Jesus Changes People
Ken Hensley and Mike Roncaglia
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A weekly podcast that seeks to uncover the real Jesus and what it means to be a modern-day follower of him. Our goal is to help you know Jesus better and to become more like him.
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5 days ago
Paul’s Friends Say Hi
It can feel like there isn’t much to learn from the closing of a letter where everyone wants to say hi. However, when you know the stories of the individuals saying hi, you discover these people are testimonies of Jesus’ work in a person’s life. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the 5 people listed in these 4 verses, and what we can learn for ourselves from their stories. Also, how do the guys end up talking about wrestling again, biblical measurements of weight, and greeting cards?
Passage: Colossians 4:10-13
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May 22, 2023
Messengers with News
We may think the end of a letter doesn’t have much to teach, but that’s not the case with Paul’s closing words to the Colossians. There’s a lot to be learned from Tychicus and Onesimus, the first two names Paul mentions. These two are dear brothers and faithful. Join Ken and Mike, as they discuss the back stories of Tychicus and Onesimus. They also ponder why some biblical names are used for children and others are not. And how was Ken’s first year as a prof?
Passage: Colossians 4:7-9
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May 15, 2023
Prayer, Wisdom, and Speech
Paul encourages the Colossians to be ready at all times in prayer. And He invites them to pray so that the message of Jesus will be shared by him in a way that will be clearly understood and received. He also spurs them on to live lives that cause others to want to know more about Jesus. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss devotions that border on obsession, salty speech, and how we’re able to pray at all times. Also, what’s one of the most stolen items of all time, and does anyone know what an Ebenezer is?
Passage: Colossians 4:2-6
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May 8, 2023
Guidance for the Workplace
What can we learn from a passage in a letter addressing slaves and masters? We don’t have those conditions today. Well, actually a lot. We must contextualize Paul’s writing and then bring it forward to the present. When we do, we see there’s much that can be applied to our work environments. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss work relationships and how people changed by Jesus can change society. Also, the Holy Land Experience is back in the Did You Know segment. What could have landed it a second appearance?
Passage: Colossians 3:22-4:1
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May 1, 2023
Guidance for Families
Four sentences, four verses, no problem, right? Not so fast. These verses are not as easy as they look. And one of them has been hotly contested in many church circles time and time again. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the roles of husbands, wives, parents, fathers, and children. Also, there’s a big reveal, and lots of talk about Star Wars. What does any of that have to do with family relationships? You’ll just have to listen to find out.
Passage: Colossians 3:18-21
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Apr 24, 2023
Whatever You Do
In these three verses, Paul will mention three different elements that are of Christ. The peace of Christ, the message of Christ, and the name of Christ. These elements help define what Christian relationships within the Church should look like. Paul also says that singing psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit are actually forms of teaching, warning, and offer wisdom. What does he mean exactly? Join Ken and Mike as they talk about how whatever we do comes from our relationship with Jesus. They also veer into times they lost their cool, dynamic duos, and pondering why worship leaders stay away from writing worship songs from certain passages in scripture.
Passage: Colossians 3:15-17
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Apr 17, 2023
Living as God’s Chosen People
Paul moves from listing vices to now listing virtues. His plea to live these positive virtues will be difficult without a distinction between the old and new life. These positive admonitions are not to be lived out by the old life or from the flesh, those are put away. Join Mike and Ken as they work their way through this passage, which deals with topics, like does God pick some and not pick others; what is forgiveness and reconciliation; and what does it mean to be holy and dearly loved. Also, if biblical measurements of length confuse you, you’re not the only one. The guys tackle them in this week’s question from a listener.
Passage: Colossians 3:12-14
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Apr 10, 2023
Off with the Old, On with the New
Barbarians, Scythians, and a wardrobe change. Oh, my! Paul begins a transition from a list of vices to virtues. In this transitional section, he encourages the Colossians to take off the vices because they hide the image of God in them, and to put on the virtues which make that image visible to those around them. This encouragement has just as much power and meaning for us today. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss old selves, new selves, religious and cultural distinctions, wardrobe changes, true unity in Christ, field day, and buffets.
Passage: Colossians 3:9-11
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Apr 3, 2023
Time to Clean House
How do you deal with lists of things you shouldn’t do? Paul in this passage gives two lists of things that those who’ve given themselves to Jesus shouldn’t do. How we tackle these lists will tell us a lot about what we believe our identity to be. If Paul is encouraging us to clean house in our personal lives, how does he suggest we go about it? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss Paul’s transition to practical actions that are important for those who’ve been changed by Jesus. Also, this episode drops the week before Easter, so what will be the Did You Know? And the guys tackle another challenging Easter Question from a Listener.
Passage: Colossians 3:5-8
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Mar 27, 2023
Because You’ve Been Raised with Jesus
In this portion of His letter, Paul reminds the Colossians of what they once were, but no longer are. Then tells them what they now are and finishes by sharing with them what they will be. And all of this depends on their union with Jesus. From this, we learn that Christians have a new dimension to their life. This dimension isn’t some secret skill or knowledge, but is actually a person, Jesus. Paul is very clear that Jesus isn’t just a part of someone’s life, but is their life. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss where our minds and hearts should be focused and why; what it means to be hidden with Jesus; and for us to appear with Him in glory. Also, hear the guys help a listener who would like to know where to find their video podcast.
Passage: Colossians 3:1-4
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Mar 20, 2023
Because You Died with Jesus
Don’t listen to this episode. Gotcha! We see things like don’t do this or don’t do that, and we’re immediately drawn in. Are they trying to keep me from having fun? Is it really that dangerous? In this portion of Paul’s letter, he encourages the Colossians to not be drawn back in by the don’ts, the rules, and the commands that seem wise, but really lack any value in helping them live a better life. Actually, he’s concerned that in living a life under these systems will cause the Colossians to lose the experience of their connection to Jesus. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss religion, legalism, our death with Jesus, the temptation of the don’ts, and an enormous Bible.
Passage: Colossians 2:20-23
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Mar 13, 2023
Don’t Let Anyone Judge You
The guys are back in the saddle, and ready to keep trekking through the letter to the Colossians. Paul’s been talking about all that Christians have because of their union with Jesus, and now he gives some practical action that should flow from this understanding. Paul also gets a little sarcastic and snarky, talking about the people who delight in judging, false humility, worship of angels, and disqualifying people who don’t do things as they prescribe. He reminds us that we grow because of our connection to Jesus and being in His body, the Church. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss these four verses and why it’s so important for imitations to not distract us when we can have the real thing, Jesus. Uh oh, it’s also the week of Saint Patrick’s Day, so who knows where things will end up?
Passage: Colossians 2:16-19
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Mar 6, 2023
Best of Listener Questions Vol. 1
The guys have been cranking through Colossians, and thought it would be a good week to take a pause. What better way to pause, then by reliving some of the past Listener Questions? Join Ken and Mike, as they answer for us again questions from these 5 episodes:
Season 1 - Episode 12 - March 21, 2022 - Finding Jesus
Season 1 - Episode 16 - April 18, 2022 - Feeding on Jesus
Season 1 - Episode 24 - June 13, 2022 - The Sheep Know His Voice
Season 1 - Episode 34 - August 22, 2022 - Bearing Fruit That Will Last
Season 1 - Episode 36 - September 5, 2002 - Life Enabled by the Holy Spirit
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Feb 27, 2023
Made Alive In Jesus
Following the statements that all fullness was in Jesus, and that those in Christ also have been brought to fullness, Paul now lays out how that is possible. It’s through the spiritual change that comes from union with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. Paul also shares just how forgiven and secure Christians are because of what Jesus has done. Join Mike and Ken as they seek to clarify the illustrations used, and why these verses are meaningful for us today. Along the way, you might learn something new about Mike, and discover why Ken might be on the verge of inventing flubber.
Passage: Colossians 2:11-15
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Feb 20, 2023
Spiritual Fullness in Jesus
Paul warns the Colossians about hollow and deceptive philosophy, but instead of describing what to look out for, he says their best defense is to understand the fullness that exists in Jesus and in them. The words surely encouraged the Colossians and empowered them to live confidently. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss how these powerful and encouraging words are words we need to hear today. They may also stumble in to conversation about Chocolate Easter Bunnies, Valentines, and Adam Ant.
Passage: Colossians 2:8-10
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Feb 13, 2023
Paul's Concern for the Colossians
Paul loves the Colossians, and even 1,000 miles between them wasn’t going to keep him from ministering to them. With a true shepherd’s heart, he wants to make sure they know who they are, so that they won’t be deceived by smooth talkers who wish to lead them away from Jesus. With praise for their disciplined and firm faith in Jesus, Paul layouts one of the shortest and clearest descriptions of what it means to become a Christian and to live as one. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the start of Colossians 2, Infomercials, Star Trek, and Valentine’s Day.
Passage: Colossians 2:1-7
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Feb 6, 2023
Paul’s Suffering and Ministry
Paul shares that he rejoices in the suffering he has endured for the sake of sharing the word of God in its fullness with the church. The message he shares was a mystery, hidden for ages, but now he’s freely sharing it with God’s people, and this includes not just the Jews but also the Gentiles. How does he do all of this? In his words, strenuously, but not by his might but by the energy of Jesus working inside him. Mike and Ken discuss how what Paul talks about in these verses shows how Jesus changes people and that we’re never alone if we’ve given ourselves to Jesus.
Passage: Colossians 1:24-29
Booklet: My Heart-Christ’s Home https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Christs-Home-Robert-Boyd-Munger/dp/087784075X
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Jan 30, 2023
The Supremacy of Jesus in Redemption
Following his explanation that Jesus has supremacy over all creation, Paul next lets the Colossians know Jesus is superior to all others when it comes to re-creation, the redemption of humankind. In this, Jesus is rightfully the head of the church, the firstborn from among the dead, has reconciled all things to himself, having the fullness of God dwelling in Him, so that in everything He might be superior. If the Colossians have given themselves to Jesus, they have nothing to fear. Join Ken and Mike as they break down these verses, with the hope of helping us find the same confidence in Jesus as the Colossians.
Passage: Colossians 1:18-23
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Jan 23, 2023
The Supremacy of Jesus in Creation
In just 3 verses, Paul lets us know Jesus is the image of God, the firstborn of creation, that in, through, and for Him all things were created, that He is before all things, and that He holds all things together. In saying this, Paul’s thrown down the gauntlet, stating without reservation that Jesus is superior to all others! This is something the Colossians needed to hear, and it’s something we need to hear as well. Ken and Mike discuss the preeminence of Jesus, particularly in relation to creation, and how knowing this has influence in how we live our lives today.
Passage: Colossians 1:15-17
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Jan 16, 2023
Thanksgiving and Prayer
In verse 3, Paul moves to his opening prayer and thanksgiving for the Colossians. In this prayer, he’s thankful for their progress and shares his hopes for them. His prayer lays the groundwork for what’s coming in his letter, the themes, and it sets the tone. Faith, hope, love, the full gospel message, and the fruit of the Spirit are just a few things Paul touches on. Most importantly, he describes that God is the initiator of change and how that change forms us in to who He desires us to be. Join Ken and Mike as they talk about all these topics and how they fit into our lives today.
Passage: Colossians 1:3-14
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Jan 9, 2023
Greetings and Salutations
Many letters start with pleasantries and hellos, but not much substance. That’s not the case with Paul’s letter to the Colossians. In the opening sentence, which is in verses 1 and 2, Paul talks about Christian identity, his apostleship, and Timothy, his companion in ministry. But wait there’s more, which sounds like a late night commercial. He makes sure these non-Jewish believers understand they are included in God’s family. He also encourages them in their faithfulness and reminds them that grace and peace come from God the Father. Although these words were written to the Colossians, they could also be written to all of us. What Paul shares is truth that is available to everyone because God made it freely available through Jesus. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss how we can find ourselves in this jam-packed sentence.
Passage: Colossians 1:1-2
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Jan 2, 2023
Intro To Colossians
New year, new season. Season 3 will focus on the letter written to the Colossians by the Apostle Paul. Ken and Mike give an introduction to this letter by sharing some history about Paul the author, discussing the Colossian church and the culture of their day. The guys also lay out some of the themes from Colossians that they’ll touch on in the coming season. You’ll be surprised at the parallels between then and now and quickly see why there is so much to be gained from spending the next few months immersed in this short but powerful letter.
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Dec 26, 2022
Wrapping Up Last Year, Kicking Off The New Year
Ken and Mike wrap up their second season and the first year of Jesus Changes People. They reflect on the previous year and look forward to what might lie ahead in the next. During the main sections, they discuss why it’s important to reflect on past events, the trouble with New Year’s resolutions, and offer some practices to help get the year started off on the right foot. Also included is the long anticipated announcement of the vote results for Seasons 3’s book of the Bible. So grab Christmas leftovers and pop on this not to miss episode.
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Dec 19, 2022
Christmas with Luke
Luke begins his biography of Jesus, explaining why he’s undertaken the writing of his account. He desires to put down an orderly record so that people won’t be fuzzy about something so important as the life of Jesus. If we’d heard the story of Jesus’ read from scripture, it’s most likely been read from the book of Luke, so it is quite familiar to us. However, the stories of Mary and John the Baptist’s parents aren’t talked about as much as many other elements of the Christmas story. From them, we learn the difference between believing in God and not believing God. It’s a subtle difference, but we struggle with these two matters of belief on a daily basis in our own lives. Luke’s account helps us learn how we’re able to grow in our belief in God and believing what God says.
Passage: Luke 1
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Dec 12, 2022
Christmas with Mark
Mark, much like John, begins his biography with Jesus as an adult. His account moves rapidly through a prophecy from Isaiah, John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness, Jesus’ baptism by John, God the Father speaking from heaven to Jesus, and Jesus heading into the wilderness for forty days, which included being tempted by Satan. Mark covers all of this in just 15 verses. Although it’s not the traditional Christmas story we’re used to, it’s still clear that Jesus’ entrance into the world is seen as an invasion by the forces that are ruling it. We also see that through Jesus, God is answering the prayer for mercy and help from Isaiah 64, where the author asks God to rend the heavens and come down. Mark’s account helps us see the powerful changes that can happen in our lives because of Jesus’ coming.
Passage: Mark 1:1-15
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Dec 5, 2022
Christmas with Matthew
Matthew begins his biography of Jesus with a genealogy. Although a genealogy seems like something we should skip, it’s surprising who we find listed in Jesus’ family tree. It’s also amazing that Matthew didn’t hesitate to include some of these individuals. From those he includes, we’re provided a great reminder that no one is beyond the grace of God. Matthew, unlike John, further shares the details concerning Jesus’ birth. However, he also includes that Jesus’ birth causes Herod to have every boy two years old and under killed in Bethlehem. This and many other details in Matthew’s account help us see that Jesus’ birth involved real people with very real hardships.
Passage: Matthew 1-2
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Nov 28, 2022
Christmas with John
John begins his biography of Jesus as an adult and with what seems to be a philosophical introduction–but one that is packed with rich theology. Contrary to what we might think, the Christmas story did not begin in Bethlehem or even when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. The Christmas story–God coming from heaven to earth–has existed in the heart of God since the very beginning. That’s what John wants His readers to know. The Christmas story is part of a larger story–the overarching story of God’s redemptive plan. To truly understand the importance of Christmas, we must place it within this larger story.
Passage: John 1:1-14
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Nov 21, 2022
Putting It Into Practice | John 1-21
We’ve learned a lot about Jesus as we’ve journeyed through the book of John during Season 1, but if we don’t do something with it, then it hasn’t really been helpful information. In this season wrap-up episode, Ken and Mike discuss different ways that will help you put into practice what we’ve learned about and from Jesus. The major themes from John chapters 1-21 they discuss are dependence, witness, and the statements of come and see, come and drink, and come and dine. The discussion is focused on summarizing major themes from John with practical and tangible ways for someone to start implementing these themes into their life today.
Passage: John 1-21
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Nov 14, 2022
Restoring Peter
The last story that John records sets the stage for what will happen in the Book of Acts. After breakfast, Jesus calls Peter aside and asks him the same question three times – “Do you love me?” Some commentators believe the three questions are Jesus’ way of referring back to Peter’s three denials. After each question, Jesus commands Peter to care for his sheep. Although the series of questions hurt Peter’s feelings, it is through these questions that Peter is restored to leadership. After investing three years in teaching and training Peter, Jesus wasn’t about to give up on him. Although he may ask you and I difficult questions, too, we can trust that it’s always because he loves us.
Passage: John 21:15-25
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Nov 7, 2022
Breakfast With Jesus
John 21 contains a simple but powerful story about trusting in Jesus. Several of the apostles decided to go fishing. This included a few professionals (Peter, James, and John). Although they spent the entire night fishing, they had nothing to show for it. John tells us that Jesus appeared on the shore, “but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus.” Although he appeared to be a stranger, they still followed his advice when he told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. When they did, they found more fish than they could handle. Today, we might find some of what Jesus taught to be strange. The question is, will we trust that he knows best? This story ends with Jesus using the fish to fix breakfast for his friends.
Passage: John 21:1-14
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Oct 31, 2022
Life In His Name
In verses 30 and 31, John tells us why he wrote this biography of Jesus. The first reason is that we may believe that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of God. This is why his Gospel emphasizes the miracles of Jesus and the “I am” statements of Jesus. Jesus is the most unique person in all of history. The second reason happens as a result of believing in Jesus – that we may have life in his name. While this “life” certainly includes eternal (John 3:16) it is also a reference to our quality of life here and now (John 10:10). In one sense, eternity begins now as we experience the transforming work of the Holy Spirit within us (Galatians 5:22-23) – fulfilling part of the Lord’s prayer (“your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”).
Passage: John 20:30-31
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Oct 24, 2022
As The Father Has Sent Me
When Jesus makes his first post-resurrection appearance to the disciples, he meets them in a locked room. Why are they hiding? It’s because they are afraid of the Jews. During this encounter, he speaks directly to their fears: “Peace be with you.” He reassures them that it’s really him by showing them his scars. Finally, he gives them the charge that will shape the rest of their lives: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” He then gives them the Holy Spirit. We have the same mission and the same power. As we learn in the next part of the story, one disciple is missing – Thomas. After seeing Jesus for himself, he responds with “My Lord and my God!” But what Jesus says next applies to modern-day believers: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Passage: John 20:19-29
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Oct 17, 2022
Putting It Into Practice | John 16:1-20:18
We’ve learned more about Jesus in John 16:1-20:18, but if we don’t do something with it, then it hasn’t really been helpful information. Ken and Mike discuss different ways that will help you put into practice what we’ve been learning about and from Jesus. This includes what it means to be set apart and grow in our faith; to understand what truth is and how to apply it; and how we connect the Jewish faith to our faith today and why it matters. The discussion is practical and offers tangible ways for someone to start implementing these practices into their life today.
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Oct 10, 2022
Who Are You Looking For
Following the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for permission to take his body. Pilate grants him permission. He is assisted by an interesting figure – Nicodemus. This is the same Nicodemus who comes to Jesus at night (John 3) and who will come to Jesus’ defense (John 7). This reemergence of Nicodemus seems to reflect a growing connection to Jesus. Three days later, Jesus comes back to life! The empty tomb is first discovered by Mary Magdalene, then verified by Peter and John. Although Peter and John return home, Mary Magdalene stays behind. This sets the stage for her encounter with Jesus. She initially thinks he is the gardener. It is only when he says her name that she recognizes him (echoes of John 10:3 … “He calls his own sheep by name”).
Passage: John 19:38-20:18
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Oct 3, 2022
It is Finished
Jesus will make seven statements from the cross. John’s account of the crucifixion contains three of them. The first statement is to ensure his mother is cared for. The second statement is a recognition of thirst. It is the third statement – “It is finished” – that signals the end of his life. But it’s more than just the end of his life. “It is finished” is his way of saying that the work he came to do had been completed. Speaking of Jesus, Peter writes, “’He himself bore our sins’” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). The death of Jesus was sufficient. According to the Hebrew writer, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him”. (Hebrews 9:27-29).
Passage: Joh…
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Sep 26, 2022
Who Holds The Real Power
Pilate wanted to dismiss Jesus and set him free. At one point, Pilate faces the angry crowd and tells them, “I find no basis for a charge against him.” When the crowd responds that Jesus has claimed to be the Son of God, Pilate becomes even more afraid. He asks Jesus where he’s from, Jesus refuses to answer, prompting Pilate to say, “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” In Pilate’s mind, he was the one in charge, the one with power. Jesus responds with a reminder about where true power comes from – it comes from God. During difficult times, we may believe our circumstances are too powerful to overcome. It’s during these times that we need to remember that God is ultimately in control.
Passage: John 19:1-16
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Sep 19, 2022
Trial and Denial
The death of Jesus was not an accidental part of God’s plan – and it wasn’t simply the result of human activity (Judas, the Jewish leaders, the Roman soldiers). Jesus was aware of what was happening. Other gospels record that he prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). When questioned by Pilate, Jesus would tell him “the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.” The early church emphasized the plan of God as well: “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23) and “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Passage: John 18:1-40
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Sep 12, 2022
The Prayer of Jesus
John seventeen is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in scripture. The prayer is divided into three main parts: for himself, for his disciples, and for all eventual believers. Throughout the prayer, Jesus uses his relationship to the Father as the example for how we are to relate to one another. He wants his disciples to be protected and to have “the full measure” of his joy within them. The last part of the prayer addresses why a united church is so important. “May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” and “that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Passage: John 17:1-26
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Sep 5, 2022
Life Enabled by the Holy Spirit
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his return to heaven. For three years, they have had Jesus beside them. As hard as it is for them to understand, he tells them “it is for your good that I go away.” The reason for this is the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will be their Counselor, Advocate, and Teacher. He will be with the disciples in ways that a physical Jesus could not. The Holy Spirit enables us to approach God in the name of Jesus – “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
Passage: John 16:1-33
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Aug 29, 2022
Putting It Into Practice | John 12:37-15:17
We’ve learned more about Jesus in John 12:37-15:17, but if we don’t do something with it, then it hasn’t really been helpful information. Ken and Mike discuss different ways that will help you put into practice what we’ve been learning about and from Jesus. This includes what it means to be a servant leader; how we know if a teaching is from the Holy Spirit; and further insight we can gain from Jesus’ metaphor drawn from viticulture. The discussion is practical and offers tangible ways for someone to start implementing these practices into their life today.
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Aug 22, 2022
Bearing Fruit That Will Last
The secret to spiritual growth – whether it’s personal or congregational – is actually no secret. Spiritual growth happens as we learn to remain and abide in Jesus. Tactics and strategies are no substitute for a life that is grounded in the ways of Jesus. Jesus promises that we will bear “much fruit” if we remain in him; the opposite, however, is just as drastic – “apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus connects abiding with obedience – and the result is a more loving life. In fact, our love for each other is one tangible characteristic of a life that is abiding in Jesus.
Passage: John 15:1-17
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Aug 15, 2022
Keeping His Commands
In terms of following Jesus, obedience isn’t optional. “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” For each of us, the real test is whether we will be obedient even when doing so is difficult or runs against our nature. In asking for our obedience, Jesus isn’t asking for something he is unwilling to do himself: “I love the Father and I do exactly what my Father has commanded me” (v. 31). But the obedience Jesus requires isn’t accomplished through our own willpower, but through the Holy Spirit’s power. Jesus didn’t leave us as orphans – he lives in us through the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us what it means to be obedient.
Passage: John 14:15-31
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Aug 8, 2022
The Way, Truth, and Life
John 14 begins with a promise that is often used at Christian funerals – Jesus is preparing a place for us. This promise of heaven confuses one disciple, who asks, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” As humans, we are don’t like to lose our way. Nobody likes to be lost or confused. But how do we find our way? Jesus reminds us that he is the way. If we have seen him, we have seen God. If we have faith in him, we will be enabled to do what he has done (and even greater things). He will provide what we ask for in his name so that God may be glorified.
Passage: John 14:1-14
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Aug 1, 2022
Betrayal and Denial
During the same meal, Jesus makes two startling announcements. Judas will betray him and Peter will deny knowing him. In both cases, Jesus has just washed their feet even though he knows what they will do. Although John doesn’t mention it, these pronouncements are made during the time when Jesus was establishing the Lord’s Supper (cf., Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22). When Jesus consecrated the cup for communion, he said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). This story highlights how the love of Jesus is able to transcend our own human weaknesses.
Passage: John 13:18-38
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Jul 25, 2022
The Servant Example Of Jesus
Jesus knows that his appointment with the cross is fast approaching. He uses the occasion of his last Passover meal with the disciples to teach them what love looks like – it looks and acts like a servant. During the meal, Jesus assumes the role normally occupied by the lowest servant in the house. He begins washing the disciples’ feet. This act of humility is met with resistance by Peter. Not to be deterred, Jesus raises the bar by saying, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (v. 15). Jesus understands that when we love others by serving them, we are blessed in return (v. 17).
Passage: John 13:1-17
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Jul 18, 2022
Loving Human Praise
Fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy, this section begins with a startling statement: “Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.” Many contemporary readers read this and think, “I would have responded differently.” But would we? Or would we succumb to the same temptations they faced: “But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (v. 43). Peer pressure, regardless of our age, is still one of the strongest forces that influences our own decisions. To follow Jesus is to value his opinion above all others.
Passage: John 12:37-50
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Jul 11, 2022
Putting It Into Practice | John 8:12-12:36
We’ve learned more about Jesus in John 8:12-12:36, but if we don’t do something with it, then it hasn’t really been helpful information. Ken and Mike discuss different ways that will help you put into practice what we’ve been learning about and from Jesus. This includes what keeps us from holding on to the teachings of Jesus; how to hear the voice of Jesus; and how we can multiply our impact as followers of Jesus. The discussion is practical and offers tangible ways for someone to start implementing these practices into their life today.
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Jul 4, 2022
The One God Honors
Discipleship is the process of becoming more like Jesus. But what does this involve? According to Jesus, it involves several shifts. First, we must love his life more than we love our own. This is at the heart of the great commandment – to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Secondly, we must be willing to go where Jesus goes. “whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant will also be.” The last shift has do with trust – do we trust that the way of Jesus is really the best way? Jesus says, “Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.”
Passage: John 12:20-36
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Jun 27, 2022
The Triumphal Entry
It’s almost time for the Passover festival in Jerusalem and Jesus decides to stay in Bethany with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The family decides to host a dinner in honor of Jesus. During the meal, Mary takes expensive perfume and pours it on Jesus’ feet. Unlike his disciples who see this as an extravagant waste of money, Jesus receives it as a humble gift. The next day is known historically as the “Triumphant Entry” of Jesus, the time when he rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. The previous night is a family dinner marked by an act of humility; the entry into Jerusalem is filled with crowds and shouts of “Hosanna!” When it comes to Jesus, both expressions of honor are appropriate.
Passage: John 12:1-19
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Jun 20, 2022
Jesus Wept
Jesus receives word from Mary and Martha that their brother, Lazarus, has become ill. In a verse that doesn’t always get noticed, John simply writes, “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (v. 5). Even so, Jesus doesn’t go to their house immediately. By the time he does arrive, Lazarus has died. Both Mary and Martha say the same thing to Jesus: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Upon hearing this, we’re told that Jesus was “deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” This leads to the shortest – and one of the most powerful - verses in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” (v. 35). Even though Jesus knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, he is still moved emotionally by the sisters’ pain. The same is still true today in our own lives.
Passage: John 11:1-44
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Jun 13, 2022
The Sheep Know His Voice
The Pharisees weren’t able to recognize the activity of God because they were more concerned with maintaining their traditions. This encounter with the Pharisees leads Jesus to teach about what it means to have a relationship with God. Using a shepherd and his sheep as an analogy, Jesus uses several key phrases to describe the nature of this relationship. “The sheep listen to his voice.” “He calls his own sheep by name.” “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” We mature in Christ as we learn to recognize and follow the voice of Jesus.
Passage: John 10:1-42
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Jun 6, 2022
If This Man Were Not From God
This story highlights two interrelated ways of thinking that create conflict and harm. The first attitude is our need to assign blame. When Jesus and his disciples encounter a blind man, the disciples immediately ask: “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” In their mind, someone had to be at fault. Jesus responds by saying no one is at fault and heals the man. This leads us to the second kind of thinking that causes conflict and harm. When the Pharisees find out that Jesus had healed the man on the Sabbath, they are upset and proceed to interrogate the man. Why? Because they were more concerned that Jesus had broken tradition than they were about the man who needed healing. As we see in the story, Jesus puts people first.
Passage: John 9:1-41
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May 30, 2022
The Truth Will Set You Free
This section of John deals with the nature of truth and how Jesus is the embodiment of truth. Several times Jesus will say, “I tell you the truth.” John introduced us to Jesus in chapter one as “full of grace and truth” (1:14). According to Jesus, his claims are valid because God himself has testified to them. This causes the Jewish crowd to ask, “Where is your father?” Jesus responds by saying, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.” He goes on to say that Abraham’s children ought to do the things Abraham did. Instead, they are acting like their true father (the Devil) who is a “liar and the father of lies.” Jesus, however, is the truth – and the truth will set us free.
Passage: John 8:12-59
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May 23, 2022
Putting It Into Practice | John 6:16-8:11
We’ve learned more about Jesus in John 6:16-8:11, but if we don’t do something with it, then it hasn’t really been helpful information. Ken and Mike discuss different ways that will help you put into practice what we’ve been learning about and from Jesus. This includes how communion and preaching help encounter the words of eternal life; the external implications of a relationship with Jesus; and what does it mean that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. The discussion is practical and offers tangible ways for someone to start implementing these practices into their life today.
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May 16, 2022
Casting The First Stone
While there is some debate among translations whether this section of Scripture is original or not, it certainly fits with how Jesus treated people. The religious leaders have found a lady who committed adultery. Under Jewish law, the punishment for adultery was death. But it’s obvious from the story that these religious leaders are more interested in tripping up Jesus than they are about honoring the law. In fact, they are willing to embarrass and humiliate another person in order to accomplish their goal. In a grand illustration of his wisdom, Jesus offers those who have never sinned the opportunity to cast the first stone. Interestingly, it’s the older ones who walk away first. Jesus reassures the lady he is not there to condemn her and encourages her to make better choices in the future.
Passage: John 8:1-11
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May 9, 2022
Living Water
The religious leaders don’t like having their hypocrisy pointed out and try to seize Jesus. John’s explanation as to why they are unable to do so is theological: his hour had not yet come. In other words, it wasn’t time for Jesus to die. As the festival is drawing to a close, Jesus offers the thirsty a drink. But what is he talking about? It’s obviously not physical thirst, but an internal, spiritual dryness that only he can satisfy. Many people today are thirsty but haven’t found what will satisfy their thirst. As Jesus explains, those who receive the Holy Spirit as a result of believing in him will have access to living water.
Passage: John 7:25-52
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May 2, 2022
Stop Judging By Appearances
Jesus is facing the hostility of the religious leaders and the unbelief of his brothers. The Jewish leaders were no longer simply annoyed by Jesus; they were actively looking for a way to kill him. Jesus seems to have understood this. What is unclear is whether his brothers also knew this when they encouraged him to go to Judea – the place where the opposition was the strongest. Later in chapter seven, he will discuss whether it was appropriate for him to heal on the Sabbath. Whether it’s opposition or unbelief, Jesus understands one of the reasons why is that people tend to judge someone (or the truth) by “mere appearances.” It is easy to discount or dismiss something or someone if it doesn’t appear to be the way we think it should be.
Passage: John 7:1-24
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Apr 25, 2022
Lord, To Whom Shall We Go?
After the crowd began to leave, Jesus turns to his twelve apostles and asks, “Do you want to leave, too?” In this question, we get a glimpse into the humanness of Jesus – he really wanted to know if they were going to leave. Peter’s answer is still the right answer today: “You have the words of eternal life.” Only Jesus allows us to boldly access God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Later in John’s Gospel, Jesus himself will affirm that “no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Peter’s answer also highlights the progressive nature of following Jesus: “We have come to believe ...” This didn’t happen immediately or as the result of a single event.
Passage: John 6:60-71
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Apr 18, 2022
Feeding On Jesus
Jesus recognizes that the crowd has followed him for the wrong reasons. It’s not because of his teaching, but because he fed them. Jesus seizes upon this as an opportunity to teach about the cost of discipleship. By the end of the encounter, most of the crowd will have left. What Jesus does is redefine what it means to be religious. Rather than being a set of rules to follow, the work of God is to believe in Jesus. But what does that mean? Calling himself “the bread of life,” Jesus teaches us that true belief is finding our satisfaction in him.
Passage: John 6:25-59
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Apr 11, 2022
Walking On Water
The disciples were initially afraid when they witnessed Jesus’ demonstration of his power over nature. Once he identified himself, they were willing to take him into the boat. This story serves as a reminder that Jesus has ultimate power and authority over everything, and not just “spiritual” things such as salvation, redemption, etc. We live in the universe he created and that he still sustains.
Passage: John 6:16-24
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Apr 4, 2022
Putting It Into Practice | John 4-6:15
We’ve learned more about Jesus in John 4:1-6:15, but if we don’t do something with it, then it hasn’t really been helpful information. Ken and Mike discuss different ways that will help you put into practice what we’ve been learning about and from Jesus. This includes how to handle social and cultural boundaries; our motivation for obedience; and how we allow God to work through us. The discussion is practical and offers tangible ways for someone to start implementing these practices into their life today.
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Mar 28, 2022
Feeding The 5,000
As more people heard about his miracles, larger crowds began following Jesus. In this particular story, there are at least 5,000 people present. Jesus decides to test the faith of Philip by asking Philip how they could feed so many people. Philip responds with finances – it would cost too much to feed that many people. At some point during this conversation, Andrew went off and found a boy with five loaves of bread and two fish. Although he brought the resources to Jesus, he still had his doubts: “How far will they go among so many?” We do the same when we doubt what God can do with our own limited resources.
Passage: John 6:1-15
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Mar 21, 2022
Finding Jesus
While John the Baptist testified to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus has an even weightier testimony – it was God working through him. The miracles Jesus performed were an indication of his connection to God. Scripture itself testifies to Jesus. If fact, he told his Jewish audience that the Scriptures they studied actually pointed to him. Jesus isn’t discouraging diligent Bible study. But he is reminding us that all of Scripture points us to him, the living Word. Only by coming to him can we find real life.
Passage: John 5:31-47
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Mar 14, 2022
God Is Always At Work
In addressing the objections of the religious leaders to performing a miracle on the Sabbath, Jesus responds, “My Father is always at work.” Jesus and the Father operated in sync with one another. Jesus does what he see his Father doing and this is because “the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.” What we may perceive as a lack of God’s activity may be the result of our lack of perception. As we draw closer to Jesus, we will discover the many different ways God is already at work in our world.
Passage: John 5:16-30
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Mar 7, 2022
Do You Want To Get Well?
While in Jerusalem, Jesus walked by the Bethesda pool where “a great number of disabled people” gathered each day. The reason the pool drew so many people was the belief that the waters had magical healing powers. According to legend, an angel would descend and touch the waters and the first to enter would be healed. Jesus encounters a man who has lived with his disability for thirty-eight years. He asks the man what seems to be an odd question: “Do you want to get well?” Not everyone who needs to be healed want to be healed. Jesus does heal the man, but it happens to be on the Sabbath – something that will attract the attention of the religious leaders.
Passage: John 5:1-15
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Feb 28, 2022
Your Son Will Live
Word about Jesus preceded him to Galilee. The Galileans welcomed Jesus, in large part, because they had seen what he had done in Jerusalem. When Jesus went to Cana in Galilee, he was met by a royal official whose son was sick. While we don’t know for sure, the royal official may have been a Roman or someone in a position of authority. He asks for Jesus’ help and Jesus replies, “Your son will live.” What makes this story so incredible is the response of the official – he took Jesus at his word. As we will see throughout the Gospel of John, our task as apprentices of Jesus is to “take him at his word” and to believe what he believed.
Passage: John 4:43-54
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Feb 22, 2022
The Outcast
To fully appreciate this story, one must be aware of the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans. These weren’t simply groups who favored a different football team. They were groups who dehumanized the other group. This prejudice is what makes Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan so powerful – no Jewish listener would have made a Samaritan the hero of the story. In John 4, Jesus purposefully went through Samaria on his way back to Galilee. Along the way he encounters a lady at the well and engages her in conversation that concludes with him revealing to her that he is the Messiah (his first public reveal). In this one story, Jesus confronts multiple social issues in a redemptive manner.
Passage: John 4:1-42
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Feb 16, 2022
Putting It Into Practice | John 1-3
We’ve learned a lot about Jesus in the first 3 chapters of John, but if we don’t do something with it, then it hasn’t really been helpful information. Ken and Mike discuss different ways that will help you put into practice what we’ve been learning about and from Jesus. This includes how to develop a healthy rhythm of Bible reading and prayer; how to have a greater awareness of God’s presence; and how to engage in personal solitude and retreat. The discussion is practical and offers tangible ways for someone to start implementing these practices into their life today.
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Feb 9, 2022
Becoming Less
Earlier in the Gospel of John, John the Baptist used Isaiah 40:3 to describe his role in the ministry of Jesus: “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” A few of John’s disciples come to him and seem worried that people are flocking to Jesus. John uses this occasion to remind his disciples that his role was to prepare the way for Jesus. “He must become greater; I must become less.” To follow Jesus today still requires us to submit to his ultimate superiority over all other things, ideas, and philosophies.
Passage: John 3:22-36
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Feb 1, 2022
Born Again
We know two things about Nicodemus. First, he is a Pharisee, the Jewish sect that had begun as a reformation movement within Judaism. Second, he is a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. It’s likely that he comes to Jesus at night to avoid being seen talking with Jesus. Although Jewish opposition towards Jesus is just beginning, Nicodemus doesn’t want to risk his reputation. But he does show an openness to Jesus: “For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus then steers the conversation into one about spiritual rebirth. This leads to one of the best-known expressions of the gospel, John 3:16.
Passage: John 3:1-21
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Jan 25, 2022
Clearing The Temple
The story of Jesus clearing the temple is also told in Matthew 21 and Mark 11. In all three accounts, Jesus is concerned about the integrity of the temple – that the merchants had turned a house of prayer into a den of thieves. This concern is also a fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 69:9). Under the new covenant, both our individual bodies and the gathered church are temples of God. God still desires for his temple to be a house of prayer. When pressed about what gave him the authority to clear the temple, Jesus points ahead to his own death and resurrection.
Passage: John 2:13-25
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Jan 19, 2022
Water Into Wine
The first miracle recorded in the Gospel of John occurs at a wedding. Jesus initially resists getting involved because “my hour has not come.” In other words, he didn’t feel it was time to begin revealing his true identity in such a public setting. It’s only because of the prodding of his mother that Jesus gets involved and turns the water into wine. This is the first of his miracles “through which he revealed his glory.” The result? His disciples believed in him. We experience the same result today when we see God’s power displayed in our everyday lives.
Passage: John 2:1-12
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Jan 13, 2022
Come And See
How did Jesus recruit followers? How does his method influence our approach today? Rather than try to convince people to follow him by winning arguments, Jesus simply invited them to spend time with him. “Come and see” is an invitation to be with Jesus. Just as Jesus did with his disciples, we are to extend the same invitation to our friends and neighbors today. Our goal isn’t to win them to a system or structure but to introduce them to a person – Jesus!
Passage: John 1:35-51
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Jan 4, 2022
God's Chosen One
Jesus was the smartest person who ever lived. His teachings have inspired billions of people. His influence has shaped education, medicine, and so much more. There has never been anyone whose impact comes close to Jesus. Why is that? Ultimately, it’s because we believe Jesus is not only the smartest person who ever lived – he is also the most unique person who ever lived. He was God in the flesh, the living Son of God. In God’s great plan of redemption, Jesus was God’s chosen way of reconciling a lost world unto himself.
Passage: John 1:29-34
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