5/7/2024 0 Comments I Call You FriendJohn 15:9-17
Love Each Other https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A9-17&version=CEB Jesus speaks tenderly to his disciples and reveals a profound truth about his relationship with them—and with us. He says, "As the Father loved me, I too loved you. Remain in my love" (John 15:9 CEB). This love, rooted in the very essence of God, is the foundation of our friendship with Jesus. Jesus goes on to say, "You are my friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:14). This statement may initially sound like a condition, but in reality, it reveals the nature of true friendship with Jesus. Friends trust and serve one another out of love, not out of fear or obligation. Jesus wants us to trust and serve him out of love just as we would with our other friends. Jesus further deepens this understanding by saying, "I don’t call you servants any longer, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because everything I heard from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). We see a shift in the disciples’ relationship with Jesus. They go from a servant / master or student / teacher relationship to one that lifts up the disciples to the same level just as the Father and the Son are on the same level. Friendship with Jesus looks similar to the Father’s and Son’s relationship – so close-knit and functioning as one. Similarly, as we mature in our relationship with Christ, there is a shift that draws us even closer on the same level with Christ. We are brought in with the divine to work together as one being of love. Jesus invites us into a relationship of intimacy and trust, where we are no longer mere servants, but friends who share in his divine purpose and mission. The transformative power of God's grace enables us to respond to Jesus' invitation to friendship. Through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and allow his love to abide in us and transform us from the inside out. Let us embrace Jesus as our Friend who walks with us, guides us, and shares in our joys and sorrows. May we remain in the love of Christ, and in turn, be faithful friends to Jesus, who obey his commandments and share his love with all whom we meet. For those who are following the lectionary, you may notice this scripture was for last week. I reversed the readings for this week and last week to fit what our church is doing for the current sermon series. I just thought I should explain that to avoid any confusion. Reflection Questions: Do you consider Jesus a friend? How does it make you feel to know Jesus calls you a friend? What does friendship with Jesus look like to you? What does it mean for us to be Christ’s friends today? Action: Do one thing this week that deepens your friendship with Jesus.
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4/30/2024 0 Comments Protect ThemJohn 17:6-19
Jesus’ Prayer for the Disciples https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A6-19&version=NRSVUE For those who are following the lectionary, you may notice that I skipped ahead one week. Actually, I reversed the readings for this week and next week to fit what our church is doing for the current sermon series. I just thought I should explain that to avoid any confusion. After Jesus finished his final, private conversations with his disciples, he turned to the Father and prayed for them. Intercessery prayer is a powerful prayer practice that answers our call to love and care for others by praying for them. Jesus models this practice in this scripture passage, and we see his heartfelt desire to protect his disciples. In last week’s metaphor of the vine and its branches, Jesus illustrated the closeness of their relationship. We continue to see how intimately connected he felt to them by this intimate prayer. His deep concern for his disciples’ well-being is revealed. He refers to them as “those whom God has given him,” (v.6) which hints that Jesus sees them as gifts from God. They belong to him. Jesus also acknowledges that he has kept those entrusted to him safe and that not one of them has been lost. He takes seriously the sacred trust placed upon him to protect and guide them. This prayer shows his unwavering commitment to safeguarding his followers and ensuring their spiritual growth and protection from harm. Jesus is not only concerned with physical safety but also with the disciples' spiritual well-being. He prays for their sanctification and asks God to set them apart for holy purposes. This reveals Jesus' desire for his followers to be spiritually strengthened and protected from the temptations and challenges of the world. Jesus wanted to protect not only his disciples then, but all who follow him today. Just as he prayed for his disciples, he intercedes for us. He ensures that we are not overcome by the trials and tribulations of life. As we navigate the complexities of the world, we can trust that Jesus is watching over us, guarding us against harm, and guiding us on the right path. Let us also be mindful of our role in protecting others. Just as Jesus cared for his disciples, we are called to care for one another and offer support, guidance, and protection to those in need. May we embody the spirit of Jesus, the ultimate Protector, in our interactions with others and ensure that all are safe and loved in the embrace of God's grace. Reflection Questions: Have you experienced Jesus’ protection before? How does it make you feel to know that Jesus cares so much about your wellbeing that he prays for God to protect you? Have you ever thought of yourself as a gift from God to Jesus? How does that make you feel to be a gift? Does it make you think differently about your relationship with Jesus? How can we care for others’ protection? What can we do to help protect others? Action: Do something that helps protect someone this week. 4/23/2024 0 Comments RemainJohn 15:1-8
The Vine and the Branches https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-8&version=CEB In the Common English Bible, Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you” (v.4). That seems so simple yet profound. I am reminded of a preacher who once said, “If you don’t feel close to Jesus, you have to ask yourself, ‘Who moved?’” It wasn’t Jesus. Jesus promised to always remain in us. If we don’t feel Jesus’ presence with us, perhaps we are the ones who did not remain in him. I can attest to some truth to this. There was a time in my life that I did not want to remain in the theology that had influenced my life immensely. I had a curiosity to explore what else was out there, and I did not do spiritual practices that made Jesus’ presence seem close. I didn’t pray, attend church, read scripture, or listen for God’s voice. After attempting to live my life on my own terms, it began to feel very lonely. The preacher may have been trying to describe this experience. During this time, Jesus still remained in me. It may have felt as if he wasn’t there because I wasn’t pursuing him, but Jesus still pursued me. That’s what Jesus does. He never pushes himself on us, but he stays. He remains in us. He continues to live and dwell within us. We just may not realize it because we aren’t actively seeking to remain in him. To remain in Jesus is to stay connected to him and to be in a close relationship with him. It means living in such a way that his life and teachings shape our thoughts, actions, and priorities. Just as branches draw nourishment from the vine to bear fruit, we draw spiritual nourishment from Jesus to live lives that are fruitful and meaningful. This is a central truth in understanding who Jesus is. He is so close to us like a vine and its branches. We are together with him as one entity whose purpose is to bear fruit. We must remain connected to the Vine to bear fruit. Apart from it, we can’t do it on our own. Remaining in Jesus is so important that the word “remain” is used eight times in this short passage. In the NRSV translation, the word “abide” is used instead of “remain,” but it is also used eight times. The Message translation says it a different way: “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you.” When we make our home in Jesus, Jesus moves in to stay. We live with him as one. Even when there are times in our lives when we move to a different place or are not intentional about spiritual practices, we can’t get away from Jesus. Once Jesus makes his home in our hearts, we can’t leave him, and he doesn’t leave us. He goes with us and remains with us until we return home. He is always waiting for us to tap in to our Vine for nourishment. And when we do, he will grow some amazing fruit in us. Reflection Questions: Do you feel closely connected to Jesus, or do you sense a need to deepen that connection? What are some practices that help you remain in Jesus? Are there any areas where you struggle to maintain that connection? How can remaining in Jesus help you love others more fully and authentically? Action: Take a moment to envision what a deeper relationship with Jesus might look like for you. What steps can you take to move toward that vision? Take one step this week. 4/16/2024 0 Comments If NecessaryJohn 10:11-18
The Good Shepherd https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A11-18&version=NRSVUE Jesus identifies himself as the "good shepherd." This metaphor is rich with meaning, conveying not only care and protection but also deep, sacrificial love. The image of the good shepherd is contrasted with that of the "hired hand," highlighting the difference between genuine, selfless dedication and mere obligation or self-interest. Jesus, as the good shepherd, embodies the qualities of a true leader—one who is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. What good would that do? The shepherd could not continue leading or protecting the sheep if the shepherd is dead. The Message translation says that the shepherd “sacrifices himself if necessary.” The shepherd isn’t required to die for the sheep but would, if it was necessary. The good shepherd’s willingness to do whatever it takes to care for and protect the sheep is what makes the shepherd good. This act of ultimate sacrifice demonstrates the depth of his love and commitment to those under the shepherd’s care. In contrast, the hired hand, motivated by personal gain or convenience, lacks the same level of devotion and is quick to abandon the sheep when faced with danger or difficulty. In this passage, Jesus proclaims twice that he is the good shepherd. Other examples of good shepherds in our lives can be parents, grandparents, teachers, mentors, and pastors. These individuals emulate Jesus's example by caring for and guiding others with compassion and selflessness. They are willing to make sacrifices and go the extra mile to ensure the well-being of those entrusted to them. On the other hand, the image of the hired hand serves as a cautionary tale that reminds us of the dangers of selfishness and negligence in leadership. Those who prioritize personal gain over the needs of others ultimately fail to fulfill their responsibilities and may cause harm instead of providing protection and care. They don’t make sacrifices if necessary. In our world today, it is crucial to reflect on these concepts and consider the kind of leaders we choose to follow and emulate. Are we striving to be like the good shepherd, willing to sacrifice for the greater good, or are we more like the hired hand, seeking only personal gain? Leading with love, compassion, and selflessness, let us strive to embody the qualities of the good shepherd in all aspects of our lives. Let us lay down our own lives in order to lead with love. Reflection Questions: Is Jesus a good shepherd to you? In what ways? Who else in your life has been a good shepherd? Who has been more like a hired hand in your life? How was that relationship different? Do you see yourself as more of a good shepherd or a hired hand? Action: Write a note of thanks to a good shepherd who has done whatever was necessary to guide you, even if that letter is to Jesus. 4/9/2024 0 Comments Opened their MindsLuke 24:36b-48
Jesus Appears to the Disciples https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A36b-48&version=NRSVUE Last week, we explored the resurrected Jesus’ first appearance to the disciples according to the gospel of John. This week, we’ll explore Luke’s telling of Jesus’ first appearance. When they first saw Jesus, they thought Jesus was a ghost. His appearance must have looked more ghost-like, something from the spiritual realm. However, Jesus proved he was present in more than spirit-form because he ate physical food. Once this detail is covered to prove that he had resurrected, Jesus begins to teach them about why he resurrected – and he used scripture. All the time they were together, Jesus used scripture and referred to prophecy to teach them. They had been taught the scriptures all their lives, so they already knew them, which would seem easier for them to understand that Jesus was the one who has fulfilled scripture. Even with their knowledge mixed with their personal experience with Jesus, the disciples still didn’t quite understand. They were still “in their heads” until Jesus “opened their minds to understand the scriptures” (v.45). When we read and study scripture, we cannot forget the action of the Holy Spirit who opens our minds to truly understand. We can study the words, their various meanings, the cultural context, and even Hebrew and Greek, but we still won’t quite understand until the Spirit opens our hearts to receive the grace of understanding. When it comes to reading and understanding scripture, it’s not just our efforts that will make us understand. It is our willingness to allow the Spirit to speak through our study and listening. The Spirit opens our minds through our hearts, so we hear and receive God’s living Word. Even though the disciples had knowledge of the scripture and firsthand eye witness of who Jesus was, they still needed their minds to be opened by Jesus. In this passage, what Jesus opened their minds to understand was that he was the Messiah, the anointed one by God who came to fulfill the scriptures. He is the one who came “to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (v.46-47). His resurrection proves the final part of scripture that they longed for. They finally moved from their heads to their hearts. Have you experienced the Spirit’s movement while reading scripture that opened your mind to understanding? Perhaps the words leapt off the page and spoke directly to your heart. Even when reading scripture that you’ve read your whole life, you were able to understand it in a different or new way. This is the beauty of Jesus opening our minds to scripture. The living Christ can give us exactly what we need to understand in that moment. The disciples needed to understand why a ghost-like, scarred Jesus was able to stand among them. They needed to understand what resurrection actually meant even though Jesus had taught them about it beforehand. The opening of their minds and their hearts by the resurrected Jesus is what brought them to true understanding. Reflection Questions: Have you known someone who is considered a bible scholar, but they still don’t understand the scriptures? Which scripture do you need the Spirit to help you understand? Where do you need Jesus to open your mind and heart? Action: When doubts arise in your heart, pray for the Spirit to open your mind to understand. 4/2/2024 0 Comments PeaceJohn 20:19-33
Jesus Appears to the Disciples www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-31&version=NRSVUE The Easter story continues by picking up from last week, on the evening after the women discovered Jesus had been raised. The disciples were gathered in fear, in a locked room, and Jesus appears. Jesus greets them with peace. The first words Jesus says to them after the resurrection are “Peace be with you” (v.19). Three times in this passage, Jesus comes to them and greets them with peace. This phrase may be interpreted as just a greeting, and many cultures use the word “peace” as a greeting. However, it’s interesting that Jesus says, “Peace be with you” to identify who he is and that he is there among them. He appears after the resurrection behind the fearful locked doors and announces that he is there with them and brings them peace. He shows his wounds and that brings them peace. A week later, when he returns to show Thomas his wounds, Jesus stands among them, again behind shut doors, and announces he is there by bringing them peace. His peaceful presence just appears among a locked-down room that is filled with fear and disbelief. Locked doors or even closed doors cannot keep Jesus’ peace from entering and filling the room. As soon as the disciples and eventually Thomas see Jesus, his peace fills them and they rejoice and they believe. It is Jesus’ peaceful presence that causes them to believe. Seeing Jesus’ wounds also cause them to believe that it really is Jesus. They don’t recognize the Risen Christ at first. He has to be known by his greeting of peace and his wounds. His scars identify him but also become signs of peace to show that his peace came from his pain. Now that the Risen One has brought peace to the disciples, he sends them to take his peace into the world. “As the Father sent me, so I send you,” he said, as the first post-Resurrection commandment. He greets them in peace, shows his signs of peace, and sends them out, to take the peace to all the fear-filled rooms, to all the locked and shut doors that people find themselves behind. Jesus brings peace to fearful people and terrifying situations. He brings peace from the pain we endure. He places a call on our lives to share his peace with the world. Reflection Questions: Have you experienced the peace of Christ? Remember a time when you were fearful or have experienced pain. Did Jesus bring you peace? If not, could Jesus bring you peace? In what ways? How can you share the peace of Christ with others? Action: Do one act this week that takes Christ’s peace into the world. 3/26/2024 0 Comments You are looking for JesusWelcome to this guided meditation based on Mark 16:1-8, in joyous anticipation for Christ’s resurrection. Find a comfortable seated position, and take a deep breath in. As you exhale, let go of any tension in your body. Take another deep breath, and as you exhale, release any worries or distractions. Allow yourself to be fully present in this moment.
Listen to the sacred words within this scripture: 16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Imagine yourself standing outside the tomb where Jesus was laid. Picture the stone that was rolled in front of the entrance, sealing it shut. This stone represents the finality of death, and the weight of sorrow and loss. Take a moment to acknowledge any stones in your life – challenges, fears, doubts – that feel heavy and burdensome. Now, imagine the women approaching the tomb. Preparing to anoint Jesus' body, they are carrying spices. They are coming to honor him and to show their love and devotion. As they draw near, they see that the stone has been rolled away. The tomb is open, empty. Reflect on the moment when the women hear the words of the angel: "Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been raised! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Consider the significance of these words. Jesus is not in the tomb. He has conquered death. He has been raised to new life. The stone has been rolled away, not to let Jesus out, but to show that he is already gone. The tomb is empty, which is a sign of hope and resurrection. As you sit with this image, imagine the weight of your own stones being lifted. Imagine the possibility of new life, of transformation, of resurrection. Allow yourself to experience the joy and wonder of Easter morning, when the world was changed forever by the power of God's love. Carry this sense of hope and resurrection with you. Know that the stone has been rolled away, and new life awaits. I hope you have enjoyed these guided medications during this season of Lent. My regular weekly reflection will resume next week. May God’s grace and peace surround you as we live our lives as if we truly believe in the resurrection. *New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. 3/19/2024 0 Comments UntieWelcome to this guided meditation, inspired by Mark 11: 1-11 in anticipation for Palm Sunday. Let us take a moment to center ourselves and open our hearts to the message within these sacred words.
11 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this: ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them what Jesus had said, and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple, and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.* Let us reflect on the word "untie.” The colt that Jesus needed was tied down or bound. Jesus instructed for the colt to be untied, so he could use the colt for his purposes. Have you ever felt tied down? Perhaps Jesus has wanted to use you for a special purpose, yet life seemed to keep you bound to other things. Maybe you felt limited due to your schedule or responsibilities, or maybe your physical challenges make you feel as if Jesus couldn’t use you. Consider what it would mean to release the bonds that bind your heart. What could you do if you were set free from these challenges? Jesus can untie the knots of your heart. Imagine Jesus standing before you, gently untying the cords that bind you. With the slip of each knot, embrace the freedom that comes with being unbound. May we walk with Jesus and say yes when he says that he needs us. *New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. 3/12/2024 0 Comments GlorifiedWelcome to this guided meditation, drawing inspiration from John 12: 20-33. Let us take a moment to center ourselves and open our hearts to the message within these sacred words.
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew, then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. 27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say: ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.* In this passage, Jesus speaks of his impending death on the cross and the purpose it serves. As he is lifted up on the cross, he will draw all people to himself. He says, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." The word "glorified" here speaks to the divine purpose and fulfillment of Jesus' mission on earth. As we meditate on the word "glorified," let us consider what it means to surrender ourselves to the divine and embrace the fullness of God's glory or purpose for our lives. What are the areas of your life where you struggle to see God's glory shining through? Is it in moments of suffering or uncertainty? Is it in times of grief or loss? Is it in the midst of challenges or trials? Allow any doubts or fears that may be clouding your vision to surface. Make no judgments about these thoughts or feelings. Release them to God. Invite the light of God's glory to illuminate your path. Imagine the radiance of divine glory or presence surrounding you, filling you with peace and reassurance. What have you done in the past when you struggled to see God’s glory? Did you wait for God to return? Did you surrender your inability to hear or see? Did you seek God through prayer and study or sit in quiet contemplation? Could those things help you now to embrace the fullness of God’s glory? May we be reminded of the beauty and majesty of God's glory, shining brightly in the darkest of times. May we open our hearts to receive the streams of light to enter the darkness. May we praise God for all of God’s glory. *New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. 3/5/2024 0 Comments BelieveWelcome to this guided meditation, inspired by John 3: 14-21. Let us take a moment to center ourselves and open our hearts to the message within these sacred words.
John 3:14-21: 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned, but those who do not believe are condemned already because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”* In this passage, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about the transformative power of belief. He says, "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." The word "believe" is central to this passage. It is a call to trust in the divine presence and to embrace the light that shines in the darkness. As we reflect on the word "believe," let us consider what it means to have faith in the midst of uncertainty and doubt. What are the areas of your life where you struggle to trust in God's presence and guidance? Is it in times of adversity or suffering? Is it in moments of decision or transition? Is it in the face of injustice or conflict? Where do you struggle to believe? Take a moment to reflect on these questions in the quietude of this sacred space. Allow yourself to acknowledge any doubts or fears that may be weighing on your heart, and invite the light of God's love to shine upon them. As you breathe deeply and center yourself in the presence of God, imagine the light of Christ surrounding you and filling you with warmth and reassurance. The peace that comes from Christ is something that we can believe in. The certainty of this belief has the power to transform us. With each breath, feel the peace that comes from trusting in God's promise of eternal life. Allow yourself to let go of any doubts or uncertainties, and surrender to the truth that God's love never fails. As we conclude this meditation, may we be reminded of the power of belief to transform our lives and illuminate our path. Trusting in God's unfailing love and grace, may we walk in the light of Christ. *New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. |