Jesus promises life, but even in his day that promise was not always well-received. How do we continue to bring life to a skeptical world? This Sunday we also mark “Bold Women’s Day”, celebrating the witness of women in our church and in our lives.
Worship this week: Saturday 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday– 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Education & Fellowship – 9;30 a.m. Sunday School, Fireside Chats, Adult Bible Study
February 23, 2014
John 7:37-52
Key Verses: “On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,and let the one who believes in me drink.’” John 7:37-38a
Time: 27-30 CE
Background: By this point in John’s gospel, Jesus’ teaching was beginning to intrigue, confuse, and anger people. Some were starting to believe he was the Messiah based on his teachings and signs. Others felt threatened by his words and sought to kill him.
The Festival of Booths was one of three major pilgrimages requiring Jews to travel to Jerusalem for the celebrations. The festival included ceremonies that celebrated light and water. Jesus indicated he was the source of living water and light, which amounted to blasphemy. Some debated his origin to gather proof of his blasphemy so that he could stopped.
Community: How often do those who argue or debate, do so with closed ears, seeking only to prove a point, rather than to learn? What debates have you heard recently that have been closed? Which have been open? What have been the outcomes of the debates? How could you listen with openness so that you can respond with kindness, justice, and peace?
At Home: How often is Jesus your source of living water, power, understanding, or decision-making? Be intentional this week about turning to Jesus as your source of all that you do and say.
Read This Week:
Monday, Feb 24, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:1-3
Tuesday, Feb 25, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:4-6
Wednesday, Feb 26, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:7-11
Thursday, Feb 27, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:12-16
Friday, Feb 28, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:17-20
Saturday, Mar 1, Jesus and John the Baptist, John 3:22-36
Next Week: Sunday, Mar 2, Light of the World, John 9:1-41
