I Am the Vine
Read: John 15:1-11 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (v. 5) A windstorm left tree branches strewn across my yard. What would happen if I took one of those broken branches […]
Sending the Spirit
Read: John 14:25-29 The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things. (v. 26) I once ran a 5K race. I trained, but as someone who isn’t a natural runner, I hated almost every minute. I was slow and miserable. However, when I turned the final corner toward […]
I Am the Way
Read: John 14:1-7 I will come again and will take you to myself. (v. 3) Jesus left for a purpose. The disciples were troubled. They couldn’t understand why Jesus was leaving. Yet, Jesus told them that he was leaving for their good (and ours) to prepare a place for them (and us) in heaven, and he […]
Foot Washing
Read: John 13:1-17 He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet. (v. 5) Do you make sure to wash your hands before dinner? Most of the time, you probably wash your own hands. However, in the ancient world, it was customary to wash your feet before a meal. People walked on […]
Sheep and Goats
Read: Matthew 25:31-46 He will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. (v. 33) Sheep are followers, but goats go their own way. In John 10, Jesus says sheep hear the voice of the shepherd and “follow him” (vv. 3-4). Sheep don’t have to be the smartest or the craftiest animals. They […]
Talents
Read: Matthew 25:14-30 I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. (v. 25) Why do we serve God? Is it duty or thankfulness? Is it love? Is it fear? A little of all of them? Our reason for serving is rooted in what we believe to be true about God’s character. […]
Are You Ready?
Read: Matthew 25:1-13 The wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. (v. 4) Jewish weddings in the first century were celebrations for the whole community. At one point, the groom would come at night to the bride’s house to bring her to their new home. It was the bridesmaids’ job to meet the groom and […]
The Wedding Banquet
Read: Matthew 22:1-14 Everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast. (v. 4) What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten? My guess is you didn’t pick your favorite meal based solely upon taste. Unforgettable meals often involve friends, family, fun, and good food. The best meals are filled with love, fellowship, and joy. In this parable, […]
The Vineyard
Read: Luke 20:9-19 I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him. (v. 13) Setting the table for dinner, I called upstairs for my son to come down. After calling three times, I sent my daughter to get him. He didn’t listen when I called, but I hoped he would listen when my daughter […]