One thing to watch as you read John is to notice Nicodemus every time he comes into focus.

Watch him move from casual observer to member of the burial party.

Watch him go from night time visitor to potential daytime follower.

Something happens with him for sure. I speculate that he becomes a follower in the new church and is used in John to show the progression – the “how” – and then to validate his story to others. Again, speculation, but not far-fetched.

How much of an indictment is it that Jesus did not entrust Himself to us? We are fickle, small and untrustworthy, aren’t we?

Humans are great at making ourselves look bad. Unfortunately the church can take on the look of human too much. We create power structures, stab one another in the back and do not live out Biblical values. Right?

What I love about Jesus (among many things) is that He is who He is no matter what! He doesn’t need us to tell Him who He is. He just is. We’re the ones who have to decide whether we’ll give Him a chance. Either way, that doesn’t diminish that He’s God. I will follow that person anywhere.

John’s Gospel is different and incredible! He starts with the theological explanation of why Jesus is so significant. Then he introduces us to John and builds Jesus up quickly to be the one we should look for in the ensuing story. Then some guys spread the word about Him (Good News = Gospel!). Then Jesus gives two simple commands – “come and see” as well as “follow.” What have you seen Jesus do? Who have you invited along to see Him? Are you following? He’s worth it, I promise!!

Verse 32 has always captivated me: why did their hearts burn? Did Jesus explain how many times He’d walked the earth as preincarnate God to guide us along? Did He explain how all the covenants worked together and were fulfilled by Him? Did He explain how Hosea spelled out His love for the church? Did He give all the instances of light, bread and resurrection and help them make sense of it all? Did He explain how the Messiah was King but also Sacrifice, Priest, Intercessor, Prophet, Fulfillment and Arbiter of Peace and Justice?

Yes.

All these things. And more.

The deeper I get into this Jesus story, the more I’m amazed by Him. Are you?

Recently articles pointed out that the traditional tomb site fits into the proper timeline for Jesus’ death and resurrection.

It may date to the 1st century, which is good news for the churches that claim ownership of this part of the Old City. However, no one may know for sure in this lifetime that it is the tomb and it is sure that He is no longer there.

The disciples and the women had all the right info (that Jesus would rise again) and still get it wrong. They mourn Jesus yet weren’t listening or couldn’t process the game-changing information Jesus had shared again and again: He was coming back! So they wept and mourned, bought spices and wrapped the body and placed it in Joseph’s tomb. This isn’t the end of the story.

Something I haven’t pointed out yet is the Galilean factor. When Peter is accused of being a disciple, they say, “you are with the Galilean.” Why was this significant?

Galilee was “Hicksville” and Jerusalem was uptown high-society. Galileans talked funny, likely walked funny, were likely dirty, dressed differently, had different education and were looked down upon in Jerusalem. It’s different to see Jesus this way for us. I hope it frees you up! Jesus did not come from heaven to earth in 19th century Britain and attend Oxford. He grew up in the country, with little access to society. Yet He was accessible to the common man! Peter denies it, will you?

At the end of this chapter, we find Jesus was teaching all day in Jerusalem, then spending the night by lodging outside the city.

A couple things to consider: this means Jesus came and went without incident for almost a week- they couldn’t find Him. Makes sense now why they needed an insider (like Judas) to sell Him out.

Two: there likely wasn’t much lodging the city. Over half a million people might have been in town for the feast. You think a census in Bethlehem was bad for lodging, imagine a feast like Passover and its implications!!

Sadducees will become a major player in Acts. Check out this article if you wish.

Compared to the Pharisees, they were more closely connected to the rulers of the kingdom, may have been even wealthier/more powerful, denied resurrection and were one of the ruling parties.

So, a Sadducee asking about resurrection is ironic at the least, plotting at worst. Jesus pushes them and answers using Moses as the best argument. They can’t fight back. Notice what happens: Jesus knows their argument and their belief so well He is able to craft a defense and response that gives them little to argue with. We have a long way to go here!

Jesus came to seek and to save. What good news!! Who in your world needs to hear this? Who needs to know?

Next time He arrives, it will not be to seek and save, but to gather and take account. He will gather up those that are His. He will assess whether we have been good stewards and faithful with what we have received!

The parable of the minas is speaking of this – right after time with Zacchaeus. He wants us to know that time with Him helps us reassess our lives and values.

Then He heads up to Jerusalem and begins His passion week.

Are we becoming more Christ-like? I think the defining concept in this chapter is the persistent pursuit of Jesus by those desperate for Him. Whether a widow, a blind man, a rich ruler or child, Jesus properly loves and welcomes everyone in who desires Him. I think this confirms that He is worth following. If we He is worth following, He beckons us to follow His Way and deny ourselves. So, are you “you” and content or desiring to live differently and realizing that He is the way, truth and life. Are you becoming more like Him?