The words of John 3:16 are one of the most well known verses and most quoted of Jesus’ sayings – and behind them lies another story. Please read John 3:1-21 Nicodemus was a leader of the Jews. It’s possible that throughout his life, Nicodemus may have simply accepted all that was taught to him by… Continue reading Nicodemus (1) – Darkness
Tag: finding God
Nicodemus (2) – Light
From going to Jesus for spiritual direction to defending him in front of his fellow Pharisees (see John 7:43-52), Nicodemus had discerned that this man, this Jesus, is the Messiah the Jews have been expecting. Now, in part 2 of his story, we find him in another garden: Please read John 19: 38-42 This is… Continue reading Nicodemus (2) – Light
Thomas (1) – Doubting
But what if Jesus hadn’t come back to life after all? Please read John 20: 24-25 What do you have doubts about? The Virgin Birth? The Resurrection? The turning of water in to wine? Prayer being answered? The very existence of God in a world of war, hatred, corruption, injustice, accidents, illness, terrorism, abuse…? Or… Continue reading Thomas (1) – Doubting
Thomas (2) – Believing
After the resurrection, Thomas wanted to be sure. He wanted to see the evidence. Please read John 20:26-29 Poor Thomas. It must have been a difficult week. The other ten disciples and followers, including the Marys, would have been full of the fact that Jesus, their beloved Lord was not dead but was alive (and… Continue reading Thomas (2) – Believing
Woman from Samaria (2) – Pride
They stand at the well. And they talk. Please read John 4:7b-15 Continuing as it does to verse 28, this is the longest recorded conversation between a woman and Jesus in the whole of the Gospels. Initially, it has a feel of jolly repartee to it as if the woman is jesting, flirting even. After… Continue reading Woman from Samaria (2) – Pride