Cognitive dissonance is the influx of intellectual disequilibrium. In other words, when your tidy framework of reality is suddenly unsettled by unexpected facts, your “mind is blown.” And suddenly, you see the world very differently.   Resurrection morning created massive cognitive dissonance for the followers of Jesus. They never saw it coming! Not only did … [Read More…] The Raised

Everyone enjoys a good plot twist. Whether in a novel or a film, that moment when everything you thought you knew is suddenly undone, and realization dawns mingled with disbelief. Those are the best endings.   In many ways, the death and resurrection of Jesus is the greatest twist ending of them all. Talk about … [Read More…] The Buried

In this passage from our study in the Gospel of John, we come to the crucifixion of Jesus. We may want to look the other way, to not face the harsh reality of an innocent man nailed to a cross, to not bear the weight of the torture and agony and injustice of this moment, … [Read More…] The Crucified

Jesus gets it. He gets how hard life is. He gets how heartbreaking it can be. He gets how violating and brutal and unjust people are sometimes.   We all need a God who gets it, because when life’s cruelties break into your life, you don’t need a god who’s aloof and pampered and insulated. … [Read More…] The Condemned

In today’s passage, we will see John’s account of the betrayal, arrest, and preliminary interrogation of Jesus.   We’ll explore three lenses:   The Sequence of the Storm: This is the quick overview of the narrative leading up to the crucifixion. Betrayal and Arrest (Mt 26:47-56; Mk 14:43-52; Lk 22:47-53; Jn 18:2-12): All 4 gospels … [Read More…] The Betrayed

In this passage we come to what is arguably the pinnacle of John’s Gospel. It’s Jesus’ last night, and in the next hours, He will be betrayed by Judas Iscariot from His inner circle. He will be put on trial, condemned, and crucified the following day.   And Jesus, knowing all that awaits Him, has … [Read More…] The Priest

How do we know that everything will be alright in the end? In many ways, that’s the very question that was haunting the minds of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus had told them to prepare for battle, that the persecution that was coming for him would come for them also. They no doubt felt like underdogs.   … [Read More…] The Overcomer

In this passage, we are in the early hours before the crucifixion. Betrayal, arrest, whipping, and crucifixion awaits Jesus, and He knows it. But he mustn’t fixate on the tidal wave of agony that is about to break up on Him; instead, he focuses on preparing His disciples for the battle ahead.   As American … [Read More…] The Helper