The Daily Guide-The Daily Devotional grow. pray. study. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection of Leawood, Kansas, United States for Saturday, 12 March 2016 - “Trust in God; trust also in me”
To support the goal of reading the whole gospel of John during Lent, some of the daily readings are longer than typical for the GPS. We encourage you: have an extra cup of coffee, use your lunch break—find a way to hang in there and read the entire gospel.
Daily Scripture: John 14:1 “Don’t let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many places to live. If there weren’t, I would have told you; because I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 Since I am going and preparing a place for you, I will return to take you with me; so that where I am, you may be also. 4 Furthermore, you know where I’m going; and you know the way there.”
5 T’oma said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going; so how can we know the way?” 6 Yeshua said, “I AM the Way — and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me. 7 Because you have known me, you will also know my Father; from now on, you do know him — in fact, you have seen him.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it will be enough for us.” 9 Yeshua replied to him, “Have I been with you so long without your knowing me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me? What I am telling you, I am not saying on my own initiative; the Father living in me is doing his own works. 11 Trust me, that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me. But if you can’t, then trust because of the works themselves. 12 Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do! Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father. 13 In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me for something in my name, I will do it.
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commands; 16 and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforting Counselor like me, the Spirit of Truth, to be with you forever. 17 The world cannot receive him, because it neither sees nor knows him. You know him, because he is staying with you and will be united with you. 18 I will not leave you orphans — I am coming to you. 19 In just a little while, the world will no longer see me; but you will see me. Because I live, you too will live. 20 When that day comes, you will know that I am united with my Father, and you with me, and I with you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me, and the one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
22 Y’hudah (not the one from K’riot) said to him, “What has happened, Lord, that you are about to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Yeshua answered him, “If someone loves me, he will keep my word; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Someone who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words — and the word you are hearing is not my own but that of the Father who sent me.
25 “I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Ruach HaKodesh, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything; that is, he will remind you of everything I have said to you.
27 “What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened. 28 You heard me tell you, ‘I am leaving, and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would have been glad that I am going to the Father; because the Father is greater than I.
29 “Also, I have said it to you now, before it happens; so that when it does happen, you will trust.
30 “I won’t be talking with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me; 31 rather, this is happening so that the world may know that I love the Father, and that I do as the Father has commanded me.
“Get up! Let’s get going!
Reflection Questions:Jesus’ talk of going away puzzled his disciples. But he promised that he would return, and when he did his followers could always be with him. He gave them a vivid picture of God’s house as a spacious place with plenty of room for everyone. He told them that in him, they’d seen the Father. Then, in a further glimpse into the mysteries of God, he promised not to leave them orphans, but to both send and come to them in the person of the “paraclete” (a Greek word that meant companion, helper, advocate and comforter)—the Holy Spirit.
- Pastor Hamilton wrote, “I ask you a simple question: What do you trust in? When you strip away everything else, what is it—at the bedrock in your life—that you trust in?... Christ calls us to trust in him, to count on him.”1 How do you answer that “trust” question? At the end of this chapter, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid” (verse 27). Have you ever found the “peace” the world gives ultimately empty and meaningless? How can trusting in Jesus, truly counting on him, give you the greater, deeper peace Jesus promised?
Lord Jesus, you promised, “I won’t leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” Thank you for always being my Companion and Comforter, even when my circumstances seem the hardest. Amen.
Family Activity:
Knowing the Holy Spirit is one way we know God more fully. Explain to your family that the Holy Spirit is like the wind. They are both always with us, we can’t see them, but we can see and feel what they are doing. Go outside for a walk together. Talk about what sounds and movements the wind is causing. Spend some time in prayer as you experience the wind. Remind everyone that the Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us and will only move in ways that are good, helpful and beneficial. Encourage your family members to remember God the Holy Spirit whenever they feel the wind. Thank God for the Holy Spirit and for the ways it brings God’s goodness to the world.
1 Adam Hamilton, John: The Gospel of Light and Life. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2015, p. 97.)
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Insight From Denise Mersmann
Denise Mersmann serves as the Early Childhood Coordinating Assistant at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.I was blessed to grow up in an amazing home with loving parents and brothers. Our house was a place where everyone was welcome; a place filled with laughter and joy and lots of hugs. It was my ‘safe place’ in good times and bad. After I moved to college I loved knowing that when I came home, by the time I was out of my car, my parents would be coming out the front door to meet me with hugs and affirmations of “so glad to have you home” as they helped carry my bags inside.
When my dad passed away, we considered Scriptures that were fitting for the celebration of his life. As I read the words from John 14, “My father’s house has many rooms . . . I will come back and take you to be with me,” I had an image of my dad being greeted by Jesus, welcomed to his new eternal home. I could visualize Jesus greeting him with that same affirmation “so glad to have you home” as He took my dad in his arms and walked beside him to one of the many rooms in God’s house that was promised in Scripture.
That image was, for me, the first time I truly understood the idea of a “peace of God, which transcended all understanding.” Because I knew what it was like to live in a loving home with a father who loved me so much there was great comfort knowing that my dad was with both his earthly and heavenly fathers.
Over the years, as others that I love have passed, I find myself mentally going to that place where Jesus welcomes His children home with open arms. And that image provides the peace that can “guard my heart and mind” when I need it most.
So to answer the question—who do I trust and what do I trust in—I trust in Jesus. I trust that he is always with me and those I love. And I trust that one day I will be welcomed home by both my Fathers to a place full of laughter, joy and lots of hugs.
---------------------The Daily Guide-The Daily Devotional grow. pray. study. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection of Leawood, Kansas, United States for Friday, 11 March 2016
Insights from Darren Lippe
When my dad passed away, we considered Scriptures that were fitting for the celebration of his life. As I read the words from John 14, “My father’s house has many rooms . . . I will come back and take you to be with me,” I had an image of my dad being greeted by Jesus, welcomed to his new eternal home. I could visualize Jesus greeting him with that same affirmation “so glad to have you home” as He took my dad in his arms and walked beside him to one of the many rooms in God’s house that was promised in Scripture.
That image was, for me, the first time I truly understood the idea of a “peace of God, which transcended all understanding.” Because I knew what it was like to live in a loving home with a father who loved me so much there was great comfort knowing that my dad was with both his earthly and heavenly fathers.
Over the years, as others that I love have passed, I find myself mentally going to that place where Jesus welcomes His children home with open arms. And that image provides the peace that can “guard my heart and mind” when I need it most.
So to answer the question—who do I trust and what do I trust in—I trust in Jesus. I trust that he is always with me and those I love. And I trust that one day I will be welcomed home by both my Fathers to a place full of laughter, joy and lots of hugs.
---------------------The Daily Guide-The Daily Devotional grow. pray. study. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection of Leawood, Kansas, United States for Friday, 11 March 2016
- “This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples”
To support the goal of reading the whole gospel of John during Lent, some of the daily readings are longer than typical for the GPS. We encourage you: have an extra cup of coffee, use your lunch break—find a way to hang in there and read the entire gospel.
Daily Scripture: John 13:21 After saying this, Yeshua, in deep anguish of spirit, declared, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that one of you will betray me.” 22 The talmidim stared at one another, totally mystified — whom could he mean? 23 One of his talmidim, the one Yeshua particularly loved, was reclining close beside him. 24 So Shim‘on Kefa motioned to him and said, “Ask which one he’s talking about.” 25 Leaning against Yeshua’s chest, he asked Yeshua, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Yeshua answered, “It’s the one to whom I give this piece of matzah after I dip it in the dish.” So he dipped the piece of matzah and gave it to Y’hudah Ben-Shim‘on from K’riot. 27 As soon as Y’hudah took the piece of matzah, the Adversary went into him. “What you are doing, do quickly!” Yeshua said to him. 28 But no one at the table understood why he had said this to him. 29 Some thought that since Y’hudah was in charge of the common purse, Yeshua was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or telling him to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as he had taken the piece of matzah, Y’hudah went out, and it was night.
31 After Y’hudah had left, Yeshua said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If the Son has glorified God, God will himself glorify the Son, and will do so without delay. 33 Little children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and, as I said to the Judeans, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ now I say it to you as well.
34 “I am giving you a new command: that you keep on loving each other. In the same way that I have loved you, you are also to keep on loving each other. 35 Everyone will know that you are my talmidim by the fact that you have love for each other.”
36 Shim‘on Kefa said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Yeshua answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow later.” 37 “Lord,” Kefa said to him, “why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!” 38 Yeshua answered, “You will lay down your life for me? Yes, indeed! I tell you, before the rooster crows you will disown me three times.
Reflection Questions:
John wanted his readers to know that Jesus didn’t accidentally stumble into his saving death, but chose that course (cf. John 10:17-18). So here he made a point of showing that Jesus knew who would betray him. His spiritual symbolism was clear: when Judas left to betray Jesus, “it was night” (verse 30). But instead of bemoaning the darkness all around him, Jesus gave his followers a new commandment that radiated heaven’s light: “As I have loved you, so you must love each other. This is how everyone will know you are my disciples.”
- The command to love one another was not new. However, saying “as I have loved you” took love to a whole new level. In what ways did Jesus’ model of love expand love’s reach, and deepen its intensity? After Jesus taught, but before John wrote his gospel, the apostle Paul identified love as the first and greatest fruit of the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22). Ask the Spirit to guide you in shaping your view of yourself in the light of Jesus’ love, so that you in turn can love the people in your life well.
- Right after Judas left on his dark errand, Jesus returned to the idea of “glory.” He said that now he had been glorified, and God had been glorified in him. From a human standpoint, there was no glory on that dark night. Scholar N. T. Wright wrote, “Swords don’t glorify the creator-God. Love does. Self-giving love, best of all.”1 When, or through whom, have you gotten at least a glimpse of the glory of being a “champion” in living out self-giving love?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord God, let the light of your love increasingly shine out from me into the hurting, darkened world around me. Give me the courage to live that way even when others do not seem to see the value of it. Amen.
1 N. T. Wright, John for Everyone, part 2. (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004, p. 34.)
---------------------Insights from Darren Lippe
Darren Lippe helps facilitate Journey 101 “Loving God” classes, guides a 7th-grade Sunday school class, is a member of a small group & a men’s group, and serves on the Curriculum team.Having performed in various plays/musicals back in high school, our drama teacher encouraged us to read literature & stories with a sense of how would we script the scene. (Was your acting critically acclaimed? – Editor. Well, you’re half right – DL.)
We Actors/Actresses can have a slightly skewed view of life. My Grandmother chortled over the congratulatory card she sent me after one production. It depicted actors from the 1860’s gathered around reading the newspaper with the headline, “President Lincoln Shot at Ford’s Theatre.” One of the actors says, “Yes, but does it mention my performance?”
I have shamelessly copied my teacher’s idea & used it in Sunday School. For example, we had an interesting discussion as the 9th graders described how they would film the scene of Lazarus being raised from the dead. Was it at high noon or was it dusk? How would you depict Jesus’ prayer? Would you actually show Lazarus exiting the tomb or just film the crowd’s reaction? (Of course, there are limits to this concept – a lesson on David & Bathsheba might be less than wise.)
Today’s passage is a powerful scene. You can imagine Alfred Hitchcock’s vision would probably be accompanied by timpani drums building to a crescendo as he quickly pans the camera to a head shot of each of the Disciples asking, “Is it I, Lord?”
On the other hand, Mel Brooks might have a different take with him as the waiter hopefully asking, “Will this be on one check?” “No. Separate Checks please.” “Oy, vey. Would you like to start with some wine?” No. Just water. (Wink.)
My version of this scene would start with the camera catching snippets of conversation around the table. We might hear the pessimistic Thomas asking, “Does this bread taste fresh to you? It seems stale to me,” or the bombastic brothers, James & John, debating over who gets the biggest lamb shank, or the fiscally prudent Philip asking, “How much do you think this whole shindig will set us back?”
We then flash forward to Judas exiting the Upper Room. We might see his silhouette as he walks out & closes the door on the room filled with light, warmth, & camaraderie. It is completely dark. He stumbles on the 1st step going downstairs. He hesitates. Maybe he has 2nd thoughts or perhaps he is waiting for his eyes to adjust to his darkened world. He starts the walk to the High Priest’s home. The streets, packed with crowds just a few hours earlier, are eerily empty. Everyone is inside sharing the Passover Meal with friends & family. There are cracks of light coming from the shuttered windows & under the doorjambs as Judas walks down the lane. He hears laughter as families share tales of past Seder meals. A grandfather’s booming voice is heard as he dramatically recounts the exodus from Egypt for his giggling grandchildren. We see Judas trudging up the hill slowly going out of view. We won’t see him again until he is escorting a company of soldiers from the Chief Priests & Pharisees, carrying lanterns, torches, & weapons. [And Scene.]
The hot gossip down at The Brown Derby is that God is looking to cast His next big production, “God’s Kingdom.” We have all been invited to the auditions. Do we accept this role of a lifetime or do we pass & continue on the dinner-theater-circuit pushing the veal & performing in “Arsenic & Old Lace?” Whether we have a starring role or a bit part we will still be eligible for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Now, THAT would be a cut, print, & wrap.
We Actors/Actresses can have a slightly skewed view of life. My Grandmother chortled over the congratulatory card she sent me after one production. It depicted actors from the 1860’s gathered around reading the newspaper with the headline, “President Lincoln Shot at Ford’s Theatre.” One of the actors says, “Yes, but does it mention my performance?”
I have shamelessly copied my teacher’s idea & used it in Sunday School. For example, we had an interesting discussion as the 9th graders described how they would film the scene of Lazarus being raised from the dead. Was it at high noon or was it dusk? How would you depict Jesus’ prayer? Would you actually show Lazarus exiting the tomb or just film the crowd’s reaction? (Of course, there are limits to this concept – a lesson on David & Bathsheba might be less than wise.)
Today’s passage is a powerful scene. You can imagine Alfred Hitchcock’s vision would probably be accompanied by timpani drums building to a crescendo as he quickly pans the camera to a head shot of each of the Disciples asking, “Is it I, Lord?”
On the other hand, Mel Brooks might have a different take with him as the waiter hopefully asking, “Will this be on one check?” “No. Separate Checks please.” “Oy, vey. Would you like to start with some wine?” No. Just water. (Wink.)
My version of this scene would start with the camera catching snippets of conversation around the table. We might hear the pessimistic Thomas asking, “Does this bread taste fresh to you? It seems stale to me,” or the bombastic brothers, James & John, debating over who gets the biggest lamb shank, or the fiscally prudent Philip asking, “How much do you think this whole shindig will set us back?”
We then flash forward to Judas exiting the Upper Room. We might see his silhouette as he walks out & closes the door on the room filled with light, warmth, & camaraderie. It is completely dark. He stumbles on the 1st step going downstairs. He hesitates. Maybe he has 2nd thoughts or perhaps he is waiting for his eyes to adjust to his darkened world. He starts the walk to the High Priest’s home. The streets, packed with crowds just a few hours earlier, are eerily empty. Everyone is inside sharing the Passover Meal with friends & family. There are cracks of light coming from the shuttered windows & under the doorjambs as Judas walks down the lane. He hears laughter as families share tales of past Seder meals. A grandfather’s booming voice is heard as he dramatically recounts the exodus from Egypt for his giggling grandchildren. We see Judas trudging up the hill slowly going out of view. We won’t see him again until he is escorting a company of soldiers from the Chief Priests & Pharisees, carrying lanterns, torches, & weapons. [And Scene.]
The hot gossip down at The Brown Derby is that God is looking to cast His next big production, “God’s Kingdom.” We have all been invited to the auditions. Do we accept this role of a lifetime or do we pass & continue on the dinner-theater-circuit pushing the veal & performing in “Arsenic & Old Lace?” Whether we have a starring role or a bit part we will still be eligible for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Now, THAT would be a cut, print, & wrap.
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The Daily Guide-The Daily Devotional grow. pray. study. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection of Leawood, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 10 March 2016
Insights from Janelle Gregory
- “I have given you an example”
To support the goal of reading the whole gospel of John during Lent, some of the daily readings are longer than typical for the GPS. We encourage you: have an extra cup of coffee, use your lunch break—find a way to hang in there and read the entire gospel.
Daily Scripture: John 13:1 It was just before the festival of Pesach, and Yeshua knew that the time had come for him to pass from this world to the Father. Having loved his own people in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 They were at supper, and the Adversary had already put the desire to betray him into the heart of Y’hudah Ben-Shim‘on from K’riot. 3 Yeshua was aware that the Father had put everything in his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God. 4 So he rose from the table, removed his outer garments and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 Then he poured some water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the talmidim and wipe them off with the towel wrapped around him.
6 He came to Shim‘on Kefa, who said to him, “Lord! You are washing my feet?” 7 Yeshua answered him, “You don’t understand yet what I am doing, but in time you will understand.” 8 “No!” said Kefa, “You will never wash my feet!” Yeshua answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 “Lord,” Shim‘on Kefa replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and head too!” 10 Yeshua said to him, “A man who has had a bath doesn’t need to wash, except his feet — his body is already clean. And you people are clean, but not all of you.” 11 (He knew who was betraying him; this is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”)
12 After he had washed their feet, taken back his clothes and returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me ‘Rabbi’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because I am. 14 Now if I, the Lord and Rabbi, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, so that you may do as I have done to you. 16 Yes, indeed! I tell you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is an emissary greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
18 “I’m not talking to all of you — I know which ones I have chosen. But the words of the Tanakh must be fulfilled that say, ‘The one eating my bread has turned against me.’[John 13:18 Psalm 41:10(9)] 19 I’m telling you now, before it happens; so that when it does happen, you may believe that I AM [who I say I am]. 20 Yes, indeed! I tell you that a person who receives someone I send receives me, and that anyone who receives me receives the One who sent me.”
Reflection Questions:
Typically a slave had the job of washing tired, dirty feet that had walked on dusty or muddy roads all day, clad only in sandals. That’s why the disciples, acutely conscious of their relative rank in the group, all shied away from washing the feet of the others. But Jesus unblushingly did the slave’s work. Then he pointedly told his status-conscious disciples, “I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do.”
- Living and travel conditions today are vastly differently today. Much of the time today (though not always!) washing someone else’s feet is mainly symbolic, and does little to actually make that person’s life better and more pleasant. Given that, what are some real-life ways you can meaningfully “wash the feet” of family members, neighbors, co-workers or other church members?
- Pastor Hamilton honed in on the underlying spiritual question this story asks each of us: “Jesus wanted to make sure his disciples got it. The story in John 13 encourages us to ask this question: Are you—am I—worried about who appears to be the greatest, or are we focused on humbly serving others?”1 What’s your answer? How has it changed over time?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord Jesus, this is a hard prayer to pray. But I mean it: teach me how to find my greatest glory in serving you and others in the ways you have equipped me to serve. Amen.
1 Adam Hamilton, John: The Gospel of Light and Life. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2015, p. 96.
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Janelle Gregory serves on the Resurrection staff as a Human Resources Specialist.Every once in a while after a long week when I’ve been extremely busy, sick, or stressed, I stop and think, “I really hope that we don’t experience a family crisis right now.” Not because it would mean that our family was hurting or even that it would add to the already long week, but because my house was so messy that I’d be super embarrassed if we had unexpected visitors.
I can picture my husband lying on his deathbed in ICU, and I’d be trying to figure out how to get a little vacuuming in. That’s terrible, I know. But the slight possibility of this happening gives me motivation to clean my house!
I don’t want you to see my house if it’s a mess – especially if I hardly know you. I need you to be under the illusion that I’m enthusiastically, meticulously clean. Maybe you’re the same way?
Just like our houses, we don’t like people seeing into the mess of our lives. We present those around us with a more sanitary version, choosing to hide our dirt – the pains, shame, and struggles. We hope that our cluttered lives won’t be noticeable, because we are not okay being not okay. The thought of true disclosure makes us uncomfortable and extremely vulnerable.
But we can’t be afraid to bring our dirt when we sit before our Savior. With Jesus there are no rugs to sweep under or closets in which to hide. We must bring him everything, even the messiest, dirtiest parts. Though we will feel exposed, this is us at our truest self. Your most unmasked, tarnished, and raw version of you is the one which is most accurately and keenly aware of the need for Jesus.
When you feel like your life is in disarray and covered with dirt, remember what Jesus did to the disciples’ filthy feet on the night of the last supper. Just like he did then, he will gently pour the water over us, washing away our sin, our hurt, and our shame. How comforting and lovely it is to know that no matter how dirty our lives may be, Jesus will be there with a tender touch to wash and make us clean.
I can picture my husband lying on his deathbed in ICU, and I’d be trying to figure out how to get a little vacuuming in. That’s terrible, I know. But the slight possibility of this happening gives me motivation to clean my house!
I don’t want you to see my house if it’s a mess – especially if I hardly know you. I need you to be under the illusion that I’m enthusiastically, meticulously clean. Maybe you’re the same way?
Just like our houses, we don’t like people seeing into the mess of our lives. We present those around us with a more sanitary version, choosing to hide our dirt – the pains, shame, and struggles. We hope that our cluttered lives won’t be noticeable, because we are not okay being not okay. The thought of true disclosure makes us uncomfortable and extremely vulnerable.
But we can’t be afraid to bring our dirt when we sit before our Savior. With Jesus there are no rugs to sweep under or closets in which to hide. We must bring him everything, even the messiest, dirtiest parts. Though we will feel exposed, this is us at our truest self. Your most unmasked, tarnished, and raw version of you is the one which is most accurately and keenly aware of the need for Jesus.
When you feel like your life is in disarray and covered with dirt, remember what Jesus did to the disciples’ filthy feet on the night of the last supper. Just like he did then, he will gently pour the water over us, washing away our sin, our hurt, and our shame. How comforting and lovely it is to know that no matter how dirty our lives may be, Jesus will be there with a tender touch to wash and make us clean.
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The Daily Guide-The Daily Devotional grow. pray. study. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection of Leawood, Kansas, United States for Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Insights from Wendy Connelly
- “I have come as a light into the world”
To support the goal of reading the whole gospel of John during Lent, some of the daily readings are longer than typical for the GPS. We encourage you: have an extra cup of coffee, use your lunch break—find a way to hang in there and read the entire gospel.
Daily Scripture: John 12:37 Even though he had performed so many miracles in their presence, they still did not put their trust in him, 38 in order that what Yesha‘yahu the prophet had said might be fulfilled,
“Adonai, who has believed our report?
To whom has the arm of Adonai been revealed?”[John 12:38 Isaiah 53:1]
39 The reason they could not believe was — as Yesha‘yahu said elsewhere —
40 “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
so that they do not see with their eyes,
understand with their hearts,
and do t’shuvah,
so that I could heal them.”[John 12:40 Isaiah 6:10]
41 (Yesha‘yahu said these things because he saw the Sh’khinah of Yeshua and spoke about him.) 42 Nevertheless, many of the leaders did trust in him; but because of the P’rushim they did not say so openly, out of fear of being banned from the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from other people more than praise from God.
44 Yeshua declared publicly, “Those who put their trust in me are trusting not merely in me, but in the One who sent me. 45 Also those who see me see the One who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who trusts in me might not remain in the dark. 47 If anyone hears what I am saying and does not observe it, I don’t judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 Those who reject me and don’t accept what I say have a judge — the word which I have spoken will judge them on the Last Day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own initiative, but the Father who sent me has given me a command, namely, what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know that his command is eternal life. So what I say is simply what the Father has told me to say.”
Reflection Questions:
John returned to the sad question of why many did not accept Jesus (cf. John 1:10-11). He echoed Isaiah 6:10, a verse that meant, not that God kept people from faith, but that the way they chose to respond to God’s light in Jesus hardened rather than softened their hearts. Then he said Jesus summarized his ministry and his message by saying, “I have come as a light into the world so that everyone who believes in me won’t live in darkness” (verse 46).
- In John 8:12, Jesus had already said, “I am the light of the world.” Pastor Hamilton wrote, “Darkness represents spiritual blindness, lost-ness, and also evil. In John, when we believe in Jesus our eyes are opened, and suddenly we see ourselves and the world in his light.”1 Today’s news reports and political arguments mostly make our world seem very, very dark indeed. In what ways do you see the world differently because you see it in Christ’s light?
- The Message caught the meaning of John’s Isaiah 6:10 quotation well: “First they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t.” Those who refused to believe in Jesus saw the same signs as those who believed, but responded differently. Some compare it to the way one type of clay softens in the sunlight, while another kind of clay bakes into bricks. What helps you to keep your heart open and pliable to the signs of love and grace God sends your way?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord Jesus, keep my heart, my spirit, open and pliable to the sunlight of your love, grace and goodness. Keep “this little light of mine” shining to brighten the darkness. Amen.
1 Adam Hamilton, John: The Gospel of Light and Life. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2015, p. 70.)
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Wendy Connelly, wife to Mark and mom to two kids, is Community Outreach Director at the Leawood campus, a seminary student at Saint Paul School of Theology, and co-leads the “Live and Let Think” dialogues this April-May at Leawood (cor.org/think) and RezDowntown.Clutching my favorite, piping hot Resurrection mug, I began to ponder this topic of light from today’s Scripture. As I tugged on the Yogi tea bag’s paper tab to infuse the water fizzy green, I was amused at the quote printed upon it:
Live light. Travel light./Spread the light. Be the light.
In the gospels, as in this adage, light reveals itself in more than one form. In English, the word “light” is a homonym, representing two different words in the Greek: elaphros and phōs.
Live light. Travel light. “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11.30) – that’s elaphros.
Spread the light. Be the light. “I have come as a light into the world” (John 12.46) – that’s phōs.
Whether it’s a lightness of heart to lift the burdens of life (elaphros), or a luminous light to cast out darkness (phōs), aren’t we all in need of this infusion of Jesus’ light, not least in this heavy-dark season of Lent? I know I am. How do we receive this lightness and light? I find it in the healing properties of steadfast, passionate, pleading prayer:
Jesus, lift our heaviness, when we are overwhelmed. Increase our vision, when we cannot see past life’s circumstances. You are our only hope, the one truly worthy of our trust. Jesus, phōs eis kosmos, light of the world–en-light-en our lives so that they shine forth your glory. Amen.
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The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Live light. Travel light./Spread the light. Be the light.
In the gospels, as in this adage, light reveals itself in more than one form. In English, the word “light” is a homonym, representing two different words in the Greek: elaphros and phōs.
Live light. Travel light. “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11.30) – that’s elaphros.
Spread the light. Be the light. “I have come as a light into the world” (John 12.46) – that’s phōs.
Whether it’s a lightness of heart to lift the burdens of life (elaphros), or a luminous light to cast out darkness (phōs), aren’t we all in need of this infusion of Jesus’ light, not least in this heavy-dark season of Lent? I know I am. How do we receive this lightness and light? I find it in the healing properties of steadfast, passionate, pleading prayer:
Jesus, lift our heaviness, when we are overwhelmed. Increase our vision, when we cannot see past life’s circumstances. You are our only hope, the one truly worthy of our trust. Jesus, phōs eis kosmos, light of the world–en-light-en our lives so that they shine forth your glory. Amen.
---------------------The Daily Guide-The Daily Devotional grow. pray. study. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection of Leawood, Kansas, United States for Tuesday, 8 March 2016
Insights from Nicole Alison
- “When I am lifted up from the earth”
To support the goal of reading the whole gospel of John during Lent, some of the daily readings are longer than typical for the GPS. We encourage you: have an extra cup of coffee, use your lunch break—find a way to hang in there and read the entire gospel.
Daily Scripture: John 12:20 Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greek-speaking Jews. 21 They approached Philip, the one from Beit-Tzaidah in the Galil, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Yeshua.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Yeshua. 23 Yeshua gave them this answer: “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Yes, indeed! I tell you that unless a grain of wheat that falls to the ground dies, it stays just a grain; but if it dies, it produces a big harvest. 25 He who loves his life loses it, but he who hates his life in this world will keep it safe right on into eternal life! 26 If someone is serving me, let him follow me; wherever I am, my servant will be there too. My Father will honor anyone who serves me.
27 “Now I am in turmoil. What can I say — ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason that I have come to this hour. I will say this: 28 ‘Father, glorify your name!’” At this a bat-kol came out of heaven, “I have glorified it before, and I will glorify it again!” 29 The crowd standing there and hearing it said that it had thundered; others said, “An angel spoke to him.” 30 Yeshua answered, “This bat-kol did not come for my sake but for yours. 31 Now is the time for this world to be judged, now the ruler of this world will be expelled. 32 As for me, when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he would die.
34 The crowd answered, “We have learned from the Torah that the Messiah remains forever. How is it that you say the Son of Man has to be ‘lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” 35 Yeshua said to them, “The light will be with you only a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, or the dark will overtake you; he who walks in the dark doesn’t know where he’s going. 36 While you have the light, put your trust in the light, so that you may become people of light.” Yeshua said these things, then went off and kept himself hidden from them.
Reflection Questions:
Some Greeks asked to see Jesus. In response, Jesus began to describe how he was about to be “glorified.” But note: Jesus used the word “glorify” about crucifixion, which the Romans considered the most humiliating type of death they could invent! As scholar William Barclay put it, “Jesus says: ‘The hour has come when the Son of Man must be glorified’…. Jesus did not mean by glorified what they understood. They meant that the subjected kingdoms of the earth would grovel before the conqueror’s feet; by glorified he meant crucified.”1
- Moses asked, “Please show me your glorious presence” (Exodus 33:18), and God “passed in front of him and proclaimed: ‘The Lord! The Lord! A God who is compassionate and merciful, very patient, full of great loyalty and faithfulness’” (Exodus 34:6). In our world, “glory” generally means power or wealth. In what ways do you see God’s mercy, love, patience and loyalty as a greater kind of “glory”?
- The apostle Paul said Christ’s followers “even take pride in our problems” (Romans 5:3). Does your view of “glory” for your own life lie mainly in strength and accomplishments that others admire? What has to happen inwardly for you to let God’s power transform your struggles or pain into “glory”? How can you learn, at times of struggle, to say like Jesus in John 12:28, “Father, glorify your name!”?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you said that when you were lifted up (on the cross), you would draw all people to you. Implant in me your heavenly definition of “glory,” and use me to shine YOUR glory to all in my world. Amen.
1 William Barclay, Daily Study Bible Series: The Gospel of John—Volume 2. (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, revised edition 1976, p. 123.)
---------------------Insights from Nicole Alison
Nicole Alison serves as Coordinating Assistant to Operations at The Church of the Resurrection. Nicole finds her voice through writing. In her spare time she is a personal blogger and a ghost-writer for the Next Steps Pastor at a local church in Lenexa. Her passion is to share the love of Jesus through personal stories of redemption.I really love today’s devotion because in life we do struggle. Sometimes we struggle a lot and it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I used to majorly miss the mark in the area of struggle. I would hide away, become resentful, or throw a pity party when I would struggle. But over time and through the grace of God’s love for me I have discovered and found comfort in realizing that God can not only handle my struggle, but is bigger than my struggle. When I’m weak, He is alwaysstrong. When I’m not capable, He is more than able. When nothing in this world seems to fill me up, He is always sufficient. When all is going wrong, He is the one thing that is right.
God is so good because He is beyond what we can see and understand. He is everywhere, yet nearer to us than anyone else could ever be. As I have tried to change my mindset about struggle, I have tried to learn to say, “God, I can’t do this anymore. I need your help.” Somehow when I say those words I find hope takes over. When I let God be in the struggle with me and give the hurt over to Him, He is being glorified because I’m trusting Him to be all that I need, regardless of what I’m going through or how it turns out. He is our protector, friend, redeemer, and healer. He sees and knows all about us (and still loves us). How can we not give glory to such amazing truth!
As I mature in my faith and look back at my walk I can see how many times I struggled, but I also see how many times God was faithful. I can see how he sent a particular person at the perfect time, or a door closed only for me to find a new door opened I never would have imagined. God was with me in the times I thought he forgot about me. If you’re struggling today, I encourage you to turn your hurt and pain over to Jesus who loves you and let Him be everything you need. Proclaim His glory!
God is so good because He is beyond what we can see and understand. He is everywhere, yet nearer to us than anyone else could ever be. As I have tried to change my mindset about struggle, I have tried to learn to say, “God, I can’t do this anymore. I need your help.” Somehow when I say those words I find hope takes over. When I let God be in the struggle with me and give the hurt over to Him, He is being glorified because I’m trusting Him to be all that I need, regardless of what I’m going through or how it turns out. He is our protector, friend, redeemer, and healer. He sees and knows all about us (and still loves us). How can we not give glory to such amazing truth!
As I mature in my faith and look back at my walk I can see how many times I struggled, but I also see how many times God was faithful. I can see how he sent a particular person at the perfect time, or a door closed only for me to find a new door opened I never would have imagined. God was with me in the times I thought he forgot about me. If you’re struggling today, I encourage you to turn your hurt and pain over to Jesus who loves you and let Him be everything you need. Proclaim His glory!
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The Daily Guide-The Daily Devotional grow. pray. study. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection of Leawood, Kansas, United States for Monday, 7 March 2016 - “In preparation for my burial”—“Hosanna!”
To support the goal of reading the whole gospel of John during Lent, some of the daily readings are longer than typical for the GPS. We encourage you: have an extra cup of coffee, use your lunch break—find a way to hang in there and read the entire gospel.
Daily Scripture: John 11:
54 Therefore Yeshua no longer walked around openly among the Judeans but went away from there into the region near the desert, to a town called Efrayim, and stayed there with his talmidim.
55 The Judean festival of Pesach was near, and many people went up from the country to Yerushalayim to perform the purification ceremony prior to Pesach. 56 They were looking for Yeshua, and as they stood in the Temple courts they said to each other, “What do you think? that he simply won’t come to the festival?” 57 Moreover, the head cohanim and the P’rushim had given orders that anyone knowing Yeshua’s whereabouts should inform them, so that they could have him arrested.
-12:1 Six days before Pesach, Yeshua came to Beit-Anyah, where El‘azar lived, the man Yeshua had raised from the dead; 2 so they gave a dinner there in his honor. Marta served the meal, and El‘azar was among those at the table with him. 3 Miryam took a whole pint of pure oil of spikenard, which is very expensive, poured it on Yeshua’s feet and wiped his feet with her hair, so that the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of the talmidim, Y’hudah from K’riot, the one who was about to betray him, said, 5 “This perfume is worth a year’s wages! Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” 6 Now he said this not out of concern for the poor, but because he was a thief — he was in charge of the common purse and used to steal from it. 7 Yeshua said, “Leave her alone! She kept this for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
9 A large crowd of Judeans learned that he was there; and they came not only because of Yeshua, but also so that they could see El‘azar, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 The head cohanim then decided to do away with El‘azar too, 11 since it was because of him that large numbers of the Judeans were leaving their leaders and putting their trust in Yeshua.
12 The next day, the large crowd that had come for the festival heard that Yeshua was on his way into Yerushalayim. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Deliver us!”[John 12:13 Psalm 118:25]
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of Adonai,[John 12:13 Psalm 118:26] the King of Isra’el!”
14 After finding a donkey colt, Yeshua mounted it, just as the Tanakh says —
15 “Daughter of Tziyon, don’t be afraid!
Look! your King is coming,
sitting on a donkey’s colt.”[John 12:15 Zechariah 9:9]
16 His talmidim did not understand this at first; but after Yeshua had been glorified, then they remembered that the Tanakh said this about him, and that they had done this for him. 17 The group that had been with him when he called El‘azar out of the tomb and raised him from the dead had been telling about it. 18 It was because of this too that the crowd came out to meet him — they had heard that he had performed this miracle. 19 The P’rushim said to each other, “Look, you’re getting nowhere! Why, the whole world has gone after him!”
Reflection Questions:
John devoted a third or more of his story to the crucifixion week. He said Mary, Lazarus’ sister, anointed Jesus with very expensive perfume. Some criticized her extravagant act of gratitude. Jesus, knowing the cross waited at the end of the week, said Mary had anointed him in advance of his burial. Jesus rode into Jerusalem, praised by a crowd (including some who saw him raise Lazarus). His ride used symbols from Israel’s royal history (cf. 1 Kings 1:38-40, Psalm 118:19-29) and from a Hebrew prophet (see Zechariah 9:9-17).
- Imagine the profound inner love and gratitude that led Mary to give Jesus this extravagant gift. What does Jesus’ response tell you about how much her fervent love meant to him as he faced death? How can you show your love for Jesus with Mary’s beautiful spontaneity and urgency, both in your inner “sacred space” and outwardly?
- Jesus’ entry as a king coming in peace brought the religious leaders no joy, only despair and frustration. Their vision was limited to human credentials and contacts. Before too glibly condemning them, ask yourself: if Jesus came today, from a small town, with no formal degree or denominational credentials, would you be open to listen to his message? We know that the Holy Spirit often works through other believers. But what does it take to let the Spirit be the final authority and guide for your heart?
Today’s Prayer:
O Lord, grow in me a heart like Mary’s, pouring out devotion and gratitude to you. Replace any critical, selfish corners in my spirit. I thank you for the gift of new life in you. Amen.
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Insights from Melanie Hill
Insights from Melanie Hill
Melanie Hill is the Guest Connections Program Director at Resurrection.(A hectic schedule kept Melanie from being able to write today. Here’s a post about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem that first ran on July 5, 2013, written by Jessica Sanders, who at that time served as a summer intern at Resurrection.)
When I read Luke 19:29-36, and think about what defines those simple moments just before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, two themes stand out to me: intention and perspective. The Lord’s plans have been created with great intention, and in order to even begin to comprehend the magnitude of what they mean, we must consider them with an eternal perspective.
This part of the story is simple. Jesus asked two of his disciples to retrieve a young donkey from a nearby village with only a brief explanation, “The Lord needs it.” So they did, and Jesus rode on the donkey into Jerusalem. Why is this detail so important that it is clearly explained in each of the gospels? This is because what might seem like a small and nameless duty was actually a part of something much larger. Not only did it fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, that the king would arrive humbly, riding on a donkey, but this also led to Jesus completing the most meaningful act of his time on earth and defining Christianity as we know it. It is certain that this simple part of the plan was intended to give us the opportunity to accept the amazing gift of God’s love through His son’s death on the cross.
Thinking about plans reminds me of a verse I grew up reciting (but all too often forget): “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NLT) These words of encouragement come from Jeremiah, in a letter to the people who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. They are intended to equip and instruct the exiles to make the most of their situation by pouring into their new city and making their time in Babylon fruitful. In essence, Jeremiah encourages the people: Don’t feel small. You are a part of something great and intentional. What you are doing in this moment matters.
As I prepare to start my senior year of college, I spend hours upon hours thinking about what I might do with my life. How will I make it meaningful? How can I most effectively share God’s love with as many people as possible? Will I ever know how good is good enough? I know that we can find rest in these passages today. Luke assures us even the smallest of plans have great significance when they are intended for the glory of God. Jeremiah reminds us that the Lord promises to never leave his people, and that his plans for us are intended to bring a future of hope. If we look for Him wholeheartedly, we will find him, even in moments that seem insignificant.
As a congregation, we have talked about coming together to function as many parts of one body, where each part is uniquely important. When founded on Christ, that body is eternal. It is possible that what I might do in my entire lifetime is the equivalent to one blink of an eye on a body that lives forever, but what an honor to be even a small part of something so marvelous!
When I read Luke 19:29-36, and think about what defines those simple moments just before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, two themes stand out to me: intention and perspective. The Lord’s plans have been created with great intention, and in order to even begin to comprehend the magnitude of what they mean, we must consider them with an eternal perspective.
This part of the story is simple. Jesus asked two of his disciples to retrieve a young donkey from a nearby village with only a brief explanation, “The Lord needs it.” So they did, and Jesus rode on the donkey into Jerusalem. Why is this detail so important that it is clearly explained in each of the gospels? This is because what might seem like a small and nameless duty was actually a part of something much larger. Not only did it fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, that the king would arrive humbly, riding on a donkey, but this also led to Jesus completing the most meaningful act of his time on earth and defining Christianity as we know it. It is certain that this simple part of the plan was intended to give us the opportunity to accept the amazing gift of God’s love through His son’s death on the cross.
Thinking about plans reminds me of a verse I grew up reciting (but all too often forget): “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NLT) These words of encouragement come from Jeremiah, in a letter to the people who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. They are intended to equip and instruct the exiles to make the most of their situation by pouring into their new city and making their time in Babylon fruitful. In essence, Jeremiah encourages the people: Don’t feel small. You are a part of something great and intentional. What you are doing in this moment matters.
As I prepare to start my senior year of college, I spend hours upon hours thinking about what I might do with my life. How will I make it meaningful? How can I most effectively share God’s love with as many people as possible? Will I ever know how good is good enough? I know that we can find rest in these passages today. Luke assures us even the smallest of plans have great significance when they are intended for the glory of God. Jeremiah reminds us that the Lord promises to never leave his people, and that his plans for us are intended to bring a future of hope. If we look for Him wholeheartedly, we will find him, even in moments that seem insignificant.
As a congregation, we have talked about coming together to function as many parts of one body, where each part is uniquely important. When founded on Christ, that body is eternal. It is possible that what I might do in my entire lifetime is the equivalent to one blink of an eye on a body that lives forever, but what an honor to be even a small part of something so marvelous!
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The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
913.897.0120
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