Hebrews: Mathein and Pathein

Greek writers often paired the words mathein (to learn) and pathein (to suffer) together, because not only did they sound alike, it was accepted in antiquity that learning came through suffering.

Gospel of John: The Arrest

It fascinates me that in the moments before Jesus was bound and led away, he healed one of his captors. What does loving one's enemies look like? Well, like that, probably.

Gospel of John: Peter’s Sifting

Each one of us must decide: will it be the sword or the cup? Will I resist God's will or embrace God's will? The cup usually involves suffering, but the suffering ultimately leads to glory.

Gospel of John: Prayer in Gethsemane

Jesus was in full command of all that would happen. It was by the plan of redemption, written before the foundations of the earth, that Judas stood there now, and that Jesus would step forward.

Gospel of John: Handed Over

Jesus never lost his composure. He had command of himself, making measured decisions all along the way, to be gracious, to speak with authority, to have confidence that Godโ€™s plan was unfolding exactly as designed.