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Day 40 - A bit more than breakfast

Reading: John 21:1-25

There’s a lot going on in this final chapter in John’s gospel.  Fishing, no fish, then lots of fish, an unexpected swim, breakfast and a very important conversation.

It’s Jesus’ restoration of Peter that intrigues me the most. Breakfast is over and Jesus starts to speak.  I wonder whether the disciples had a sense of anticipation every time Jesus began a conversation? Waiting for the next story, challenge or insight.

This time it’s a chat one-on-one with Peter who had let him down so badly just before he was crucified. In chapter 13 Peter has said loudly and emphatically that he would follow him wherever, and lay down his life for Jesus. But he went on to blatantly deny him.  Not just once but three times. And now Jesus is wanting to give him a chance to make amends.

If I want my kids to take in something important I’m saying I usually repeat myself several times.  I’m convinced they know how to nod even when they have no idea what I’ve said! I want to make sure they’ve really heard me. Even if they say, “Muuuum you’ve said that already!” it’s worth doing to make sure they’ve actually taken it in.

Jesus asks the same question three times – Peter do you love me? One for every denial. He gives Peter a chance to make up for each disowning, and to make sure he properly hears that he is restored.

Knowing we can be restored is the most wonderful truth. Jesus offers forgiveness and a fresh start. He restores us from shame, anger, guilt and pain. This is our God. This is the Jesus that the whole of this gospel has been celebrating. 

By way of forgiveness Jesus gives Peter a job to do - feed my sheep. He receives a fresh commission. 

I’m so glad to have given my life to the One who forgives, restores, and then calls me to go on serving him.

Response

Worship Jesus for the forgiveness and restoration that he can bring.  You can receive that from him, right here, right now.

Ellen

Day 39 - The extended biography

Reading: John 20:1-31

Do you enjoy other people’s stories?

I like reading biographies. I enjoy them because they are real life stories. They fascinate me because they add pieces to the jigsaw of my knowledge of history. I’m challenged to be more determined by the accounts that I read. I am warned by them as I see human flaws emerge. I learn from them of mistakes that I should avoid (but often commit). 

But I notice a difference in the biography that continues in today’s verses.

In every other biography I’ve ever read, the account of the individual ends no later than their death.  Certainly, some will provide an analysis of the influence of the person, and that influence may extend beyond their death, but the story of their life ends when their life ends.

But in John chapter 20 we discover the biography with a difference. Jesus lives even after he died. John, the author, doesn’t waste his time arguing that this is true. He knows it because he was there. But he does tell the story of how it influenced and changed some of the disciples in such a way that their lives become evidence themselves.

Mary Magdalene, Peter, John, the remaining nine disciples, and then, of course, Thomas. 

Some of my computer-using friends will jump on the bandwagon of a virus rumour and circulate it to everyone without checking it out first.  Thomas would have brought a dose of cynicism and asked for a reality check.  So I can understand Thomas.  But I also note that in the presence of Jesus, he didn’t need to know all of the answers, because he was in the presence of THE answer.

And the promise for you and me?  Jesus said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

Response

Thank you, Father, for the blessing of belief now before we see Jesus in heaven.

Ian

Day 38 - Faith displaying opportunities

Reading: John 19:38-42

We read today of Joseph’s, up to now perhaps, unseen courage as he approaches Pilate to secure the release of Jesus’ body so that Christ might be afforded a proper Jewish burial.

Accompanied by Nicodemus, Joseph takes Jesus’ body and has it prepared for burial with an amount of herbs and spices equivalent to what would have been the norm for a royal burial.

Joseph and Nicodemus, both members of the Sanhedrin, would have found it difficult to publically support Jesus’ cause openly prior to his death. However their tremendous courage and attention to detail demonstrate that they were clearly aware of the significance of Jesus and wanted to bury him as befitted a king, rather than leaving him out in the open to decay, as was often the case with criminals that had been put to death by crucifixion.

This account really helps remind me that what Jesus experienced was a real death that put an end to his earthly human existence.

We can probably all recall times when we’ve witnessed injustice or situations that have required someone to step in and stand up for what is right.  Joseph and Nicodemus could well have been accused of being a day late, however we know that there was a bigger picture at stake and that they did have the faith and courage to secure Jesus’ body from Pilate when they could have easily just melted away into the background. My prayer is that as we live with Christ’s amazing story on our frontlines we can’t help but have that steadfast faith that displays itself in a very natural way to others around us.

Response

Lord Jesus, you died that I might live forever in your kingdom of peace and righteousness. Strengthen my faith to know the power of your resurrection and to live in the hope of seeing you face to face for ever.

James

Day 37 - Things are not as they seem

Reading: John 19:17-37

My favourite university lecturer, and the most brilliant man I've ever had the privilege to know personally, was a humble, unassuming guy with the unlikely name of John Smith! His office was a jumble store of papers, an administrator’s disaster zone which gave the impression of a life out of control, but which in reality disguised a very orderly mind and a man who was very much on top of his work.

To the casual observer John 19 has all the appearances of a chaotic situation. Jesus is powerless, nailed to the cross, an object of ridicule. And yet, there are lots of little signs that indicate that this situation is far from being out of control. The notice nailed to the cross informs the passers-by that this IS the King of the Jews, contrary to the wishes of the Jewish leaders. The soldiers think they are in charge of the crucifixion, as indeed they are in one sense, but they are also unwittingly fulfilling the prophecies from of old. It’s Jesus who takes charge of the arrangements to see that his mother is cared for, and it is Jesus, ultimately, who gives up his spirit when he is satisfied that the job is done.

From start to finish this passage, despite the surface appearances of chaos, has a strong stamp of God’s sovereignty over events. Things are not as they seem. And what a comfort that is to me, today, when I look around me at scenes of apparent chaos. Whether it is global chaos or the chaos in my own life, I can be confident that, in the words of the hymn, “God is working his purpose out as year succeeds to year.”

One day that purpose will be revealed, and God’s work will be plain to see. It’s a day “that shall surely be, when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.” It’s a day when, once more, Jesus will say, “It is finished!”

Response

Who do you know who would be encouraged to be reminded that God is in control? Why not contact them, and help them find strength in God through this passage or that well-known hymn?

Roger

Day 36 - Getting our own way

Reading: John 18:28-19:16

The account of Jesus’ arrest and show trial may be very familiar to us. Reading this account can be tough because we know what Jesus went through, suffering a fate we all deserved. But through it all we can see Jesus is in control, focussed on fulfilling God’s plan and not flinching from it in spite of what lay ahead.

In our passage today we see the Jewish religious leaders trying to get Pilate to do their dirty work for them and convict Jesus of a crime – any crime – for which the death penalty was prescribed. Over a number of hearings Pilate finds Jesus has not committed any crime, never mind one deserving of the death penalty. But despite being the top Roman official in Judea he fails to exert his authority and eventually hands Jesus over to be crucified.

We may well shake our heads in disbelief at the scheming of the Jewish leaders, seeking to have Jesus convicted of a crime, and culminating in the chief priests saying, “We have no king but Caesar”! Clearly this degree of cruelty is not something we can relate to. And yet the Jewish leaders did not get up that day and decide to have Jesus killed. Their actions had been brewing for many months. I am reminded of the words James writes about temptation and sin: “After desire has conceived it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:16). I suspect we can all relate to those words to some degree. Are we ever tempted to dress up something we want as something God wants to give us – a better paid job? An expensive new gadget maybe? Or anything that makes us look more important to other people? We all try to get our own way at times, in spite of knowing where that can lead. We know God’s way is far better and we know what it cost Jesus to open that way for us. May his Holy Spirit help us to live God’s way.

Response

“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

Chris

Day 35 - Betrayed by a friend

Reading: John 18:12-27

Imagine the feeling of betraying your best friend – not just once but three times, and then realising that it had all been predicted (John 13:38) when you had just declared your undying affection! Then, as if to compound your feelings of guilt, your friend dies before you have the opportunity to seek forgiveness.  We can only guess at Peter’s state of mind – his total desolation, his cry of anguish. “What have I done?” With the benefit of hindsight we know that this is not the end, yet it must have seemed so to Peter. 

I suspect that all of us, in some way, experience betrayal or perhaps remember times when we ourselves have betrayed a friend. It seemed quite harmless, it was ‘only’ a choice piece of gossip, but we allowed ourselves to quietly assassinate a friend’s character. It might even be that we have experienced betrayal within our own marriage or even been the one who betrayed a loved one.  When we look at how it all turns out for Peter we realise yet again how the big picture takes time to be revealed. Only our heavenly Father knows what the future holds. Further on in John’s gospel we learn that Peter is reinstated and his betrayal forgiven. For the Christian, guilt is not meant to burden us for life: it is there to point us towards seeking forgiveness, from God first, and then from any that we have offended. After all, every time we sin we betray our relationship with God, yet he offers us forgiveness again and again through the sacrifice that Jesus made. 

Response

Father, teach us how to forgive as you forgive us. Help us to release those who have betrayed us and set us free from all that prevents us from living life to the full by accepting the grace and peace that Jesus offers.

Peter

Day 34 - Security well placed

Reading: John 18:1-11

One of my school reports once commented, “Victoria will do better when her knowledge and understanding match that of her enthusiasm!” I wonder if Peter’s would have been similar?

In John’s gospel we don’t get the prequel scene written in the other gospels; of Jesus’ agony in the garden of Gethsemane and the narrative of the disciples falling asleep. It makes it more poignant then to read today’s verses in the light of those other accounts. Jesus’ closest friends had not grasped what was about to happen, and in true Peter style he jumps in, both feet first.  We could concentrate on so many things from this passage; Jesus’ obedience to his Father, his willing submission, the dramatic impact on the soldiers as Jesus declares who he is, or the disciples’ reaction to his arrest.  But, reading it I kept coming back to verses 8-9 and Jesus’ compassion for his flawed friends, even in the midst of his agony.

As Jesus faces his earthly enemies in the garden, knowing that he is about to be handed over to the one true enemy and separated from his father on the cross, his priority is the safe-keeping of his disciples. Jesus was fully aware of the suffering he was about to endure and yet his thoughts are for his friends. “That caring heart is our security,” writes B. Miles. “He takes our place, absorbing our guilt and all its implications, that we might go free.”

Response

Regardless of our own failings, doubts or fears, as his stumbling followers, our security is Jesus.  He has chosen to fight for and win our freedom, promising his Father, “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” (verse 9)

Victoria

Day 33 - Pray, pray, pray

Reading: John 17:1-26

When I used to ask my little grandson, “What did you do at church today?” he’d say, “Pray, pray, pray!” One reason to pray stands out for me. Jesus prayed and prayed often. This is Jesus’ longest recorded prayer. Jesus prays for himself, his disciples and for all believers.

Jesus asks to be glorified, not for his sake, but for his Father. Whatever we do, we should do it for God, not ourselves. That should give us the incentive to do it well and to only do things God wants us to do. He talks about the work God gave him to do (verse 4) God has given us work he wants us to do too and equipped us to do it with our unique characters, abilities and weaknesses.

Jesus then prays for his disciples. We are given pointers to discipleship – accept and obey God’s Word; be certain that Jesus is the Son of God, sent by the Father.

Jesus asks for protection for his disciples – from the world and from Satan – a reminder of the unseen, spiritual aspect of our lives. But Jesus doesn’t want his disciples isolated from the world. No, they must remain and be different, living out the truth, which is God’s Word. And as a result they will find joy (verse 13), despite the hatred of the world (verse 14), and they will be sanctified, set apart for God’s use (verse 17), for all eternity (verse 2).

Then Jesus prays for all believers, which includes us. How great is that? Jesus prays for us! The over-riding theme is unity – with God, with Jesus, with one another. To get it, we need to let God and Jesus take control, be in us. Then people will notice the difference and that will point to Jesus. Finally, in verse 26 Jesus promises to continue to help and be in us. He does that in many ways, through the Holy Spirit, through God’s Word and, of course, through prayer.

Response

Pray for yourself. Ask what work you can do for God today and this week. How can you make a difference for God?

Tom

Day 32 - Are you ready?

Reading: John 16:16-33

It seems to me that this passage is part of the biggest and most significant half time team talk of all time. 

Jesus is fully aware of what was facing him and he had begun to prepare the disciples for some difficult times ahead. Indeed, they would face fear as Jesus was arrested, distress and pain as they watched Jesus being crucified, the life-changing experience of the resurrection and later the responsibility of sharing the gospel which would bring persecution and suffering.

As Jesus begins to reveal the bigger plan, the disciples fail to grasp the significance of his words. Their feet are firmly rooted in the here and now and they flounder and struggle with a lack of deeper understanding. “What is he talking about?” is their response, one that is a common human experience.  How hard it is for us to sometimes see beyond the situations that we are currently in.

I take encouragement from Jesus’ patient response, his honest answer that the disciples will know sadness, suffering and hostility, but that a time was coming when they would have direct access to the Father in prayer, a Father who loved them, would answer them and turn their sadness into gladness. Just as a mother forgets the suffering of childbirth, once her baby is born. This picture took me back to the birth of my own daughters. I experienced two difficult deliveries that were immediately forgotten when I held my beautiful daughters for the first time.  I wonder if the disciples looked back on this conversation in later years and suddenly ‘got it’, or if this conversation remained a mystery that they tried to unravel or even struggled with at points during their lives.

Response

May we know the inner assurance that Jesus offers and be able to hold onto it during times of hardship. May we experience the love of our Heavenly Father, and know what it is to receive his peace.  Amen.

Louise

Day 31 - Saying goodbye

Reading: John 15:26-16:15

There are many different ways of dealing with goodbyes – especially when we know it could be a forever goodbye. Some people embrace, cry and hug, whereas others prefer to keep it brief and not get emotional. I remember when leaving my friends in Brazil that many of them couldn’t understand why I couldn’t stay and although I understood why I needed to come back I flew home crying.

Jesus’ followers were struggling to understand why Jesus was soon to leave him. They didn’t understand what he was going on to do and that ‘it is for your good that I am going away’ (verse 7). The reason Jesus could say this was not only because of what he was going on to achieve in his crucifixion and resurrection but because he was promising to leave the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth and testimony and their personal advocate. The disciples were ‘filled with grief’ and struggling to take on board the words of Jesus, or understand the implications of always having the Holy Spirit with them.

I often think what if Jesus was here, forgetting that by his Spirit he is. Although not physically visible this is no less wondrous than having the physical Jesus among us. May you be reminded today that the advocate, the helper, the Holy Spirit is with you and in you, that he wants to guide you into all truth, help you to testify about Jesus and glorify Jesus.

Response

Thank you Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit to help us, empower us, guide us and testify about you. Please fill me with your Spirit today and make me aware of him all day long. Amen.

Andy

Day 30 - Good news, bad news

Reading: John 15:17-25

I remember seeing a herd of buffalo being attacked by a pride of lions. The lions identified the weakest calf and went in for the kill.  The mother of the calf tried to protect her offspring and eventually the rest of the herd joined her, made a ring around her and protected the calf and mother, eventually fighting off the pride.

Hate is a strong word that we tend to avoid using if possible, but Jesus is very open about it (verse 19): “That is why the world hates you.” Why?  Because Jesus has chosen us out of the world.

Jesus starts verse 18 with, “If the world hates you.” It is not inevitable that the world will hate us, but as we read on, it seems to be a very likely thing, so we should not be surprised when it happens.  Jesus is saying, if you’re mine, life will be tough at times – that is the bad news.

The first bit of good news is that there are good reasons for this hate: Jesus has chosen us (verse 19), we are becoming like him (verse 20), and they recognise Jesus in us (verse 21).

Jesus is the light to the world. He shows up the sin that men try to cover up. It’s no wonder, then, that they hate him and a little worrying if we don’t receive similar treatment at times.

The second bit of good news is found at the beginning of the passage (verse 17). Jesus commands us to love one another so that when we are hated, we have a safe and secure place to go, back to family, who will love us, lick our wounds, defend us and provide a secure environment for our recovery.

Are we hated?  Remember Jesus said “If”, but if we are not, is the opposite true? Are we loved by the world instead?

Response

Do we truly provide a loving, secure family environment for our fellow brothers and sisters? This is something we are commanded to do – it’s not an option. How can I do this better?

Guy

Day 29 - “Remain in me…”

Reading: John 15:1-16

The word remain means to abide, stay in the same place or condition, or continue to be.  It also makes us think of words like holding fast, being safe and secure in a position and not letting go. That is the picture that the Lord Jesus Christ portrays to us in this passage about the vine.

I inherited a small greenhouse and a vine when I moved house. I am sorry to say that after many years I have still not learned how to be a vinedresser or have followed the old Pears Cyclopaedia advice on how to train vines so that they look like the beautiful specimens in the Victorian greenhouses at West Dean Gardens. I do not water or feed it, but I do find that a good prune of the branches does produce better fruit. Last year after a vigorous prune in the winter and warm weather in the summer the vine did produce a good harvest of black grapes in September.

In this passage Jesus is the true Vine and we are the branches shooting out in all directions from the main stem. Jesus supplies all the nutrients from deep within to flow up through the branches. The branches depend upon him and the purpose for which the branches exist is to bear fruit. We have to ask ourselves what kind of fruit and how much fruit do we bear? The passage warns us that the vinedresser, God the Father, will prune the branches to produce more fruit but that whole branches will be cut off and removed altogether if no fruit is produced.

It is therefore important that we remain in him (verse 4), that his words remain in us (verse 7), and that we remain in his love (verse 9). We also have to obey his commands (verse 10) and love one another (verse 12). What will be the harvest of that remaining? We will receive answers to prayer (verse 7), know joy in him (verse 11), be his friends and not servants (verse 15) and bear fruit that will last (verse 16).

Response

Let us pray today that we will remain in Jesus and bear much fruit for him.

Susan

Day 28 - Challenges and promises

Reading: John 13:36-14:31

Today’s reading is full of both challenges and promises from Jesus.

We base so much of what we do together as a church on the significance of Jesus’ word when he says:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Also, in today’s passage there are three main questions which Jesus asks different disciples, and I find myself asking how I would answer these questions.

Taking them in reverse order, Jesus asks Philip (14:9-10), “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?”

Essentially, Jesus asks, “Don’t you have enough to trust in me?”

I remind myself that I have more than enough to go on in order to confidently place my trust in Jesus.

Secondly, Jesus also asks a leading question to the disciples together (14:2), “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

I read these words and imagine Jesus saying to me, “If there was more you needed to know about heaven, in order to trust me and to not let your hearts be troubled, don’t you believe I would have told you?”

So, I remind myself that Jesus has given enough promises and pointers about the future that I need not live with a troubled heart today.

Thirdly Jesus asks Peter (13:38), “Will you really lay down your life for me?”

I have left this question to last because it is the hardest. I read this question and remind myself of the need to prioritise following Jesus above everything else and to lay down my life for him again today.

Response

Review these 3 questions and offer Jesus your answers.

Ken

Day 27 - Marks of discipleship

Reading: John 13:18-35

I sometimes travel up to London by train on my own and one of the ways I pass the time (often longer than planned due to Southern Rail!) is to look around at my fellow passengers or listen to their conversations and look for clues to try to work out a bit more about them, what they do or where they are going for the day and so on. I am a big fan of Sherlock Holmes having read Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories many times over, so maybe I fancy myself as a bit of an amateur detective!

Reading this passage made me think, “What clues are there about us that people around us might see that would mark us out as a Christian?” And I’m not thinking about fish badges on lapels or on the backs of car windows!

The account of Judas and the prediction of his betrayal in this passage shows us that there are certain things that people might naturally assume are good identifying marks of discipleship for Christians:  knowing a lot about Jesus; spending time with  his followers; and  even ministry for Jesus. Of course as Christians we should want to do all these things in whatever form that looks like, but it made me think that others could also do all these things ... after all, Judas did!

Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The early church took Jesus’ command to heart and displayed love as a mark of their discipleship. Tertullian, one of the early church fathers, writing about a century after the gospel of John was written, said that Roman society took note of Christians loving one another and would comment, “Behold, how they love one another!” 

Could the same be said of us at CBC?  Quite a challenge isn’t it, especially as this may well involve loving those in our church family that we find more challenging!

Response

How can we demonstrate our love for Jesus through the way we love one another in our church family? Let’s pray that those looking on are able to say the C21 equivalent of “Behold, how they love one another!” 

Paul

Day 26 - A living parable

Reading: John 13:1-17

On a recent trip to Zimbabwe a very poor family invited us into their home.  They told us what an honour it was to have us there and offered us some of their precious ‘sadza’ (white maize meal) to eat which they could barely afford to share.  Before eating (with our fingers!) they came with bowls of water to wash our hands.  With no running water in the house this precious water was also a gift they couldn’t really afford.

The sadza was bland, sticky and hard to swallow. I don’t like it…what if I get ill… smile Ellen, smile….

But the way in which it was given showed hearts that wanted to serve us as guests. People who had so little wanting to give. I left feeling very humbled indeed. And very challenged.

This passage in John 13 is about servanthood.  Jesus is back in Jerusalem for a final Passover and as part of the meal he washes his disciples’ feet. Jesus is doing here what a servant would do. Foot washing was common practice; on arriving at a home the servants would wash the dirty and dusty feet of the guests as they arrived.

What makes Jesus’ action so extraordinary is that he is their Lord and teacher. No one of such stature would stoop so low as to serve in this way. But Jesus wanted to demonstrate what true greatness is. And he is also demonstrating what his life and death were all about. At this Passover meal Jesus is pointing to himself as the true Passover lamb.  Jesus was to sacrifice his life as the ultimate act of service.

Jesus speaks in verse 15 about giving his followers a pattern to copy. Just as he served others, so are we to serve. To point with our lives and actions to Jesus.

What does it look like us to be servant hearted today? It almost certainly won’t be footwashing, or serving sadza. How can we show genuine love and service to people around us so that they sense and see what our God is like?

Response

Reflect on Jesus’ great example of servanthood and ask him for opportunities to serve him by serving others today. 

Ellen

Day 25 - “And to my wider fan base I say…”

Reading: John 12:20-50

You are about to disappear. You have an encounter with death booked. You are increasingly being asked for help by an ever-expanding group of people. The demands seem endless, but you have so little time. Really you want to spend what little time you have left with those closest to you. What final message would you send out to your wider range of associates – to your public?

That’s the situation in which we find Jesus within this passage. The crowds are still confused about who Jesus is, and unwilling to accept all of his teaching. He points out what we all find so difficult, that it is only by living with a focus outside of ourselves, specifically on Jesus, that we will truly gain the spiritual vitality that is God’s eternal life (verses 25-26).

Notice that Jesus is approached by some Greeks, when his mission was first of all to Jews. The author, John, makes this incredible link from the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah chapter 6, when he confirms that Isaiah actually saw Jesus in his vision (Isaiah 6:1). But the problem is that most of the Jews still didn’t believe in Jesus (verses 37-43).

So Jesus gives out a final last public call for response (verses 44-50). It’s a very positive one, linking him with his Father, two personalities who work as one being.

Jesus (sent by his Father), by being lifted up on the cross, offers to lift any of us out of hopelessness into life. All of those Greeks — the same is true of all non-Jews – will also have that same offer as a result of Jesus’ death and resurrection. But of course for those who reject Jesus, there are clear and unequivocal warnings of condemnation at the last day.

Response

Lord Jesus, help me to demonstrate my trust in you:  by my gratitude for your death, by my concern for others who face judgement for rejecting you, and by choosing daily to prefer serving you rather than myself.

Ian

Day 24 - Missed opportunities

Reading: John 12:1-19

Have you ever misread or misinterpreted situations, only to find out later that you have missed out on God’s clarity for that particular moment? I know I have. I remember once taking a short ship up a very long river. My focus was on making plans for when we would arrive and getting the ship to its destination as quickly as possible so that it could start to deliver urgently needed medical care.  Unfortunately, I completely missed the opportunity that half the crew had no faith and that being cooped up with them for 3 months could have been an ideal opportunity to get real about my faith with them.  Regrettably, this story definitely gets filed in my ‘missed opportunities tray’.

In today’s reading we are privileged enough to read about Jesus’ final day or so on earth.  We see Mary’s complete belief in Jesus as she displays the perfect example of humility and servanthood by bathing Jesus’ feet in valuable perfume and then wiping his feet with her hair.  We see the polar opposite from Judas, as he demonstrates his complete unbelief in Jesus as he rebukes Mary for pouring a year’s wages over Christ’s feet.  The following morning we read of Jesus’ final journey into Jerusalem, as foretold, right down to the mode of transport, in Zechariah 9:9.  Even after seeing Jesus enter Jerusalem in this way, we are still told that many of the disciples did not understand who Jesus really was and why he was with them.

Is there a danger that we might stray so far from our relationship with God that we start to lose his sovereign perspective on our lives? Judas’ agenda at the time was money. What’s yours today?

Response

Let’s pray today that we are prompted to forge an even closer relationship with Christ so that we may avoid missing out on God’s agenda for our lives.

James

Day 23 - “Oh my word!”

Reading: John 11:38-57

What an emotional punch it must have carried when Lazarus first appeared from the tomb.

But I can’t help feeling that after the event the family had a bit of a chuckle about it. You’re familiar with the scene, I hope. Something deadly serious has happened in the past, but when you relive it, maybe even years later, you find yourself crying with laughter at some of the details. “Do you remember?” Martha says to Mary, “when Lazarus waddled out. Ha ha! He had so many linen strips around him he walked like a duck!” “Yes,” says Mary, “and then you asked him how he was feeling, and he said, ‘Mmph mmph mmph!’ Hilarious!”

I’m sure they saw the funny side. The chief priests and Pharisees, however, didn’t. It seemed to them that this was the final proof that their actions so far had been totally ineffective. As they contemplated the implications they came to the conclusion that Jesus had to die. Amazingly Caiaphas, no friend to Jesus, prophesied that his death would actually benefit everyone. None of them could have imagined how the number of Christ followers would explode after his resurrection.

Hindsight, as they say, is a wonderful thing. Decisions that were difficult seem obvious. Momentous events seem trivial. Much, but not all, is seen with greater clarity when we have the benefit of perspective. Like someone getting to the end of a book, we can see to some extent how life’s various threads tie up to make something meaningful.

But we’re not at the end of the book yet, are we? (Some of you might think you’re in the last chapter, but who knows!). And until every story is completed and God puts the binding on the great tomes of history, we will never fully understand or appreciate why things happen (the good or the bad) or how important they are in the grand scheme of things. And so until then we trust: trust in God because of what he reveals about himself in his Word, in his world, and in his dealings with us.

Response

Take a book, place a bookmark in it, and put it in an unusual and prominent place for the next few days. Remind yourself each time you see it that God’s story is not yet finished.

Roger

Day 22 - Patience is a virtue?

Reading: John 11:1-37

It is said patience is a virtue. I’m not so sure about that. I think it depends what is meant by ‘virtue’… Margaret Thatcher perhaps summed it up best when she said, “I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.”

In our passage today Lazarus is seriously ill and his sisters Mary and Martha send word to Jesus. The news reached him and Jesus dropped everything he had planned and set off to Bethany to be with his good friends. Except he didn’t. He stayed put. For two days. In fact by the time he arrived Lazarus had already been dead four days. It seems a cruel way to treat good friends.

How must Mary and Martha have felt during those long days, initially expecting Jesus to arrive quickly, then as each day passed thinking maybe it will be today… And then their brother dies. With still no sign of Jesus. Doesn’t he care? Has he forgotten them? Have they upset him in some way? Or did he never really love them at all?

When something does not happen when we want and the way we want – the way we prayed – we become frustrated, annoyed, maybe doubting God’s love for us. Life should always pan out the way we want… as if we are the ones in control. But we aren’t. God is. And sometimes he needs to take us through things we’d rather not experience. Because what we naturally think is that it’s always about me. We forget we might be part of the answer to somebody else’s prayers – but to be that answer God has to change us first. In today’s passage when Jesus talks with Martha as he nears Bethany she makes the most amazing confession of faith in verse 27. Even in the midst of her raw grief. Imagine how God can use her now...

So when we have a bit of a rant at God for not doing things the way we want let’s pause and remember that it’s not him who needs to change.

Response

Paul suggests a good recipe to follow: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Chris

Day 21 - You’re in his team

Reading: John 10:22-42

Many unemployed youngsters in big cities are drawn into gangs. They find some comfort in ‘belonging’ and it is true that most of us need to experience the same comfort, that of being accepted. The problem is that all human belonging can be quite temporary. Our society today is somehow not experiencing long-term security. Our jobs, even our marriages, seem no longer to have the permanence that we recall from our childhood days. Footballers such as Stanley Matthews (Stoke City and Blackpool), Bobby Moore (West Ham) and Tom Finney (Preston) spent their whole playing lives linked to only one or two teams. Very rare to find such loyalty today when money is the driving force in sport. Here, in John’s Gospel, Jesus confirms the position of all his disciples. He not only offers total acceptance to his disciples, he assures them that this is for keeps. “I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand.”

Jesus is reminding us that belonging to him is every bit as strong and permanent as the relationship between himself and his heavenly Father: “I and the Father are one.” Friendships can come and go, alliances between nations may be only for a season, marriages can be just as fragile – but we can never lose our parentage. We are born a child of our parents and that is one ‘belonging’ that lasts forever. Our birth certificates confirm who we are in this world. Thankfully our relationship with God needs no human registration. When we are born again, into his kingdom, our names are “written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Philippians 4:3). “Your names are written in heaven,” Jesus tells his followers (Luke 10:20).

If today is one of those days when you wish you had stayed in bed and you are experiencing some of the uncertainties of this life, hold on to this one sure fact – you are his.

Response

Heavenly Father, remind me constantly that I have been chosen, forgiven, redeemed, and it is forever.  Hallelujah! What a friend I have in Jesus.

Peter

Day 20 - Following the leader

Reading: John 10:1-21

If you happened to be at the crib service last year you will have noted that shepherding sheep is not easy! 

To have a better understanding of today’s passage, it’s worth noting that ancient eastern shepherding was very different to our concept today.  Then, a shepherd’s flock would often have been pastured within a mixed owned flock and so when the shepherd went to the gate and called his sheep they actually recognised their own shepherd’s voice and came out from the rest of the flock, to follow him.  Shepherds in those times did not have dogs to chivvy or harass, rather he would go ahead of his flock ensuring safe passage as his sheep followed closely, listening to his guiding voice to prevent them falling into ravines or getting snatched away by wild animals.  The sheep were generally kept for wool, not meat, so a long term relationship would have been fostered. It’s easier to then understand the comparison between Jesus our shepherd and us as his flock.  He calls us by name into relationship with him.  He offers to lead us in life, having gone before us – even through death.  He offers us sacrificial protection from those out to harm us, offering love and enjoyment in life – now and for eternity.  His relationship with us is a pointer to the Father’s relationship with him.

Response

We want to be people who can discern the shepherd’s voice within our noisy world. Being in step with his word, his Spirit and discerning with wise believers will help us hear that voice. Let’s pray this for today.

Victoria

Day 19 - Seeing the bigger picture

Reading: John 9:1-41

There is a lot of blindness in the passage today; some physical but mostly spiritual. Firstly, the disciples are blind, or at least mistaken, that the man’s disability is punishment for sin. Jesus puts them right: “Neither the man nor his parent sinned but this happened so that the works of God may be displayed in him.” Sometimes bad things just happen in a fallen world. Jesus also issues a stark warning that “night is coming, when no one can work”, reminding us that there is a time limit to God’s offer of grace and forgiveness.

Jesus then heals the man with one of his miracles or, as John often refers to them, his signs. A sign points to something else. In this case the miracle points to something greater, namely that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.

Some of those who knew the man refuse to believe in the miracle. They look for other explanations – it’s not the same man, he just looks like him. This may seem strange; surely they’d know. But we too can be guilty of having entrenched views and ignoring any evidence or experience to the contrary. We too can confine our great God and his incomparable power, love and wisdom, to the everyday.

Then the Pharisees get involved. Supposedly learned men, they are the most entrenched, worrying about their position and authority rather than what these miraculous signs should be telling them. They are more concerned about a breach of their Sabbath rules (not God’s) than the wondrous curing of a blind man and what that should tell them. More worried about their rule book than helping someone in need. In the ensuing debate about Jesus, it is the formerly blind man who shows the wisdom, not the learned Pharisees. He sums it up perfectly: “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” Put that in your rule book!

Response

Ask God to show you your blind spots and open your spiritual eyes.

Tom

Day 18 - The truth that sets you free

Reading: John 8:31-59

Meeting Jesus can sometimes be an uncomfortable experience. 

This part of John begins with a group of people who had begun a journey of belief in Jesus.  Jesus points out that applying the brain (belief) needed to include a change in behaviour (obey). The inward change needed to have an impact on external actions, and this combination of belief and obedience would lead to truth and freedom.  Following Jesus involved transformation, inside and out. 

But this call to commitment took these new believers out of their comfort zone. They responded by retreating into pride in their heritage and became limited by their own preconceived ideas of what freedom might look like. Imprisoned by the past, they were unable to let go and move forward and when challenged, this blinkered view drove them away from God and brought them into direct conflict with Jesus.  Jesus’ response is to stand his ground, and he repeatedly offers them revelations of himself – he is sent from the Father, brings eternal life, he is honoured by God and finally at the end, they are left with no uncertainties that he is God, the ‘I am’.  Yet, they still could not move forward into freedom.

This passage took my thoughts in two directions. 

One more personal – are there times when I hold back God’s transformational work in my life because of pride, being locked into the past or failing to grasp the bigger, wider perspective that God offers me? 

The other, a reflection on the occasional response of friends, family – who might reject and actively resist the truth and the person of Jesus.  How I need to pray for them, that they might experience repeated revelations of Jesus, and the realisation that truth brings freedom.

Response

This passage may have created a desire in you to release more of God’s transforming power into your life, or you may long for this for a friend/family member.  Ask God to do this, or find a trusted friend to pray with you.

Louise

Day 17 - Where are we?

Reading: John 8:12-30

My three siblings and I were a ‘lively bunch’ for my parents and it was very rare that we were all quiet at the same time. Only sleep or fear would bring about silence. I remember arriving in Tenerife to discover my dad’s driving licence wasn’t valid, and my mum was left to drive for the first time in another country. Unfortunately it wasn’t a car but more like a minibus! We pulled out of the airport, minibus dead silent, and found ourselves on a motorway, not knowing where we had come from or where we were going.

Today we see people trying to understand who Jesus is. Jesus explains the he is the light of the world (verse 12) and, contrary to my family’s experience, that he knew where he came from and where he was going (verse 14). Jesus clarifies that he came from his Father (verse 16) from above (verse 23) and that he was going where his listeners could not go (verse 21). Jesus, sent by Father God, knew who he was, where he came from and what he was called to do and ‘many believed in him’ (verse 30).

As we discover who Jesus is, we can discover who we are, where we are from and where we are going. Jesus tells us that if we ‘do not believe we will die in our sins’ (verse 24) but as we place our trust in Jesus we come to discover that we are made by God, children of God and can start a life of eternity with God.

I am pleased to say we survived our minibus experience and now have a Sat Nav and my dad has updated his driving licence (and my siblings and I are no longer silent). The question is: do you know where you came from and where you are going?

Response

Lord God I celebrate that you made me. Thank you that because of my faith in Jesus I know where I am going. Today I lift to you those dear to me who don’t know you. Amen.

Andy

Day 16 - Caught in a trap?

Reading: John 8:1-11

Have you ever felt in a trap?  Perhaps you’ve been caught ‘with your hand in the till’.  I know that in this situation, my natural reaction is to talk defensively – and I can talk for England when I get going!

Here we see Jesus directing the crowd to do completely the opposite. In fact this is the only time that Jesus is recorded as writing.  Under so much pressure (verse 7 – ‘they kept on questioning him’) Jesus is silent and wrote in the ground with his finger.  But why did Jesus, who is fully man but also fully God, knowing the answer to this trap, bend down in silence and start writing on the ground? I am sure that it was not to gain time to think of his answer!

Was it for the woman, standing in fear of her life, in the temple courts, where all the people had gathered around him (verse 2)? Humiliated, feeling dirty, condemned and utterly ashamed of herself?

If Jesus had engaged in a quick response, cleverly arguing his point, maybe she would have not had time to consider her sin, its consequences and her need for forgiveness.

Finally, after all her accusers had departed, Jesus, the only one who had the right to condemn her, forgives her.  How ecstatic must she have felt and how much more would she have been likely to follow Jesus’ instruction to ‘leave your life of sin’ for that time of self-examination?

Is there a danger in our Christian lives, that we come to God in prayer – worshiping, thanking, asking... and oh, a little sorry? We don’t live under law and should not have a guilt-orientated faith but we need to understand the incredible power of the forgiveness that God has provided to his children.

Response

Sometimes we need to take time out and examine ourselves, as the woman was made to do, maybe to watch Jesus write in the sand and seriously consider the meaning and sacrifice that is behind our forgiveness.

Guy

Day 15 - “He is the Christ”

Reading: John 7:14-53

Here we have the account of the Lord Jesus starting to teach the people as he moves into the temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles.  There are various groups of people listening to Jesus and it is interesting to see the different attitudes and responses they have towards him.  At first the Jews were amazed at his teaching but then their mood changes and later both the chief priests and the
Pharisees are conspiring together to arrest him.  As you read these verses look at the different responses people have, and also how ignorance, prejudice and pride prevented many from believing in Jesus. Is there anything today preventing you from believing in Jesus or from growing in your faith? If so how can you overcome it?

On the last day of the Feast we are told in verses 37-38 that Jesus stood and spoke in a loud voice as he delivered his message.  No doubt he had been watching the crowds in the heat of day, hustling and jostling one another as they came to worship.  Many would be tired and thirsty after a busy week celebrating the Feast and making their sacrificial offerings.  Jesus sees their physical needs but also the spiritual thirst in their lives and so invites anyone who is spiritually thirsty to come to him and drink. The verses are similar to those in John 4, but here we have the promise of the Holy Spirit who would come as prophesied in Joel 2:28-29, or the Day of Pentecost, to indwell all those who believed in Jesus.  The Holy Spirit is God, the Third Person within the Godhead who comes with power to strengthen and purify us. He is the mediator of new birth and forgiveness in our lives and helps us to be witnesses for Jesus. His presence in us is linked to streams of living water continually flowing through us.

Response

Today let us acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ and pray for the Holy Spirit to pour his living water into our lives to refresh and renew us for the day ahead.

Susan

Day 14 - Misunderstood

Reading: John 7:1-13

“To be great you have to be willing to be mocked, hated and misunderstood.” Banksy

This passage speaks to me about Jesus being misunderstood, both by his brothers and by the crowds gathering for the Festival of Tabernacles.

It has become increasingly unsafe for Jesus to be in the South (around Jerusalem) so he continues his work, for now, in the North (around Galilee). Jesus does this, not because he is afraid of the danger, of course, but because he knows the right timing has not yet come.

Jesus’ brothers, on the other hand, which we can assume means his natural younger brothers, misunderstand him. They misunderstand Jesus’ actions, his miracles, his methods, his motivation and his timing. As a result ‘even his own brothers did not believe in him.’

The Festival of Tabernacles was a huge event, perhaps even the most popular of the festivals. It was linked to celebrating the harvest and to remembering God providing for his people in the wilderness. Jesus’ brothers wanted him to show up and show off (verse 3).

In the end, Jesus does go. Perhaps he has waited for a prompt from his heavenly Father rather than his earthly brothers, but when he goes he does not show up in the way the brothers directed him. He arrives in secret.

The questions I ask myself today reading this passage are these:

How easy is it for me to misunderstand God’s divine plan when it doesn’t seem to fit my expectations or requests?

How often are my actions or lack of actions for Jesus misunderstood and when that happens do I take strength from the fact that Jesus was misunderstood first?

Response

Lord, when I am misunderstood, help me to find strength from Jesus’ experience. When I misunderstand your actions or your apparent lack of action or silence help me to trust.

Ken

Day 13 - Grateful or grumbling?

Reading: John 6:41-71

Our family have a ‘thankful’ jar which sits on our kitchen table at home. At the weekends we think together about the things that we’re thankful to God for and write or draw them on some paper and pop them in the jar.  At the end of the year we open the jar and read through all the things we’ve been grateful for over the past year. It’s fun, faith building and encouraging.  It’s a great reminder that even when difficult things happen we still have so many things we can choose to thank God for.

In our reading today we see different reactions to Jesus’ teaching.  The Jews grumbled (verse 41) and argued (verse 52) because they couldn’t accept what Jesus said. They were looking for the kind of Messiah who would give them what they wanted. They couldn’t accept that he was who he said he was.

Jesus’ own followers grumbled too (verse 61) and many of them deserted him because the teaching was hard (verse 66). The teaching was hard not so much in understanding it intellectually but that it asked for their whole heart and soul.

There was a lot of grumbling going on!

But what Jesus was teaching should have made them thankful.  He offers himself as the bread of life, the only one who can give eternal life. The One who satisfies and the One who is the only true God. He is worth giving our whole heart and soul to.

If you’re like me then it’s much easier to grumble than to be grateful. It’s all too easy to grumble about what is hard and to forget about what Jesus has given us.

In the face of hardship gratitude is a choice we make. What Jesus teaches about himself in this passage today can remind us of just how much we have to be grateful for.

Do you find grumbling easier than gratitude? Talk to God about that. What is there in this passage that can prompt you to praise?

Response

Use verse 68 as a prayer of praise that only Jesus has the words of eternal life and to commit again to following him, heart and soul.

Ellen

Day 12 - Stop digging

Reading: John 6:25-40

The law of holes refers to a proverb which states that, “if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.” The meaning behind it is that if you find yourself in an untenable position, you should stop and change, rather than carry on making it worse.

Thankfully this crowd failed to observe this proverb, so we benefit from Jesus’ correction of their mistakes.

Mistake No 1: Materialism. Jesus corrected their notion that a full stomach is all they needed. As if to clear that up, they show us…

Mistake No 2: Self Sufficiency. They asked him, what must WE DO…”  Jesus explained that the only ‘work’ we must do is to believe in him. It’s evident that they still misunderstand, because their next question shows…

Mistake No 3: Believing in the wrong thing. The crowd, looking for a sign, were trying to compare Jesus to Moses.

So Jesus uses shock tactics to get them thinking. The manna (the food God provided for the Israelites each day wandering through the wilderness) was bread from heaven, but it wasn’t. Certainly, it had food value, but it wouldn’t sustain spiritual life.  That relied on the TRUE bread from Heaven, Jesus himself.  He is the only true source of spiritual nourishment.

Notice in verses 32-39 the number of times ‘from heaven’ appears.  Then count the number of times you can see a reference to the Father/he (who sent me)/he (has given me).

Jesus makes the point that our only source of spiritual life is himself, sent as a gift from heaven by the Father.  The crowds, like the Samaritan woman who misunderstood the water of life (John 4:15), were trapped into thinking about the material, the tangible, things that they could see and touch.  Jesus reminds us that while food (and water) are essentials, there is a spiritual dimension that is vital, and ‘seeing’ that through the eyes of faith has eternal rewards (verses 39-40).

Response

If I buy this, I’ll be content. I’ve done this… (a list of achievements) or I refuse to ask for help. Are you believing in yourself rather than walking daily with Jesus? Look to the Son. He’s enough.

Ian

Day 11 - The same power today

Reading: John 6:1-24

What’s your experience of seeing miracles here in 21st century Chichester? The same miraculous power which Jesus bought to bear in the gospels is the very same that is present with us today and which we teach our children about in Sunday school.

Today’s scripture captures that well known story of how Jesus fed a crowd of more than 5000 with 5 loaves and two fishes and also walked on water and calmed a storm. We see how, despite experiencing 3 earlier miracles, some of his disciples still needed to learn to have faith and recognise the potential of God’s sovereign power through Jesus.

But what of the crowd? We know that the Jews of the time were under some pretty serious oppression from the Romans and that they were awaiting a new prophet as foretold by Moses in Old Testament scriptures.  Their expectation was very likely to be a Moses-like prophet, a man who would bring strong military leadership.  This is why we read that Jesus withdrew soon after, knowing that the crowd intended to make him king by force. 

There is a danger that, with the familiarity of this miracle and the passing of time, we read of Jesus’ sovereign power in these examples as merely stories and we lose the awesomeness of the miraculous wonder which was displayed in front of a crowd of over 5000. We must recognise the power at work in these miracles as coming from the very same God that we call our heavenly Father today, the very same God that allows miracles to occur in our lives today, whether we choose to identify and recognise that it’s his power at work or not.  Soon after today’s passage Jesus draws the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 to a brilliant conclusion by teaching that, “I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will not go hungry.”

Response

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word which helps us to understand the amazing detail of your power through Jesus.  Please would you help me through your Spirit to expect and recognise your sovereign power in my life today.

James

Day 10 - Altaring the ego

Reading: John 5:31-47

Have you ever thought to yourself, “If only I lived when Jesus was walking this earth. I wouldn’t have any doubts at all if I could see his miracles and hear his teaching!”

The reality, however, is that many who saw and heard him in the first century did not believe him. For that reason  Jesus appealed to the practice laid down by Moses (Deuteronomy 19:15) of calling forwards “two or three witnesses” to support his claims about himself, as a person’s testimony about himself was not admissible in a court of law (John 5:31). In Jewish law courts a lot of significance was placed on the reliability of the witnesses. If they were trustworthy and dependable, then their witness carried a lot of weight.

Jesus asserts that a number of witnesses testify on his behalf: John the Baptist (5:33), the works that Jesus was doing (5:36) and God the Father himself (5:37). These three, he was saying, are all reliable witnesses, and therefore accepting Jesus’ claims should be a simple matter.

But it wasn’t, was it? Many of those who heard him and saw his miracles did not believe. How could that be?

Jesus explains the reason: “How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (5:44)

Pride, it seems, is the great barrier to belief. Pride twists how we view things, contorting the truth to make it fit with what we want to believe: that we are gods, worthy of praise and admiration. And if we believe we are gods, then there is no room for faith in Christ as God, is there? As the Scottish preacher James Denny once put it, “No man can bear witness to Christ and to himself at the same time. No man can give the impression that he is clever and that Christ is mighty to save.”

Response

Lord, my pride gets in the way of trusting you and of believing what you might do, even today. You are God, I am not. Help me to live in the reality of that today.

Roger 

Day 9 - Missing the point (2)

Reading: John 5:1-30

There are things in life I find rather pointless: why are buildings peppered with signs saying, “It is against the law to smoke on these premises” when there are no equivalent signs for stealing or killing (both equally against the law)? And ‘reality’ TV – a misnomer if ever there was one – what’s the point? Thankfully there are things in life with real purpose and benefit – like me I’m sure you’d rate football as one of those…

In our passage today Jesus heals a disabled man and the religious leaders present completely miss the point. A man condemned to a wretched existence suddenly has a whole new life to live but the religious leaders don’t care about that, they have a different agenda.

When Jesus heals this man he tells him to pick up his mat and walk, knowing full well the religious police will spot him doing this on a Sabbath. The healed man obeys and sure enough the religious leaders notice him so he tells them, “The man who made me well said to me ‘pick up your mat and walk.’” And they ask him who told him to pick up his mat and walk…

No, no, no – man-made laws about the Sabbath are not the issue. Somebody who had endured disability for decades has been healed. Completely. Totally. It’s time for a party, not for persecution. Yet they go after Jesus because he healed a man on the Sabbath. So Jesus makes quite a lengthy case for the defence, saying the Son of God was among them, seeking to please his Father by doing God’s work in ways people could experience for themselves – if they chose to.

I wonder if there are times when we too miss the point in our church culture. What do we expect when we come to church? The same seat, the same people, the same songs? Or do we expect to encounter the living God, knowing he loves us and conscious of what it cost Jesus to bring us life and the freedom to enter God’s presence?

Response

“The Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Chris 

Day 8 - Believing is not about seeing

Reading: John 4:43-54

At the opening of this passage Jesus compares his reception in Samaria with the reception he receives from his own people. The Samaritans welcomed him for who he was whilst the Jews were more impressed by his deeds in Jerusalem (see John 2:23). Jesus refers to this contrast when he comments in verse 48 on their lack of real faith.  Perhaps the government official was also only relying on Jesus as a result of reports from Jerusalem. However, when Jesus speaks directly to him his faith (trust) is instant and is later confirmed when he meets his servants and they report the healing of his son.

Our faith should be based on who Jesus is rather than what we expect him to do for us. Many of us will never directly experience a miracle but that should not affect the trust we place in him.  Whenever we travel in someone else’s car we place our trust in their driving skills.  Thankfully, most journeys are uneventful and routine but, in the event of any emergency, we must continue to trust the driver. He is in control from start to finish. So it is with our faith in Jesus. Once we have started out with him we need only remind ourselves of who he is rather than allowing our immediate circumstances to rule our hearts. It is said that, if six different people view an accident, you will have six different accounts of what happened. Our faith should not depend on what we see but on the person who inspires our trust. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Response

Dear Father, refresh my faith. You are my Lord and I trust you for whatever lies ahead. Be my shelter and my guide in the days to come.

Peter

Day 7 - You reap what you sow

Reading: John 4:27-42

About 25 years ago I met a lady in the street. She was drunk and vulnerable. I played no significant role in her life other than to spend a few hours with her and try to explain something of who Jesus was.  I never saw her again and have no idea what happened to her, but I prayed that day that in her confusion and despair God would nurture a seed…

Today’s passage gives the conclusion to Jesus extraordinary meeting with the Samaritan woman, and some clear teaching for the disciples on what it means to have a “harvest mindset”.

Jesus’ personal insight, and a clear explanation of who he was, led this woman to hastily return to her town to witness about him.  In the explanation by this marginalised woman, her community saw enough to listen and “Come see a man…” who they later acknowledged as “saviour of the world”.

Meanwhile back at the well… the disciples are still concentrating on their food-finding mission (verse 8).  But Jesus turns the situation to teach them of his true mission, and their own commissioning.  As the Samaritan townspeople are listening to the woman, Jesus is telling the disciples that the harvest is now. The disciples weren’t even present as Jesus sowed his message of hope to the Samaritan woman, but they were about to be involved in a big reaping. 

As followers we are to be involved in both sowing and reaping. Sometimes the sowing is lifelong and we don’t see any evidence of reaping, and sometimes we reap without any understanding of the sowing that has gone before, but we are called and commissioned to both. 

Response

Thank you Father, that you graciously allow us to partner in your work, and equip us in it.  Give us perseverance in sowing and urgency in reaping.

Victoria

Day 6 - Would you like a drink?

Reading: John 4:1-26

How are you at striking up conversations with people? How comfortable are you sharing matters of faith? There’s no doubt it comes easier to some than others, but we are all called to give it our best shot (Matthew 28:18-20) Here, Jesus makes evangelism personal, relevant and natural.

Jesus asks a Samaritan woman for a drink and chooses to ignore the prejudices of the day – that women shouldn’t be spoken to in public; that Samaritans were unclean and to be treated with suspicion (remember how the expert in the law couldn’t bring himself to even say the “S” word in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37)).

Jesus doesn’t judge the woman. He sees one of his Father’s children who needs help. She is a sinner, as we all are, who has had 5 husbands and who currently lives with a man who is not her husband. She also needs to know more of Jesus, as we all do, and the living water that he offers. This living water is the Holy Spirit and eternal life, the Holy Spirit that when accepted and embraced enables us to “worship in spirit and truth”. Without him we will worship in the wrong places (on the mountain or in Jerusalem) and in the wrong ways (in church on Sundays rather than with our whole lives). As Jesus says, “God is spirit, and the worshippers must worship in spirit and truth.” They are the kind of worshippers we must strive to be and we need the Holy Spirit’s help to do that.

Response

Ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit today, embrace him and, in his power, reach out to someone with a kindness.

Tom

Food for Thought & More ...

There is no reading today - unless you are catching up that is! But in case you are at risk of missing the regular e-mail, here are some things to look forward to.

This Sunday we have the first of our Sunday messages. Ian will be speaking on Sunday morning from John 1:43-51, where Jesus finds Philip, Philip finds Nathanael, and then Jesus finds Nathanael. And then on Sunday night Roger will be speaking from John 1:14 about the One full of truth.

Also on Sunday morning Andy and Victoria will be introducing 'Food for Thought' - a three course menu for having a family conversation about an account from John - in this instance from the John 1:43-51 passage.

If you have not joined in with the readings yet, there's still time! You can download the book for free from Smashwords (134 downloads to date!).

There have been some great thoughts here on the Blog and also on Twitter, and it's been good to hear about conversations and sharing in small groups to. Keep them coming!

Day 5 - More of you, less of me

Reading: John 3:22-36

Have you ever had the experience of investing huge amounts of effort into a role or project, only to find that someone else has come along and ‘taken all the glory’, is better, more successful or popular than you? 

Feeling a lack of appreciation, to be outshone by another’s abilities or inadequate to complete a task are common human experiences and John the Baptist had reason to feel all these things and more.  He had devoted his life to deliver a message of repentance, he had put aside a settled, comfortable existence, to live out his calling, and people had responded to his message.  But now, they were turning away from him to another voice. All that effort, passion and sacrifice and no-one to listen.

Yet John’s response is extraordinary. Instead of jumping to the defensive, or attempting to extinguish the competition, or giving in to discouragement, he submits in humility and generosity of spirit.  He is content to slip off into the sidelines, to allow Jesus to take centre stage. John knows that all he has achieved has been due to God, not his own abilities. He has a healthy sense of his self before God, a deep understanding of the person of Jesus and the unfailing resource of the Holy Spirit. This realisation releases John into joy, allows him to take pleasure in his God-given role and enables him to powerfully prophesy. God uses John strategically to prepare the way for Jesus. John is the warm-up act and someone who is ready and willing to play his part.

For me, this is a reminder that all that I have at work, home and church is given from God. I have no excuse to hang back through feelings of inadequacy or lack of recognition. I serve in order to give Jesus centre stage.  The same is true for each of us, as we serve and play our part in God’s amazing plan.

Response

Father, in all that I think, feel and do this week, may there be more of you and less of me. Amen.

Louise

Day 4 - Embarrassing questions

Reading: John 3:1-21

Have you ever been embarrassed to ask someone something? How to turn on a computer? What a certain word means? Where a book is in the Bible? Whether someone has feelings for you too? I remember as a teenager sat in Sex Education lessons wanting to ask what some of the words meant, but I was too embarrassed! We all have embarrassing questions but if we don’t ask we will never know.

Perhaps Nicodemus, the Pharisee in today’s reading, came to Jesus at night time a little embarrassed, not wanting others to see him talking to Jesus. The conversation he went on to have with Jesus has become well known and a key reference point to what it means to be a Christian. Jesus explained ‘that everyone who believes may have eternal life’ (verse 15), and be born again / made spiritually alive / enter a relationship with God. Jesus teaches that this real spiritual life, eternal life, is available because of the gift of God’s son, to anyone who believes in him.

Did you know you can come to Jesus whatever your embarrassment or question is? You may just find that in coming to Jesus today you will discover, like Nicodemus, much more than you expected. I regularly have questions for Jesus, and I regularly say or do things I’m embarrassed about. As I grow in my Christian faith what becomes clearer and clearer to me is God’s heart of love for each and every one us and his gift of Jesus.

Whatever lies ahead of you today may I encourage you to come to God, through Jesus, honestly and with a grateful heart for the wonderful loving gift of Jesus.

Response

Father God, I bring to you today my questions and my embarrassments. I want to say thank you for sending Jesus so that I can have eternal life. I choose to believe you and trust you today.

Andy