A certain man was ill in the village of Bethany–the home of Mary and Martha (John 11). Now, John hasn’t really mentioned Mary and Martha. Maybe not at all yet. But he cites a story that Luke actually shares in his gospel. It’s a story Christians loved to tell, apparently, one that was in circulation among early Christians. Their brother,…
Jesus Pursues, Gathers, and Keeps
14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.…
Will we have church on Christmas Day?
Christmas will fall on a Sunday this year, and that comes with both a unique challenge and a unique opportunity. Will we have church on Christmas? Another way to ask that question, just replacing the terms “have church” and “Christmas” with more precise theological language: Will we gather on the Lord’s Day for the celebration of the Lord’s coming? This…
How Does Jesus Heal?
Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. John 9:6-7 This is a fascinating miracle. Of course, Jesus can just speak…
Why Is He Blind?
It would be super cool to walk with Jesus and shoot him all sorts of theological questions. Imagine that. Apparently, it was popular to believe that some sort of hardship, or suffering, or disability in someone’s life was directly tied to someone’s sin. The disciples see this blind man and ask Jesus, “Who sinned, this man or his parents?” (John…
Set Free.
To the people who believe in his message, Jesus has these words: Abide in my word (John 8:31). Or keep believing what I say. My word, the truth that I give, it will set you free! His Jewish followers are confused. Free? We don’t need to be freed. We’ve never been enslaved, why would we need to be freed? Imagine…
Utterly Unique
Jesus is utterly unique. We tend to try to shrink God. In our minds he’s basically like us. But better and nicer and stronger and more loving. Just a really great person who has the best of all the attributes we find most desirable. Like in Talladega Nights, Ricky Bobby’s favorite Jesus is the little sweet baby Jesus. We tend…
His Light Is Life
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ESV) “I am the Bread of Life.” “I give rivers of living waters.” Jesus now adds that he is the Light of world. Remember, God led the Israelites through the…
Bad Theology
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 27 But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no…
Jesus’ Timeline
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 27 But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no…