Christian Author and Speaker
Pharoah, the ruler of Egypt – the enemy of the Israelites – detested the words of Moses and Aaron regarding God’s plan for the Israelites. He referred to their words as lies and told his overseers to “Make the work harder for the people
It’s early, but people are already settling at the beach. Couples open beach chairs and women open their books. Multi-colored umbrellas pop out of the sand in both directions, north and south, as far as I can see.
My NIV translation has sub-titled the beginning of John Chapter 14 “Jesus Comforts His Disciples.”
Thank you, Jesus. I need it – that comfort. Don’t you, friend?
New followers of Jesus Christ are often advised to begin their reading of the Bible with the book of John. I understand why! It’s all about the teachings of Jesus – His ministry – from His baptism through His resurrection and after, 21 chapters in all. Now, as I dig into the 13th chapter, I (and you) have the advantage of looking ahead – knowing what’s coming:
Are you familiar with the Biblical account of Jesus calling Lazarus forth from the grave? It is given in John, Chapter 11.
1Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2(This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.)
If I didn’t know Jesus, I would probably wonder what is wrong with me. You see, I want more. I’m not speaking of riches or fame. I’m speaking of time.
If I didn’t know Jesus, I would always wonder why I am on this Earth for such a short time.
“You must be born again,” Jesus said.
I know people today who shudder at that statement. They don’t like the term “born again.” They think it’s too religious – or too churchy – or too judgmental.
He “needed” to go through Samaria. He could have gone around Samaria – out of the way, like others did, to avoid the dirty, barren route in the middle of a dry, hot day. But he went through Samaria – seeking the woman, the lost woman.
Coffee with Kathi ~ John, Chapter 1
John wastes no time clarifying that Jesus is God in the flesh – the very one who brought grace and truth and blessing after blessing. He refers to Jesus as the One and Only, the Lamb of God, the one who takes away the sin of the world, the Messiah.