Jesus’ question to the lame man in John 5 seemed odd. “Do you want to be healed?” (English Standard Version). Of course he did—that is why he was at the Pool of Bethesda. But while many people might say they want to be healed, many really do not. Sheep (a metaphor for people in our […]
Week 49 Study |
Week 49 Application |
The Bummer Lamb
We use the word bummerto express frustration and disappointment. Maybe you say things like, “It was a bummer that our team lost the game,” or “You lost your cell phone? What a bummer!” Have you heard of an animal called a bummer lamb? Shepherds use that phrase to describe a lamb raised away from its […]
Week 48 Study |
False Fasting
Perhaps a good way to usher in Christmas this year (today is what is called the first Sunday of Advent) would be with fasting—a change of pace from the wild office party. In the incarnation of Jesus, the widow Anna set a good example of worshiping the Lord in the temple, “fasting,” and waiting for […]
Week 48 Application |
Surprising Delights
I grew up on a farm in Ohio with two brothers and no sisters. My wife, Candy, grew up near New York City with three sisters and no brothers. We started dating and quickly discovered cultural differences we needed to overcome. I introduced Candy to my family’s fields of corn and soybeans, and I gave […]
Week 48
Study Questions
Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson. 1. Have you ever thought you were doing an important project according to a particular format, only to find out you were doing it completely wrong? How did it make you feel? 2. Think of a time when someone seemed eager to hear your […]
