Monthly Archives: August 2011

The last chapter in the gospel of John has two key narratives revolving around two animals:  fish and sheep. The fish story is generally accepted to foreshadow the evangelistic work of the church.  The sheep story foreshadows the pastoral work … Continue reading →

The apostle John wants us to believe.  He wants us to believe that Jesus rose from the dead and that Jesus gave his Holy Spirit to his followers.  He lays out the evidence for the empty tomb, he had seen … Continue reading →

It is ironic that Jesus is the crucified king.  It is ironic that Pontius Pilate should acknowledge that Jesus is King of the Jews probably to spite the Jews.  In so doing the man who asked, “What is truth?” declares a … Continue reading →

Some people have challenged the Passion account in John because of its difference to the other gospel accounts.  We should note, though, that Jesus follows the same core narrative in each gospel.  The core is: Jesus and the disciples depart … Continue reading →

John 17 gives us a glimpse into the heart of Jesus unlike any other chapter in the four Gospels.  For many readers of this “beloved Gospel” it is the “beloved chapter,” expressing so much of what Jesus aimed to express … Continue reading →

In the story of Jesus told by John a great reversal takes place.  It looks like the Jewish leaders will triumph as Jesus is going to die.  Jesus is explaining, though, that he has foreseen all of these things and … Continue reading →

I have been reading a book which talks about the sacrament of the Present.   It says that we are not given the future and we do not exist in the past, the place where God has given us to dwell is … Continue reading →

Jesus is about to be crucified, which would lead to great termoil and tribulation among his friends.  In this context he tells them not to be troubled.  He is telling them that his death is for a purpose and the … Continue reading →

The Last Supper is a story that many of us are familiar with at some level.  In the book of John, the Bible reveals that Jesus begins to reveal fully what love means.  To a modern reader love is a very … Continue reading →

It is impossible to understand the dramatic forces at work in John 12 if someone has not watched the story of Jesus unfold for the past 11 chapters.  John 12 is a turning pointy, a critical juncture in the story … Continue reading →