John 13:1–38  Focus verse: ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another’ (John 13:34)  Old Testament lens: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Leviticus 19:18) John 13 marks a major turning point. After chapters filled with Jesus’ public ministry, teaching, and miracles, the story now turns inward, towards Jesus’ final night… Continue reading

John 12:9–50  Focus verse: ‘Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; blessed is the king of Israel.’ (John 12:13)  Old Testament lens: ‘See your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly riding on the donkey.’ (Zechariah 9:9)  When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey (John 12:12–19), it wasn’t… Continue reading

John 11:45–57; 12:1–8  Focus verse: ‘“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied, “it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial”’ (John 12:7)  Old Testament lens: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil’ (Psalm 23:4)  The raising of Lazarus triggers a… Continue reading

John 11:1–44  Focus verse: ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.’ (John 11:32)  Old Testament lens: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil’ (Psalm 23:4)  John 11 is one of the most emotionally intense and theologically rich chapters in the Gospel… Continue reading

John 10:1–31  Focus verse: ‘I am the Good Shepherd.’ (John 10:11)  Old Testament lens: ‘I myself will be shepherd of my sheep, says the Lord God.’ (Ezekiel 34:23–24)  In the biblical imagination, few images are more powerful or enduring than that of the shepherd with his sheep. This is a metaphor for kingship, not the… Continue reading

John 9:1–41  Focus verse: ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind’ (John 9:39)  Old Testament lens: ‘Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn and be healed.’ (Isaiah 6:10)  Imagine watching… Continue reading

John 8:31–59  Focus verse: ‘Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”’ (John 8:58)  Old Testament lens: ‘“Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you …” So Abram went …’ (Genesis 12:1,4)  In the film Back to… Continue reading

John 8:1–30  Focus verse: ‘Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me, will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12)  Old Testament lens: ‘I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the… Continue reading

John 7:32–53  Focus verse: ‘As the Scripture said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’ (John 7:37–39)  Old Testament lens: ‘On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem.’ (Zechariah 14:7–8)  In John 7:37–39, Jesus stands up on the last and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and cries… Continue reading

John 7:1–31  Focus verse: ‘Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach.’ (John 7:14)  Old Testament lens: ‘Live in temporary shelters for seven days.’ (Leviticus 23:42–43)  John 7 opens with Jesus in Galilee at the Feast of Tabernacles (also called the Feast of Booths). This… Continue reading