From death to life
Jesus describes his coming suffering and death to his disciples in a very honest way and even admits that it scares him. Yet, his determination to bring glory to God’s name is far greater than his fear of what’s to come.
Why do you believe in Jesus?
Belief in Jesus is no longer a given. Why do we believe in Jesus? This is a foundational question that each of us should be able to answer. Our gospel reading provides some direction as we consider this simple, yet challenging question.
The Cross, the Crux, and the Call
As we continue on our Lenten journey of repentance, we are faced with quite a challenging word. As Jesus explains the path of suffering ahead for him and asks the disciples to follow him straight into the furnace, Peter’s response of confusion reveals something about the human heart.
Baptism, Wilderness, and Repentance
During these forty days of Lent, may you hear Jesus’ call to repent not as a threat, but with the promise of forgiveness that he will make possible for us on the cross.
Good grief
Martha has been grieving the death of her brother for the last four days by the time Jesus finally arrives. It’s not hard for us to identify with her grief, since we grieve in many ways as human beings.
True worship
This is quite a long conversation that covers a range of topics, so we can’t cover everything here. The key question for us here is, “What is true worship?”
Born again
Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus is one of several in-depth conversations recorded in John’s gospel, and it is a very important one.
The place of piety (Jn. 12:1–8)
Whether you think you’re a pious person or not (or whether you think that other person is too pious or not), God still speaks and acts.
The two sons (Lk. 15:1–3,11b–32)
Whether we’re rebellious or whether we’re prideful, God has enough grace to come out and invite us into his kingdom. He comes out to us in our baptism, through his body and blood, and by his Word.
Another chance (Lk. 13:1–9)
A fruit tree that doesn’t bear fruit deserves to be pulled up. Not only does God keep us in the ground for another year – he gives us the most precious gift under heaven: his only Son.
Transforming power (Ph. 3:17—4:1)
Paul points to Christ as the one who is transforming us and bringing all things under his authority. What does that mean for us?
The bread of life (Jn. 6:25–35)
Have you been searching without finding? Look no further. Jesus is here.