11.4 John 18-21

Sophie Schmidt

11.4.2020

John 18-21

Summary

Here we read another account of Jesus getting arrested, tried and crucified for being the King of the Jews. This section begins just after Jesus finishes praying and is betrayed by Judas and concludes as Jesus reappears to his disciples. My favorite being when he appears on the shore while Simon Peter, Thomas, and a few others are out fishing. Jesus reminds them who He is by instructing them to cast their net over the right side of the boat and it fills with fish, referencing the moment Jesus first called them to be His disciples. So awesome!

What is one key verse and why?

John 20:14-16

“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’”

These verses are so impactful because it exposes a flaw most people have. Even when God is right in front of us, we don’t see Him. God is ever-present in our lives, especially in times of distress and grieving but we tend to forget that. In this verse, Jesus comes right to Mary and she can physically see Him and she still does not recognize Him-as if He is wearing a fake mustache or something. We have to open our eyes and our hearts to receive Him or we won’t find Him where He is.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God is always with us, but it is really easy to forget that when life gets crazy and we feel sad, angry and lost. BUT nothing is too big for God and He never leaves us during those times. He is there even when we don’t see Him or lose sight of Him through the chaos.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself and others?

This reminds me to seek God during obstacles. Who am I that my problems are unworthy of God’s love? We have to be willing to invite Him into our lives and He will show up every time.

How will you Go With God because of this reading?

By continually believing and remembering that God can work in my life through anything and that He is always there. When I am drowning in anxiety or anger, I don’t need to run around to look for Him or ask the gardener where He is because He is right in front of me with His arms open.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters?

I saw Him die for us in order to bring us back to life so He could be with us all the time.