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How to lead with love – John 13:1-17, Part 2

In the previous post, we learned that Jesus leads with love. Now we learn how he did so. Look at John 13, verses 2-5. “The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under hisContinue reading “How to lead with love – John 13:1-17, Part 2”

Should you be more selfish? – John 13:1-17, Part 1

What did you think of that? Selfishness is good? As I watched the video there were times I felt confused, thinking that it is true that we are to care for ourselves, but also we are not to be selfish. I also thought, I wonder how Jesus would respond to the ideas in this video? Continue reading “Should you be more selfish? – John 13:1-17, Part 1”

Are you struggling to complete difficult things? – John 13:1-17, Preview

One way God has been at work in my life over the last 5-10 years is in the area of speaking the truth in love. I would much rather focus on the love part, which is good, except for the times when people need to hear truth about themselves and their situation. I struggle withContinue reading “Are you struggling to complete difficult things? – John 13:1-17, Preview”

The abundant life is found in holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 5

A crowd of people has just confronted Jesus. They think he is confused. Maybe they think he is wrong. He says the foretold Jewish Messiah will die. The crowd knows their Bible, and the ancient prophecies say the Messiah will live forever. Jesus’ response explains how we you and I can experience the abundant life.Continue reading “The abundant life is found in holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 5”

How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4

Jesus has been talking about his death, which he knows is only a few days away. People in the crowd listening to him respond. They understand that he is talking about his death, but that confuses them. Look at John 12 verse 34, “The crowd spoke up, ‘We have heard from the Law that theContinue reading “How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4”

What to do with fear – Jeremiah 42-43

I recently listened to a podcast about cryptocurrency and how it has turned out to be massively speculative and often fraudulent. But investing in crypto was all the rage a few years ago. There was a Super Bowl ad campaign, and stories of crypto fortunes. Why was crypto so popular? Will it surprise you toContinue reading “What to do with fear – Jeremiah 42-43”

How God’s upside-down Kingdom helps us make sense of Jesus’ death – John 12:12-50, Part 3

Jesus is just days from his death. So it’s no surprise that in John 12 verses 27-28 Jesus becomes introspective: “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Jesus chose toContinue reading “How God’s upside-down Kingdom helps us make sense of Jesus’ death – John 12:12-50, Part 3”

The unhealthy way to love life – John 12:12-50, Part 2

The city of Jerusalem is jam-packed with pilgrims from all over the world who have come to celebrate the Feast of Passover. In the previous post, we learned about what is called Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into the city, when all sorts of people are clamoring to get near him. In John 12, verses 20-22, weContinue reading “The unhealthy way to love life – John 12:12-50, Part 2”

The Triumphal Entry as holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 1

How much inconvenience should we accept in our lives? What is the definition of inconvenience? You want to get some Chick-fil-A real quick, but the drive-through is wrapped around the building. What an inconvenience. Inconvenience is defined as trouble or difficulty caused to one’s personal requirements or comfort. Some synonyms are aggravation, annoyance, disruption, disturbance. Continue reading “The Triumphal Entry as holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 1”

Would you like to know your DOD? – John 12:12-50, Preview

What would you do if you knew the date of your death? Could you imagine if that data were available to us? We’re accustomed to putting our DOB on all sorts of forms, but what if we knew our DOD? What would you be thinking and feeling if you knew exactly how much longer you had?Continue reading “Would you like to know your DOD? – John 12:12-50, Preview”