Arise and Abide

Reading from The Gospel According to John 11:45-54 (NLT) ~The Plot to Kill Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Pharisees are no longer divided about Jesus and plot to kill Jesus for their own self-preservation. Their words were seen as efforts of self-preservation, but they actually prophesied was salvation for all. The accounts of Jesus engaging humanity gives us a picture, He holds up a mirror revealing what is going on in the hearts of people, and our own.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 11:28-44 (NLT) ~The Raising of Lazarus Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion reflecting on the “if only” mindset. Anger followed by sadness, followed by anger showing grief. God’s perspective and our perspective, living with an eternity mindset. God sees the outcome, morning and grief will come in the space between now and then, but we know that God hears us and always answers prayer though it may not look like our expectations.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 11:14-27 (NLT) ~The Raising of Lazarus Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ intention on being late for the sake of the disciple’s faith. The surreal reality of following the Messiah. Following Jesus through death and the reassurance of His teaching.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 11:1-13 (NLT) ~The Raising of Lazarus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The death comes, but that is not the end. Leading up to the most miraculous works and signs of Jesus’ identity. The lingering threat from the leaders. The Twelve Hours of Daylight. Words of encouragement and warning. The event and the metaphor.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 10:32-42 (NLT) ~Jesus Claims to be the Son of God Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus persistently delivering the truth to people who were blinded by their desire for a political leader.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 10:22-31 (NLT) ~Jesus Claims to be the Son of God.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus engaging the crowd that confronted Him about His identity. The fruit of the Messiah is love, the fruit they were looking for was war. The messiah they were looking for was not coming.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 10:11-21 (NLT) ~The Good Shepherd and His Sheep Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus contrasting Himself with those who do not point others to Jesus. The shaking. Recognizing the Voice. The Holy Spirit, living in us, uses us to bring people to Jesus.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 10:1-10 (NLT) ~The Good Shepherd and His Sheep~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus’ sheep, recognizing His voice and distinguish the other voices. Recognizing that the thieves are just outside the fence trying to get in. Processing every voice through the filter of God’s Word.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 9:35-41 (NLT) ~Spiritual Blindness~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at God looking for us to trust Him. The judgement Jesus brings reveals God’s heart for His creation and His people. Judgement of Innocence.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 9:13-34 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the picture of Humanities stubbornness and faithfulness of God to continue to reveal the Truth. The blind man’s testimony before the Pharisees and standing firm in the truth and his true identity even in the face of power.