Repulsive and Magnetic Jesus
The big picture of John 12 shows the two ways that people respond to Jesus. Either He repulses us or we cannot help but be drawn to Him; when He speaks we either hear the simple rumblings of thunder or the voice of an angel.
I AM: The Light of the World
Jesus’ claim that he is the light of the world has huge implications for our lives. As the light of the world, Jesus is the only source of true life and the only way that we are able to be in the presence of a holy God. Finally, Jesus as the light of the world calls us to live in light and truth with each other.
Gentle Justice
Although this familiar passage is often used to deter judgment, what we really see Jesus talking about is grace and obedience. First, the grace that comes from him taking our condemnation upon himself. Second, the obedience that flows from a life marked by this life changing grace.
To Whom Shall We Go?
As Jesus confronts his followers with hard teachings many of them turn back and no longer follow him. It’s much the same for us today. We would rather have truths that we can swallow than the hard discipleship Jesus calls us to. Though difficult we need to see that these truths ultimately free us from our idols.
I AM: The Bread of Life
After feeding over 5,000, Jesus calls out the unbelief of the people who are following him only to have their stomachs filled. Instead, Jesus calls them to believe in him, the bread of life, for eternal satisfaction.
Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection
As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection we are not called to just sit back and observe Christ, but rather to strive to know Him and what his death and resurrection mean in our lives. The power of the resurrection guarantees that we will share in the eternal victory Christ purchased on the cross.
I AM: The Storm
In the storms of life, we too quickly become overwhelmed by the circumstances. We are more afraid of the winds and waves than we are of the God who controls them. Instead of wishing to avoid these storms, we need to see that through them we are being made more like Christ.
King of Your Appetite
In this passage we see how easy it is to view Jesus as king when things are going according to plan. The challenge is whether or not we see Jesus as king when everything is stripped away. When everything is gone do you still find your joy and identity in Christ or is all hope lost?
Miracle of Faith
In the mess of our lives it’s easy to come to God only for healing. In this passage Jesus makes it clear that he cares more about our faith in his ability to save us from our sin than our faith to see miraculous deeds.
At the Well
We all have deep longings to have our needs to met. In his interaction with the Samaritan woman Jesus shows that not only that he cares about these needs, but that he alone can satisfy them.