I Am the Resurrection and the Life Devotions for John 11:1-44 Monday–I Am the Resurrection and the Life “Though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus … he stayed two days longer in the place where he was” (John 11:6). The fact that Jesus did not respond immediately to the new of Lazarus’ sickness, […]
Author: Kevin Ruffcorn
The Emptied Christ of Philippians
The Emptied Christ of Philippians A Refreshing Commentary The Emptied Christ of Philippians: Mahatana Meditations, John P. Keenan (Wipf and Stock, Eugene, 2015) As a student of the Bible, I always appreciate fresh insights on a well-worn topic or text. John P. Keenan has provided the reader many such insights on Paul’s letter to the […]
John 9:1-41, Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind Devotions on John 9:1-41 Monday–Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him’” (John 9:3). Henry was at a difficult point in his life—a crossroads of sorts. The decisions that he faced […]
John 4:1-42, Woman at the Well
Woman at the Well Devotions for John 4:1-42 Monday–Woman at the Well “Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard ‘Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John” … he left Judea and started back to Galilee (John 4:1-3). The community symphony was playing a piece by Mozart. It was a cascade […]
John 3:1-21, For God So Loved the World
For God So Loved the World Devotions on John 3:1-21 Monday–For God So Loved the World “No one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God” (John 3:2). Many criticisms have been leveled at Nicodemus. He approached Jesus in a cowardly manner, in the middle of the night. Nicodemus […]
Making Sense of a Troubled Land
Making Sense of a Trouble Land Like Birds in a Cage: Christian Zionism’s Collusion in Israel’s Oppression of the Palestinian People, David M Crump (Eugene, Wipf and Stock, 2021). I was in a hotel’s men’s room in Jerusalem washing my hands, when a grizzled elderly man stepped up to the sink next to me. He […]
John 2:13-25–Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Jesus Cleanses the Temple Devotions on John 2:13-25 Monday–Jesus Cleanses the Temple “The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 2:13). Sylvia sat across the table from Juanita, sipping her coffee. “I don’t know how you do it,” she said. “You have three rambunctious kids and your super […]
Devotions on John 2:1-11, Wedding at Cana
Wedding at Cana Devotions on John 2:1-11 Monday, Wedding at Cana “When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine’” (John 2:3). “You looked bummed,” Miguel said when he met his neighbor, Dave, at the group of mailboxes. “I am,” replied Dave. My irrigation system has developed […]
Devotions on John 1:19-34–John the Baptist
John the Baptist Devotions on John 1:19-34 Monday–John the Baptist “He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “’I am not the Messiah’” (John 1:20). According to Reza Aslan, in his book Zealot (Random House, New York, 2013) there were scores of men traveling around Judea and Galilee claiming to be the Messiah. John […]
Isaiah 55:1-11, Word Does Not Return Void
Word Does Not Return Void Devotions on Isaiah 55:1-11–Word Does Not Return Void Monday–Word Does Not Return Void “Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1a). Thirst is a primal craving. When people are dying of thirst, all other cravings, desires or urges are suppressed. This is because it is a life […]