“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
John 8:10 (NIV)
I have two favorite passages of Scripture – Matthew 19:26 and Habakkuk 3:17-18 and a favorite event that is found in John’s Gospel. And it is in the course of that event that we find the questions above that Jesus asked. I like this particular narrative because there is so much to learn about how Jesus lives and leads but some of that is a story for another day. We are going to look at what we can learn about Jesus and how we should let it transform us from these questions. But first we need to understand how we got here.
Jesus is working the nerves of the Jewish religious leaders. One day, at dawn he was found in the temple courts, people gathered around him and HE sat to teach. Enter the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (the people Jesus is irritating) and they have brought with them a woman who had been caught in adultery. They had come to trap Him so they could accuse Him of something that would get him out of the way. This woman is standing there, and the Jewish leaders ask this question – “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery, In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say” (John 8:4-5)? Jesus responds by bending down and writing in the dirt with His finger. These guys are like “can you just answer the question; can you answer the question”. Jesus stands up straight and responds with something no one could argue with – “If any one of you guys are without sin, let that guy throw the first stone (John 8:7b). Then Jesus bent back down and started writing in the dirt again.
Scripture tells us that the accusers and crowd walked away one at a time starting with the older ones. When it was just the woman and Jesus, Jesus straightened up again and asked the woman the questions above. Where are they? Has no one condemned you? I imagine the woman responding while looking at the ground as she says, “No one sir” (John 8:11a). This event ends with Jesus’ response and it is powerful, “Then neither do I condemn you, go and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11b). I imagine the woman looking up and into His eyes before she leaves.
Scripture does not indicate that Jesus lectured this woman about purity and holiness, He just didn’t find her guilty. Scripture doesn’t say whether or not she was welcomed into “polite company” after this or that her life was perfect. What it shows is the grace Jesus is ready to offer. Here is one of the things that stands out to me, something that we can be changed by. There was one person standing there who was without sin, who could have thrown the first stone – it was Jesus and instead of throwing the stone, instead of beating her over the head with the Scriptures, He offered her grace and told her to use that grace to live differently.
We all fall short, we all hold the effects of the Fall in our hearts, minds and souls. Jesus stands ready to offer us the same grace and the same encouragement to live differently, to be transformed into our true selves as God intended for us. No matter what you have done or perhaps haven’t done, because God loves all of humanity, Jesus stands ready to offer HIS grace, to quietly tell us to go and sin no more and to throw our sins as far as the east is from the west (See Psalm 103:8-12); and when we have accepted that gift that leads to life, may we be so changed that we stand ready not to judge, but to give grace to ourselves and others. God will take care of whatever else needs doing. The bottom line from this temple court encounter is what Jesus shows us about choosing grace over stones.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – Drop the stone and accept His grace.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Friday, October 30, 2026
Stay
“Does this offend you? … You do not want to leave too, do you?”
John 6:61 & 67 (NIV)
It had been a busy time for Jesus and the guys. Jesus had fed 5000 plus people on a mountainside. Then, He told the guys to head back to Capernaum. It’s dark and they are miles offshore when Jesus comes walking on the water to catch up with them. When the people they left behind realize Jesus and the guys aren’t there they raced to Capernaum to find Him. This is where things get interesting and hard. son’s day or life.
The crowd arrives and are like “how long have you been here” (John 6:25)? Jesus ignores that question and goes straight into a discourse about not working for and eating food that can spoil. Rather he points them to an eternal food that the Son of Man can give. They ask how? Jesus tells them to believe in the One who God has sent – “You know Me”. They ask for another miraculous sign and Jesus is like really? The crowd talks about the manna their ancestors ate in the wilderness. Jesus talks about being the bread of life. The Jews get grumpy and Jesus tells them to knock it off. Then, on the surface it all goes very dark. There is talk of eating flesh and drinking blood. The people take the talk literally, but Jesus is talking about the spiritual. The people don’t understand that Jesus is talking about fully believing in the One God sent – total surrender of all aspects of one’s life and being filled with Him. It is about the gift He is offering compared to what the world has to offer. For many this teaching was too hard (John 6:60).
Jesus asks the first question to the whole crowd and doesn’t expect an answer, rather we read that “From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him” (John 6:66). It was just too much for them, I guess. The next question is aimed at the guys, His twelve hand-picked disciples. You guys gonna leave too? Jesus asks. Peter answers for all “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). Jesus could have said “great let's go” but instead gives them a bit of rebuke, sort of a “don’t forget I picked you.”
God sometimes makes hard asks. Abraham sacrifice Isaac, Sarah I know you are 90 but have a baby. Jesus describes the way to eternal life with some gruesome language and later says pick up your own cross and follow. God also makes a way for us to get through the hard stuff, to transform our character, our hearts and our minds. The question for us becomes when the hard asks, big storms, disappointments and wilderness times come, will we stay? Will we stand on the firm foundation that is Jesus?
Sarah had Isaac when she was very old and rejoiced. Abraham followed through with God’s ask and God provided a ram at the last minute. The gruesome language Jesus used is meant to remind us that the way to eternal life is through Him and requires total surrender of our lives, even the things we would rather hide or hang onto. His call for us to take up our own cross and follow reminds us that life will require much from us. It won't be easy or without trial but if we keep our eyes on the Leader we’ll be better for it. Will you stand firm? Will you stay with Jesus?
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – Stay in His presence no matter what you are facing.
John 6:61 & 67 (NIV)
It had been a busy time for Jesus and the guys. Jesus had fed 5000 plus people on a mountainside. Then, He told the guys to head back to Capernaum. It’s dark and they are miles offshore when Jesus comes walking on the water to catch up with them. When the people they left behind realize Jesus and the guys aren’t there they raced to Capernaum to find Him. This is where things get interesting and hard. son’s day or life.
The crowd arrives and are like “how long have you been here” (John 6:25)? Jesus ignores that question and goes straight into a discourse about not working for and eating food that can spoil. Rather he points them to an eternal food that the Son of Man can give. They ask how? Jesus tells them to believe in the One who God has sent – “You know Me”. They ask for another miraculous sign and Jesus is like really? The crowd talks about the manna their ancestors ate in the wilderness. Jesus talks about being the bread of life. The Jews get grumpy and Jesus tells them to knock it off. Then, on the surface it all goes very dark. There is talk of eating flesh and drinking blood. The people take the talk literally, but Jesus is talking about the spiritual. The people don’t understand that Jesus is talking about fully believing in the One God sent – total surrender of all aspects of one’s life and being filled with Him. It is about the gift He is offering compared to what the world has to offer. For many this teaching was too hard (John 6:60).
Jesus asks the first question to the whole crowd and doesn’t expect an answer, rather we read that “From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him” (John 6:66). It was just too much for them, I guess. The next question is aimed at the guys, His twelve hand-picked disciples. You guys gonna leave too? Jesus asks. Peter answers for all “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). Jesus could have said “great let's go” but instead gives them a bit of rebuke, sort of a “don’t forget I picked you.”
God sometimes makes hard asks. Abraham sacrifice Isaac, Sarah I know you are 90 but have a baby. Jesus describes the way to eternal life with some gruesome language and later says pick up your own cross and follow. God also makes a way for us to get through the hard stuff, to transform our character, our hearts and our minds. The question for us becomes when the hard asks, big storms, disappointments and wilderness times come, will we stay? Will we stand on the firm foundation that is Jesus?
Sarah had Isaac when she was very old and rejoiced. Abraham followed through with God’s ask and God provided a ram at the last minute. The gruesome language Jesus used is meant to remind us that the way to eternal life is through Him and requires total surrender of our lives, even the things we would rather hide or hang onto. His call for us to take up our own cross and follow reminds us that life will require much from us. It won't be easy or without trial but if we keep our eyes on the Leader we’ll be better for it. Will you stand firm? Will you stay with Jesus?
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – Stay in His presence no matter what you are facing.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Simple Question, Big Changes
“Will you give me a drink? ”
John 4:7 (NIV)
As humans it seems that we are pretty good at making things more complicated than they need to be. Sometimes, a simple thing makes a huge difference. Sometimes, looking someone in the eyes and saying “I’ll be praying for you” can take a little of the weight that person is carrying. Sometimes, actually taking the time to listen to the answer to the question “how are you doing today?” May change that person’s day or life. That’s the kind of thing that happens when a simple question is asked by Jesus.
Jesus and the guys are headed back to Galilee, and in doing so they were going through Samaria. They came to a town, where Jacob’s well is found. Jesus sends the guys for food, and He sits down by well. It is the middle of the day, the sun is high in the sky and really, it is the wrong time of day to be coming for water at the well. As Jesus is sitting there resting, a Samaritan woman comes for water. Jesus asks, this week’s question.
The woman in response to Jesus’ request is to question why the request was even made; “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman” (John 4:9). In case you didn’t know Jews and Samaritans didn’t mix back then. The simple question “Will you give me a drink” turns into a conversation about who Jesus is, what He knows and what He can do. Jesus talks about living water, the woman asks if he is greater than Jacob? Jesus says anyone who drinks from Jacob’s well will get thirsty again, while His offer of living water will well up to eternal life. The woman asks for the living water Jesus is offering so she can stop coming to the well to get water.
Here’s where things really get interesting. Jesus tells her to go get her husband and come back (John 4:16). The woman admits to not having a husband. Jesus tells her more about her life than it would have been possible for an ordinary person to know during a “chance” meeting.
This woman who was coming to the well in the middle of the day for a reason, has come face to face with a prophet and the conversation turns to worship – where and why the Samaritans and Jews worship where they do, when Jesus says: “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth… God is spirit and His worshipers must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). The woman explains that she knows Messiah is coming and he will explain everything when he arrives. Drum roll please Jesus tells her straight up “I who speak to you am he” (John 4:26).
The guys come back, surprised but unwilling to question Jesus talking to the woman. The woman puts her water jar down and goes back into town, where she basically tells everyone, she meets that Messiah is at Jacob’s well and He knew everything about her. The guys want Jesus to eat His lunch. Jesus gives them a mini sermon about doing the work the Father has for them. The people came, they listened, they asked Jesus to stay and He did. Many people from that Samarian town believed – saying: “…now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).
A simple question. The woman comes face to face with the Savior of the world and tells everyone to come and see. Even though she was probably an outcast, they went and many of those that went believed. They asked Jesus to stay and tell them more and even more people of the town believed. The Jewish Messiah welcomed the Samaritans into His Kingdom. Can you imagine how that town changed as the people were filled with the living water Jesus spoke of.
We don’t read any more about the woman or the town after this. Today, the Jews and Samaritans are no longer enemies. I suspect that Jesus’ simple question eventually led to the improved relations between these two related, but different peoples.
What simple question could Jesus ask you that would strengthen your faith? What simple question could you ask, your neighbor, your grocery clerk, your uber eats delivery person that might make their day better, help them know they are seen, and point them to Jesus?
What simple question could I ask that would lift you up – How are you doing? How can I help? What is Jesus doing in your life?
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – remember a simple question might just change your life or someone else's.
John 4:7 (NIV)
As humans it seems that we are pretty good at making things more complicated than they need to be. Sometimes, a simple thing makes a huge difference. Sometimes, looking someone in the eyes and saying “I’ll be praying for you” can take a little of the weight that person is carrying. Sometimes, actually taking the time to listen to the answer to the question “how are you doing today?” May change that person’s day or life. That’s the kind of thing that happens when a simple question is asked by Jesus.
Jesus and the guys are headed back to Galilee, and in doing so they were going through Samaria. They came to a town, where Jacob’s well is found. Jesus sends the guys for food, and He sits down by well. It is the middle of the day, the sun is high in the sky and really, it is the wrong time of day to be coming for water at the well. As Jesus is sitting there resting, a Samaritan woman comes for water. Jesus asks, this week’s question.
The woman in response to Jesus’ request is to question why the request was even made; “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman” (John 4:9). In case you didn’t know Jews and Samaritans didn’t mix back then. The simple question “Will you give me a drink” turns into a conversation about who Jesus is, what He knows and what He can do. Jesus talks about living water, the woman asks if he is greater than Jacob? Jesus says anyone who drinks from Jacob’s well will get thirsty again, while His offer of living water will well up to eternal life. The woman asks for the living water Jesus is offering so she can stop coming to the well to get water.
Here’s where things really get interesting. Jesus tells her to go get her husband and come back (John 4:16). The woman admits to not having a husband. Jesus tells her more about her life than it would have been possible for an ordinary person to know during a “chance” meeting.
This woman who was coming to the well in the middle of the day for a reason, has come face to face with a prophet and the conversation turns to worship – where and why the Samaritans and Jews worship where they do, when Jesus says: “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth… God is spirit and His worshipers must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). The woman explains that she knows Messiah is coming and he will explain everything when he arrives. Drum roll please Jesus tells her straight up “I who speak to you am he” (John 4:26).
The guys come back, surprised but unwilling to question Jesus talking to the woman. The woman puts her water jar down and goes back into town, where she basically tells everyone, she meets that Messiah is at Jacob’s well and He knew everything about her. The guys want Jesus to eat His lunch. Jesus gives them a mini sermon about doing the work the Father has for them. The people came, they listened, they asked Jesus to stay and He did. Many people from that Samarian town believed – saying: “…now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).
A simple question. The woman comes face to face with the Savior of the world and tells everyone to come and see. Even though she was probably an outcast, they went and many of those that went believed. They asked Jesus to stay and tell them more and even more people of the town believed. The Jewish Messiah welcomed the Samaritans into His Kingdom. Can you imagine how that town changed as the people were filled with the living water Jesus spoke of.
We don’t read any more about the woman or the town after this. Today, the Jews and Samaritans are no longer enemies. I suspect that Jesus’ simple question eventually led to the improved relations between these two related, but different peoples.
What simple question could Jesus ask you that would strengthen your faith? What simple question could you ask, your neighbor, your grocery clerk, your uber eats delivery person that might make their day better, help them know they are seen, and point them to Jesus?
What simple question could I ask that would lift you up – How are you doing? How can I help? What is Jesus doing in your life?
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – remember a simple question might just change your life or someone else's.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Questions in the Night
“’You are Israel’s teacher,’ said Jesus, ‘and do you not understand these things? …I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? ”
John 3:10 &12 (NIV)
It was a dark and stormy night. Well, it wasn’t stormy but it was night. John 3 contains possibly one of the most often quoted verses of scripture but that comes after the night time conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus, we are told, was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. Some commentators think Nicodemus came to Jesus at night because he preferred the dark to the light. Others say he sought Jesus out at night because he didn’t want the other Jewish leaders to see him talking to Jesus. Here’s what I think. I think Nicodemus had been watching Jesus and just wanted to have a quiet conversation with a man who was clearly different from others. At night the crowds would be at home, a perfect time for a real conversation. Let’s see how it goes.
Night has fallen, it is quiet or at least quieter. Nicodemus finds Jesus and greets Him, “Rabbi, we (that would be the “royal” we), know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2). We can let the royal "we" go, because we know that Jesus has been working their nerves. Jesus doesn’t greet Nicodemus, no good evening, what do you want? Jesus gets down to business, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). I don’t know about you but if I had taken the time to find Jesus to have a chat and the first thing He said to me was that, I’d be like – um Oookay then.
Nicodemus asks a question and Jesus answers it with another “Very truly, I tell you” statement about being born of water and spirit. Jesus continues telling Nicodemus that he “should not be surprised by this” (John 3:7). Nicodemus basically says – I don’t get it when he asks “How can this be” (John 3:9)? Here’s where Jesus asks His questions. First Jesus says: “You are Israel’s teacher, and you do not understand these things?” In other words, you are a really well educated guy, you know what the Scriptures say – how come you don’t understand? Jesus brings on another “Very truly I tell you” statement and then asks Nicodemus another question. “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” Nicodemus doesn’t respond and Jesus begins the discourse that includes John 3:16. At some point, probably when Jesus is done with His lesson, Nicodemus leaves, I suspect with plenty to think about. It is not the last time we’ll see Nicodemus, and it would seem when we do see him again, something has shifted.
When next we (yes, that’s the royal we), meet Nicodemus something is different. The temple guards were apparently supposed to arrest Jesus and bring him to the chief priests. They didn’t cause well “No one has ever spoke the way this man does” (John 7:46). The Pharisees slam the guards for being deceived, as well as all the others who must be cursed if they believe what Jesus is saying. Enter Nicodemus, who just asks a simple question “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing” (John 7:51)? Boy does Nicodemus get it – they ask if he is from Galilee and tell him he better do his research because prophets don’t come from Galilee.
We see Nicodemus one more time. This time Jesus is dead on a Roman cross. Joseph of Arimathea has asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Joseph, Scripture tells us, was an underground believer. Pilate granted his request and then Joseph and Nicodemus (who brings 75 pounds of myrrh and other stuff) took Jesus, wrapped his body with linen, the spices and laid Him in a new tomb.
Nicodemus went from seeking Jesus under the cover of night to caring for Him in the light of His death on a cross. Scripture doesn’t tell us what happened with Nicodemus after that but I suspect we will meet him when the Kingdom has fully come. I talk to Jesus often, including at night. Why? Because, He’s the best listener, He asks good questions if you are listening and He actually knows the plan for my life and yours. Nicodemus wasn’t alone when his own tribe insulted him, he had already been talking to Jesus. We are not alone either. Jesus is there at midnight and at dawn. He is there if a storm is raging or if all is calm. Go looking for Him to know Him better. Ponder His questions and His words – see what changes in your life as a result.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this email – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – remember you are never really alone if you know Jesus.
John 3:10 &12 (NIV)
It was a dark and stormy night. Well, it wasn’t stormy but it was night. John 3 contains possibly one of the most often quoted verses of scripture but that comes after the night time conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus, we are told, was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. Some commentators think Nicodemus came to Jesus at night because he preferred the dark to the light. Others say he sought Jesus out at night because he didn’t want the other Jewish leaders to see him talking to Jesus. Here’s what I think. I think Nicodemus had been watching Jesus and just wanted to have a quiet conversation with a man who was clearly different from others. At night the crowds would be at home, a perfect time for a real conversation. Let’s see how it goes.
Night has fallen, it is quiet or at least quieter. Nicodemus finds Jesus and greets Him, “Rabbi, we (that would be the “royal” we), know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2). We can let the royal "we" go, because we know that Jesus has been working their nerves. Jesus doesn’t greet Nicodemus, no good evening, what do you want? Jesus gets down to business, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). I don’t know about you but if I had taken the time to find Jesus to have a chat and the first thing He said to me was that, I’d be like – um Oookay then.
Nicodemus asks a question and Jesus answers it with another “Very truly, I tell you” statement about being born of water and spirit. Jesus continues telling Nicodemus that he “should not be surprised by this” (John 3:7). Nicodemus basically says – I don’t get it when he asks “How can this be” (John 3:9)? Here’s where Jesus asks His questions. First Jesus says: “You are Israel’s teacher, and you do not understand these things?” In other words, you are a really well educated guy, you know what the Scriptures say – how come you don’t understand? Jesus brings on another “Very truly I tell you” statement and then asks Nicodemus another question. “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” Nicodemus doesn’t respond and Jesus begins the discourse that includes John 3:16. At some point, probably when Jesus is done with His lesson, Nicodemus leaves, I suspect with plenty to think about. It is not the last time we’ll see Nicodemus, and it would seem when we do see him again, something has shifted.
When next we (yes, that’s the royal we), meet Nicodemus something is different. The temple guards were apparently supposed to arrest Jesus and bring him to the chief priests. They didn’t cause well “No one has ever spoke the way this man does” (John 7:46). The Pharisees slam the guards for being deceived, as well as all the others who must be cursed if they believe what Jesus is saying. Enter Nicodemus, who just asks a simple question “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing” (John 7:51)? Boy does Nicodemus get it – they ask if he is from Galilee and tell him he better do his research because prophets don’t come from Galilee.
We see Nicodemus one more time. This time Jesus is dead on a Roman cross. Joseph of Arimathea has asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Joseph, Scripture tells us, was an underground believer. Pilate granted his request and then Joseph and Nicodemus (who brings 75 pounds of myrrh and other stuff) took Jesus, wrapped his body with linen, the spices and laid Him in a new tomb.
Nicodemus went from seeking Jesus under the cover of night to caring for Him in the light of His death on a cross. Scripture doesn’t tell us what happened with Nicodemus after that but I suspect we will meet him when the Kingdom has fully come. I talk to Jesus often, including at night. Why? Because, He’s the best listener, He asks good questions if you are listening and He actually knows the plan for my life and yours. Nicodemus wasn’t alone when his own tribe insulted him, he had already been talking to Jesus. We are not alone either. Jesus is there at midnight and at dawn. He is there if a storm is raging or if all is calm. Go looking for Him to know Him better. Ponder His questions and His words – see what changes in your life as a result.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this email – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – remember you are never really alone if you know Jesus.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Obedience & Faith
“Dear woman, why do you involve me? ”
John 2:4a (NIV)
I really enjoy it when I find a thread that ties major themes of the Scriptures together. This week’s question made me think of two other events in Jesus’ life, one when He is still young and one closer to the end of His time on our planet.
Perhaps you are familiar with both of the events I am thinking of. The first is a familiar story found in Luke chapter two. Jesus and his family had gone to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Jesus ends up staying behind as his family heads for home. It takes Mary and Joseph three days to find Him. They have a typical parent/child discussion and the event ends with “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” (See Luke 2:41-52 for the whole story).
The second, happens after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. At the point when Jesus tells the parable of the two sons, he had already cleared the temple, cursed a fig tree and had an encounter with the chief priest over His authority. Into this increasingly hostile environment he tells a story – aimed at the chief priests, about a father who asks his sons to go out and work in the vineyard. The first son said, “no” but ended up going anyway. The second son said, “yes” but didn’t follow through. (See Matthew 21:27-32 for the whole parable and a bonus question from Jesus).
Enter a connecting point with this week’s question. The event where this question is asked, takes place early in His ministry. There is a wedding celebration happening at Cana in Galilee. Jesus, His mother, and His disciples were all invited guests. When the unthinkable happened – the wine ran out and the party was just getting started. Mary, concerned about the situation, not wanting the host to be dishonored, lets Jesus know they’ve run out of wine. Jesus responds, “Woman, why do you involve me…my hour has not yet come.” In other words, He said, “I’m not going to do anything about it.” But Mary knew Jesus was a good and obedient son – so she, having faith, went and “told the servants to do whatever Jesus tells you to do”. After basically telling His mom “No” he went ahead and took care of the matter – on her behalf. It would be His first miracle. An obedient son and a mom who had faith – there is a lot of power in obedience when paired with faith and vice versa.
I feel like there is a need for a word of caution around this powerful combination. Sometimes we have faith and are obedient and Jesus says “no” and means it. Sometimes He says “yes, but not right now.” We have to remember especially when we are coming to him with a request, that our heart motivation must be tuned to His will. Remembering that even Jesus had to surrender His will to that of the Father’s. If HE hadn’t; obedience and faith wouldn’t be the powerful combination that it is.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – remember obedience and faith are power when used in accordance with His will.
John 2:4a (NIV)
I really enjoy it when I find a thread that ties major themes of the Scriptures together. This week’s question made me think of two other events in Jesus’ life, one when He is still young and one closer to the end of His time on our planet.
Perhaps you are familiar with both of the events I am thinking of. The first is a familiar story found in Luke chapter two. Jesus and his family had gone to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Jesus ends up staying behind as his family heads for home. It takes Mary and Joseph three days to find Him. They have a typical parent/child discussion and the event ends with “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” (See Luke 2:41-52 for the whole story).
The second, happens after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. At the point when Jesus tells the parable of the two sons, he had already cleared the temple, cursed a fig tree and had an encounter with the chief priest over His authority. Into this increasingly hostile environment he tells a story – aimed at the chief priests, about a father who asks his sons to go out and work in the vineyard. The first son said, “no” but ended up going anyway. The second son said, “yes” but didn’t follow through. (See Matthew 21:27-32 for the whole parable and a bonus question from Jesus).
Enter a connecting point with this week’s question. The event where this question is asked, takes place early in His ministry. There is a wedding celebration happening at Cana in Galilee. Jesus, His mother, and His disciples were all invited guests. When the unthinkable happened – the wine ran out and the party was just getting started. Mary, concerned about the situation, not wanting the host to be dishonored, lets Jesus know they’ve run out of wine. Jesus responds, “Woman, why do you involve me…my hour has not yet come.” In other words, He said, “I’m not going to do anything about it.” But Mary knew Jesus was a good and obedient son – so she, having faith, went and “told the servants to do whatever Jesus tells you to do”. After basically telling His mom “No” he went ahead and took care of the matter – on her behalf. It would be His first miracle. An obedient son and a mom who had faith – there is a lot of power in obedience when paired with faith and vice versa.
I feel like there is a need for a word of caution around this powerful combination. Sometimes we have faith and are obedient and Jesus says “no” and means it. Sometimes He says “yes, but not right now.” We have to remember especially when we are coming to him with a request, that our heart motivation must be tuned to His will. Remembering that even Jesus had to surrender His will to that of the Father’s. If HE hadn’t; obedience and faith wouldn’t be the powerful combination that it is.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – remember obedience and faith are power when used in accordance with His will.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Don't Forget Gratitude
“Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no returned to give praise to God except this foreigner? ” Luke 17:17-18 (NIV)
Jesus and the guys are headed for Jerusalem. They are skirting Samaria, because, well that’s what the Israelites did. I find it interesting that in this instance he’s going around, when it seems Jesus doesn’t have the same prejudices against the Samaritans as the others. After all he talked to the woman at the well and her village believed the kingdom news. He also used a Samaritan as an example of who a neighbor is. Yet here we are, Jesus and the guys going around.As they are entering a village there are ten men all with leprosy, standing a way off and shouting, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” (Luke 17:12-13) Jesus from a distance tells them to “Go show yourselves to the priest. As they went, they were healed” (Luke 17:14). One of the men realizing what had happened, goes back praising God and falls at Jesus’ feet giving thanks. Luke identifies the man as a Samaritan (Luke 17:16). Questions from Jesus incoming.
Jesus, apparently speaking to the man and those around him, asked this week’s questions. Weren’t there ten made well? Where are the other nine? Has no one else returned to praise God except this foreigner? It would seem we could take that last question to mean the other nine were Jews. Nine men healed of a condition that made them unclean and outcasts. Nine men who forgot about gratitude. Did the “foreigner” who came back recognize Jesus for who He was? Is that why he came back praising God and giving thanks? Is that why he was filled with gratitude? This poor guy was on the ground at Jesus’ feet while Jesus asked His questions. I imagine Jesus being like “Oh Dude get up, get up. Go now your faith has made you well”. Jesus seems to tie this man’s gratitude to his faith.
Theologian R. Alan Culpepper, writing in the New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary as this to say about gratitude and faith. “If gratitude reveals humility of spirit and a sensitivity to the grace of God in one’s life, then is there any better measure of faith than wonder and thankfulness before what one perceives as unmerited expressions of love and kindness from God and from others?
When was the last time you recognized the grace of God working in your life? Did you stop what you were doing and express your gratitude? Let us not forget to express our faith with our gratitude, for the big stuff, like making a way for us to get back to God and for the small stuff – like a rainy day or wildflowers, or a good friend to share a laugh or a cry with.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – remember your gratitude reflects your faith.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Joy in the Finding
“Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ”
Luke 15:4 & 8 (NIV)
There is a song playing on Christian radio as I write this by Andrew Ripp. The song is titled “I’d Do It Again.” The song is written from Jesus’ perspective and the chorus says: “Cause there’s no distance too far/ No pain too great. There’s no grave to dark/No hell I won’t pay. The proof that it's finished is here in my hands. I know I don’t have to child but oh for you I’d do it again.” This song reminded me of how the Scriptures are held together with a crimson thread and that with the sorrow God must often feel, there is also joy when we lost ones are found. That He’ll keep searching until all that will be found have been found.
In Genesis 18 when the Lord and a couple of his messengers turn to visit with Abraham on their way to Sodom and Gomorrah in response to the outcry that had reached the throne room of heaven and after Sarah had laughed when the Lord said she would be a mom in her old age a year from then. Abraham dared to bargain with the Lord. Abraham asks Him, if He finds 50 righteous ones there will the cities be destroyed? 50 becomes 45; 45 becomes 40; 40 becomes 30; 30 becomes 20; 20 becomes 10 – the city would be spared if only 10 righteous ones are found. In Genesis 19, that 10 really becomes just Lot and rather than spare the city for just one, the Lord spares Lot and his family and destroys the cities. Lot’s wife looked back and some say the pillar of salt still stands even today. Lot’s daughters, well they are definitely a story for another day.
Which brings us to the questions before us this week. At the end of Luke 14 Jesus is talking about the cost of being His disciple and closes with “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Luke 15 opens with the parable of the lost sheep – where Jesus asks those listening, especially the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were muttering about the sinners and tax collectors Jesus was hanging out with – “If you have 100 sheep and one goes missing – won’t you leave those 99 sheep where they are and go searching for the lost one?” Jesus continues by saying that when the lost one is found, the owner will throw a party to celebrate. Then comes the parable of the lost coin. Same basic idea, a woman has 10 silver coins and one goes missing. She cleans and carefully searches until she finds that missing coin and then she invites her friends over to celebrate. At the end of both of these parables Jesus says there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over all the righteous ones present.
God so loved the world… He finds us so valuable that He paid the price of our sins and He keeps looking for all the missing sheep and lost coins. In Peter’s second letter to Christians facing persecution, he reminds them that the Lord’s timing is not like our timing. He is not being “slow the way we understand slow – rather He is patient with all image bearers not wanting any of us to perish, but for everyone to repent and accept His gift of eternal life.
Do you realize that we who walk with Jesus, no matter how imperfectly, are part of His search party? Part of His rescue team? We are meant to be keeping our hearts, minds and eyes open for those who are still lost, those He is still looking for, those who are looking for something and just need to know that, that something is a someone whose name is Jesus. Jesus who says no one is too far away to be found. Heaven rejoices every time one more lost sheep is found.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – remember when you were found Heaven rejoiced.
Luke 15:4 & 8 (NIV)
There is a song playing on Christian radio as I write this by Andrew Ripp. The song is titled “I’d Do It Again.” The song is written from Jesus’ perspective and the chorus says: “Cause there’s no distance too far/ No pain too great. There’s no grave to dark/No hell I won’t pay. The proof that it's finished is here in my hands. I know I don’t have to child but oh for you I’d do it again.” This song reminded me of how the Scriptures are held together with a crimson thread and that with the sorrow God must often feel, there is also joy when we lost ones are found. That He’ll keep searching until all that will be found have been found.
In Genesis 18 when the Lord and a couple of his messengers turn to visit with Abraham on their way to Sodom and Gomorrah in response to the outcry that had reached the throne room of heaven and after Sarah had laughed when the Lord said she would be a mom in her old age a year from then. Abraham dared to bargain with the Lord. Abraham asks Him, if He finds 50 righteous ones there will the cities be destroyed? 50 becomes 45; 45 becomes 40; 40 becomes 30; 30 becomes 20; 20 becomes 10 – the city would be spared if only 10 righteous ones are found. In Genesis 19, that 10 really becomes just Lot and rather than spare the city for just one, the Lord spares Lot and his family and destroys the cities. Lot’s wife looked back and some say the pillar of salt still stands even today. Lot’s daughters, well they are definitely a story for another day.
Which brings us to the questions before us this week. At the end of Luke 14 Jesus is talking about the cost of being His disciple and closes with “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Luke 15 opens with the parable of the lost sheep – where Jesus asks those listening, especially the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were muttering about the sinners and tax collectors Jesus was hanging out with – “If you have 100 sheep and one goes missing – won’t you leave those 99 sheep where they are and go searching for the lost one?” Jesus continues by saying that when the lost one is found, the owner will throw a party to celebrate. Then comes the parable of the lost coin. Same basic idea, a woman has 10 silver coins and one goes missing. She cleans and carefully searches until she finds that missing coin and then she invites her friends over to celebrate. At the end of both of these parables Jesus says there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over all the righteous ones present.
God so loved the world… He finds us so valuable that He paid the price of our sins and He keeps looking for all the missing sheep and lost coins. In Peter’s second letter to Christians facing persecution, he reminds them that the Lord’s timing is not like our timing. He is not being “slow the way we understand slow – rather He is patient with all image bearers not wanting any of us to perish, but for everyone to repent and accept His gift of eternal life.
Do you realize that we who walk with Jesus, no matter how imperfectly, are part of His search party? Part of His rescue team? We are meant to be keeping our hearts, minds and eyes open for those who are still lost, those He is still looking for, those who are looking for something and just need to know that, that something is a someone whose name is Jesus. Jesus who says no one is too far away to be found. Heaven rejoices every time one more lost sheep is found.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – remember when you were found Heaven rejoiced.
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