Bob Clanton

Thursday, April 13               John 19

The End – or the Beginning?

One of my favorite characters from history is Winston Churchill.  His bravery, clarity, and skill at turning a phrase was crucial in the unfolding of 20^th Century history. At the depths of World War II drama, he said, “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

As we read John chapter 19, it appears the forces of evil have finally silenced the voice of Jesus.  He is scourged, spitten upon, crucified, and buried. But, this is not the end. It is the end of the BEGINNING!

In three day, He will rise from the dead more powerful than ever. While I am not a huge Star Wars fan (it’s a fascinating cultural myth), I am reminded of Obe Wan Kenobi’s words in the original “Star Wars”: “IF YOU STRIKE ME DOWN, I SHALL BECOME MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE.”

 That is exactly the story of Jesus.  The forces of world evil coalesced to put Him down. Yet, He rose!

 It is worth our time to plumb the depths of each moment in this “John chapter 19 drama.” Read it slowly and savor the depth. Face value: Jesus loses. But from big picture: HE WINS.

And He can win in your life.  No matter how dire the circumstances. We believe in the power of resurrection. This is “God territory.” Submit yourself to the living God through His Son Jesus Christ, and your worst days can become the set-up for your greatest victories.

This is the Gospel.  This is the story of Jesus. This can be your story, too. ONLY BELIEVE! This is scandalously simple – simple enough for you and me.

Wednesday, April 12            John 18

The Choice

In the course of events leading up to the Crucifixion, there is a moment that stands out as a diagnosis – a gut check on the human race (John 18:39-40).

The Roman prefect Pontius Pilate was caught between his conscience and political expediency. Personally, he did not want to convict Jesus. But, politically he was pressured to put this prophet away. In an act of desperation, he brought out the worst criminal in his prison: Barabbas. Matthew’s Gospel refers to him as “a notorious criminal” (Matthew 27:16).  John calls him simply “a robber” (John 18:40).  As custom dictated, one prisoner might be released by consent of the people during the Passover Feast.  Pilate hoped the people might come to their senses and choose Jesus over this profoundly evil man. Continue reading →

Tuesday, April 11                  John 17

The Real Lord’s Prayer

What if you could eavesdrop and listen to Jesus as He prayed?  What do you think you would hear?  John 17 is just that.  It is the longest prayer of Jesus we have in Scripture.  It has been called “the Holy of Holies.” Continue reading →

Monday, April 10                  John 16

The Source of Our Confidence

Confidence is an incredible quality.  It arises from the absolute certainty that what we are doing or saying is correct and called for.  Confidence makes us courageous.  When we lose it, we are hesitant and uncertain of ourselves.  Doubts fill our hearts bringing insecurity and fear. Continue reading →

Sunday, April 9                     John 15

Unbelievable Love

“Greater love has no one than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).

“Love” is perhaps one of the most widely used but grossly misunderstood words today. Modern usage tends toward narcissistic emotions of approval, attraction, or pleasure.  “I love baseball.”  I love cheesecake.”  “I love my home.”  Continue reading →

Saturday, April 8                  John 14

The Help We Need

It was British author and poet G.K. Chesterton who said, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.”  The factual, moral, and philosophical foundations of Christianity have never faltered when honestly considered.  More often, the ideals and demands of Christianity have seemed impossible to fulfill, and therefore left untouched and unengaged. Continue reading →

Friday, April 7                                  John 13

Holy Meal – Holy Service

In many ways, John’s Gospel is different from the other three Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  These first three are called the Synoptic Gospels.  “Synoptic” means “seeing together” or “of similar view.”  They are in so many ways similar – even to the point of identical words in many places.  But John is different.  Continue reading →

Thursday, April 6                 John 12

The Triumphal Entry: a Study in Contradictions

Nearly half of John’s Gospel is written about the last week of Jesus’ earthly life.  Nine chapters (12-20) focus on the last 6 days.  Then chapter 21 is set in the 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection up to His ascension into the heavens.

Continue reading →

Sunday, March 26                 John 1

The Lamb that Dies is the King that Rules

John chapter 1 is divided into 5 sections:

1. The Eternal Word (1:1-18)
2. Day 1: The Voice of John (1:19-28)
3. Day 2: The Lamb of God (1:29-34)
4. Day 3: Come and See (1:35-42)
5. Day 4: The Son of God, the King of Israel (1:43-51)

As we walk toward Resurrection Sunday, our understanding of Jesus and His sacrifice will become clearer and clearer.  First introductions are always important.  John, the forerunner, introduces 5 future apostles (Andrew, John, Peter, Phillip, and Nathanael) to Jesus.  John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Continue reading →

Wednesday, April 5              John 11

“I am the Resurrection”

We have reached the mid-point of the Gospel of John.  We read today of the central truth of the Christian faith: RESURRECTION.  Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, but also points to a larger resurrection – in fact, two resurrections: His own and ours. Continue reading →