Sweet friends,
I’m so glad you’re here. I can hardly imagine the wonderful things God has planned in our hearts and minds during this online Summer Bible Study through His Word. Psst… It’s not too late to join us! Click here to sign up and pick up your copy of the Summer Bible study special.
This week we dove into John 1-3 and the stories of those who encountered Jesus in the Bible.
As a kid I grew up barefoot in bathing suits running around the surf shop and beaches in Florida. When it was time to enroll me in school, my parents selected a private Christian school where at chapels and events, we were repeatedly asked to give our hearts and lives to Jesus.
I don’t remember the first time I went forward to the altar to commit my life to Jesus, but I do remember going forward many, many times. Sometimes the invitation to follow Jesus was issued in the context of the goodness and love of God, and I’d run for the altar. Other times the invitation to follow Jesus was issued in the context that if we didn’t become followers of Jesus, we’d have the consequences of hell. And I’d also run for the altar—but those times faster!
In fact, I went forward so many times, I remember one day a loving teacher put her hand on my shoulder and pulled me aside. “Margaret, do you know that you only need to go forward once to become a follower of Jesus?”
I had no idea.
She began to explain the truths that my parents had discovered years before, namely, that salvation is a gift given to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. [Tweet this] She helped me understand that salvation is not just being saved from the consequences of sin but being saved for relationship with Jesus. That it was not something I had to keep running to the altar for every week. This gentle teacher opened my eyes to the person of Jesus and helped me to encounter him in a more meaningful way.
As I grew older, Jesus began revealing Himself to me as I’d read through the Scripture. My faith was sparked through stories of other people who shared how they met and encountered Jesus and the transformational miracles he’d done in their lives.
Now when I look back on how my mother, father, and I all encountered Jesus, the stories are so very different. The fact is, and I believe God planned it this way, we all have different stories, unique portraits of the ways we first encountered Jesus. [Tweet this]
That’s one of the most beautiful truths we discover when we open the Gospel of John. John goes out of his way to describe in detail the stories of how the first followers encountered Jesus, and each one is laced with unique meaning, hope, and beauty.
FOR DISCUSSION: Answer the following questions as a comment to this blog post. Feel free to ask questions, reply to others’ comments, and post prayer requests.
- Jesus’ approach to calling His disciples was revolutionary. Traditionally, disciples made the choice of which rabbi they would follow. But Jesus does the opposite. Instead of waiting for the disciples to find Him, Jesus takes the initiative and pursues His followers. Which of the disciples’ experiences most closely resembles your own experience in deciding to follow Jesus? [Tweet this] (Page 15)
- Thinking on the story of Jesus cleansing the temple in John 2:13-25, what areas of your heart do you feel need to be cleansed? [Tweet this] What would Jesus drive out of your heart? (Page 28)
- Like Nicodemus in John 3, what areas or situations in your life do you struggle to believe God? [Tweet this] (Page 30)
Link up your blog post below on what God is revealing to you in His Word:
Join us on Monday as we begin Session 2: When God Sees Through You (John 4-8). Click here to subscribe to the RSS feed and receive each day’s post in your inbox each morning.
Don’t miss out on the Midday Connection Podcast interview as we chat through Session One at 12PM Central today. Click here, to subscribe to their podcast each week.
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It’s not too late to join the online #SummerBibleStudy at MargaretFeinberg.com through John and Genesis. Click here to learn more.
1) I love reading the Gospels while paying special attention to how the disciples met Jesus. Jesus repeatedly invites them to “come and see.” Just like he invites us! From the beginning, Jesus has consistently pursued my heart and I am so grateful!
2) I’ve been very aware of the words I use lately. How much a complaint that escapes my lips can change the path of an entire day. I think Jesus driving those complaints out of my heart and mind and replacing them with gratefulness!
3) Just like Nicodemus, there are areas where I am tempted to doubt or wrestle believing. I love Jesus’ conversation in John 3 because it’s a reminder that Jesus welcomes our questions and our doubt because he is much bigger than both! There is no question that can stump him.
1. It was a new experience to read John paying attention to how Jesus called his disciples. I wonder what happened under the fig tree. Perhaps he was praying.
2. I wish I could always think kindly of people and not rush to judgement.
3. Hmm. I have believed for so long, I don’t think I struggle with believing. I struggle with waiting. Seems like I’ve been waiting for an answer of some kind for always. By waiting for an answer, I mean waiting for understanding of certain events.
I really am curious about the fig tree. It’s one of those questions I’ll have to ask Jesus!
Me too, Laura. Controlling the tongue is a constant battle!
Waiting. Most definitely, especially when that means trying not to take things into your own hands. What a challenge!
Happy you’re joining us, Laura!
#1…the easy response it that as a child I just followed quickly, with out a lot of questions but as I think on it…I see where my walk has gone through many seasons and each fits in along the way.
#2 THIS passage really hit me in a new way. It’s one of those familiar Jesus stories that I almost skimmed over…yeah, yeah, I know in 3 days the temple will be rebuilt – prophetic of Jesus upcoming death, burial and resurrection. BUT wait the whip, the turning of the table…the “cleansing”…wait just a minute!!?? This is not just a picture of the Law being overturned…THIS is what happens when Jesus is invited into my life, dwells in my temple…He removes all the junk that keeps me from worshiping Him. The process can be surprising, shocking, leaving me feeling like everything is in upheaval. Currently I believe the Lord is cleansing me of all independence and self sufficiency…it is not an easy process and I don’t like it but it must be done.
#3 I struggle to believe that God is in control when a circumstance is (or feels like it is) out of control. It is hard to believe He is working all things for the good of those who love him or has plans to prosper and not harm, give hope and a future, when nothing about a situation seems good or prosperous or hopeful.
I am right there with you about John 2– my eyes just glazed over and I had to force myself to really read and reread what was said. What a beautiful picture of how Christ enters our lives, and clears out the old and dirty (even though it may be comfortable) to make more and more room for him! May he continue working in our lives, Tara!
#1 I think I’m most like Philip and “follow me.” I didn’t question just did what I was told. As a teen I was asked if I wanted to receive Jesus into my heart. It sounded like a good idea, so I just said “yes.”
#2 Yes, the cleansing of myself turned up a few surprises. There’s still some more selfishness in there and I was surprised also to find I still need to work on being a better listener.
#3 The area that is the most difficult for me is in the area of health – my own and my friends’ health. It seems that healing should take place a lot sooner and I get impatient.
Birdie, I am so grateful for your childlike faith and willingness to follow Christ at such a young age.
Waiting on God is so difficult for me, too. Especially when it feels like my prayers are falling on deaf ears. Praying that the Lord continues to push our hearts to trust in Him in EVERYTHING even the healing of friends and the wait that sometimes accompanies that.
Hug to you, Birdie!
Hi, Margaret! I am so excited about this study! 6 weeks ago I started Meet Jesus a 13 week study on John with the online community Hello Mornings. For this night owl, (I’m up past my bedtime!) it has been a challenge in seeing the purpose of getting up early for this brief study. And I have been questioning “Do I love better/more/bigger than I did 6 weeks ago? Do I know Jesus better? Am I more obedient?” I didn’t really have any expectations, so I am not seeing any answers to my reflective questions. But then I heard you (again) on Midday Connection and got soooo excited listening to you and Anita and the guests discussing this. I am so happy that I can add this to my study for even more deeper fellowship with Christ! And I love how personable you are, Margaret.
1. I can’t even remember my decision to follow Christ. My mom says my Sunday school teacher told her I accepted Jesus. I was 4. I have been in fellowship with Jesus most of my life, brief absence during college years, even then I see His presence and protection over my prodigal living. 3 years ago He brought a storm into our lives that made me seek Him more instead of going the other way.
2. Jesus could do a major purge on my jealousy. The storm left us empty-armed and although we are blessed with 2 wonderful healthy children, to leave the hospital without one you carried for 9 months makes it very hard to even see a baby bump in church. I am well aware we are to rejoice with those who rejoice, but I am still mourning.
3. I really struggle to believe God is going to make beauty from the ashes, to bring purpose out of my pain, and to bring healing to my hurting heart. He has given me a gift of sewing and I am using it for charity. To bless those who know the same hurt, to bless those who are tasting freedom from slavery, and God only knows the next area He wants me to use my gift. But I fear that it will be in vain. I am not seeking acknowledgment, or even gratitude. I just want the hurt to ease up, the sadness to lift. Today I heard Ps 90:15 for the first time and I struggle with first, the demanding attitude towards our Father and second, I do not believe I would ever receive as much joy as sorrow. Not because He can’t, but because I don’t deserve it.
Hi Kimberlee!
I’m so thrilled your joining us! You’re going to be an expert in John’s Gospel when you’re finished. What a blessing and beautiful book to go through again and again.
You are too sweet. 🙂 Thanks for your encouragement.
Isn’t it amazing the work Jesus does in our hearts and lives even at such young ages? Praying for God to restore and heal your heart. I can’t imagine the loss you’ve experienced and am praying that God wraps you up in His love and makes you incredibly aware of His presence.
EXCELLENT THOUGHTS ABOUT JOHN’S GOSPEL