In the epilogue to John’s gospel, we see Jesus’ interaction with Peter, which teaches us 3 things: 1) the ultimate question for the Christian is, “Do you love Jesus?”; 2) Love for Christ manifests itself in love for his people; 3) We too can be restored to Jesus by his grace when we falter and…

The fact of Jesus’ resurrection was central and pivotal to the earliest Christians. They, and all Christians after them, believe that Jesus’ resurrection is not just a myth or inspiring story, but a fact of history. In this climactic chapter of John’s gospel, we see Jesus’ resurrection appearances to the first witnesses of it. We see…

The crucifixion of Jesus is a central aspect of the Christian faith. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross for their sins. In John’s account of the crucifixion, we see 1) The Glory of the Cross, 2) The Suffering of the Cross, 3) The Finality of the Cross, 4) The Love of the Cross, and 5) The Grace…

In this passage, Jesus is handed over to Pilate for questioning and his trial before the Roman authorities. We see 1) The Hypocrisy & Hardness of the Religious Leaders, 2) The Weakness of the Strong, and 3) The Strength of the Weak. 

Most of us can see ourselves in Peter’s denial of Jesus – perhaps more than we’d like to admit. But, we can learn from Peter’s story – finding both warning and hope in it. In Peter’s story we are warned of the danger of spiritual pride, and we are warned of the danger of the…

Betrayal is a uniquely hurtful experience because it comes not from an enemy, but from a friend. In fact, the closer the friend, the greater the hurt of betrayal. In the story of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, we see Jesus’ friendship and kindness towards Judas, while Judas only continues to harden himself in his plan. All…

How do you know what Jesus wants for you? How do you discern his priorities for your life? How do you discover what he wants to see happen in and through you? One way is to look at what he prays for you. John 17 provides us with the privilege of being able to listen…

In this passage of Jesus’ “Farewell Discourse”, he continues to prepare his disciples for his departure. He assures them of something very good (that they have friendship with Jesus), warns them of something somewhat bad (that they should expect the hatred of the world), and promises them something needed (the help of the Holy Spirit). For…

In the last of Jesus’ “I Am” statements, he compares himself to a vine, and his disciples to the branches. All who abide in him will find life and fruitfulness. All who do not abide in him will find death and judgment. Abiding in Jesus is 1) Essential, 2) Total, 3) Constant, 4) Spiritual. It results…