Read John 11:1-57 In this passage, Jesus is many things—a fellow mourner, a miracle worker, a sacrificial life-giver. Moreover, raising Lazarus is the pivot point of Jesus’ ministry. This miracle, the last of the seven signs in John’s gospel, is the point of no return. It hardens the religious leaders’ resolve to kill him. The…
Read John 10:1-21 I recently watched a documentary about first century shepherds. I realized how little I previously knew about them. One of the main tasks of a shepherd was to protect his flock from predators and thieves – sometimes at the risk of his own life. During the day, a shepherd could use his…
Read John 9:1-41 “Who sinned?” The question is philosophical, as if the blindman isn’t there to answer. Society’s leaders see a blind man — a beggar, sinner, outsider, bad person. Jesus sees differently. He sees through assumptions and labels. He is Light. In fact, he is the only one who truly sees. Society stumbles in…
Read John 8:1-11 I’d been caught in the act. The underlying anger and bitterness I harbored against all humanity had finally, irrefutably manifested itself. I’d been called out by two co-workers within a week for my attitude in two different situations. I felt like the woman of this passage – dragged to the Temple courts,…
Read John 6:1-15, 27-40 The enormity of this miracle is almost lost on me because I can’t recall a personal experience of such a large gathering. Entering into the story The place where I can enter into this story is smaller. I identify with the boy. He handed his lunch to Jesus only to watch…
Read John 5:1-10 I’ve always had a tough time with those Magic Eye pictures. You’ve probably seen them. You start looking at a regular two-dimensional scene and then try to relax your focus. Suddenly a three-dimensional horse or dragonfly shows up. Everyone in the room exclaims “Oh, I see it now.” Except for me. I’m…
Read John 4:1-42 (7:37-38) If you’ve ever been on a strenuous hike without enough water you’ll know just how distracting it is to go thirsty. It’s all that’s on your mind each step you take! And it’s not like a pain or ache that your body will heal itself. The only thing that will satisfy…
Read John 3:1-21 Each semester I look into the faces of students in my Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare class. I see young adults from 10 or 11 different majors, freshman through seniors from different cultures and political persuasions. I realize I need to know each student to determine the best way to…
