John 12 - It is a rare and beautiful moment when our affection for Jesus matches the value of Jesus. Mary’s anointing of Jesus is one such moment. Unaware that it is just days before Jesus’ death, Mary expresses her love for Jesus so lavishly that it not only filled the room, it challenged hearts. Do we express our love for Jesus in such a way as to fill the room and challenge hearts?
John 10:1-21 -In John Chapter 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. Not only does Jesus lead and protect His sheep, He'll even die for them. That's one hardcore shepherd. But Jesus also teaches that there are plenty of other voices calling for our attention. What will it take to follow His one voice?
Malachi 3:10 - God says, “See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Consider all the places that claim to meet our needs - all-you-can-eat restaurants, unlimited service cell phones, lifetime subscriptions. Where does church land on that list? What’s it worth to top such a list? God is our one test.
Malachi 3:11 - God says, “I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe.” Doesn’t that sound great? Think of all the organizations that say they’ll protect us - government agencies, health organizations, security companies. Where does the church land on that list? What’s it worth to top such a list? God is our one shield.
Malachi 3:12 - God says that nations will call us blessed because we “are a delightful land.” Think of all the places your friends love to go - Disney World, Redskins games, NASCAR to name a few. Where does church land on that list? What’s it worth to top such a list? God has our one blessing.
John 9:1-41 - John Chapter 9 recounts one of the most bizarre healings of Jesus' ministry. Perhaps even more confounding is the debate among the religious leaders that follows. Was the healing itself a sin? Did the healing even happen at all? Who does Jesus think He is? Yet all those questions pale in comparison to the big question – the one Jesus is asking: "What do you see?"
John 8:1-11 - Jesus’ teaching has been claiming higher levels of authority. His popularity grows. This has created a widening chasm between Him and the Jewish leaders. Finally Jesus is confronted with a situation designed to force Him to define Himself. Is He a prophet of the Law or a Prophet of the people? One stone will decide.
John 7:14-36 - Jesus has made it clear that He’s the Son of God and is doing the will and work of the Father. Jesus has impressed all with His teaching and signs, and yet the people remain unmoved in their willingness to listen to and follow Him. Jesus then reminds them, and us, that before our minds can be convinced to obey Christ, our hearts must be willing – willing to accept His authority and relinquish the glory for ourselves.