Another week spending time in 40 Days with Jesus, and it is amazing how familiar stories can still bring new insights.
We find the story of Nicodemus in John 3:1-17.
In these 17 verses, Jesus says, “Truly, truly” to him 3X. I am not sure I ever noticed that before.
Jesus was imploring Nicodemus to believe. To move beyond just a knowledge in his head, to a knowing in his heart.
Jesus longed for Nicodemus to believe in the love of God for him.
I found myself remembering the song I have sung so many times, especially as a child; “Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.”
Sometimes we need to say these things as a declaration – so our hearts believe what our minds know.
The study asks: Nicodemus knew that there was something special about Jesus but did not yet believe His teachings. What is the difference between knowing Jesus and knowing about Jesus?
Don’t skim over the story of Nicodemus today. Don’t let familiarity rob you of recognizing God’s love for you.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NASB)
God loves YOU and gave His Son for YOU!
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In Matthew 14:22-33, we find Peter eager to walk out on the stormy sea to Jesus and then … fear takes over.
Our circumstances can so easily overwhelm us, no? So I want to bring a few quotes from the study itself to bring our attention to where we need it to be when the storms of life hit:
- When Jesus walks on the water towards the disciples’ boat, it was “the God of the universe walking toward them on the waves …” (page 111). Think on that one because it truly is astounding.
- “At that moment, Peter forgot the greatness of the Lord, viewing the storm as greater” (page 112). We must remember Him in the moment.
- “As we fixate on the truth of who God is and worship Him in all circumstances, He will be bigger than the things of life that tear our attention away from Him” (page 112).
The study asks: Why is it easy to forget who God is when we are afraid? What truths about God can you focus on when you are afraid?
Let’s hold onto the truth that the God of the universe is walking towards us on the waves!
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In John 6:22-71, we find Jesus making a statement of Himself – The Bread of Life.
God provided for His people in the wilderness every day – manna – every single day. Fresh, and gathered, and satisfying to their hunger.
But they grew tired of eating the same thing and complained. As the days wore on, they no longer recognized the provision of their God for their daily needs. They were distracted by their own desire to eat something different.
They lost sight of God’s amazing grace and provision to them in the wilderness.
In these challenging times we are living, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus – OUR Living Bread. He is the One who will provide and sustain us. He is the One who will nourish our souls, and make provision for our bellies.
The study asks: The people heard Jesus’ message, but they did not perceive the spiritual meaning. What does John 6:44 reveal about this?
Hear the words of Jesus today:
“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” (verse 35, NASB)
May we partake every day!
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God loves us deeply,
walks towards us in every storm
bringing provision and nourishment to our souls.
Photo 1: by Linus Nylund on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Nicholas Barbaros on Unsplash
Amen. When fear comes, I say His name and I find comfort.
So true Ms. Joanne. I can’t think of a single time, when I truly focus on it, that God’s word doesn’t fail to feed me. It also is always there to comfort me too. Loved this post ma’am.
I guess we can say, God’s Word is our comfort food!
Amen, this study your sharing made me think about how we teach who Jesus is so that others hopefully won’t be fooled by the world that teaches everything he isn’t.
Yes, Paula! So true!