The One from Heaven

Posted on July 28, 2015 by betsybeadhead | Leave a comment

The One who comes from heaven is greater than all. The one who is from earth is limited and speaks only of earthly things. The One who is above all speaks about what he has seen and heard, yet no one believes his testimony. Those who have accepted his testimony have affirmed the truth of God. God has sent him, and he speaks what God tells him to say, because God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit without any limitations. God the Father loves the Son, and has given him charge over all things. Those who believe in God have eternal life, but those who choose to not believe are like the dead – the wrath of God rests upon them.

JN 3:31-36

The Ascension

Posted on July 28, 2015 by betsybeadhead | Leave a comment

Jesus led his disciples near Bethany. He lifted his hands up and blessed the disciples. During his blessing, he rose up into the heavens and went to sit at the right hand of God.

The disciples spoke words of praise and worship and then returned to Jerusalem, overflowing with joy.

When they weren’t blessing God in the Temple complex, they preached the message of Jesus everywhere they went. The Lord worked with them and confirmed their message by the accompanying miracles.

MK 16:19-20, LK 24:50-53

John’s Epilogue

Posted on July 28, 2015 by betsybeadhead | Leave a comment

This disciple is the one who speaks the truth about these events and who wrote them down. We confirm the truth of his testimony.

Jesus did many other things which were so numerous that, if they were written down, would fill up so many books that I believe there wouldn’t be enough room for them throughout the world.

JN 21:24-25

What about him?

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Peter noticed John, the disciple Jesus loved, following along behind them. That was the same disciple who had leaned in and asked Jesus at the supper which one of the disciples was going to betray him. Noticing him, Peter asked Jesus “What will happen to him, Lord?”

Jesus replied “If I want him to stay until I come again, what concern is that of yours? Your task is to follow me.”

So this message spread throughout the community of believers that John would not die. Yet Jesus did not say that, but only “If I want him to stay until I come again, what concern is that of yours?”

JN 21:20-23

Feed my sheep!

Posted on July 28, 2015 by betsybeadhead | Leave a comment

After they ate breakfast, Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than the others?”

“Of course, Lord,” Peter replied. “You know that I love you.”

“Feed my lambs.” Jesus said.

Then a second time he asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter answered “Yes, Lord. You know I love you.”

“Shepherd my sheep.” Jesus said. Then Jesus asked him for the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was upset and even a little sad that Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. He said “Lord, everything is revealed to you! Surely you know that I love you.”

“Feed my sheep.” Jesus said. “Listen to me closely. When you were young, you could do anything you wanted to do however you liked, but when you grow old you will reach out your hands and others will take you where you don’t want to go.” In saying this, Jesus indicated how he would die that would glorify God.

Then after saying this he said to Peter “Follow me!”

JN 21:15-19