What Are We To Make of Jesus (John 5:18-47)
The opposition to Jesus from the Jewish religious authorities has reached a high point. They consider the actions and claims of Jesus as blasphemy against the one true God. Who does this carpenter from Nazareth think he is to make these claims? In this passage, Jesus teaches us, just as the scripture plainly explains, that his authority is directly from God the Father. Will we reject this authority? Or will we humbly submit, receiving Jesus and the eternal life he brings?
Simeon's Joy (Luke 2:22-35)
Simeon may be the most overlooked character in the Christmas story. We know nothing about him other than what Luke tells us here. He was a devout man of God who patiently waited for God to come to rescue his people. God promised him he would see this consolation before his death. As he sees the child Jesus for the first time, he is filled with the Spirit and declares that the light of salvation has come. He then prophesies that the salvation this child brings will come at a cost. Simeon models for us what it means to trust the promises of God and to be captivated by a singular vision for the Gospel.
The Shepherd's Joy (Luke 2:8-20)
In this famous Christmas-time passage, we read of the heavenly announcement of the birth of Christ. God chose lowly Shepherds, not kings and princes to announce the birth of the Savior of the world. The news of Christ’s arrival is good news of great joy, dispelling our fears and inviting us in to join the chorus of the angels in giving glory to our gracious God. The gospel (Literally “good news”) is Jesus himself- the savior who is Christ the Lord.
He Must Increase (John 3:22-36)
In this passage, followers of John the Baptist become distraught at the increasing popularity of Jesus compared to the diminishing influence of their own ministry. John responds by reminding his disciples that it’s all about the exaltation of Jesus. He not only accepts the increasing popularity of Jesus, he humbly delights in it. In doing so, he shows us a foundational truth for Christian living: When Christ gets the glory, we get the joy.
You Must Be Born Again (John 3:1-21)
In this passage Nicodemus, a respected religious leader comes to Jesus by night to discuss his identity. Jesus's response teaches us one of the most fundamental truths of Christianity: we must be born again or we cannot see the Kingdom of God. What does Jesus mean by this? How is one born again? What does this have to do with each one of us? This new birth is a miracle of God wrought in us by his Spirit. Reflecting on the doctrine of regeneration leads us to gratitude for the gift of salvation.
The Better Temple (John 2:13-25)
In this passage, we see one of the most shocking accounts of Jesus' life and ministry. Did Jesus actually get so angry that he drove merchants out of the temple with a whip? Yes, he did. And his words following this event are even more staggering. Not only is Jesus zealous for true worship; he also refers to himself as the temple; the place of true worship. As we study this passage, we see that true worship doesn’t primarily happen in a place but through the person of Jesus Christ.
The Better Wine (John 2:1-11)
In this passage, we look at the first sign of Jesus; turning water into wine at a wedding banquet. Jesus not only miraculously provides wine; he gives the best wine to those at the banquet. What does this sign tell us about the person and work of Christ? What does it tell us about our situation of need? Studying this passage helps us answer these questions. And a closer look shows us how this miracle reveals the glory of Jesus and the overflowing joy found only in him.
Behold The Lamb of God (John 1:19-34)
In this passage, we are introduced to the ministry of John the Baptist. The Old Testament scriptures told of one who would come to prepare the way for the Messiah. John was clear about his purpose: to point others to the coming Jesus. When Jesus arrives on the scene, John uses clear Old Testament imagery to identify Jesus, calling him the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. John then willingly fades into the background as Jesus begins his earthly ministry.
God With Us (John 1:14-18)
In this passage, John tells us that the glorious Christ he has written about in previous verses has arrived. Jesus is God in the flesh; God revealed to us. Every human heart experiences a longing for the fullness of joy and satisfaction. John tells us that from the fullness of Jesus we have all received grace upon grace. John wants us to not only recognize who Jesus is but also to receive the fullness of grace that he has to offer us.