The House You're Building

        Orient  John 5:30-47 Jesus continues His discourse to the Pharisees after his healing of the invalid on the Sabbath.  In this last section of that dialog, He shows that His work was “legal” because He and the Father are one and do the same things.  This week, Jesus presents witnesses who validate the truth of His words.  Like a courtroom trial, He logically walks through evidence that shows His words can be trusted.   Introduction I have never had jury duty.  I vote every time I’m able, yet have never been selected to sit on a trial of any duration.  I think I would enjoy the experience because I love the tension of court room scenario movies and books.  Most dramas with this theme tend to climax at certain point where a key witness gives expert testimony, undeniable proof about the guilt or innocence of the accused.  Even better if the opposing counsel is blindsided and justice i...

        Orient   John 5:1-29 This section begins the “festival cycle” of John.  Here we will find a narrative pattern of Jesus attending a Jewish festival and while there, his words or actions create building conflict with the Pharisees.  This is Jesus’s third sign of the 7 in this gospel that point to His authenticity and cause the readers to face who Jesus is.  In this exchange, we find Jesus claiming to be God as He is Lord of the Sabbath.  The focus is on the work He does and how it aligns with the character of His Father.  You will read about roles within the Trinity as well as the power of Jesus to give life.     Introduction If you grew up in a religious household, there were things that were “taboo.”  Public school, smoking, dancing, wearing pants, may have been an unspoken restriction.  It seems to be in our nature to add to God’s law.  People often prohi...