I recently finished reading a very dry, academic work called Christian Missions and the Enlightenment. For some…

Scouting Mission (3/24/13)

Read: Mark 11:1-11  So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. After looking around carefully at everything, he left because it was late in the afternoon. Then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples. (Mark 11:11) Relate: Just think of the excitement and the momentum of the day. The crowds are pouring into the…