John 19
In summary --
This is the story of the crucifixion.
Because the Jewish High Council doesn't have the authority to sentence Jesus to death under Roman rule, they bring him to the Governor for sentencing. Pilate doesn't see any reason to sentence him to death and the Jews have to work hard to convince him that Jesus deserves to die. Rome doesn't care that the Jews are charging him with blasphemy. They don't believe in the God of the Jews. So the Jews say that Jesus claims to be a King and that makes him a threat to Caesar.
Several times, Pilate tries to release Jesus, but he eventually relents and delivers Jesus to be crucified.
My favorite verse --
17 ...and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.
In today's vernacular, we use bearing our cross to mean a burden or struggle we live with. In Jesus' day it meant you were about to be executed in the most brutal of ways. Because the people of the day were familiar with crucifixion, none of the gospels tell of its brutality. When you think of something that is extremely painful, you might describe it as excruciating. That word and its meaning come from the pain of crucifixion.
Something to think about --
If this was the end of the story, it would make for a pretty poor religion to follow. Oh sure, the teachings of Jesus are still good -- except for that eternal life thing. I'm not sure how that works if God is dead and buried. But this isn't the end of the story. In some ways, it's just the beginning...
John <><
Here's a little bonus for you.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
John, Chapter 18
John 18
In summary --
Oh my! There is so much in this chapter!
There is the betrayal of Jesus that led to his arrest, the questioning by the former High Priest, the denial of Peter, the questions from the current High Priest, more denial from Peter, the questioning by Pilate, the governor of Roman Empire, and finally Jesus' declaration that his kingdom is not of this world.
My favorite verse --
36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this world."
Something to think about --
Jesus' kingdom is not of this world.
His servants -- the army of heaven -- would fight to defend him and his kingdom.
As his followers, we are not of this world.
Yes, we live in this world, but we have a far greater purpose than the day to day struggle of living this earthly life.
In the last chapter, Jesus gave us his glory. He said we are one with him and one with God. The army of heaven will defend us. So often we concern ourselves only with the things of this world, but we are eternal beings and not of this world. It is difficult to remember that our purpose may be bigger than our struggles. In the midst of our trials, we often miss the simple ways that we encourage others.
Hang in there.
If you are struggling with something, seek help. If you think this life is no longer worth living, reach out to someone.
If you think you have no one that cares, the suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.
John <><
In summary --
Oh my! There is so much in this chapter!
There is the betrayal of Jesus that led to his arrest, the questioning by the former High Priest, the denial of Peter, the questions from the current High Priest, more denial from Peter, the questioning by Pilate, the governor of Roman Empire, and finally Jesus' declaration that his kingdom is not of this world.
My favorite verse --
36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this world."
Something to think about --
Jesus' kingdom is not of this world.
His servants -- the army of heaven -- would fight to defend him and his kingdom.
As his followers, we are not of this world.
Yes, we live in this world, but we have a far greater purpose than the day to day struggle of living this earthly life.
In the last chapter, Jesus gave us his glory. He said we are one with him and one with God. The army of heaven will defend us. So often we concern ourselves only with the things of this world, but we are eternal beings and not of this world. It is difficult to remember that our purpose may be bigger than our struggles. In the midst of our trials, we often miss the simple ways that we encourage others.
Hang in there.
If you are struggling with something, seek help. If you think this life is no longer worth living, reach out to someone.
If you think you have no one that cares, the suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.
John <><
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Breakfast experiment
By now, most of you know that I am a peanut butter fan!
I use peanut butter on sandwiches the way most people use mayonnaise.
So it got me thinking...
I am also a fan of spicy heat. I have this one hot sauce that is rated 600,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). For reference, jalapeno peppers are 5 to 10,000 SHU. For sandwiches, I put my mayo on the bread (without spreading it out) and then dip a toothpick about halfway into the hot sauce and pull it out. Then I clean the sauce off of the toothpick in the mayo, mix it well and spread it out. That's pretty good for me. It's not too hot, but you will definitely feel the burn.
What if I did the same thing with peanut butter?
One of the advantages of super hot sauces is that because you use so little, you get the heat without adding much flavor. In retrospect, I can't believe I didn't think of this before!
Today's breakfast sandwich: egg, deli ham, pork roast, peanut butter w/Mad Dog 357 sauce on toast.
Oh my!
Spicy hot peanut butter!
I think heaven has just shared one of its secrets with me!
John <><
Warning: When handling hot sauces, always wash your hands before using the bathroom!
I use peanut butter on sandwiches the way most people use mayonnaise.
So it got me thinking...
I am also a fan of spicy heat. I have this one hot sauce that is rated 600,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). For reference, jalapeno peppers are 5 to 10,000 SHU. For sandwiches, I put my mayo on the bread (without spreading it out) and then dip a toothpick about halfway into the hot sauce and pull it out. Then I clean the sauce off of the toothpick in the mayo, mix it well and spread it out. That's pretty good for me. It's not too hot, but you will definitely feel the burn.
What if I did the same thing with peanut butter?
One of the advantages of super hot sauces is that because you use so little, you get the heat without adding much flavor. In retrospect, I can't believe I didn't think of this before!
Today's breakfast sandwich: egg, deli ham, pork roast, peanut butter w/Mad Dog 357 sauce on toast.
Oh my!
Spicy hot peanut butter!
I think heaven has just shared one of its secrets with me!
John <><
Warning: When handling hot sauces, always wash your hands before using the bathroom!
John, Chapter 17
John 17
In summary --
This is a pretty cool chapter. It is often called the High Priestly Prayer. In it, Jesus prays for his disciples. He not only prays on their behalf, but he prays out loud so that they hear him praying for them. Beginning is verse 20, he prays for us -- those that will believe in him!
My favorite verse --
20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word..."
Two thousand years ago Jesus prayed for us and it is recorded in John's gospel. Jesus has given his glory to us. We are one with him and one with God.
That's pretty cool!
Something to think about --
God -- the creator of all things -- loves you!
John <><
In summary --
This is a pretty cool chapter. It is often called the High Priestly Prayer. In it, Jesus prays for his disciples. He not only prays on their behalf, but he prays out loud so that they hear him praying for them. Beginning is verse 20, he prays for us -- those that will believe in him!
My favorite verse --
20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word..."
Two thousand years ago Jesus prayed for us and it is recorded in John's gospel. Jesus has given his glory to us. We are one with him and one with God.
That's pretty cool!
Something to think about --
God -- the creator of all things -- loves you!
John <><
Monday, January 21, 2019
John, Chapter 16
John 16
In summary --
Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for his departure, he promises to send the Spirit to guide them and to help them understand all that he has taught them. He tells them everything he has is of the Father and he is giving it to the Spirit. Although the Trinity is never called the Trinity in the Bible, we see it here -- Father, Son, Spirit -- all connected, all God, separate manifestations of God and yet one person.
My favorite verse --
33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
After Jesus warns them (again) of some of the hardships that are to come, he gives them this verse of encouragement. It is also an encouragement for us and a reminder that we are more than flesh that roams the earth -- we are spirits that live beyond this world.
Something to think about --
When your understanding of the gospel is challenged, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding. When you are troubled by the world (that includes school, parents, friends, life), ask the Holy Spirit for peace.
Students, remember Sunday's lesson. When you are anxious, God will carry your load. God will give you rest. God will give you peace.
John <><
In summary --
Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for his departure, he promises to send the Spirit to guide them and to help them understand all that he has taught them. He tells them everything he has is of the Father and he is giving it to the Spirit. Although the Trinity is never called the Trinity in the Bible, we see it here -- Father, Son, Spirit -- all connected, all God, separate manifestations of God and yet one person.
My favorite verse --
33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
After Jesus warns them (again) of some of the hardships that are to come, he gives them this verse of encouragement. It is also an encouragement for us and a reminder that we are more than flesh that roams the earth -- we are spirits that live beyond this world.
Something to think about --
When your understanding of the gospel is challenged, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding. When you are troubled by the world (that includes school, parents, friends, life), ask the Holy Spirit for peace.
Students, remember Sunday's lesson. When you are anxious, God will carry your load. God will give you rest. God will give you peace.
John <><
Sunday, January 20, 2019
John, Chapter 15
John 15
In summary --
As with the last chapter (and the next two), Chapter 15 is Jesus addressing his disciples.
No miracles, no commentary; just Jesus giving final verbal instruction. He reminds them of what he has been teaching them. He warns them of some hardships to come. He emphasizes that just as he is nothing apart from God, they are nothing without him. If we are in him and he in us, we are with God.
The evidence of being in Jesus is not just what we say; it is what we do, how we act. It is who we are.
There is a (non-biblical) saying about people that brag about themselves all of the time. "A lion doesn't have to tell you he's a lion."
You shouldn't have to tell people that you are a follower of Jesus. They should be able to see it in the way you live; in the way you love.
My favorite verse --
14 "You are my friends if you do what I command you."
I don't have many friends. I know lots of people, but I don't have lots of friends. I imagine that there are people that think of me as their friend and I think of them as a person I know. There are others that I think of as my friend, but they don't think of me as their friend.
But this I know -- I am a friend of Jesus!
Something to think about --
Jesus tells us that if we choose not to live a life of love, then we have no part in him. If we have no part in him, we have no part in God.
Will you love like Jesus loves?
John <><
In summary --
As with the last chapter (and the next two), Chapter 15 is Jesus addressing his disciples.
No miracles, no commentary; just Jesus giving final verbal instruction. He reminds them of what he has been teaching them. He warns them of some hardships to come. He emphasizes that just as he is nothing apart from God, they are nothing without him. If we are in him and he in us, we are with God.
The evidence of being in Jesus is not just what we say; it is what we do, how we act. It is who we are.
There is a (non-biblical) saying about people that brag about themselves all of the time. "A lion doesn't have to tell you he's a lion."
You shouldn't have to tell people that you are a follower of Jesus. They should be able to see it in the way you live; in the way you love.
My favorite verse --
14 "You are my friends if you do what I command you."
I don't have many friends. I know lots of people, but I don't have lots of friends. I imagine that there are people that think of me as their friend and I think of them as a person I know. There are others that I think of as my friend, but they don't think of me as their friend.
But this I know -- I am a friend of Jesus!
Something to think about --
Jesus tells us that if we choose not to live a life of love, then we have no part in him. If we have no part in him, we have no part in God.
Will you love like Jesus loves?
John <><
Saturday, January 19, 2019
John, Chapter 14
John 14
In summary --
Jesus begins in earnest to prepare his closest followers for his death. I'm not sure if they really understood that his "going away" meant he was going to die. I think that understanding came later.
Jesus again emphasizes the need to follow his teaching and to show love. He tells them that loving him is the same as loving God, the Father. He assures them that he will continue to live in them and through them.
My favorite verse --
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Follow Jesus.
Something to think about --
Jesus says (verse 14), "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Unfortunately, many people say they love Jesus, but they either don't know his commandments or they choose not to follow them.
Is it possible to love Jesus and choose to remain ignorant about his teaching?
Is it possible to love Jesus and choose to be disobedient about following his commandments?
Or is it possible that we really don't love Jesus and choose to do our own thing, our own way?
John <><
In summary --
Jesus begins in earnest to prepare his closest followers for his death. I'm not sure if they really understood that his "going away" meant he was going to die. I think that understanding came later.
Jesus again emphasizes the need to follow his teaching and to show love. He tells them that loving him is the same as loving God, the Father. He assures them that he will continue to live in them and through them.
My favorite verse --
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Follow Jesus.
Something to think about --
Jesus says (verse 14), "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Unfortunately, many people say they love Jesus, but they either don't know his commandments or they choose not to follow them.
Is it possible to love Jesus and choose to remain ignorant about his teaching?
Is it possible to love Jesus and choose to be disobedient about following his commandments?
Or is it possible that we really don't love Jesus and choose to do our own thing, our own way?
John <><
Friday, January 18, 2019
John, Chapter 13
John 13
In summary --
If there is a single lesson that followers of Jesus most often miss -- this is it!
Jesus demonstrates complete humility by taking on the role of the lowliest servant and washing the feet of the apostles. Even the apostles themselves miss this lesson and demonstrate that in Acts 6 when they basically say they're too important to serve others.
To make sure that the lesson is not lost on them, Jesus emphasizes his lesson by asking, "Do you understand what I have done to you?"
Jesus tells them they are to humble themselves and serve one another.
My favorite verse --
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
This is more than a command to love one another; it is a command to love the way Jesus loved.
Jesus first demonstrated humble service for them, then he tells them this is how I want you to love.
Something to think about --
Do you love like Jesus loves?
Do you humble yourself to serve others?
Who do you know that models that kind of love?
Or maybe you are more like the apostles in Acts 6 saying, "Find someone else to do that. I've got more important things to do!"
John <><
In summary --
If there is a single lesson that followers of Jesus most often miss -- this is it!
Jesus demonstrates complete humility by taking on the role of the lowliest servant and washing the feet of the apostles. Even the apostles themselves miss this lesson and demonstrate that in Acts 6 when they basically say they're too important to serve others.
To make sure that the lesson is not lost on them, Jesus emphasizes his lesson by asking, "Do you understand what I have done to you?"
Jesus tells them they are to humble themselves and serve one another.
My favorite verse --
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
This is more than a command to love one another; it is a command to love the way Jesus loved.
Jesus first demonstrated humble service for them, then he tells them this is how I want you to love.
Something to think about --
Do you love like Jesus loves?
Do you humble yourself to serve others?
Who do you know that models that kind of love?
Or maybe you are more like the apostles in Acts 6 saying, "Find someone else to do that. I've got more important things to do!"
John <><
Thursday, January 17, 2019
ATC and the government shutdown
For my former co-workers and all of the other 800,000 federal employees that aren't being paid right now the government shutdown isn't about politics. It's about personal finance and family issues. It's about an agreement between employer and employee that is being violated. It's about paying bills, buying groceries, and the everyday things a person does with the pay they receive for a job well done.
Because air traffic control is considered an essential service, my friends are working without pay. In truth, I only know a few of the controllers that are working, but I know the character of a typical controller. I have often described controllers as the most arrogant, egotistical assholes you'd ever know -- ideal for a job that demands perfection! I know that every day they will be doing their jobs to the best of their ability. But ...
Let me ask you something ... What keeps you awake at night?
Unexpected bills?
Financial hardships?
Uncertainty about the immediate future?
Now imagine going to work after another poor night's sleep. It's your sixth day in a row of work because your facility is already short staffed. Some of those days have been 10 hour days.
Air traffic controllers don't get to use sleep meds. Those usually come with a minimum 24 hour medical disqualification. If you need them to sleep, you lose your job.
Figuratively speaking, you can do the routine things in your sleep.
But ATC isn't usually routine. It is problem solving and vectoring aircraft that are moving several hundred miles per hour while climbing and descending through altitudes of other aircraft. Even a moment's inattention can be disastrous.
The United States' air traffic controllers are the best. They move more metal, more safely, than any other system in the world. But adding stress to an already stressed system is dangerous. If you haven't contacted your senators and congressional representative about bringing an end to this shutdown, do it now!
You can find them and their email addresses here.
John <><
Because air traffic control is considered an essential service, my friends are working without pay. In truth, I only know a few of the controllers that are working, but I know the character of a typical controller. I have often described controllers as the most arrogant, egotistical assholes you'd ever know -- ideal for a job that demands perfection! I know that every day they will be doing their jobs to the best of their ability. But ...
Let me ask you something ... What keeps you awake at night?
Unexpected bills?
Financial hardships?
Uncertainty about the immediate future?
Now imagine going to work after another poor night's sleep. It's your sixth day in a row of work because your facility is already short staffed. Some of those days have been 10 hour days.
Air traffic controllers don't get to use sleep meds. Those usually come with a minimum 24 hour medical disqualification. If you need them to sleep, you lose your job.
Figuratively speaking, you can do the routine things in your sleep.
But ATC isn't usually routine. It is problem solving and vectoring aircraft that are moving several hundred miles per hour while climbing and descending through altitudes of other aircraft. Even a moment's inattention can be disastrous.
The United States' air traffic controllers are the best. They move more metal, more safely, than any other system in the world. But adding stress to an already stressed system is dangerous. If you haven't contacted your senators and congressional representative about bringing an end to this shutdown, do it now!
You can find them and their email addresses here.
John <><
John, Chapter 12
John 12
In summary --
Hang on!
Even though we are just past the halfway point in our 21 chapter journey, these last ten chapters cover the last few days of Jesus' life. In these chapters we will see the drama leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection, as well as hear a summary of all that Jesus has taught his followers. Jesus will also warn them of the trials that they will face and the promise of a Helper.
In this chapter we see the divide between those that believe Jesus is from God and those that believe he is a lawbreaker growing deeper. Those that oppose him are creating fear in others so that they also oppose him or are afraid to voice their support of him. Jesus still spreads his message of truth, even though he is shouted down by the religious authorities and their followers.
My favorite verse --
47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
Jesus repeats what he told Nicodemus in chapter 3.
Do not think that ignoring his words is without consequence. The world is already condemned. Following his teaching is the way to salvation. Jesus came to save us.
Something to think about --
In the final days of Jesus' life, people are choosing whether they will follow religion or follow Jesus. As we continue to read, pay close attention to the things that Jesus is teaching in his final days. Are these teachings something you can follow? Is he teaching truth? Does he fulfill the prophesies? Is he the Son of God?
John <><
In summary --
Hang on!
Even though we are just past the halfway point in our 21 chapter journey, these last ten chapters cover the last few days of Jesus' life. In these chapters we will see the drama leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection, as well as hear a summary of all that Jesus has taught his followers. Jesus will also warn them of the trials that they will face and the promise of a Helper.
In this chapter we see the divide between those that believe Jesus is from God and those that believe he is a lawbreaker growing deeper. Those that oppose him are creating fear in others so that they also oppose him or are afraid to voice their support of him. Jesus still spreads his message of truth, even though he is shouted down by the religious authorities and their followers.
My favorite verse --
47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
Jesus repeats what he told Nicodemus in chapter 3.
Do not think that ignoring his words is without consequence. The world is already condemned. Following his teaching is the way to salvation. Jesus came to save us.
Something to think about --
In the final days of Jesus' life, people are choosing whether they will follow religion or follow Jesus. As we continue to read, pay close attention to the things that Jesus is teaching in his final days. Are these teachings something you can follow? Is he teaching truth? Does he fulfill the prophesies? Is he the Son of God?
John <><
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