Tagged: Salvation

John 6:35, 41-51

This text is used for the Lectionary Year B on August 9, 2015.

Antonello da Messina
Antonello da Messina

(This is the first of three reflections on Jesus’ “I am the bread of life” statements in John 6, and all three really need to be read together.)

One of the first things to note about a text is the context in which it appears.  This important text, recorded only in John, takes place on the day after the feeding of the 5,000 (the only miracle appearing in all four gospels; Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15), and after Jesus has crossed the Sea of Galilee during the night by walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-54; John 6:16-24).  John’s account of these events includes significant parallels with Moses (being in the wilderness; miraculous manna in the wilderness; climbing the mountain to be with God; miraculous crossing of the sea).  These parallels are prelude to the fact that a new covenant, superior to the covenant that came through Moses, is about to take place.

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John 17:1-11

This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on June 1, 2014.

John’s gospel lingers in the upper room the day before his crucifixion by spending four chapters on Jesus’s farewell address to his disciples (John 13-16).  Jesus is acutely aware that his departure from this world is imminent (John 13:33), and he spends his last hours with the disciples giving them a final, vital set of instructions and words of encouragement.  Like many other faithful goodbyes, Jesus concludes this discourse with prayer.  The prayer can be divided into three sections.  In the first, Jesus prays for himself (17:1-5).  In the second, he prays for his disciples (17:6-19).  Lastly, he prays for all those who will believe in him through the disciples preaching (17:20-26). Continue reading →

John 14:1-14

This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on May 18, 2014.

Jesus’s conversation with his disciples in John 14 is a staple at Christian funerals.  Rightly so, for in this passage we have the enormously comforting promise that Jesus will come back that his followers might be with him forever more.  The recollection of this promise should not be reserved for the graveside.  It should be preached from the pulpit, as well.  The pulpit provides an opportunity to explore the richness of this passage in full including its understanding of the key doctrines of the incarnation and salvation. Continue reading →