Read John 3:1-15

The reading today takes us up to the infamous verse, John 3:16. It’s important to remember the context, so the title I chose for this post is intentionally focused on Nicodemus. He’s the Pharisee that heard about Jesus and sought Him after hours, under cover of darkness. Jesus has a lot to say to Nicodemus (and us) before John summarized the lesson in a statement that almost everyone has heard. This section paints the picture in dark or light, black or white. There is no gray mentioned here. It’s a tough lesson for a religious zealot from a few thousand years ago and it’s hard for many to accept in this present time. Let’s dive in and take a look!

Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-jesus-teaches-nicodemus/

Read John 2:13-25

John wastes no time in documenting Jesus’ reaction to those making a profit off of people coming to the temple to offer sacrifices. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all place the event much later in their message, so I have to wonder why John places his emphasis so early in this account. It’s also important to keep in mind the significance of the previous discussion about turning water into wine. These events have deep meaning when we take time to step back and consider John’s intentions when compiling his narrative. Let’s dive in and take a look at the scene.

Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-jesus-clears-the-temple-courts/

Read John 2:1-12

What if turning water into wine was more than just a miraculous event? This is one of those stories I’ve heard many times, but today, I’m hearing more than just a miracle. As I blog through the Bible this time around, especially the New Testament, I’m trying to get to know the author of each book. In this case, John chose to include this story early on in his writing. Why?

Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-wedding-in-cana-more-than-a-miracle/

Read John 1:35-52

What if turning water into wine was more than just a miraculous event? This is one of those stories I’ve heard many times, but today, I’m hearing more than just a miracle. As I blog through the Bible this time around, especially the New Testament, I’m trying to get to know the author of each book. In this case, John chose to include this story early on in his writing. Why?

Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-first-disciples-follow-jesus/

Read John 1:19-34. We are sure that John the Baptist is not the Apostle John, he’s not the one who wrote the Gospel of John, but the religious powers of his day couldn’t figure out who he was. John the Baptist was baptizing people at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan River and apparently attracting quite a lot of attention, or perhaps from the Jewish leadership’s perspective, distracting a lot of people. One thing is sure. John knew his calling. He understood what his life was all about and was relentlessly pursuing Jesus.

Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-the-voice-of-one-calling-in-the-wilderness/

Read John 1:1-18.

The prologue to the Gospel of John is a profound statement that either leaves you in wonder for the rest of the story or drives you away shaking your head. I honestly don’t think there’s much in between. Every time I read these powerful words I’m in awe of the One, the I Am, the Lord of all. I feel inadequate and ill-equipped to explain what it means.

Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-prologue/

For the next three months or so, we will study the book of John. The Apostle John adds a different perspective from Matthew, Mark, and Luke (known as the Synoptic Gospels). John includes stories that are not found elsewhere. He emphasizes the incarnation of Jesus as something we should wrap our minds around. The word incarnation is not one we use in our everyday conversation, at least I don’t, but it’s an important concept to consider.

Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-introduction/