There are so many character traits we can learn and apply from the life of Jesus. This week’s reading highlighted Jesus’ ability to be confident in the mist of adversity. As you review ways Jesus exuded confidence, think about the same power that lives inside of you.
Read MoreI thought I was good at submitting to God. I might have even prided myself on it. But then I had kids. As of this writing, I have two kids, who are seven and three years old. The authority in my house is well established with the parents. Still every decision, every word, and every bedtime is questioned! It’s as if each night they are surprised that we are once again going to march upstairs for our bedtime routine. The authority has been established and also must be reinforced multiple times every day.
Read MoreWhat stands out to me in this story is how the people’s assumptions and pre-conceived ideas about the Messiah completely blind them to the truth that was right in front of them. The very thing they were waiting for was right there, and they didn’t even see it. So many of them were convinced they knew exactly how the Messiah would arrive, or where He would come from – I’m sure, a mixture of their understanding of scripture and assumption. The problem, in this instance, was they held their own traditions and version of the story so closely, they couldn’t receive the TRUTH when it was with them.
Read MoreWhether they knew it or not, “Who do you say that I am?”, was the question that everyone was trying to answer about Jesus in this passage of scripture (Matthew 15:16, ESV). What we observe is a spectrum of answers. “He is a good man.” “No, He is leading the people astray.” “But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where He comes from” (John 7:12, 27, ESV). Favor, opposition, and ambiguity were the overlapping conclusions among this conversation of the masses.
Read MoreAt the time of the events in John, chapter 7, some time has passed since the miracle of the loaves, and the Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles was near. People would be flocking to Jerusalem for this annual spiritual rite. Tents would be set up around the city to commemorate Israel’s sojourn in the wilderness.
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