Tag: God

Seeking Whose Approval?

Mark 11 & John 12

Perhaps the saddest words in English literature are found in the poem, “Maud Muller,” by John Greenlear Whittier.  The poem recounts the story of a farm maid, Maud Muller, who is raking hay in a meadow.  A town judge on horseback passes by, and they exchange pleasant greetings.  He asks for a drink of water from the bubbling spring, and she fills her cup and offers it to him.

After the encounter, as the years go by, she considers what life might have been like as the wife of a judge, possessing wealth and servants.  He, in turn, considers what life might have been like without the stress of his position, but instead married to the maiden, enjoying a simple rural life.

Near the poem’s end, Whittier penned these lines.

“For all sad words of tongues and pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been.’”

All of us, whether young or old, can look back at our lives and have regrets.  Words we might have said, places we might have gone, decisions we might have made. 

In our Bible reading today, we find a deeply sad and somber passage contained in one short phrase. 

“For they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”  John 12:43

It was the week of the Feast of the Passover, and Jesus’ ultimate betrayal and crucifixion.  A great multitude had greeted Jesus with “Hosanna” and palm branches when he entered Jerusalem.  After the joyous welcome, Jesus had once again explained the coming events of his life to the large crowd gathered around him. 

“And Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.  He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.Now my soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.’” (John 12:23-27)

Then Jesus continues in verses 32-33, “‘And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.’ But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.”

The crowd questions Jesus in verse 34.  “We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”  Amazingly, they ask ‘Who is the Son of Man’ as Jesus stands before them! 

Jesus responds by saying that he—the light—will only be with them a short while longer.  The people need to believe in the light—believe in him—while he is still with them. (vs. 35-36) What more can he say?

Jesus performed signs and miracles before the multitude.  He taught them, cared for them, and was compassionate towards them.  But they did not believe, fully believe. 

Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled.  (Isaiah 6:9,10) Blinded eyes and hardened hearts don’t lead to conversion. (John 12:39, 40)

And then we come to verses 42-43, an explanation for their hardened hearts. 

“Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.”  

Remarkably, there WERE many who believed in him, even rulers.  They understood Jesus’ words, his plea: “While you have the light, believe in the light.”  But they would not acknowledge him.  Their positions in the synagogues were at risk.  Their status was threatened.  They could not take a chance, could not jeopardize their standing. It was not to be.

“For they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”

Each morning when you wake up, whose approval are you seeking?  As you go throughout your day, making small and big decisions, whose blessing do you pursue?  At the end of your day, what or who carried you through? 

Let us resolve together that each of our waking hours, each of our thoughts or actions, be grounded in the approval of God.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  (Hebrews 10:23)

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to you to seek the approval of God?
  2. How do you seek the approval of God in your life? 
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Trust, Gratitude and Humble Prayer

Luke 17:11-18:14

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

As Jesus continues his journey toward Jerusalem, he encounters people from all walks of life—outcasts, disciples, religious leaders, and ordinary men and women. In Luke 17:11–18:14, there are various stories and teachings involving miracles and parables where Jesus calls people to deeper trust, genuine gratitude, and humble prayer.

Trust and Thankfulness

This section of Scripture opens with Jesus traveling along the border between Samaria and Galilee. Ten men with serious skin diseases (traditionally translated as “lepers”), who were shunned by society and desperately wanted mercy, call out to him from a distance, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” (Luke 17:13). Jesus responds not with an immediate healing, but with a command: “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they obeyed, they were cleansed. But while all ten were physically healed, one man (the Samaritan) displayed gratitude which brought him a deeper wholeness—spiritual as well as physical. Jesus tells him, “Your trust has made you whole” (Luke 17:19). The passage reveals that faith and thankfulness are both vital to experiencing the fullness of God’s blessing.

One helpful insight here is that trust often requires action before we see results. The lepers had to begin their journey to the priests while still unhealed. Their obedience was an expression of trust, and as they went, God’s power healed them. Trust, even as small as a mustard seed, has the power to move what seems immovable (cf. Luke 17:6).

Reflect: Where is God inviting you to trust him more, even before you see the outcome? How might cultivating a heart of gratitude open the door to God’s work in your life?

Persistence in Prayer

Jesus then tells the parable of The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8), encouraging his followers to “always pray, and not become discouraged.” The widow’s relentless pursuit of justice before an indifferent judge is contrasted with God’s attentive care for his people. If even an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will God respond to the cries of his beloved children when they persistently come to Him in prayer?

The parable is about the necessity of persistent prayer and unwavering hope, even when answers seem delayed. Jesus asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find trust on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Our perseverance in prayer is an act of trust and also a testimony to our trust in God’s character.

Reflect: In what prayers do you need to be more persistent? What discouragements in your life can you bring honestly before God, trusting that he hears and cares?

Humility Before God

Finally, Jesus tells the parable of The Pharisee And The Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14). The Pharisee stands confidently, listing his religious achievements and looking down on others. The tax collector, by contrast, stands at a distance, unable even to lift his eyes, but nonetheless, he prays: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Jesus declares that it is the humble tax collector who goes home “righteous,” not the devout Pharisee. The reason Jesus gives is that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

This parable reveals that one must be humble when coming before God. Humility, openness, and a childlike posture are essential for receiving the kingdom of God (Luke 18:17). Our standing before God is not based on our prowess, devoutness, or accomplishments, but on our honest need for his mercy, because there is nothing we can do to deserve it.

Reflect: In what ways do you find yourself comparing your spiritual life to others? How can you approach God with greater humility and openness in your heart?

Encouragement

As you read these stories and teachings of Jesus, may you be inspired to trust in God more deeply, return thanks for His goodness and blessing, persist in prayer, and humble yourself before Him.

Jerry works on the REV Bible (revbible.com) as the chair of the REV Translation Committee and the lead NT translator. He also has a podcast on the Book of Proverbs called “Words of Wisdom” (stfi.org/podcasts/words-of-wisdom-podcast) that people can find on Spotify, Apple, Pandora, etc.

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The Resurrection and The Life

John 11

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

Jesus was a master teacher but also a compassionate friend, deeply moved by the struggles and sorrows of those he loved. In John 11, we encounter one of the most powerful stories in the Gospels where we see Jesus’ emotion. This record invites us to consider how Jesus meets us in our grief, reveals the glory of God, and calls us to trust in God’s power—even when all hope seems lost.

The narrative opens with a startling circumstance—Lazarus, the beloved brother of Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. And so, the sisters send word to Jesus, confident in his love and his ability to heal. Yet, in a surprising twist, Jesus delays his journey. The text says, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. But when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he didn’t depart immediate but stayed two days longer in the place where he was (John 11:5-6). This delay, however, does not show Jesus as being indifferent. Given the timing and distance for the message to travel, it is very likely that Lazarus died soon after the messenger was sent by Mary and Martha, and perhaps Jesus already knew this by revelation when the message arrived. Furthermore, Jesus knew that through this situation, though, God’s glory will be revealed in a way that will deepen the faith of his followers.

Reflect: When have you experienced a delay in answered prayer? How might God be using that time to deepen your trust or reveal His purpose?

Walking in the Light

When Jesus finally prepares to go to Judea, his disciples are concerned for his safety. Jesus responds, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world” (John 11:9). Jesus uses this physical reality to make a spiritual point: as long as we walk in the light of God’s revelation, we can move forward with confidence, even in dangerous or uncertain circumstances. Jesus models courageous trust in God, reminding us that our times are in God’s hands.

Reflect: What does it look like for you to “walk in the light” in your daily life? Where do you need courage to trust God’s guidance, even when the path is uncertain?

Jesus—the Resurrection and the Life

As Jesus approaches Bethany, Martha meets him with a mixture of faith and sorrow. She believes Jesus could have prevented her brother’s death, yet she holds onto hope that somehow Jesus might still do something. Jesus boldly declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25). This is not just a promise for the distant future; it is a present reality. Jesus reveals that through him, God’s life-giving power is available now, even in the face of death. Lazarus’ resurrection serves as a glimpse and foreshadowing of the future resurrection of all God’s people to new life.

Reflect: How does Jesus’ promise of resurrection shape your perspective on loss and the comfort of the hope? In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God’s power can bring new life?

The Glory of God Revealed

When Jesus sees Mary and the others weeping over Lazarus, he is deeply moved—so much so that he himself begins to weep (John 11:35). Jesus had a special attachment to Lazarus, and his tears show his genuine empathy and sorrow. Jesus’ grief is mingled with righteous anger at the pain and brokenness that death brings. He stands at the tomb, not as a rabbi or religious figure, but as a friend who was there with Mary and Martha in their pain.

Jesus intentionally prays out loud so that all those who were present at the tomb would believe that God sent him (John 11:42). Then, with a loud voice, Jesus called to Lazarus for him to come out of the tomb. As everyone stood there watching, Lazarus emerges from the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes. This miracle is a powerful display of God’s glory—His power in action. Lazarus’ resurrection is not the final victory over death, but a sign pointing to the greater hope that all who trust in Christ will one day be raised to everlasting life in the age to come.

Reflect: How does knowing that Jesus was moved by compassion encourage you in your own struggles? Who around you might need the comfort of your presence and solidarity today?

Encouragement

This record reminds us that Jesus meets us in our deepest pain and invites us to trust in God’s power and timing. Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and through him, we have hope that transcends even the death and the grave. May you find comfort in knowing that the same Jesus who wept at Lazarus’ tomb walks with you today, offering life, hope, and the promise of resurrection. Trust in God’s love, timing, and power in every circumstance in your life.

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The Master Teacher at Work

Luke 16:1-17:10

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

Jesus was a master teacher, and he used parables to teach and challenge his listeners to reconsider their present attitudes or perspectives. In Luke 16, Jesus teaches on wealth, faithfulness, forgiveness, and humble service, inviting us to consider how our daily choices reflect our commitment to God’s kingdom and to live in light of the age to come.

Wise Stewardship and Eternal Perspective

Jesus begins this section with the Parable of the Wise Manager (Luke 16:1-9). In this story, a house manager is called to give an account of his stewardship after being accused of wasting his master’s possessions. Facing dismissal from his position, he shrewdly reduces the debts of his master’s debtors, hoping to secure their goodwill for his own future. Surprisingly, the master commends the manager—not for his dishonesty, but for his prudence and foresight. Jesus then says, “For the sons of this age are in their own generation more prudent than the sons of the light. And I myself say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they will receive you into the tents in the age to come” (Luke 16:8-9).

Scripture teaches that our resources—whether money, talents, or opportunities—are temporary and ultimately belong to God. Jesus calls us to use what we have now with a perspective toward the age to come, investing in relationships and acts of generosity that have lasting value in God’s kingdom. Furthermore, our “wealth” includes not only material goods, but also our mental and physical abilities. The challenge is to use all we have to prepare for the future life God promises rather than clinging selfishly to earthly treasures here and now.

Reflect: How can you use your resources today to bless others and honor God? What does it mean for you to “make friends” through your actions and generosity with respect to the age to come?

Faithfulness in Little and Much

Jesus continues on in Luke 16, saying, “The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). This is such an important point about the need to be mindful of small things before thinking about larger things. In addition, Jesus warns that we cannot serve both God and wealth, for our loyalties will inevitably be divided (Luke 16:13). The religious leaders, who loved money, scoffed at Jesus’ teaching, but he reminded them that God knows the heart (Luke 16:14-15). Jesus’ emphasis is on faithfulness in small things as the foundation for greater areas of responsibility in God’s eyes. Our daily choices, even in seemingly insignificant matters, reveal where our true allegiance lies and where our focus is placed.

Reflect: In what “small” areas of your life is God calling you to be more faithful? How might your attitude toward money or possessions reflect the way you trust in God?

The Rich Man and Lazarus: A Warning and a Promise

Jesus then tells the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). The rich man lives in luxury, ignoring the suffering of Lazarus, a poor beggar at his gate. After death, their roles are reversed: Lazarus is comforted, while the rich man is in torment. The parable warns that earthly status and comfort are fleeting, and that our response to the needs of others has eternal consequences. This story is a powerful call to compassion and to heed God’s Word, for “if they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one rises from among the dead” (Luke 16:31).

Reflect: Who are the “Lazarus-es” in your life—those in need whom God is calling you to notice and care for? How does this parable shape your view of justice and mercy?

Forgiveness, Faith, and Humble Service

In Luke 17:1-10, Jesus addresses the challenges of his followers with regard to their life in community with one another. He warns against causing others to stumble and commands a spirit of continual forgiveness: “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him…even if he sins against you seven times in the day” (Luke 17:3-4). Jesus’ disciples, feeling the weight of this command, cry out, “Increase our faith!” Jesus assures them that even faith as small as a mustard seed is powerful when a person trusts in God.

Finally, Jesus reminds his disciples that serving God is not about seeking recognition or reward. “When you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” (Luke 17:10). Even after faithful obedience to God, our attitude should be one of humility, not entitlement. We are to focus on our duty and responsibility as disciples and not be preoccupied thinking about what reward we might receive.

Encouragement

Jesus is calling us to live with wisdom, faithfulness, compassion, and humility as his disciples. As you reflect on these teachings, consider how you can steward your resources for God’s glory, forgive generously, and serve with a humble heart. May you find encouragement in knowing that God sees your faithfulness, values your compassion, and honors your humble service in His kingdom.

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With Humility, Carry Your Cross & Find the Lost

Luke 14-15

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

Luke 14-15 presents some of Jesus’ most challenging teachings, calling us to embrace humility, count the true cost of discipleship, and rejoice in God’s relentless pursuit of the lost. Also, we find some of Jesus’ most memorable parables and statements that help us to understand what it means to be a servant and call him “Lord,” and the depth of God’s grace for all who turn to Him.

Humility and Hospitality in God’s Kingdom

Luke 14 opens with Jesus at a Sabbath meal in the house of a Pharisee, where he observes how the guests desired to sit in places of honor. Jesus uses this moment to teach about humility, saying, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). In God’s kingdom, Jesus is declaring that status is not measured by one’s social standing, but by a heart that is willing to serve and take the lowest place. Jesus goes further, urging his listeners to invite not just friends and wealthy neighbors to their feasts, but “the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind” (Luke 14:13). True hospitality, he teaches, is generous and selfless, reflecting God’s own gracious invitation to everyone.

Reflect: In what ways can you practice humility in your daily interactions with others? Who in your life might need an invitation to experience God’s love through your hospitality or kindness?

Counting the Cost

As crowds follow Jesus, he turns to them with sobering words and says, “If anyone comes to me, and does not hate his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he is not able to be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his cross and come follow after me is not able to be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27). This statement would have certainly caused his audience to be taken back, wondering what this stipulation could mean. But Jesus is not commanding hatred or any ill-will toward others. Rather, he is using intentionally strong language to emphasize the supreme loyalty required to follow him. Discipleship means putting Jesus above all other relationships and comforts, and being willing to endure hardship and sacrifice for his sake. He illustrates this with parables about building a tower and a king preparing for war—both which require careful consideration of the cost (Luke 14:28-33). Jesus’ main point is that following him must be a wholehearted commitment and not a partial or casual decision.

Reflect: What does it mean for you to “carry your cross” in your current season? Are there certain comforts or relationships that are impeding your commitment to Christ that you do not want to let go of?

The Joy of God’s Restoration

Luke 15 is a chapter overflowing with God’s heart for the lost. The religious leaders grumble at Jesus because he welcomes and eats with sinners; something which they find repulsive and utterly alarming. In response to their judgmentalism and resistance to seek those who need help, Jesus tells three parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Each story highlights God’s relentless pursuit of the lost and the extravagant joy that accompanies when even one sinner repents and is saved (i.e., “found”).

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7) shows a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost, rejoicing when it is found. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” In like manner, the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) and the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) echo this theme about how God’s love actively seeks, restores, and celebrates the return of those who were lost.

These parables reveal the depth of God’s grace and mercy and the value he places on every individual, no matter how small they might seem. In the parable of the Lost Son, in particular, the father’s embrace of his long-lost son illustrates God’s loving heart and readiness to forgive and restore, no matter how far we have wandered, if we will just turn back to Him in repentance.

Reflect: Where have you experienced God’s restoring grace in your life? Who in your life might need to hear about God’s joy in welcoming the lost home?

Encouragement

This section of Scripture invites us to embrace humility, count the cost of following Jesus, and rejoice in God’s heart for the lost. As you reflect on these teachings of Jesus, consider how you can embody Christ’s humility, make courageous choices to follow him, and join in God’s joy by welcoming others into His grace and forgiveness. May you find encouragement in knowing that every step toward Jesus is met with God’s open arms and heaven’s jubilant celebration, for this is the will of God.

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Be Ready, Repent, Choose Jesus

Luke 12-13

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

Luke 12–13 contains a series of teachings and parables from Jesus that invite us to reflect deeply on our priorities, our readiness for God’s kingdom, and the call to genuine repentance.

Living with Kingdom Readiness

Jesus’ words in Luke 12:35-40 call his followers to be dressed and ready for service and to “keep your lamps burning.” He uses the image of servants waiting for their master’s return, emphasizing the need for constant readiness. Through the analogy, Jesus emphasizes that life is not just about mundane daily routines, but first and foremost, it is about living in anticipation of God’s purposes and Christ’s return.

This urgency is underscored in Luke 12:54-56, where Jesus rebukes the crowds for being able to interpret the weather but failing to “interpret this [present] time.” Jesus’ ministry marked a pivotal moment in God’s plan, and people were called to recognize the significance of what God was doing through him. The call is to spiritual alertness—to see beyond the surface of daily events and discern God’s activity in our world, especially in and through Jesus the Messiah.

Reflect: Are you living with a sense of spiritual urgency? What might it look like for you to “keep your lamp burning” in your current season of life? How can you cultivate a heart that is attentive to God’s work happening around you?

Unless You Repent…

Luke 13 opens with a sobering reminder of the necessity of repentance: “Unless you repent, you will all perish as well” (Luke 13:3, 5). Jesus refers to recent disasters—the Galileans killed by Pilate and those who died when the tower in Siloam fell—not to explain the tragedies, but to call everyone to carefully examine their own lives.

Jesus’ call to repentance is not meant to instill fear, but to bring attention to the opportunity for repentance. God’s patience gives us time to turn to Him, as illustrated by the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9). The owner seeks fruit, but the gardener pleads for more time to nurture the tree. In the same way, God graciously gives us opportunities to bear fruit in our lives, but there is a time when judgment will happen and the tree that does not bear fruit will be “cut down” (Luke 13:9).

Reflect: Where do you sense God inviting you to repentance and growth? Are there areas in your life that need to be surrendered or renewed? How can you respond to God’s patience and grace today?

Choosing Jesus

One of the more challenging statements of Jesus in this section is, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace on the earth? I tell you, no, but rather division” (Luke 12:51). Jesus explains that following him may even divide families, as people must decide whether to trust in him and align their lives with him, or not.

Division is not Jesus’ desire, and neither is conflict. But rather, it is a recognition that the truth of his message demands a response. The good news confronts every person with a choice: will I follow Jesus, even if it costs me personal relationships or people’s approval? The emphasis is not about the outcome of disagreement between people, but to remain a faithful believer and disciple, even when it is difficult and requires significant sacrifice.

Reflect: Are there relationships or situations where following Jesus has brought tension or misunderstanding? How can you remain faithful and loving, even when it is costly to you? What helps you choose Jesus above all else?

Encouragement

Throughout Luke 12-13, Jesus challenges us to live with spiritual urgency, to embrace repentance, and to follow him wholeheartedly—even when it leads to making hard choices.

Take time today to ask God to open your eyes to His work, to soften your heart toward repentance, and to give you courage to follow Jesus wherever he leads and to endure whatever it takes. As you do, may you experience the fruit that comes from a life marked by readiness, transformation, and hope in God’s kingdom.

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Who is this Good Shepherd?

Luke 10, John 10:22-42

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

John 10:22-42 opens with the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, where Jesus walks in Solomon’s porch and faces many direct questions about his identity. The passage is filled with challenges to expected norms, the importance of faith, and the safety and strength of the Shepherd’s hand.

The Challenge of Faith

As Jesus walks through the Temple, a group gathers around him, pressing in on him with questions that reveals both their curiosity but also their skepticism: “How long will you keep our souls in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly” (John 10:24). Jesus responds by saying, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name, these testify about me. But you do not believe because you are not of my sheep” (John 10:25-26).

Here, Jesus points out that belief is not simply a matter of intellectual assent or witnessing miracles. True belief is about recognizing the Shepherd’s voice and responding in trust. The works of Jesus—his miracles, his teachings, his ministry—are clear evidence of his mission and that he is from God. Yet, as Jesus notes, only those who are truly his “sheep” respond to him in faith. This situation echoes a recurring theme in Scripture: the spiritual life of faith is not about seeing the miraculous but about having a heart that is receptive to the things of God.

Reflect: Are there areas in your life where you find it difficult to trust Jesus, even when you see evidence of God’s work? What might it look like to move from being less skeptical to more faithful, trusting the Shepherd’s voice even when some answers are not immediate or obvious?

The Shepherd’s Hand

Jesus continues with one of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture: “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them life in the age to come, and they will absolutely not perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:27-30).

This passage reveals one of the most profound promises that comes from belonging to Jesus. His followers are not only known by him, but are also protected by the power of God. The assurance that “no one will snatch them out of my hand” is a promise of lasting spiritual safety and belonging for those who follow Jesus. Undergirding this assertion is the truth about the unity of Jesus and God. But it is not a unity of identity, but about a perfect partnership in purpose and action. This unity in purpose with God and Jesus is the foundation for the believer’s confidence and hope.

Reflect: In what ways do you need to rest securely in the hand of the Shepherd? How does knowing that the purposes of Jesus and God are unified change your outlook on challenges, fears, or uncertainties?

Invitation to Deeper Faith

The immediate response to Jesus is intense and divisive. Some pick up stones, accusing him of blasphemy for making himself “a god” (John 10:33). Jesus, however, points them back to Scripture, referencing Psalm 82:6: “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’?” (John 10:34). He challenges their understanding and invites them to examine his works as evidence of his mission from God: “If I am not doing the works of my Father, do not believe me. But if I am doing them, though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you will come to know and continue to know that the Father is in union with me, and I am in union with the Father” (John 10:37-38).

As the opposition persists, Jesus withdraws beyond the Jordan, where many people come to him. They recall John the Baptist’s testimony and recognize that everything John said about Jesus was true (John 10:41-42). The Jordan area was away from the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem and was a quiet countryside. Many believe in him there, showing that trust often grows in places and moments where hearts are open and receptive.

Reflect: Are you willing to examine Jesus’ works and words with fresh eyes/ears and an open heart? How can you invite others to explore the truth of who Jesus is, even when it challenges their expectations?

Encouragement

This section reveals who Jesus is and why people should listen to him and believe him. He is the Shepherd who gives life to those who follow him, challenging the audience to move from doubt to faith. Take time today to listen for his voice, trust in his protection, and share his truth with those around you. As you do, may you experience the peace, assurance, and security that only the Good Shepherd can give.

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Spiritual Sight – or – Spiritual Blindness

John 9:1–10:21

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

Several accounts in John 9:1–10:21 invite us to reflect deeply on spiritual sight, the voice of Jesus, and the abundant life he offers. We are going to look at three separate aspects of the section and then reflect on their significance.

From Blindness to Sight

The section begins with Jesus encountering a man born blind. Jesus’ disciples ask whose sin caused this—his or his parents’—but the question is ill-posed, and Jesus redirects their thinking by saying, “Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but let the works of God be revealed in him” (John 9:3). Jesus then heals the man, giving him physical sight.

This healing is more than a mere miracle—it’s a sign of God’s power and how God can transform lives. The man’s journey from blindness to sight mirrors the spiritual awakening that Jesus brings to those who invite him into their life. It was undeniable the transformation that had happened physically in the man. Later, when questioned, the man boldly testifies, “One thing I do know, that, though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25).

Reflect: Where have you experienced God’s transforming work in your life? Where have you been blind but now you see? And are there areas where you still need the light that Jesus brings to break through the darkness that can blind us? The passage encourages us to trust that God can reveal His work in us even in situations that seem hopeless or confusing.

Humility vs. Pride: Who Really Is Blind, And Who Can See?

After noting that the man was healed, the Pharisees investigate, but their hearts remain hardened to the truth. Jesus tells them, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see will see, and that those who see will become blind” (John 9:39). The Pharisees, confident in their own understanding, ask, “We are not blind too, are we?” Jesus replies, “If you were blind, you would have no sin, but now, since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains” (John 9:41).

Ironically, Pharisees are both “blind” and “deaf” to the truth. Humble people, like the man born blind, can “see” and “hear” Jesus, while the proud cannot. This theme echoes throughout Scripture: spiritual pride blinds us to God’s work, while humility opens our eyes and ears. The Pharisees thought they could “see,” but that false confidence was their undoing. Jesus says because of this their “sin remains.”

Reflect: Are there areas where pride or self-reliance might be keeping you from seeing or hearing what God wants to show you? Is there a concrete action you can take to promote cultivating a humble, receptive heart in your life?

Hearing and Following Jesus’ Voice

As the section continues, Jesus states, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:9-10). Jesus’ self-ascription is “the Good Shepherd,” and his sheep know his voice and follow him.

When the text says that the true “sheep” (i.e., believers) “hear” the voice of the Shepherd (i.e., Jesus), while others do not, this is not talking about mere intellectual understanding, but about a trusting relationship. To “hear” the voice of Jesus means that you follow him because he leads, protects, and provides for you (his sheep), offering more than what is needed for survival, but a more abundant life.

Reflect: Are you attuned to Jesus’ voice in your daily life? What practices help you recognize and respond to him as your Good Shepherd? In a world full of competing voices and influences, this section invites us to focus on hearing the voice of Jesus and to be willing to follow him wherever he leads.

Encouragement

Through the narrative of this section, we are being challenged to move from spiritual blindness to sight, to embrace humility over pride, and to follow the Good Shepherd who offers an abundant life. Take time today to ask God to open your eyes, soften your heart, and help you listen for Jesus’ voice. As you do, may you experience the fullness of life that he promises and that only he can give.

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Three Areas to Consider Your Conduct

Matthew 17
Mark 9
Luke 9:28-62

Devotion by JJ Fletcher (Minnesota)

Several sections in part of our text today (Mk 9:33-50) stand out to me as timely. The wisdom of Jesus is always timely, but these jumped off the page (screen, really). Contending with our brothers and sisters (think humility), contending with those that are not in our tribe (think bridge building), and our example to those who come up behind us in the faith (think training and discipleship).

Jesus, likely already knowing the answer to his question, asks his disciples what they were discussing on the road to their next stop. The subtext indicates that they were embarrassed, for they were arguing about who was greatest, or who would have the highest standing in the hierarchy under Jesus.  Jesus’ teachings place a lot of value on humility and submission to God. When looking at the Pharisees, we see that they valued their status and relied on that status to give them advantages in their lives. Jesus says in verse 35 that “if anyone would be first, they must be last and a servant of all”. This reminds me a little bit of John F. Kennedy’s line, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. Being a good citizen means that you are not just looking out for your own needs but looking out for the welfare of those around you. How can you help build others up, and how can you protect and advocate for others? Those are questions a good citizen might ask. One might also ask how they can hold themselves accountable as they try to make a difference. 

The disciples clearly cared about what Jesus was doing and teaching, but they seemed to have too much focus on what the benefit of their relationship to Jesus might mean for them and their status. Living as a follower of Jesus has some similarities to living as a citizen in our own contexts, but it has a greater scope and reach. As future citizens of the Kingdom of God, we need to be looking at how to build up other Kingdom citizens. This means that we shouldn’t be squabbling or striving to have the most prominence, status, or influence. We should be striving to do good. In doing good, we may perhaps become influential and be respected, but that should not be our primary goal. We need to work to please God, not to please or appease men. We should not be working to satisfy the needs of our ego, but rather let ourselves decrease, so that Jesus might increase.

We next jump to the disciples telling Jesus that someone who was not in their group was casting out demons in Jesus’ name. This bothered them because they somehow thought it was improper for someone to be doing good works, but not be officially affiliated with Jesus. Good is good, whatever the motivation might be. Unbelievers can do good things. Does that mean we should stop them? There is an opportunity to form coalitions with people that we might not otherwise align with, and in doing so, we might create more opportunities to speak into their lives and influence their thinking. Now, sometimes someone might represent something that we can’t in good conscience join with, but that is not what appears to be happening here. Perhaps the disciples see this as Jesus not getting credit, but that would be a weird take since they were calling out the name of Jesus. Perhaps it ties into their ego thing a little bit; if those who are not with Jesus can do this, it diminishes what we are doing with Jesus. Jesus makes this point that we should take to heart: “the one who is not against us is for us”. We can stand alongside, or leave alone, those who are doing good things that go along with the works that we should be doing, even if they have a different motivation for doing them. We can work with other Christian groups to serve, even if we don’t agree on everything doctrinally. You can take the stand of not sharing in communion over certain differences while still trying to meet the needs of others.

Finally, we get this idea from Jesus: If you become a stumbling block for others, specifically, it seems young believers, it’s a travesty. Essentially, we get the idea that you’d be better off dead than to cause someone to sin. It’s a good reminder that eyes are always watching you. When you serve in public and when you live in your private life…your church is watching. Your kids are watching. Your friends are watching. What are you communicating with your actions? Are you living on the up and up? Are you abusive in some way that might drive someone away from the gospel? Your example or your direct action toward an individual or group can have a lot of influence on how someone grows and lives. You can be salt and flavor the world for the kingdom, or you can be like expired milk and be good for nothing. 

We always need to be mindful of our ego, our behavior, and our influence. We should be examining these things in light of the gospel and the life and teaching of Jesus, and see how we’re doing and where we might need help. We should always aim to learn from mistakes, whether they are our own or made by another.

Reflection Questions:

1.        Do you ever find yourself in the same kind of spot as the disciples, concerned with your status in the church or in another group? What drives that, and how can you combat that trait?

2.        Do you sometimes get the urge to dismiss a person or group that is doing something good simply because they don’t share your motives or affiliations? What is the danger here, and what cautions might one need to take when trying to make inroads with groups that might not share motivations, but do share similar convictions and goals?

3.        What do you think of Jesus’ saying that it would be better to have a millstone tied around your neck and be cast into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to sin? What kind of perspective should that give us when evaluating our conduct and behavior? 

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The Big Picture

Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 9:18-27

Devotion by JJ Fletcher (Minnesota)

It can be easy to get into the weeds when discussing and debating theology. There are many years behind us of writing and interpretation of the scriptures, and we can easily lose focus on the big picture when we’re bogged down in the minutiae. One could simply read scripture and take away that Jesus died for the sins of the world and that whoever believes in him will be saved. On the flip side, books have been written digging into how Jesus’ death and resurrection functionally deal with sin. Atonement theories such as Penal Substitution, Christus Victor, and Scapegoat Theory (among others) are ways to try to understand exactly the process through which God forgives through Jesus. The main thing we should remember is that the blood of Jesus brings forgiveness, regardless of the thoughts that we might have about how exactly God reconciles everything through Jesus.

The Pharisees were very much concerned with the letter of the law. Now I believe we should strive to understand scripture, but sometimes I can allow my views on specific doctrines or practices to overshadow others. We need to be striving to see the big picture and get to the spirit behind the words of scripture.

In today’s text, we see Jesus’ warning against the leaven of the Pharisees. This calls out things like false doctrine and hypocrisy that were present in the lives of the Pharisees that clashed with Jesus. This bad leaven will corrupt the “bread” that comes from it.

Jesus recognizes that there are key things that the disciples need to know and understand, specifically relating to his death and resurrection. But also, the big picture needs to be in view. Jesus asks Peter, who do people think that Jesus is, and he spits off a few theories, but then Jesus asks Peter who he thinks Jesus is, and he answers: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Big Picture. None of the things that Jesus shows and teaches Peter and the disciples will be impactful without this pig picture. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is the Messiah. This confession is the foundation of the Church. We’re not always going to agree on everything, but we must agree on this primary fact: Jesus is the Savior, and in Him we must put our faith and hope. 

Reflection Questions:

1.        What distracts you from the big picture?

2.        Does your need to know how sometimes distract you from simply accepting what you read in scripture?

3.        Have ingrained habits or false things that you have been taught stood in your way of implementing your faith in every aspect of your life? Take a step back and look at the big picture in scripture and weigh your thoughts against what you see in the Bible.

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