Jesus is described as being “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Which of these do we emphasise, which of these do we lead with, when dealing with others? Do we find it to be easy to be gracious but steer away from telling someone truth they might need to hear? Or do we tell […]
Jesus is spoken of as “doing and teaching” (Acts 1:1) in that order. We can focus on speaking, on teaching, on saying what should be done – but how well do we demonstrate this in our lives, how much do we show people what living as a follower of Jesus is really like, how much […]
Jesus chose 12 followers to be close to him – why did he choose them, would he have chosen us? What do these twelve tell us about the sort of followers Jesus is looking for and how we should live & work together? Reading: John 15:8-17 Questions to think about: These early followers of Jesus […]
Jesus encourages his followers to focus on being “blessed” – being in a right relationship with God – rather than just seeking happiness. What are our priorities, have we got things the wrong way round? And as blessed people we are to be salt and light in the world – pushing back evil and sharing […]
Jesus launched his public ministry with a manifesto in Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30) making a claim to be the Messiah people were waiting for. And he says that one of the things he has come to do is to rescue those who are struggling. What did the people expect of a Messiah? What did they need […]
It is often said that “you never know what a day will bring.” That is certainly the case of this memorable and life-changing encounter between Jesus and two pairs of brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew, and James and John. Simon and Andrew were hard at work as fishermen, casting their nets into the sea. Jesus […]
One man is called to follow Jesus – and the first thing he does is introduce someone else to Jesus. When this second man hears Jesus speaking to him, explaining how much he knows about him, he recognises how great and special Jesus is. Are we following Jesus; are we introducing others to him; are […]
Jesus was recognised by his followers as their “rabbi”. As such he taught them, he guided them, he led them, he helped them understand how they should live as God’s people. They were completely under his authority, totally bound by his teaching, and fully committed to doing what he called them to do. How does […]
Jesus, and those in the early church, seemed to be less interested in people simply coming to believe in Him than for this to totally change people’s lives. They were less focused on “conversion” and more focused on “transformation”. Have we lost some of this and, if so, how do we get it back? What […]
As the risen Jesus meets his followers, his disciples, he commands them to go and make disciples. They are disciples, their job is to make more! Are you “just” a believer in Jesus, are you trying to be “a disciple”, or are you committed to working to make more disciples? Which do you think Jesus […]