We’ve made it to some of my very favorite parts of Scripture – the Last Discourse as it’s known, when Jesus prepares his friends for his death and resurrection. In these chapters (roughly 14 to 17), he promises the coming Advocate (the Holy Spirit) four times. He won’t be leaving them as orphans, for the Spirit will come to live in them and be with them. And as we see in today’s text, he goes to prepare a room for them – and for us – in his Father’s house. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.
Not only does Judas betray Jesus, but he knows that Peter will too. How deep Jesus’ love, that he knew what was to come and yet submitted to the abuse and murder, all the while loving and forgiving.
Jesus fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah. He came to bring mercy, not judgment. May we know his mercy this day, that we might receive the eternal life he speaks of.
I love this passage, filled with so many thought-provoking words of Jesus. So many songs have been inspired here – “We Want to See Jesus”; “Walk in the Light”; and the one about the kernel of wheat that Russ Taff sings that I can’t place just now! (Help me out if you can!) Thought for the day – become children of light…
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds welcome him, shouting “Hosanna!” but the teachers of the law continue to plot against him.
Mary anoints Jesus with nard, pouring out her love to him in an act of devotion. Her profession of love met with persecution, however, as the religious leaders keep on with their campaign to eradicate Jesus and now Lazarus too.
The amazing raising of Lazarus from the dead – the “dead man came out” – I love that. And yet it was another sign for the religious leaders to keep their plotting and planning, for they see their power slipping away. But Jesus exemplifies true power.
Jesus knew Lazarus was unwell and yet he stayed where he was until he had died. We know how the story turns out, but imagine Mary and Martha and their fear and confusion. As unmarried women, they would have suffered in many ways with their brother dying, not least the obvious of missing him.
Jesus speaks; Jesus heals; they pick up stones to kill him. We see the pattern again and again in John’s gospel – a sobering reminder of how Jesus is the fragrance of life to one and to another the stench of death.
The words of Jesus. I’m loving spending time each day in John’s gospel, soaking in the words of Jesus. Today we think about the Good Shepherd and the sheep and the thieves who come to destroy. And how we as sheep listen to the Shepherd, for we know his voice. May you hear his voice today.
