In this twenty minute talk, we’ll first follow Mary through the years she was a student and supporter of Jesus, then we will spend most of our time in the Garden with Mary at Christ’s empty tomb, and end with a deeper understanding of ourselves as members of the Body of Christ. Continue reading Mary of Magdala
After John’s chiasm come seven vignettes that describe the crucifixion of Christ. This is the segue. Continue reading Gospel of John: A Street Called Straight
Jesus received from Martha that night, and he received from Mary. Both worshiped in their ways, giving the Lord a rare blessing. In their working together, supporting each other, Martha and Mary’s love and honor to Jesus was multiplied. Continue reading Gospel of John: A Tale of Two Sisters
Faced with the same evidence, some were moved to belief, and some were hardened in unbelief. And yet God’s purpose for Messiah still advanced. Even with free will, no person can alter God’s divine plan. As one commentator put it, Nothing people can do will thwart or alter the sovereign will of God, and nothing God does ever sets aside the free choice of people. Continue reading Gospel of John: Emergency Council Meeting
It is God Who creates new life within you and me, Jesus calls us by name and brings us out of death and into new life. Then God calls others to come help us unwind the old life from ourselves, all the things that had bound us in death. Continue reading Gospel of John: Lazarus! Here! Outside!
Faith involves doing hard things. And obedience to God reflects belief in God and God’s word. Martha would have to put her belief on the line in front of her sister, in front of all those religious dignitaries, in front of all their extended family and people who had come down from Jerusalem. Continue reading Gospel of John: Belief on the Line
Each change is loss of what was as we move into what is, and face what it seems must be. Continue reading Gospel of John: Jesus Wept
[In the Greek] Though Martha’s voice had leaned more heavily on the final catastrophe of death itself, Mary spoke from the devastation of personal betrayal, her voice leaning on the connection of her brother, the unspoken meaning clear: you said you loved me, and he was my brother. Continue reading Gospel of John: Martha’s Faith
What God does is always a reflection of God’s character and in keeping with God’s glory, and all this is displayed in the lives of every believer.
Those who believe God see God’s glory in everyday circumstances. Continue reading Gospel of John: Grave Illness
We might have heard other people tell us to “take it to Jesus” and now we are wondering just exactly what does “taking it to Jesus” mean? Continue reading Gospel of John: Faith on the Line
