John`s Gospel Experience
21 Chapters of John`s Gospel are packed full of eye witness accounts of Jesus that can forge our own testimony of experiencing His Word of Love. Each nugget can spur us on to love Him and fulfil the command to love God and our neighbours.
These Nuggets from John are just that. A thought from each chapter of the Gospel, but with the aim of making relevant our daily walk. You are invited to come on an expedition through the chapters to see the light of Jesus portrayed in the Word and the challenge to relate it and make it relevant to today.
Pick up the nugget offered, and as you examine it, allow God to express to you, what facet He wishes to reveal to you and how you might take it forward.
It can be helpful on our journey to share together, as we each see things slightly differently, so if you have a fellow disciple to share with, that would be great. Making the Gospel come alive, also means making it practical and relevant today in your life, so suggestions for enriching fellowship are also sign-posted.
Matthew 22: 37-40 in the Passion Translation
‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart,
with all the energy of your being,
and with every thought that is within you.’
This is the great and supreme commandment.
And the second is like it in importance:
‘You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.’
Contained within these commandments to love you will find
all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.”
Nuggets of Gold to seek
Desire to increase your faith and allow your Bible Study to be meaningful and practical?
Called to "Love" can raise many questions as to the meaning of, and practical ways to "love".
The premise of these reflections are that the Gospel is living and needs to be experienced. They aim to illuminate scripture from John`s Gospel and encourage you to personalise it and encounter the real Jesus.
This is not to just study the Word - though that is important.
It is not to learn verses - though that too can be helpful,
But it is to experience the Word of the One who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) In the action, we become disciples, followers of our loving Lord.
As you encounter God in His Word by the Holy Spirit, CHANGE happens!
God doesn`t change. His Word doesn`t change But we DO!
Each chapter from John draws a thought, a reflection to consider, and a challenge to fulfil.
The desire is for scripture to be experienced. To do this fully it is rewarding to share with
another person or small group. Growth as disciples can be enhanced as we share with a fellow believer, mentor and challenge each other in a safe growing relationship. It is helpful to read each chapter in John to provide context. There is so much more than the one concept that is high-lighted.
3 sections are sort: EXPLORE SCRIPTURE EMBRACE TRUTH EXPERIENCE IT
by a shared thought, reflection to ponder and direction for prayer.
An explanation of experience is that it may be vertical with God, - "Serve the Lord with gladness" Ps 100:2 or horizontal with people - `Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn` Romans 12:15.
These snippets from each chapter of John`s Gospel aim to
Shine a Light on God`s Word - Psalm 119:105 `Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.`
Shine a Light on Jesus - John 8:12 `I (Jesus) am the light of the world.`
Shine a Light our Spirit`s Relationship - Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Let`s go ! ….
John 1
The light shines in the darkness, and
the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1: 5
Thought
The Light is present tense. It is not just history, Jesus walking the shores of Galilee, but He is present, here, now. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is our witness today.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12;7
Ponder
Allow the Light of the Spirit to reveal
your characteristics.
Sometimes the Spirit`s quiet conviction exposes the darkness, sin and inconsistencies in life. Often it is in the encounters with others that these characteristics are highlighted.
Name them. Ask forgiveness. Welcome the Holy Spirit to bring change
Prayer:
Holy Spirit challenge through the light of Jesus in scripture, and in other disciples that you might perfect in me more and more of His likeness.
I am especially touched by how you make Jesus known through…. As s/he expresses ……
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23
Which fruit do you need more of?
John 2
`Do whatever he tells you.’
John 2 : 5
Thought
Jesus` love for the Father was to do whatever He asked him. So should be our response! To do so, we need to listen, and then comply.
Speak Lord, for your servant is listening
1 Samuel 3:9
Ponder
How do you hear God? Practically, when are you aware of Him speaking
- through scriptures, nature, circumstances, other disciples ...
Lord, today I heard you say.....
and your Spirit empowered me to …..
What God given seed stirs and fuels your passion?
Prayer
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, and my actions each day be pleasing in your sight as I follow your call.
Develop my passion to listen and fulfil Your will.
John 3
Truly I tell you, no one can enter the
kingdom of God unless they are born
of water and the Spirit.
John 3 : 5
Thought
Jesus words, miracles and healing drew attention to His great love.
He must become greater; I must become less.
John 3:30
John the Baptist`s imperative applies to us all. `Less of me, more of Him` in my life. It should impact life, thoughts, actions, priorities, and attitudes.
Ponder
How Jesus loved people and how He startled them with His love.
e.g Lepers he touched and brought dignity to.
A Samaritan woman he broke cultural convention to meet in her isolation and shame.
Woman caught in adultery who he joined and protected in her place of hurt.
Those he restored through many healing miracles.
My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord
Isaiah 55:8
Prayer
Jesus you startled me with love when you brought me into relationship with you.
Dear Lord thank you for loving me when ….
Jesus, do it again! Open the eyes of my heart that I may not miss the abundance and constancy of your startling love, meeting me generously at my point of need
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:5
What evidence of this increasing revival lifestyle is evidenced in your life?
John 4
Jesus declared:
I the one speaking to you, am he
John 4:26
Thought
Jesus revealed His identity as Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well. How did she merit or deserve such revelation? It was only by grace, unmerited, and so it is with you and me.
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to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 1:6
Ponder
What have you done or could do to deserve His forgiveness? - nothing! It is only by His grace, His unconditional love that provided the gift through Jesus` death, that makes forgiveness available.
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If you keep my commands,
you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love.
John 15:10
Prayer
Father as I consider the unmerited gift and provision of your Son and Spirit just for me, my heart is touched with ….
Overwhelm me with gratitude and empower me through the wonder of your grace that I may live life pleasing you in all things.
List those things done this week to cause God to love you less … Answer: NOTHING
List those things done this week that cause God to love you more ….Answer: NOTHING
that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Colossians 1:10
John 5
My Father is always at his work to this
very day, and I too am working
John 5:17
Thought
Father, Son and us (the Church) through the Spirit `Never alone` rings through the whole Bible.
Jesus` passion was to work alongside his Father and calls us to do so to. Each have a unique assigned task, but the goal is to do what Jesus did to come alongside others at their point of need and remove their aloneness.
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I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the
hope to which he has called you, the riches
of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
Ephesians 1:18
Ponder
What is God asking you to do?
He gave gifts to his people.
Ephesians 4:8
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As Jesus depended on His Father, where does your humble dependency lie? The man at the Pool of Bethesda heard the word, acted on Jesus command and experienced the love of God when he stood and walked.
Prayer
Thank you Father that you have uniquely designed and equipped me to work with you.
I accept your calling to …..
Send your Holy Spirit to open my eyes to see your purposes and fulfil my calling.
As I read your Word I recognize that you meet your people exactly where they are. I want to meet you and experience your Word in my life today.
How do you need to experience His word today?
John 6
Here is a boy with five small barley
loaves and two small fish
John 6:9
Thought
Jesus received the meagre lunch from the boy and freely gave abundantly to 5000+ in need.
Sadly, we see elsewhere in the Gospels those who missed who Jesus really is and today those who fail to encounter Him in His people
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Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
Matthew 10:8
Ponder
What encouragement, care, support, or affirmation do you need today? Surrender to the Holy Spirit and open your heart to receive these gifts from Christ, the One who provides.
What acceptance, compassion, appreciation, or respect might you freely give to someone?
Listen to the Spirit`s prompting to share these with another, and so share His life and love that others might find hope in Jesus who provides.
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I am the bread that came down from heaven
John 6:41
Prayer
Jesus prompt and empower me to follow your Spirit and bring love and hope to others.
Give thanks and remember those occasions when He unexpectedly provided for you.
He accepted you in the midst of failure
He healed your pain
He restored your relationship.
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No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12
What does it feel like to be God`s answer to someone else`s need?
John 7
Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God
John 7:17
Thought
A commitment to step out without knowing all the answers is faith!
Jesus himself was constantly doing
so, trusting His Father to respond.
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Not as I will, but as you will
Matthew 26:39
Ponder
Jesus` words amazed those who heard him (v46)
We have available the Holy Spirit`s power and presence. He provides discernment and direction as we submit to Him.
How aware of His prompting are you? Remember some of your personal encounters with God, and where possible share (testify) with another person.
For the Lord …
takes the upright into his confidence.
Proverbs 3:32
Prayer
Give thanks for times when you encountered God: Revealing Himself and drawing you to Him..
When He gave specific direction ..
Provided warning or confronted you ..
Affirmed, encouraged, reassured you ,,
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Whoever believes in me, as scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them
John 7:38
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see also: water-of-life
Are you prepared to encounter God today, this week?
John 8
ll the people gathered around Him,
and he sat down to teach them
John 8:2
Thought
People need a safe space to hear and
experience life-changing fellowship.
They needed to listen and hear His words.
All were welcome to join (v.3) where their questions could be handled carefully, (v,5)
and emotions addressed (v.7) with an
opportunity for response (v.11)
Ponder
Where do you find a "safe space" and
where do you provide one for others?
Prayer
Soften our hearts to desire to provide and support these `Safe Places` and foster our friendships and attitudes to become known as a safe place.
Reflect where and how these safe places can be enhanced or established in your fellowship.
John 9
that the works of God might be displayed
John 9:3
Thought
Jesus healed a blind man whilst the disciples and officials asked the wrong question! Jesus saw, had compassion revealing His and His Father`s love and offered grace.
Looking at the same scene, the disciples wanted to know answers but not engage in providing Love.
God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Ponder
Following Jesus requires us to love as He loves and become an outlet of grace.
The Blind man now seeing had much to celebrate but neighbours, family and the religious leaders ignored and accused him. Jesus went to find him. Jesus
broke the aloneness he had.
When have you been left to celebrate
or grieve alone?
Think of someone you know who is experiencing life alone currently.
It is not good for the man to be alone
Genesis 2:18
Prayer
Jesus, help me to hear your voice of compassion as I read Your Word, and respond with action to bring your grace into a situation, breaking any sense of aloneness someone feels.
Lord, put that person`s name on my heart now and reveal what you would do that I can follow to bring practical blessing.
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Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15
How might you show Christ`s love to someone who feels alone today?
John 10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full
John 10:10
Thought
Abundant life is Jesus life and character expressed in us and through us by the Spirit.
Hearing Him is critical if we are to follow. His voice is not unclear, but our hearing may be impaired.
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My sheep listen to my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
Ponder
What Christ-like character do you need more of in your life?
In order to serve … I need more humility ...
to be real through dependence and faith in You, the ability to be vulnerable with others and approachable by all.
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Search me O God, and know my heart
Psalm 139:23
Search for sin, for unresolved emotions, for things that distract, for self-centredness. -
and deal with them!
Prayer
Lord strengthen my faith that I might believe and trust you for great things. Help me stand against the thief who would steal and destroy the abundance You freely offer.
Help me to put away those things that prevent me hearing and following You. May I embrace Your thoughts, Your ways, Your ideas.
The Lord came and stood there, calling
as at the other times, ... “Speak, for
your servant is listening.
1 Samuel 3:10
John 11
Thought
Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They were his friends whom he enjoyed spending time with. He comforted people throughout His earthly walk, sometimes identifying their pain to the point of being emotionally involved - He wept. He looked and had compassion. He put into practice Romans 12:15 "Weep with those who weep" which becomes a blessing!
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Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Ponder
Our response to someone in need at times may involve advice, instruction, reasoning or a pep talk. We may minimise the incident and its affect or even spiritualize it, but What would Jesus do? He expressed compassion first.
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When he saw the crowds,
he had compassion on them
Matthew 9:36 & Matthew 15:32
Prayer
Lord Jesus help us to experience your comfort and compassion in out times of need and with that experience help us to show compassion to those you call us to love.
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Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13
Jesus wept
John 11:35
How might you put a pause in your response to someone, and let them experience Jesus` comfort through you?
John 12
Mary took about a pint of pure nard,
an expensive perfume;
she poured it on Jesus’ feet
John 12:3
Thought
Jesus returned to Bethany to be with his friends. He wished to connect because we are created to relate. However he was prepared to challenge and address concerns as they arose. (v 7-8)
Martha served a meal and Mary anointed Jesus.
Jesus comes to serve but He also took time to receive.
Ponder
What is your priority? - people or projects.
Jesus made connecting with people his priority especially his friends and disciples.
How might you put people as priority in your life?
What is your attitude towards giving to and receiving from friends so that relational needs are met? How do you deal with relational problems that need to be addressed?
Prayer
Give thanks for friends who you can be real with and ask God to deepen that relationship as you serve one another with love.
Celebrate your relationship with Jesus, a relationship that draws others to Him and awakens faith and spirituality.
John 13
Thought
This chapter tells what happened at the Passover meal before Jesus was crucified. Jesus was and is completely assured of His identity and relationship with His Father and with us. He longs that we too would know that assurance.
I have set you an example that you
should do as I have done for you.
John 13:15
As Jesus continues to serve us, He calls
us to serve others. It can be embarrassing allowing someone to
wash your feet - dirty, misshapen,
smelly, scarred. Today the Lord has appointed you to be His hands and feet.
Ponder
Jesus speaks your name, interceding for you before the Father right now! How amazing, He brings our prayer, praise and petitions before the Father. Whatever is on our hearts, Jesus himself is with us before God`s thrown.
He always lives to intercede for them
Hebrews 7:25
The command to "Love one another" needs to be demonstrated and practical, to move heart and soul. Our identity is through Jesus` love for us.
What do people observe of your love?
One way is through affirming another person as it is the recognition in another person`s life of God`s grace. In affirmation we validate the Holy Spirit at work within them.
Prayer
make your request known to God
Philippians 4:6
Jesus help me to observe you working
in others through their patience, their grace during tough times, their loving care towards others, ...
and give me opportunities to express
and validate these observations,
affirming their Christ likeness.
God demonstrated His love
by sending Jesus
Romans 5:8
Who could you encourage and affirm today?
John 14
If you really know me, you will
know my Father as well.
John 14:7
Thought
What a final celebration meal! Jesus chose the menial task, one disciple didn`t want Jesus to do so, (wash his feet), another was about to betray him, others argued `who was the greatest`, Thomas questioned, Philip didn`t understand...
It was a melee of relationships.
Knowing Jesus is about knowing the real Jesus, His heart, His call, His relationship, ….
few things are important.. Mary has
chosen what is better, and it will not
be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:42
Ponder
In Jesus` sandals, how would you feel about your friends pre-occupation? Jesus vulnerably shared what was to happen to him, to be met by their reactions.
Recall a time when you have not been listened to or understood. How did you respond?
Allow the Holy Spirit to minister Jesus` loving, compassionate heart to you.
A man of sorrows, acquainted
with grief.
Isaiah 53:3
Prayer
Loving You Lord Jesus empowers me to obey your commands. Help me to have a right view of the Father. One who is not distant, disappointed, or testing but excited to be in relationship with me.
Help us to have a relationships of encouragement and freedom where vulnerability and support are a means of grace and caring involvement to love one another.
If you love me, keep my commands.
John 14:15
Are you aware of having `missed` what a friend may have tried sharing?
Can you express your sadness to them, and seek forgiveness.
John 15
I am the true vine,
and my Father is the gardener
John 15:1
He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches [taking them to Himself] and pruning [& cleansing] every fruitful
branch to yield a greater harvest.
John 15:2 Passion Translation
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Thought
The Passion translation can help to understand the diligent care for the vines, after they have been muddied in a storm. He lifts, cleans, entwines amongst a stronger vine, propping it up away from the dirt. The few twigs too damaged are carefully cut away to ensure an abundant harvest.
There is no fear in love.
But perfect love drives out fear
1 John 4:18
The vines are planted together. Fellowship. Supporting one another.
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Love each other as I have loved you
John 15:12
Ponder
Are you a healthy trailing vine that grows across the trellis where you have been encouraged to grow, or one fallen face down in the mud, needing gentle handling to clean off the mud, help and expertise of the Master Gardener?
He lifts the fallen, washes the unclean, cleans their wounds, touches
the leper, and speaks life to the dead.
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He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Psalm 40:2
Where do you see bonds formed that are an example of Jesus command to love one another?
Who are you bound to and how might this relationship be enhanced? What grace do they exhibit that is a blessing to you? Have you told them? If not, do so and build one another up.
Prayer
Lift me from the muddy path and set me to grow amidst the vines you tend and direct. Thank you I have nothing to fear. You intend me to produce good fruit.
I have called you friends
John 15:15
Praise you Jesus that you have called me a friend and share everything with me. Thank you for this intimacy that provides a blueprint in our relationship with others..
- Abraham - was called God's friend.
James 2:23
What grace does a friend exhibit that is a blessing to you? Have you told them? If not, do so and build one another up.
John 16
Take heart! I have overcome the world.’
John 16:7
Thought
Often we move from sadness to joy which can
at times be intense. Relationship with Jesus through the Spirit provides a belonging as we change and trust in Him. That is a stable place from where we can demonstrate truth rather than defend it, express our renewed character rather than explain it, and impart life rather
than try to impress others. All very practical outcomes to overcome the world!
In me you may have peace...
I have overcome the world.’
John 16:33
Ponder
How well do you sense you belong? Is there freedom to express humility, exercise faith,
and experience intimacy?
Hurt is inevitable and comes from many
sources: illness, accidents, friends, and family.
It takes many forms: disappointment, rejection, embarrassment, frustration, betrayal, sadness, abandonment...
Reflect on how you have been hurt, and find a gospel story where Jesus experienced a similar emotion.
Below are some suggestions...
Prayer
Help me to create a relational inheritance of intimacy that expresses my belonging and belief
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My Father will give you
whatever you ask in my name
John 16:23
Unsupported - Mark 14:32 Mocked - Luke 23:36 Cursed - Luke 23:39 Rejected by family - Mark 3:20-21
Disappointed - John 14:6 Insulted - Matthew 26:6-9 Mourned - John 11:35 Sad - Luke 19:41
Rejected - Mark 6:2 Embarrassed - John 19:23 Not believed - John 20:25 Called names - John 10:20
As you express your hurts to God, recognize how he empathises and identifies with you.
I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, Philippians 3:10
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John 17
This is eternal life: that they know you,
the only true God,
John 17:3
Thought
The emotionally charged Passover meal leads into hearing Jesus praying, in an intense way.
He speaks of eternal life as knowing and experiencing God. It is not yet to be fully attained, but available right now. It takes us away from the mundane day to day, to be in expectant relationship, which together with others meant the world would be changed.
I have given them the glory that you gave me that they may be one as we are one
John 17:22
Glory calls attention to the holiness and the purity of God. Jesus represented the glory, and we have received the call to represent that same type of integrity and holiness. Unity flourishes when we live holy, clean, and pure lives. The dictionary defines integrity as a state of being that is complete or unified. and the Bible reveals that Christ fills the longing of our soul, binds up broken hearts, and makes our life complete. With integrity comes trust and a confidence in fellow believers so each can fulfil their call.
Ponder
What impact does eternal life have on your day to day life? Our life of fellowship together can be a massive evangelistic tool to break isolation, and give true meaning to abundant life.
Consider where our need for love, support, encouragement, and acceptance amongst the fellowship draw others to Jesus?
I pray also for those who will believe
in me through their message
John 17:20
How aware and what is it you see, of glory in yourself and others?
What areas are you aware of within yourself where you need a touch of Christ, so that you
can fulfil his plan for unity in the fellowship that
the world might see? (Patience, faith, tolerance, mercy, grace, self control … )
Prayer
Give thanks for your assurance of eternal life.
Give thanks for the Life you see in others.
Ask Gods Blessing on those you fellowship with and to reveal to you how you can meet their needs effectively.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for
this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:8
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Lord, in response to your prayer, I need more ….. to have greater unity. Change me and let my life be an answer to your prayer.
​
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23
What is Truth?
John 18:38
John 18
Thought
Facts and reality come together in truth but for many it is illusive or based upon an individuals ideals rather than God`s.
Whatever his motive, Pilate asked a question that many have also asked. Pilate was talking to the Truth. He was talking to God in the flesh.
You will know the truth and the truth
will set you free,
John 8:32
But the truth was not setting Pilate free that day, Pilate still had to ask, perhaps flippantly or perhaps sadly, "What is truth?"
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Moral and spiritual truth isn`t so much a concept as it is a person - Jesus Christ. It isn`t something we believe - it is someone we relate to. Truth is a person.
Ponder
Pilate wasn`t asking a philosophical question about truth that day, he was looking at it!
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
To develop God honouring convictions
is to relate intimately to our Lord who is truth.
Take a few moments to consider the amazing, incredible truth that we have been offered relationship with the one
of whom all things are true.
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I think about the incredible privilege of having a relationship with you, the All powerful, Holy One. One who sacrificed himself for me, my heart is filled with … love, joy, gratitude, peace, awe, wonder ….
I am the way, and the truth, and the life
John 14:6
How do you feel to realize that you
have a privilege to know, love, and
be loved by such a friend?
John 19
You would have no power over me if it
were not given to you from above.
John 19:11
Thought
Pilate had earthly authority and expressed his pride that he had power. (To release Barabbas, impose punishment.) Jesus however points towards His Father who has ultimate power in his response to v.9 question. It is the Father who gave him authority for the messianic activity. Jesus responds gently with truth that challenges Pilate that he could not exercise freedom in his power.
Where do you come from?”
John 19:9
Pilate knew what was right, yet afraid to act on his knowledge--convinced in his own conscience that he ought to acquit Jesus, yet afraid to do it lest he displease the accusers. He sacrificed the claims of justice to the fear of men.
Ponder
Roles, position, and authority. How are you perceived in using your power and where
does your authority come from?
The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.
John 3:31
Knowing Truth and right is one thing, but acting on it can expose. How do you respond when faced with opposition?
Prayer
Father God expose poor motives in handling and responding to power.
Help us to serve and express grace
to those we encounter. (Matthew 20:26-27)
We have seen his glory, the glory of the
one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Pray for wisdom where you need to handle truth compassionately.
Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly
John 19:38
Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple and joined by Nicodemus who once had come to Jesus privately by night. As disciples they had received Jesus` sacrificial love. Most of us are recipients of that love through others.
As we embrace this love we are freed
to unselfishly love others.
Recall a time when you were discouraged, misunderstood or in need of an expression of love, and God brought another disciple to support and encourage you. How did they reassure you showing loving commitment so that you were not alone?
Those quiet, confidential opportunities can be greatly valued.
Freely you have received; freely give.
Matthew 10:8
Give thanks for those times when God brought people in your life to encourage, support, reassure and pray with you.
Father God, help us to hear your call to stand alongside another as ambassadors for Christ, so that they are not alone.
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We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,
as though God were making his appeal through us.
2 Corinthians 5:20
John 20
They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.
John 20:9
Thought
Though Jesus had forewarned his friends, they had not grasped his words, nor understood the prophecy in the Torah. Had the disciples embraced His Word, they would have had peace during this time of sadness, fear, and uncertainty. John`s insightful words help us to know where to find peace and hope - in His Word.
Embracing scriptures provide hope, encouragement, and security as we walk with Jesus.
May your word to me be fulfilled.
Luke 1:38
Ponder
How well do you yield to His Word?
The Lord promises to be with us always.
How do you co-operate with the Spirit as He reveals direction for your life? What can you
do to deepen your relationship with God
through the Word?
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Whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:17
Prayer
Seek His help to hear and understand what He wants to share with you about your relationship and life together.
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For everything that was written in the
past was written to teach us, so that
through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement
they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
John 21
Thought
Following His resurrection Jesus appeared to His disciples, encouraging and re-assuring them. Jesus is still making himself known today! It may not be with filled fishing nets, but His presence and witness are clearly being made known.
Follow me
John 21:19
Having met Jesus, He calls us to follow and partner him in and with Kingdom purposes.
Ponder
How does Jesus reveal Himself to you? - through scripture, a testimony, the beauty of nature, during quiet and stillness, through circumstances, … How does He meet and reveal Himself to you?
In following Jesus, consider your unique call and the true testimony you can give.
(John) testifies to these things and who
wrote them down. We know that his
testimony is true.
John 21:24
Prayer
The disciples obeyed Jesus` words and this is our call. Prompt us to "see" you as you reveal yourself to us, and obey your call.
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He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in
John 21:6
Nuggets from John
21 Chapters to ponder God speaking and relating
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The true Shepherd walks right up to the gate, and because the gatekeeper knows who he is, he opens the gate to let him in. And the sheep recognize the voice of the true Shepherd, for he calls his own by name and leads them out, for they belong to him. And when he has brought out all his sheep, he walks ahead of them and they will follow him, for they are familiar with his voice. John 10:2-4 Passion Translation