Jesus Changes People

Matthew begins his biography of Jesus with a genealogy. Although a genealogy seems like something we should skip, it’s surprising who we find listed in Jesus’ family tree. It’s also amazing that Matthew didn’t hesitate to include some of these individuals. From those he includes, we’re provided a great reminder that no one is beyond the grace of God. Matthew, unlike John, further shares the details concerning Jesus’ birth. However, he also includes that Jesus’ birth causes Herod to have every boy two years old and under killed in Bethlehem. This and many other details in Matthew’s account help us see that Jesus’ birth involved real people with very real hardships.

Passage: Matthew 1-2

Support the show

John begins his biography of Jesus as an adult and with what seems to be a philosophical introduction–but one that is packed with rich theology. Contrary to what we might think, the Christmas story did not begin in Bethlehem or even when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. The Christmas story–God coming from heaven to earth–has existed in the heart of God since the very beginning. That’s what John wants His readers to know. The Christmas story is part of a larger story–the overarching story of God’s redemptive plan. To truly understand the importance of Christmas, we must place it within this larger story.

Passage: John 1:1-14

Support the show

We’ve learned a lot about Jesus as we’ve journeyed through the book of John during Season 1, but if we don’t do something with it, then it hasn’t really been helpful information. In this season wrap-up episode, Ken and Mike discuss different ways that will help you put into practice what we’ve learned about and from Jesus. The major themes from John chapters 1-21 they discuss are dependence, witness, and the statements of come and see, come and drink, and come and dine. The discussion is focused on summarizing major themes from John with practical and tangible ways for someone to start implementing these themes into their life today.

Passage: John 1-21

Support the show

The last story that John records sets the stage for what will happen in the Book of Acts. After breakfast, Jesus calls Peter aside and asks him the same question three times – “Do you love me?” Some commentators believe the three questions are Jesus’ way of referring back to Peter’s three denials. After each question, Jesus commands Peter to care for his sheep. Although the series of questions hurt Peter’s feelings, it is through these questions that Peter is restored to leadership. After investing three years in teaching and training Peter, Jesus wasn’t about to give up on him. Although he may ask you and I difficult questions, too, we can trust that it’s always because he loves us.

Passage: John 21:15-25

Support the show

John 21 contains a simple but powerful story about trusting in Jesus. Several of the apostles decided to go fishing. This included a few professionals (Peter, James, and John). Although they spent the entire night fishing, they had nothing to show for it. John tells us that Jesus appeared on the shore, “but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus.” Although he appeared to be a stranger, they still followed his advice when he told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. When they did, they found more fish than they could handle. Today, we might find some of what Jesus taught to be strange. The question is, will we trust that he knows best? This story ends with Jesus using the fish to fix breakfast for his friends.

Passage: John 21:1-14

Support the show

In verses 30 and 31, John tells us why he wrote this biography of Jesus. The first reason is that we may believe that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of God. This is why his Gospel emphasizes the miracles of Jesus and the “I am” statements of Jesus. Jesus is the most unique person in all of history. The second reason happens as a result of believing in Jesus – that we may have life in his name. While this “life” certainly includes eternal (John 3:16) it is also a reference to our quality of life here and now (John 10:10). In one sense, eternity begins now as we experience the transforming work of the Holy Spirit within us (Galatians 5:22-23) – fulfilling part of the Lord’s prayer (“your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”).

Passage: John 20:30-31

Support the show

When Jesus makes his first post-resurrection appearance to the disciples, he meets them in a locked room. Why are they hiding? It’s because they are afraid of the Jews. During this encounter, he speaks directly to their fears: “Peace be with you.” He reassures them that it’s really him by showing them his scars. Finally, he gives them the charge that will shape the rest of their lives: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” He then gives them the Holy Spirit. We have the same mission and the same power. As we learn in the next part of the story, one disciple is missing – Thomas. After seeing Jesus for himself, he responds with “My Lord and my God!” But what Jesus says next applies to modern-day believers: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Passage: John 20:19-29

Support the show

We’ve learned more about Jesus in John 16:1-20:18, but if we don’t do something with it, then it hasn’t really been helpful information. Ken and Mike discuss different ways that will help you put into practice what we’ve been learning about and from Jesus. This includes what it means to be set apart and grow in our faith; to understand what truth is and how to apply it; and how we connect the Jewish faith to our faith today and why it matters. The discussion is practical and offers tangible ways for someone to start implementing these practices into their life today.

Support the show

Following the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for permission to take his body. Pilate grants him permission. He is assisted by an interesting figure – Nicodemus. This is the same Nicodemus who comes to Jesus at night (John 3) and who will come to Jesus’ defense (John 7). This reemergence of Nicodemus seems to reflect a growing connection to Jesus. Three days later, Jesus comes back to life! The empty tomb is first discovered by Mary Magdalene, then verified by Peter and John. Although Peter and John return home, Mary Magdalene stays behind. This sets the stage for her encounter with Jesus. She initially thinks he is the gardener. It is only when he says her name that she recognizes him (echoes of John 10:3 … “He calls his own sheep by name”).

Passage: John 19:38-20:18

Support the show

Jesus will make seven statements from the cross. John’s account of the crucifixion contains three of them. The first statement is to ensure his mother is cared for. The second statement is a recognition of thirst. It is the third statement – “It is finished” – that signals the end of his life. But it’s more than just the end of his life. “It is finished” is his way of saying that the work he came to do had been completed. Speaking of Jesus, Peter writes, “’He himself bore our sins’” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). The death of Jesus was sufficient. According to the Hebrew writer, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him”. (Hebrews 9:27-29).

Passage: John 19:16-37

Support the show