Posts by Josh Moody

Ezekiel 22-23, Job 8, John 9:1-12, 1 John 1 John 9:1-12: The story begins with a terribly serious situation into which Jesus intervenes, and ends with an almost humorous disbelief on the part of those who had known the blind beggar before he was healed. Even in the most serious of ministry work there is humanity, and humanity,…

Ezekiel 20-21, Job 7, John 8:48-59, 2 Peter 3:10-18 John 8:48-59: The attacks continue. Stunningly, the Jewish leaders who are opposing Jesus associate being a “Samaritan” with having a “demon”! Not only does Jesus have a demon, he’s also a Samaritan! Perhaps they are remembering his success among the Samaritans. At any rate, they cast at Jesus two…

Ezekiel 17-19, Job 6, John 8:31-47, 2 Peter 3:1-9 John 8:31-47: Jesus establishes a great principle. If you keep God’s Word, then you are his disciples. How seldom is the connection between obedience to what God says and believing in God understood! We want to erect a mighty chasm between faith and obedience when here it is clear…

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.…

Lamentations 4-5, Song of Solomon 8:8-14, John 7:25-36, 1 Peter 5:8-14 John 7:25-36: Jesus’ teaching is not being accepted during this great feast, and indeed seems to be confusing those who listen to him. They are asking lots of questions, wondering if this is the man that the authorities are looking to kill, why it is they have…

Lamentations 3, Song of Solomon 8:1-7, John 7:14-24, 1 Peter 5:1-7   John 7:14-24: Jesus now begins to teach at the great feast. He does so in the temple, in a public place, ensuring that what he is teaching can be heard. There is nothing wrong, and everything right, with ensuring that God’s Word is proclaimed as clearly,…