In verses 35-36 Jesus is indicating that his light has been shown by his words and actions on earth. We are to make the most of his light for our lives. If we neglect it and lose our way, we will stubble about in the darkness. It is a familiar theme throughout his ministry (Cf. John 11:9-10). But these people had rejected Jesus' light. It was fitting therefore that Jesus departed and was hid from them.
Read MoreIt is important to belong to a community of believers who encourage one another in this mission of inviting others and making a difference in the world.
Read MoreJesus came to the home of Martha, Mary & Lazarus at Bethany.
Bethany was one of the authorized towns that numerous Passover pilgrims could stay at.
We were struck by the loving welcome given to Jesus by this family.
Martha served, Lazarus gave table fellowship and Mary anointed Jesus' feet with very expensive perfume.
The thief and later betrayer, Judas Iscariot, did not give a loving response.
Jesus defended Mary as the anointing was a fitting gesture for his burial.
Jesus made the point that we always will have the poor but not his physical presence.
This is an extra inspiration for us to help the poor .
The raising of Lazarus forced the Pharisees & Chief Priests into action.
They feared Jesus would gain such a following that the Romans would brutally intercede.
But they feared really for their own comfortable lifestyle, power and position.
Unwittingly the chief priest prophesies Jesus's death would be for the benefit of all God's people.
he sisters message was simply "Lord, he whom you love is ill".
Their expectation was that Jesus would immediately come to his aid.
But Jesus delayed leaving the Jordan for two days.
Jesus would bring Glory to God by raising Lazarus from the dead.
Christ’s ministry is superior to that of Aaron because, firstly, He ministers in a superior place. The magnificence of the heavenly sanctuary is infinitely better than the tabernacle of Moses, the Temple of Solomon, or any place on earth where God’s glory was made manifest. Notice that our author calls this heavenly sanctuary “the true tabernacle” (Heb 8:2). Those who are familiar with the writings of the Apostle Paul might hear in these words the faint echo of “things which are seen are passing away, but the things which are unseen are eternal.” Secondly, because while Jesus partook of our human nature, he did not partake of our sin.
Read MoreJesus was challenged by the Jews to declare who he was. Jesus replied that he had already stated this, but they did not recognize his voice because they were not his sheep (v.26), a terrible eternal indictment of them. Then Jesus makes the following declarations about himself and his Father:
Read MoreJesus has the power to lay down his life for the sheep.
He also has power to take it up again from the tomb.
He laid down his life willingly for our sake.
His resurrection proves all he claimed was true.
Because Jesus rose, so will we also.
We are a guaranteed people who live this life with the utmost confidence. We are a community who knows the favour of God. Each one of us brings unique gifts, talents, capacities and passion and together as the body of Christ, we make a difference in the world for the sake of the Gospel.
Read MoreWhat a brave soul the blind man was to stand up to the corrupt Pharisees, knowing that he would in all likeliness, be “cast out”. That is he was excommunicated from the synagogue and society. Yet his eyes were opened both physically and spiritually, unlike the Pharisees, who chose to remain blind to Jesus and his teaching. Moreover, although uneducated and untrained, he was alert to the basics of true religion and this infuriated the Pharisees. He is a great example for us to follow. He opens our eyes that we can all testify to the truth of Jesus in our own words.
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As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13
This means that every single moment we are parenting our children, the heavenly Father is also parenting us.
Read MoreJesus stated v.56 that "Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day".
Some see this in Gen. 12:3; 15:8-21; 22:1-19.
But really it is enough that Jesus states this.
The Jews dispute that Jesus is greater than Abraham.
Then Jesus declares "before Abraham was I AM".
The Jews attempted to stone Jesus but he hid himself and went out of the Temple.
Jesus explains he is also the light of life. Jesus is the very light of God come among men; and Jesus is the light, which gives people life. A flower can never blossom when it never sees the sunlight. So our lives can never flower with the grace and beauty they ought to have until they are irradiated with the light of the presence of Jesus Christ
Read MoreIn Church, you should have daughters and sons but as an older generation, it is your responsibility to move first into motherhood. And because of this, in Church, you should have mothers. The natural and right response is to embrace mums! The Church is a place where woman are called to practice motherhood. Motherhood should be obvious, experienced and celebrated.
Read MoreMy mother was capable, always made things look easy. Nothing was too hard. She knew the value of being a mother even when things were bleak, difficult or meaningless. She had a higher calling. Her God-given job as a mother was important.
I think of my mum as being sacrificial, selfless, caring, loving, mentor, guide and advice giver (even when not wanted), protector, shelter (through the storms of life), giving, and faithful in prayer.
Every time you say no to temptation and no to sin, you make a sacrifice. Every time you say yes to generous giving and giving up your time and resources to serve others, that is a spiritual sacrifice. Every time your actions 'cost' you something here on this earth, that is a sacrifice of spiritual consequence. So because of this, as ones who belong to this holy priesthood, what have a different value system and thought process about 'land' and 'wealth', We realise that for us, Jesus is our share, Jesus is our portion and our inheritance.
Read MoreThe people knew that the authorities intended to kill Jesus. Earlier they declared him to be demon-possessed for expressing such thoughts! The Messiah was identifying himself as Saviour, yet the people refused to be saved. The opposition attempted to arrest Jesus. But their plans failed as his time had not yet come. The religious leaders were breaking the very laws they professed to uphold
Read MoreThink about a time when a new person entered into your world, someone who did not know you or your previous work or accomplishments. Someone who did not value your skills or experience or even desire to find out anything about you. The favour or history you have enjoyed, and perhaps rightfully so, disappears before your eyes.
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One day when I was riding in the back of the car beside my baby girl watching her staring up at me - again - constantly, it struck me. This is how Jesus wants us to look at him. Staring. Without blinking. It’s not rude. It’s not awkward. It’s a child looking up at its parent with total trust, a feeling of total comfort, confidence and reassurance.
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