APRIL 23, 2016 – FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER – SATURDAY – PART ONE – SEEING THE FATHER

(John 14:7-10) Prayer: O Jesus, I will know you so I can know the Father. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching at the Last Supper Context: In this text, Jesus describes two different periods of time, before the resurrection (when the disciples do not really know Jesus) and after the resurrection (when they did know him). Philip’s …

APRIL 23, 2016 – FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER – SATURDAY – PART TWO – DOING GREATER WORKS

(John 14:11-14) Prayer: O Jesus, help me to do great work for your glory. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching at the Last Supper). Context: In this text, Jesus makes two promises. The apostles will do greater works and their prayers in Jesus’ name will be answered. First, however they must believe in Jesus’ relationship with his …

APRIL 22, 2016 – FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER – FRIDAY – THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

(John 14:1-6) Prayer: Jesus, bring me to the heavenly mansion which you have prepared for me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching at the Last Supper) Context: The scene now shifts dramatically. Jesus is still in Jerusalem but no longer teaching the crowds. He has just completed the Last Supper and gives these extensive teachings only to …

APRIL 21, 2016 – FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER – THURSDAY – AFTER WASHING THE FEET

(John 13:16-20) Prayer: Jesus, I will follow your example. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with his apostles at the Last Supper.) Context: After washing the apostles’ feet, Jesus makes clear what that action meant. He has served the Apostles and they must serve others. Even here, the betrayal by Judas claims Jesus’ attention. He predicts the betrayal …

APRIL 20, 2016 – FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER – WEDNESDAY – A RECAPITULATION

(John 12:44-50) Prayer: O Jesus, do not let me stay in darkness. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple) Context: Jesus is about to leave the temple to go into hiding. His public teaching ministry is over. These verses in John’s gospel are a summary of his main themes, an overview of all that Jesus …

APRIL 19, 2016 – FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER – TUESDAY – SHEEP IN THE FATHER’S HANDS

(John 10:22-30) Prayer: O Jesus, I will hear your voice and follow you to eternal life. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple) Context:   Even this image of shepherd gets drawn into controversy. Not being Jesus’ sheep, the hearers do not believe that Jesus can give everlasting life to those who follow him. Jesus explains …

APRIL 18, 2016 – FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER – MONDAY – THE GOOD SHEPHERD

(John 10:11-15) Prayer: O Jesus, You laid down your life for me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple) Context:   Jesus’ care for his sheep knows no limits. Besides enduring the rigors of sleeping outside, He is willing to die to protect his sheep. The “hired man” would reject this responsibility and flee. Gospel text …

APRIL 17, 2016 – FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (C) – SHEEP IN THE FATHER’S HANDS

(John 10:24-30) Prayer: O Jesus, I will hear your voice and follow you to eternal life. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple) Context:   Even this image of shepherd gets drawn into controversy. Not being Jesus’ sheep, the hearers do not believe that Jesus can give everlasting life to those who follow him. Jesus explains …