7/21/20 – In today’s reading, Jesus describes himself as the gate to a sheep’s pen, the gatekeeper to a sheep’s pen, and the good shepherd to the sheep. To us this seems like a strange image to draw upon but for those hearing at the time they would have understood what Jesus was comparing himself to. There is a ton here to unpack but in short, Jesus is saying that HE alone will call, protect and lead his followers and that the religious leaders have no real authority over his sheep. In fact, they are like thieves trying to take his sheep by force. This understandable divides those who heard and angers the religious leaders who view themselves as authorities by God to lead the people. This is yet another moment where Jesus shares a vision of hope for the lost and of conviction for the proud and self righteous. Jesus is the GOOD shepherd. He is good and he is good in shepherding those who follow Him towards true freedom, joy and purpose in Him.

7/16/20 – In today’s passage, we pick back up from where we left off yesterday after Jesus had met his disciples in a boat on the water on the way to Capernaum. Many who had seen Jesus multiply bread and fish and were fed followed him over there with eagerness to see what he would do next. Jesus almost immediately points that many have already missed the point of what he is doing. They are stoked on what Jesus has to offer in the tangible sense, like a good meal, but don’t see how that is a sign pointing to who He is and what He is actually offering, that is abundant and eternal LIFE in Him. Jesus in a typical Jesus way uses a seemingly strange analogy of himself as the “bread of life” to be consumed. In that, Most everyone hears and is confused because they don’t yet understand the inevitable future of Jesus dying on a Roman cross and being raised to LIFE for the salvation of all who would believe. It’s interesting because In this Jesus also is making a comparing himself to the bread (or manna) that God provided for Israel in the wilderness for 40 years. The bread that kept them alive but also caused many to complain and ask for something better or different. In the same way, Jesus claims to be the ultimate “BREAD OF LIFE”. Some continue following Jesus in faith, others leave to look for something different, maybe another Rabbi that will fulfill their wishes and tell them what they want to hear

7/18/20 – In Today’s passage, we get a picture of the days after the festival and the controversy surrounding Jesus continuing to build. Jesus continues to display the hypocritical hearts of the Pharisees and religious leaders while in some ways forcing them to make a decision on whether they believe him or not. Their hearts are hard and they continue to grow in bitterness and look for ways to get rid of Jesus before he stirs up more among the people. Today’s passage begins with a story of a woman caught in an intimate relationship with someone other than her husband. Now if your looking at your bible you may notice a footnote at the bottom mentioning that this story was not found in any of the earliest manuscripts. That doesnt mean it didnt happen but there is some uncertainty of whether or not this was in the original writings of John. None the less, the story displays Jesus’ compassion for the broken and marginailezed and his gracious response provides an interesting framework for what Jesus came to do. To save sinners – not those trying to be righteous in their own strength. Take note of the consistency in Jesus claims about himself and how others respond around him.

7/16/20 – In todays passage, John tells of Jesus showing up at in secret to teach at the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles, which is traditional a time to acknowledge the 40 years the Israelites spent in the wilderness after being freed from Egypt before God ultimately lead them into the promise land. John writes nothing by accident so there could be an interesting parallel here. With that, this festival seems to be turning point, where th buzz about Jesus and who he claims to be is starting ramp up and everyone is starting to have an opinion. As we read, take note of the differing opinions and feelings towards Jesus and how he responds?

7/15/20 – In today’s passage, Jesus continues with more signs and amazing displays of power all pointing to his ultimate purpose – To bring true abundant LIFE to anyone who would believe now and forever. In that, at this point in John’s account, we begin to see different reactions to Jesus’ abundant generosity and power. We see some react with fear or confusion, others with passion to use Jesus for political purposes, and some – they just want to eat. But time and time again Jesus is reframing for them what is true about Him and what it means that He is the Messiah, the God in the flesh , the Savior of the world

7/12/20 – Today’s reading is a Psalm of Praise. The word praise literally means to outwardly proclaim honor and affection. The people of God would sing or recite these Psalms as worship and to remind one another of who God is and his steadfast love and faithfulness. Notice the many examples the Psalmist gives of God’s faithfulness to the people of Israel as well as analogies pointing to God’s continual involvement in the world through his creative work and provision. For us, as God’s covenantal people in Christ we can meditate on this Psalm as a way of remembering God’s character, goodness and faithfulness to his people. He is worthy of our praise and as the Psalmist proclaims – “may our praise be pleasant and fitting

7/7/20 – “In today’s reading, we are introduced to John the Baptist, the one whose purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus and to point others to trust and follow Him as teacher and LORD! As John shares his message about Jesus, people begin to make claims about who they think Jesus is. As we read, take note of the different names or titles that are assigned to Jesus and what John may be communicating”

7/6/20 – The gospel according to John is just that, John’s eyewitness account of the good news of Jesus. He lays out a presentation of why Jesus is the long awaited Messiah and that true LIFE is found in Him. In today’s reading, he begins with a poem of sorts that references back to the beginning (an obvious parallel to Genesis 1) – and presents a beautiful picture of Jesus as the eternal WORD of God, WORD is the embodiment of someone’s mind and will. Jesus is the ultimate clear embodiment of God and John uses this poem to creatively introduce this reality of who Jesus is.

7/5/20 – Join us as we set aside unhurried time to be with God through the study of scripture and in prayer. This month we are studying the Gospel according to John!

Daily Scripture Reading by Trevor Lawrence