Running toward the tomb

 When Mary brought news of Jesus' tomb being opened, two of the disciples ran to investigate (Jn 20).  They didn't seem to have a full understanding of what was happening but rushed to find out. How eager are we to discover God's plans? Do we rush to learn more about the great God who created us, or do hang back and let others report their findings?

Hosanna

 

Although we all know that the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem ends in His crucifixion. But maybe for one day we could focus on the excitement of the crowd and the beauty of the moment (John 12). This event reminds us of the day when Christ will return and bring us true and lasting peace. What would you hope for most when Jesus returns?

Choosing Rome

Religious leaders believed that Jesus was a threat to the fragile peace arrangements they held with Rome, but they could not move against Jesus without upsetting their followers. The leaders decided to use the politics of Rome to remove Jesus (Jn 18) and ended up declaring that their only king was  king Caesar of Rome. Have you relied on politicians so much that they have begun to take God's place in your life? 

Using power over prayer

 

Jesus did not come to earth with an agenda to force His way or His teachings on others. His methods were in stark contrast to the religious leaders who enforced the law of Moses with political tools such as alliances with Roman leaders. One example is found in John 18, where the religious leaders used Pilate and the Roman law to have Jesus executed. Can you think of ways you might lean on politics over prayer?

Peter's denial and status

 

After denying that he was a follower of Christ (Jn 18), Peter was no longer identified as a disciple for several days. The length of time between Peter's denial and his restoration remind us of the way we might need to sit in uncomfortable places dealing with the consequences of our actions. Are you able to sit in the uncomfortable place of confession of your sins?

What's your wakeup call?

 

When Peter denied Christ, he was given a reminder in the form of a rooster crowing (Jn 18), which caused Peter great sorrow (Matt 26). When we understand our sin it should break our heart, but we can take comfort that God still loves us and will forgive us. 

Jesus reverses His rights

 

When Jesus washed the feet of every guest at a dinner part (Jn 13), he displayed a distinct humility often lacking in our Christian practice. As the Son of God, Jesus deserved to have his feet washed, but he not only deferred that right but also reversed it and washed everyone else's feet. Are you more interested in preserving your rights than in demonstrating Christ-like humility?

God seems to be moving slowly

Christians believe that God is actively involved in our daily struggles, but sometimes He seems very distant and uninterested. For example, when Lazarus was sick, Jesus did not immediately go to him with healing but waited until Lazarus was dead (Jn 11). Jesus was able to demonstrate his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. What pain are you suffering through now? Can God gain greater glory through it?

Jesus and the blind man

When Jesus and his disciples saw a blind man on the street, the disciples saw suffering as a direct result of sin (Jn 9). Jesus declared that no sin had been involved, but redirect the disciples to the idea that God had created the blind man for God's own glory. Are you able to see God's glory in those around you, or are you busy looking for sin?

Where NOT to bring your problems

 When Jesus found a blind man, the religious leaders immediately asked whose sin had caused the man to be blind (Jn9). Jesus answered that sin did not cause the blindness, but the blindness was necessary as a way for Jesus to demonstrate his divinity. When you see someone suffering, do you blame them for some shortcoming, or do you see the miracles God is working through you to help ease the suffering?

The Lord's side

 

Although Christians are united in a unique equality through faith in Christ (Gal 3:26-29), we often create social structures as a way to either dominate others or to demonstrate our perceived importance. Can you think of any ways you may have leaned into pride and thought yourself better than those around you?

Pass the water?

 

Jesus declared that he would give "living water" to anyone who asked for it (Jn 7). The metaphor of refreshment and nourishment seems foreign to modern Christianity which seems more interested in punishing and judging. Are you offering to bring people to the living water, or are you passing judgement instead? 

BePoorNoMore campaign

Christians argue about ministering to those in need of food or other physical assistance. It might be tempting to abdicate caring for either the physical or spiritual needs by focusing on one or the other. Jesus managed to feed over 5000 people and still deliver spiritual teaching (Jn 6). Do you focus on either of the spiritual or physical needs to the exclusion of other needs?

Healing the Nobleman's child

John 4 tells of a 'nobleman' who asks Jesus to come heal his sick child. The nobleman must have been surprised when Jesus asked for nothing in return, and declared the child was now healed. The nobleman demonstrated faith by taking Jesus at his word and not pressing for more details. The man returned to his home to find the child was healed as Jesus said. How can you demonstrate a similar faith?

How much do I trust you?

While professing faith in Christ is the cornerstone of identifying as a "Christian" many of us struggle with what that faith means or how it looks in everyday life. Is our faith as evident as the nobleman in John 4? When Jesus told the nobleman that his son had been healed, the nobleman believed enough to leave Jesus and go his son (John 4). Do have enough faith to trust Christ with your doubts?

Jesus knew her, really knew her

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In John 4, Jesus encounters a woman who had been married several times. Unlike many of us, Jesus did not judge her for her many marriages, and did not implore her to 'sin no more' as he did in other stories. Jesus demonstrated that he knew this woman, really knew her, and was willing to help her. Do you find it easier to judge or get to know those who seem very different? 

Here to condemn you

 

One of the most attractive and amazing themes of the Bible is that the perfectly holy God who created us came to earth to save us instead of to condemn us (John 3). Being a Christian means personally demonstrating this kind of love and care to the world. Are you busy condemning the world, or are you bringing the good news of God's love and redemption?  

Nicodemus seems reluctant

 

The Jewish teacher, Nicodemus, seemed to reject Christ's teaching on the need for a second birth (John 3). The quick dismissal of an obvious metaphor might lead us to believe that Nicodemus wasn't really open to new ideas like those Christ was presenting. Do you find some of Christ's hard to accept?

When change is common

Nicodemas, a religious teacher, seemed confused by Jesus's teachings (John 3). It seemed like Nicodemas was reluctant to accept the radical teachings of Christ and had trouble understanding how to interpret and apply these teachings to his own life. What aspects of Christ's teachings do you have trouble accepting and applying?

Rebuild this temple

Christ told a group of temple officials that He would rebuild the temple that they would knock down, but the temple He was referring to was His own body  (John 2). This statement marked a huge change in how we consider access to God. Christ, as our sacrifice, is now our advocate and the person who provides us an audience with God. How do you approach God? Are you able to find a sacred space in the love of Christ?