John 8:48 – 9:41

Grace

To join, follow and participate with the risen Christ in our neighbourhood.

Devotion 1

Read: John 8:48-59
Jesus faces some very serious opposition and accusations in this passage.
Reflection: Reflect on times where you faced serious opposition or accusations in your community.
  1. Is opposition avoidable in our communities?
  2. What positive value does it have?
  3. How did you respond to your opposition?
  4. How does Jesus respond to his opposition and accusations?
Pray: Pray to respond more and more like Jesus.

Devotion 2

Read: John 9:1-12
Have you ever met someone who has been changed / healed by Jesus?
  1. What were they like?
  2. Did they receive opposition / judgements / questions from people who know them?
  3. How hard is it to change?
Pray: that we would have the courage to change alongside our neighbours.

Devotion 3

Read: John 9:13-34
More opposition and questions emerge in this passage. The man’s parents appear to fear loss – of being put out of the synagogue.
  1. What does it mean to be a disciple?
  2. Why does this create opposition?
  3. What are some of the losses you have faced?
  4. What are some of the losses our neighbours face if they follow Jesus?
  5. How important is it to be prepared for opposition in ministry?
  6. How can you be a faithful disciple of Jesus in the midst of opposition?
Pray: Pray that we would be able to embrace a costly discipleship of loss.

Devotion 4

Read: John 9:35-41
The now healed me has another encounter with Jesus. Sometimes we see people receive healing or find new life when they are finding their purpose but have not as yet met Jesus or placed their faith in him.
  1. What does Jesus ask him?
  2. Is it important for us to do likewise with our neighbours?
  3. What do we fear about doing this?
Pray: Pray for the courage and wisdom to discern when and how to do this in our communities.