Weekly Reflections – March 15, 2015
Encounter: an invitation to see
The young man knew the labels – blind, sinner, victim – and he certainly knew his place in the world. What he couldn’t have known is how that one chance encounter would change absolutely everything about the trajectory of his future. This week we focus in on the story of the man born blind from John 9 and other teachings and encounters from the Gospel of John
Monday: Read John 9:1-12
Why did the disciples think the man was born blind? What does this reveal about their beliefs concerning suffering? How does Jesus respond to this belief? What is the significance, if there is any, to how Jesus healed this man? How do you relate to the blind man?
Tuesday: Read John 9:13-41
Why did the Pharisees have such a hard time accepting what just happened? What can we learn from the man who used to be blind? In what ways do you relate to the Pharisees?
Wednesday: Read John 4
One of the things we talked about in worship this past weekend is how Jesus dismantles the overly simplistic worldview that sweeps people into generalizations and categories. How does this encounter echo that? Have you ever felt labeled or categorized? How did it feel? Whom do you tend to label?
Thursday: Read John 8:12-30
What does Jesus mean when he refers to himself as the light of the world? Does this passage shed any light from our original encounter in John 9? If so, how? Where does Jesus’ confidence and conviction come from? How does this passage challenge you?
Friday: Read John 11
Why did Jesus wait two more days? Why did Jesus weep when he arrived in Bethany? What does this chapter have to teach us about God and our suffering? How does it encourage you?
Saturday: Read John 14:1-21
Why would the disciples be troubled? According to Jesus what is to be the source of their comfort? In what ways do you relate to Thomas? How does this passage encourage you?
Sunday: Read John 16:16-33
What does this passage have to teach us about the relationship between God and the suffering and tragedy we experience? What does Jesus mean when he says that he has overcome the world? How does that provide us with peace?