Jesus – Page 11 – 300 words a day

One word for 2011 – disciple

For the past three years, I have chosen three words to provide some direction. It has been a great exercise. And for the first two years, it was very helpful. This last year, however, I realized that three words are two too many for me. I am too easily confused. I forget them. And, in […]

by Jon Swanson

just one picture, please

Philip was a normal guy. After Jesus invited Philip to follow him, Philip went to find his friend Nathaniel. Rather than talking about his own understanding of Jesus, Philip rooted his invitation to his friend in theology: “This is the one Moses and the prophets pointed to.” When Nathaniel argued, Philip merely said, “Come and […]

by Jon Swanson

Way.

Some of you have been scratching your heads since yesterday. I started talking about Jesus’ statement from John 14: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” I told a story about a woman and a ladder. What does that story have to do with the claim that Jesus is making? Here’s the […]

by Jon Swanson

Waiting for mansions

In the King James version of John 14, Jesus says, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” Many people have read that and thought, “Sweet. I’m gonna get me a mansion. I’ll be living good then, after I’m dead, in heaven.” Somehow, I’m thinking that Jesus wasn’t thinking about heaven being a place where everyone […]

by Jon Swanson

Pride in the name of respect

Peter is the only one who responds when Jesus washes feet. Maybe no one noticed it was Jesus. His point wasn’t to call attention to himself, after all, but to call attention to the hearts of the disciples, to the opportunity to serve each other that is always present. So it could be that he […]