Week Twelve
This week’s reading contains some of the most astounding words of Jesus that we should all settle into, read and read again. Contemplate them. Pray about them. Discuss them and reason them out with others. Consider that the incredible chapters of His last words (John chapters 13-17) come right after the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead, in the midst of one of his own betraying him, and the establishment doing everything in their power to delegitimatize everything he has done. The actors are an array of people with differing perspectives, agendas, and threats.
Who are the actors in this complex scene? The wholly devoted followers that would give everything they have to serve Jesus. The crowd overcome by a magnificent yet humble entry to the holy city. High powered Greeks and Jews in positions to influence the outcome of the justice system. A Voice from heaven. The disciples. All play their own critical role.
This is what it looks like when “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Even unsuspecting crowds play a part. But, the price for that glory was astounding. It was a price only Jesus could pay. But, ultimately everyone involved paid a price. That’s why Jesus’ words in this section of scripture are so critical. Here he sets the way forward for those who would believe.
In this hour we realize that we pay a price too. It is the price of discipleship. It is the price of following Jesus in a world that delegitimatizes miracles and faith - just as it always has. The price is engaging with Jesus to make straight the paths of people that are broken and continue to be under attack.
For what are we paying a price? “. . . glory has come to me through them. . . that they may all be one as we are one.” The glory of God through us. Not me, not you, but us, together. The reward is unity in a culture that pushes isolation, individualism, fear of relationships, and fear of missing out all at the same time.
This is why we have to answer the question, 'are we ready to be disciples?’ Are we willing to be one?
Write a comment below or reach me, Melissa, at mrightmire@crnaz.com . Thank you for traveling with me on this journey through the New Testament.
Below are the readings for week 12:
March 21, 2025 John 13 NIV, Ps 72:title–7 NIV
March 22, 2025 John 14:1–15:17 NIV, Ps 72:8–20 NIV
March 23, 2025 John 15:18–16:33 NIV, Ps 73:title–14 NIV
March 24, 2025 John 17:1–18:14 NIV, Ps 73:15–28 NIV
March 25, 2025 John 18:15–19:16 NIV, Ps 74 NIV
March 26, 2025 John 19:17–20:10 NIV, Ps 75 NIV
