The House You're Building

        Orient  John 12:1-50 This chapter is the last section in the first part of the book: signs that point to Jesus as Messiah.  This chapter extends the events of chapter 11, the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  Structurally it contains narrative sections as well as speeches from Jesus about Himself.  Chronologically, the week before the final Passover feast in John, where Jesus will ultimately be crucified is detailed.  Mary’s anointing happens 6 days before Passover, and the triumphal entry, 5 days etc. so the reader can easily follow along.  A common occurrence in John, division among the people is present as they argue about the identity of Jesus and the Pharisees continue to plot a way to eliminate Him.     Introduction What do you love the most?  In my early 20’s in a sermon on idolatry, my pastor said you could determine what was important to a person by looking at their cale...

Orient  John 11:1-57 Today’s narrative highlights Jesus healing of a dear friend, not a stranger.     What makes this story unique is that Jesus intentionally allows His friend Lazarus to die so He could show His resurrection power.     Previous in John, Jesus has stated that some suffering is allowed to glorify God, which seems to be the case here.     Themes from chapter nine emerge again using day as a symbol of the opportunity to do the work of God and the looming threat of death as Jesus returns to Jerusalem.     Highlighted in this section is the emotion and intention of God regarding His intervention in the events in our lives as well as the response of the people we see to this great miracle of resurrection.     At the end, we read about a prophecy from the high priest regarding the sufficiency of the pending sacrifice of Jesus for His people. This chapter ends the first major section of John, where signs are used to validat...