In John 20:1-18, we see the empty tomb turn failure into faith and the risen Jesus turn weeping into dancing. And the personal appearing of Jesus to Mary Magdalene teaches us about this radical new Kingdom of God.

At the cross in John 19:23-42, our eyewitness author John is eager to show us this agonizing sacrifice fulfills all the plans of God, was an actual physical death, and means the greatest work of God has been completely accomplished.

In John 19:1-22, at the trial and execution of Jesus, the religiously devout side with a foreign emperor claiming to be a god, revealing how twisted our sinful desires can be, and just how marvelous the work of the cross is.

In a world full of kingdoms built on spin, self-protection, self- serving pragmatism, and lies, in John 18:19-40 Jesus reveals a kingdom not of this world, one built on the clear declaration of reality, self-sacrifice, serving the greater good, and truth.

In John 18:1-27, in the wake of His betrayal and arrest, Jesus sets His face unfazed in the sight of failing disciples and feckless authorities. Peter also fails miserably. His story is one of hope for all failures today.

John 17 give us Jesus' longest recorded prayer. In it He prays for His final work, for His disciples, and for you. On the forefront of His prayer is our unity and the mission we have inherited from Him.

In John 16:4b-33 with His crucifixion near, Jesus again describes the vital role the Holy Spirit will play in His disciples’ lives and ministry, and how His victory will lead their sorrow to turn into joy. The reflection gives us an opportunity to think upon our own current racial unrest and find hope to move forward.

In John 14:15-31 Jesus comforts His disciples with the news that when He leaves He will send someone to us, One who is for us a present advocate, counselor, and helper.

In John 14:1-14, Jesus begins to comfort the eleven remaining disciples with the knowledge that His coming departure will mean good news for them in eternity and in their future witness, because He alone is the way to God. This week we explore that good and comforting news for our current time of distress.