"John 9-13"
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It's amazing how a short, carefully crafted piece of paper can stand between you and employment in a competitive job market. What makes your résumé stand out from the crowd? What qualifications or work history would "seal the deal" and get you that new job?
In this week's readings, we'll see Jesus' extraordinary qualifications on display. But unfortunately, despite all his marvelous works, he continues to face rejection at every turn.
Jesus the Healer
On Monday (John 9), Jesus passes a man born blind. And after spitting on the ground to make some mud, he rubs the man's eyes, tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam, and he returns with his sight (John 9:6-7)! Everyone was shocked at his healing, but the Pharisees were skeptical. After questioning the man and his parents, they cast him out of the synagogue (John 9:13-34).
Why wasn't the blind man's healing enough to convince the religious leaders?
Jesus the Shepherd
On Tuesday (John 10), Jesus addresses the Pharisees. He calls himself "the good shepherd" who brings abundant life, laying down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). Unlike the hired hand who runs at the sight of danger, he's committed to protecting his flock (John 10:13). He says that "I and the Father are one," (John 10:30), which almost pushes the Jews to stone him for blasphemy.
Are you listening to the Shepherd's voice?
Jesus the Resurrection
On Wednesday (John 11), Jesus' good friend Lazarus gets sick and dies (John 11:1-16). Martha and Mary — Lazarus' sisters — come to get Jesus. And after he tells them that their brother will rise again, he says, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). And when Jesus calls him to come out of the tomb, Lazarus walks out – four days after his death (John 11:38-44)!
How does Jesus' reaction to Lazarus' death help you connect with him?
Jesus the King
On Thursday (John 12), Mary anoints Jesus with oil in Bethany (John 12:1-8) before entering Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds praise him, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" (John 12:13). He prepares the crowds for his upcoming death (John 12:20-36), and though many still wouldn't believe (John 12:37-43), he reiterated his mission to save the world (John 12:47).
Why do you think the people went from shouting "Hosanna!" to "Crucify him!" in only a few days?
Jesus the Servant
Finally, on Friday (John 13), Jesus retreats from the crowds for an intimate Passover meal with his disciples. He washes all their feet in a shocking turn, showing them an example of what real service looks like (John 13:1-12). He tells them to "love one another just as I have loved you" (John 13:34). But there's already trouble among them, as Judas will soon betray him (John 13:21-30), and Peter will soon deny him (John 13:36-38).
Does Jesus washing Judas' feet impact how you treat those who hurt you?
