Monthly Archives: October 2014

Jesus Speaks at Tabernacles

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 7:1-24 This chapter begins with discussions about whether or not Jesus would travel to Jerusalem to attend the Feast of Tabernacles.  This feast, also known as “Festival of Booths” was a week long celebration of God’s provision of the … Continue reading →

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The Bread of Life, part 2

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 6:42-71 And now, the thrill-packed conclusion: 43-52:  Jesus tells them to stop grumbling amongst themselves, always a command we need to keep in mind, for while we grumble we neglect what He is teaching.  He goes on to give … Continue reading →

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The Bread of Life, Part 1

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 6:1-42 This chapter is divided into four sections which, when considered together paint us a twofold picture of the human condition and God’s response to it.  We see the human tendency to put spiritual concepts into physical categories, and … Continue reading →

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Telling it Like it is

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 5:16-47 Picking up from our last  text about Jesus healing the man on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders are not pleased.  They aren’t interested in the miracle, they could care less what has happened for the man who was … Continue reading →

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A Sabbath Healing

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 5:1-15 This passage lies at the beginning of a unit within the Gospel that continues through 12:50 that covers the major Jewish festivals.  The specific festival in question here in chapter 5 is not identified by the text, so … Continue reading →

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One Sows and Another Reaps

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 4:27-42 Last time, we saw Jesus and His conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.  As their conversation was just about to wrap up, His disciples who had gone into town to buy food come upon the pair; … Continue reading →

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Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 4:1-26 The first four verses of this passage set the background for the story; John the Baptist has been arrested (3:24; Matt. 4:12; Mark 1:14; Luke 3:20). Opposition was brewing amongst the Pharisees in Jerusalem because Jesus’ reputation was … Continue reading →

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A Private Interview

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 3:1-21 Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the ruling council came to Jesus in the night with a question, and although he never actually got around to asking it, Jesus gave him considerably more of an answer than Nicodemus … Continue reading →

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Where are we headed?

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Don Merritt

I came upon this staircase recently, take a quick look… You can see from the photo that it leads to a dark and shadowy world down there, but what you can’t tell from the photo whether I’m looking forward to … Continue reading →

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Cleaning House

Posted on October 4, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 2:13-22   Since people would have travelled to Jerusalem from all over, they would not have been able to bring animals for sacrifices with them and still be able to meet the ceremonial requirements for perfection.  Having a marketplace … Continue reading →

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