The Book of John

  John 20:3-7 Another piece of evidence that Jesus's body was not stolen is the grave clothes were neatly placed implying that it wasn't a quick job!  If someone was stealing the body there is a low probability that they'd unwrap it and neatly place the linen in the grave. Lord Jesus, thank You for the details You left us as prove of Your resurrection. You are an amazing God! 

  John 20:1-2 Beside the empty tomb The tomb is empty so Mary assumes they have taken Jesus away but the Romans nor the Jewish authorities nor the disciples every produced His body and they had reason to!  The Romans and the Jewish authorities could have stopped the spread of Christianity if they just produced a body.  After all, without the resurrection Christianity is just like every other religion!  Tradition also says the disciples died for their believe in the resurrection so if it was a lie and they stole the body surely one of them would have said so!

  John 19:38-42 There are two places in Jerusalem where it is thought Jesus was crucified and buried.  One is the Holy Sepulchre church and one is the the Garden Tomb.  I personally like the peace found at the Garden Tomb. It's interesting that Nicodemus, who we met in John 3, shows up to His burial.  He along with Joseph secretly admired Jesus but they were afraid to publicly acknowledge Him until after He was dead. Lord Jesus, please give us the courage to acknowledge You; Master, Creator, Governor of all things.

  John 19:36-37 Psalm 22:16-28    talks about pierced hands and feet and dividing clothes among them  Psalm 34:20          talks about bones not being broken Psalm 69:21          talks about giving vinegar to drink Reading these verses in context you can see Christ's death described in Psalm 22 and 69 and the ultimate praise of God in Psalm 34. Sometimes we wonder where God is in the tough times but in hindsight we see God in action. Lord Jesus, Messiah, King above all King, Master, Redeemer, Friend and Saviour; we give you praise.  Lord please help the folks who are searching for their Messiah see You and search no longer.  In Your mighty name. Amen

John 19:31-35   Some say Jesus was only unconscious when they took Him off the cross but this is not true.  When stabbing Him in the side water and blood came out which is medically a sign of death.  Besides the soldiers would be risking their lives if they didn't break His legs if they thought He was alive. Lord Jesus, thank You for leaving us the details of the water and blood!  To know Your resurrection power we must also know that You died!  Father, thank You for allowing Jesus to die quickly.  It was such an awful death.  Thank You that Jesus bones weren't broken so He could walk amongst the disciples.  Every little detail You took care of!  Amen

  John 19:28-30 After everything had been finished Jesus said He was thirsty and they gave Him vinegar wine and He died.  Jesus had been asked by God to do the hardest thing; to allow people to torture Him and have Him die a criminal death....but the story doesn't end here! Lord Jesus, how can we thank You for Your obedience to Your Father?  The passover lamb for all of us.  You are amazing!  Thank You.

  John 19:25-27 It is interesting that there are so many Marys; Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. There was also Mary's sister; all at the cross along with John.  It was at that moment that Jesus took care of His mother.  Lord Jesus, thank You for modeling how we are to take care of our parents.  Please watch over each person who are making decisions about their aging parents.  Give them wisdom and grace.  In Your mighty name

  John 19:23-24 In Psalm 22 David prophesied about what would happen to the Messiah and it was fulfilled, in particular Psalm 22:18, at the cross. Lord Jesus, long before You came to earth Your Father was planning a rescue mission and even now we know, long before we arrived on earth You were planning our lives.  You've given us free will though so we depart easily from it.  Please help us to fulfill our purposes here on earth.  Guide and direct us and give us the courage to obey You.  In Your mighty name.  Amen

  John 19:19-22 Although Pilate feared people over God he did take a brave stand when he named Him "King of the Jews".  It is hard to believe a man on a cross was King but the story doesn't end here! Lord Jesus, help us to remember who You are; King of Kings and Lord of all.  In Your mighty name.  Amen

  John 19:17-18 In Jerusalem there are two places where they think Jesus was crucified.  This spot has been identified by the image in the rock.  The place of the skull. Can you see the skull image in the rock? Lord Jesus, regardless of where you actually died it's a known fact that You did die; and that You died for us.  Help us not to take these facts for granted.  In Your mighty name.

  John 19:7-16   Pilate tried to reason with the Jewish leaders but failed and ultimately feared men over God, and handed Jesus over to be crucified. Lord Jesus, please help us to reverence You more than the fear of people and circumstances.  Give us faith and courage that conquers fear.  In Your mighty name.

  John 19:1-6 This narrative talks of how Jesus is mocked and abused at Pilate's hand but still Pilate says he finds no basis to have him crucified. Lord Jesus, thank You for enduring such mockery for us.  We know You could have stopped it at any time but You didn't.  As we think of Pilate trying to take Your side I pray that you give us more courage than Pilate when encountering peer pressure to turn against You. Help us to stay true to You. In Your mighty name.  Amen

  John 18:28-40 The Jews couldn't kill anyone so they went to Pilate.  Keep in mind that they thought it was better for one man to die for the sake of all of them.  Pilate however, thought he was innocent so he suggested that they release another prisoner. Lord Jesus, give us courage to stand for You when the crowds turn against You.  With the strength of Your mighty name, Amen.

  John 18:25-27 Peter's courage is now gone.  He denies again! Lord Jesus, give us courage to stand up for what is right.  Help us not to deny You, Your strength, courage and saving grace.  In Your mighty name we ask.

  John 18:19-24 Jesus was interviewed by Annas, a high priest, and then sent to Annas' son-in-law,  Caiaphas ; another high priest.  Just a few verses earlier it say "They bound him   and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.     Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people." And ultimately, after Jesus told Annas that He had nothing to hide, He was sent to Caiaphas. Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching everyone.  Thank You for being open and honest with us.  Thank You for being You.  Teach us how to respond to those who disagree with us.  Show us how to be loving and kind.  In Your mighty name.  Amen

John 18:15-18  Peter tried to fight for Him but Jesus said no.  Now Jesus, is in front of authorities that have the power to kill Him so it seems that Peter has lost his confidence.  He's with another disciple, probably John but it's not an arena he's familiar with so he denies knowing Jesus. Lord Jesus, there are days we're eager to fight for You but then there are times we're just plain in over our heads and we deny You.  Please forgive us.  Help us to recognize the pain our denial causes You and give us strength and courage to do better.  In Your mighty name.

  John 18:12-14 "It is good for one man to die for all"  These words are attributed Caiaphas, yet it seems that God had a plan.  If Jesus died for all of us our relationship with God could be rekindled.  It seems so costly, yet it's a one to many relationship. Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing to be obedient to Your Father.  We can never make it up to You but I know there is one thing that You would like; us all getting along.  Father, make us one.  Father make us one, that the world may know You have sent Your son; oh Father, make us one.

  John 18:10-11 Peter knew how to fight so he fought back but Jesus said no; it was God's will for Him to be arrested.  Sometimes we try to defend God when He doesn't need to be defended. Lord Jesus, help us to know when to act and when to sit back and do nothing.  Help us to remember we don't have to defend You; You can defend Yourself.  Please give us guidance.  In Your mighty name.  Amen

  John 18:7-9 Jesus protects His disciples at His expense! Lord, teach us how to sacrifice for others.  Give us wisdom to know how to love God and love our neighbours as ourselves.  In Your mighty name.

  John 18:1-6 They went to a garden on the other side of the Kidron valley and there Judas brought people to arrest Jesus.  Jesus was on top of this though and confronted them immediately and they seemed to be in shock because they drew back and fell to the ground. Lord Jesus, please give us the courage to address our issues head on.  In Your mighty name.  Amen

  John 17:20-26 Jesus had one desire; that we would all be unified!  He wanted us to model the trinity! Lord Jesus, please help our churches to be unified.  Help us to support one another in amazing ways.  In Your mighty name. Amen