Did Jesus win his trial? You get to choose! – John 5:31-47, Part 5

The situation is bleak.  The religious leaders refuse to believe Jesus.  Even after such rock-solid witnesses, four of them, which you can read about here, here and here, who each give powerful testimony about Jesus, most of the religious leaders are not convinced, and they leave plotting how to take him down.  What about us?Continue reading “Did Jesus win his trial? You get to choose! – John 5:31-47, Part 5”

Jesus on trial calls his fourth witness – John 5:31-47, Part 4

Now we arrive at the fourth and final witness that Jesus calls to the stand in his defense.  In John 5, verses 38-39 we read, “…nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternalContinue reading “Jesus on trial calls his fourth witness – John 5:31-47, Part 4”

Jesus on trial calls his 2nd and 3rd witnesses – John 5:31-47, Part 3

In the previous post, we learned that the religious leaders have accused Jesus of being a lawbreaker and blasphemer. Though not placed on any kind of official trail, Jesus treats it as one, calling witnesses to testify on his behalf. First up, as we read in the previous post, Jesus referred to John the Baptist’sContinue reading “Jesus on trial calls his 2nd and 3rd witnesses – John 5:31-47, Part 3”

Jesus on trial calls his first witness – John 5:31-47, Part 2

Jesus is on trial. The religious leaders have accused him of breaking the Sabbath law and of blasphemy. They want to kill him. So they ask him to provide authentication of the authority by which he broke the law. The religious leaders don’t believe Jesus had any authority. The crowd watching feels the tension inContinue reading “Jesus on trial calls his first witness – John 5:31-47, Part 2”

Does Jesus have authority to break the law? – John 5:31-47, Part 1

I often wonder if our church’s outdoor sign has any impact.  While I think it is good to have a sign with basic information such as our name and website, we don’t need to have a sign with a message board.  Most people learn about us online anyway.  But the message board is a smallContinue reading “Does Jesus have authority to break the law? – John 5:31-47, Part 1”

Being radical…right or wrong? – John 5:31-47, Preview

Have you ever scolded someone for being too radical?  Maybe they’re young, idealistic and are making plans that you, in your years of experience, know will almost certainly fail.  So you step in, clip their wings, giving them what you believe is a much-needed dose of reality.  “They’re so immature.  So young,” you think toContinue reading “Being radical…right or wrong? – John 5:31-47, Preview”