Archive for November 2021

Ezekiel 16, Job 5, John 8:21-30, 2 Peter 2:17-22   John 8:21-30: It is a strange truth, but when we are under intense pressure—opposition comes, even persecution—there lies an opportunity otherwise not available to us. It was “as he was saying these things,” and as the Pharisees were criticizing him, opposing, seeking to trap him, that “many believed…

Ezekiel 13-15, Job 4, John 8:12-20, 2 Peter 2:10-16   John 8:12-20: Few more famous words were ever spoken: “I am the light of the world.” And yet spoken in a context when those who heard the words were willfully blind to that light. The great “Light of the World” painting by William Holman Hunt illustrates the point:…

Ezekiel 9-12, Job 3, John 8:1-11, 2 Peter 2:1-9   John 8:1-11: There is considerable historical discussion as to whether this section belongs in John’s Gospel at this point or somewhere else, but to my mind the discussion is less important than this is something that Jesus said in itself—whether it belongs here in the Gospel or somewhere…

Ezekiel 4-8, Job 2, John 7:45-53, 2 Peter 1:12-21   John 7:45-53: A study in obfuscation and self-deceit is before us—combined with edifying insights as to the true nature of Jesus and what draws us to him. The chief priests and the Pharisees want to know why the officers did not arrest Jesus. They had him in their…

Ezekiel 1-3, Job 1, John 7:37-44, 2 Peter 1:1-11 John 7:37-44: What a dramatic moment this must have been! On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up, found some prominent place where all could see him, and cried out in a loud voice: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.…