The House You're Building

  Orient  John 16:16-33 In these two paragraphs of John chapter 16, we read Jesus’s last teaching before beginning His high priestly prayer.  His message focuses on His leaving and victory on the cross.  This teaching is connected to the previous part of the chapter [1]  as it is to their advantage if He goes away.  As we typically see in John, at first the disciples don’t understand Him fully and then receive spiritual insight.    Introduction I’m uncomfortable with long goodbyes-- especially when I know the person I’m parting from is someone I won’t see for a long time. It’s hard to put into words the multitude of emotions one experiences: joy from your time spent together, regret that the time has ended, and the longing to see them again.  My husband and I have been blessed with many dear friends and many of them live hours away.  Summer is typically our time to reconnect and it’s hard when we know we won’t se...

        Orient   John 15:18-16:15 This section of Scripture contains more final words from Jesus to His followers after the Passover meal and before His arrest.  The content also outlines challenges we can expect as believers and how the Holy Spirit counters those situations, strengthening us for the hardship to come.  Jesus uses this opportunity to explain why it’s better He leaves to return to the Father.    Introduction It is an exciting scenario to imagine being one of the disciples.  What would it have been like to walk with Jesus, hear His teaching that isn’t recorded in Scripture, hang out with Him and share a private joke or two. Like the apostles, we would be a first-hand witness to all his miracles and see with our own eyes the people He healed and taught.  Every day would be a spiritual high; there would be no limit to the imagination of what God could do. What could bring them down in their fervo...

    Orient  John 13:1-38 Starting in chapter 13, we enter the second section of the book of John.  Through chapter 17, we will be in the “Farewell Discourse.”  In these four chapters, readers get an inside look at the service, teaching, and prayers of Christ in the final hours Jesus spends with His followers before His arrest and crucifixion.  Today’s narrative happens the Thursday of Passion week in the Upper Room.  Jesus uses the symbolism of cleansing to show His followers their need for His sacrifice.  The group of disciples are also cleansed as the betrayer, Judas, is removed from among them.  The servanthood of Christ is highlighted as an example for us.    Introduction I’m what you call low maintenance; I can slap on mascara and Chapstick and be ready to go.  The only beauty service I make time for is a haircut every few months.  I typically do my own pedicures and only go to ...