Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.​ John 21:7-8

The impulsiveness of Peter is convicting to me. I love that John announces Jesus and Peter immediately takes action to be with him. There doesn’t appear to be any hesitancy in Peter. The only thing that Peter seems to give any thought to, was to be properly attired to meet his Rabbi (why else would he put on clothes to go swimming…unless he was a bit self-conscious about his weight). There isn’t a lot in the way of planning for how this will all go down. Peter dives in! I know at times this trait got Peter into a bit of trouble, but here it is beautiful. (more…)

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:27-28

Today is wedding rehearsal day. I have had the privilege of meeting with two awesome couples that are both getting married tomorrow. Weddings are such an amazing event. There is always so much emotion filling the air as the bride and the groom begin a new chapter in their life. So, congrats to Adam & Tera and Jason & Erin as they begin their lives together and remind us of the beautiful imagery that God has given us of the relationship he has created us for…us as the bride and Jesus as our groom. (more…)

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30

I’m not going to lie. I’m tired right now. My day started at 5:20 a.m. and hasn’t slowed down yet. Meeting to meeting, appointment to appointment, and the day is far from complete. When I sit to write this blog it strikes me how utterly ridiculous complaining about my “busy” day is. Betrayed, beaten, nailed to a cross, mocked, stabbed, and then when he says that he’s thirsty, he gets wine vinegar?? Seriously, Mark. Get over it. (more…)

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. John 18:38

Amazing.

Here is Pilate caught between a rock and a hard place, not wanting to make a decision. His one guiding principal is to save his neck. He is torn in his decision because he has no absolute truth. He has no unwavering standard of right and wrong by which to determine what should be done in this situation. As a result of Pilate’s lack of knowing truth, he is about to condemn “The Truth” to death. (more…)