John 20: 1 - 21:25

Nine: Jesus should be our God. We should not deny Him, but if we do He will forgive us. Peter was forgiven by Jesus even after Peter denied Jesus.

Twelve: We should believe in Jesus even though we have never seen him. We can be forgiven anything we do even denying Jesus like Peter did.

Forty-seven: It's funny how simple my children find this passage and yet the church has struggled with what to do with those who deny God during times of persecution. 

In times when there is no persecution, we often get caught up in comparing ourselves with others. I should stop comparing myself to others and trying to get the better "deal" from God. 

John 19: 1 -42

Nine: The scriptures were fulfilled because none of Jesus' bones were broken and He was pierced by a spear. If I was Pilate, I wouldn't have executed Jesus because Pilate had the authority to spare Him and He was innocent.

Twelve: Pilate was trying to do the right thing, but the Pharisees and Jews were preventing him from doing it by convincing him Caesar would be unhappy with him if he didn't kill Jesus. This shows we should not listen to other people about something we know is right.

Forty-seven: Pilate's, "What is truth?" is so relevant even today. How often do I turn away from truth to fret or discuss what is not true. 

John 18:1 - 40

Nine: Jesus was good not to call His angels down to kill these guys. If He had there wouldn't have been the resurrection. He did so to forgive our sins.

Twelve: I thought it was wonderful that Jesus told Pilate and the high priests that He was the son of god, but He was sent to earth to die for us.

Forty-seven: God is good! I am unworthy of the sacrifice made for me yet it was made in grace so that in grace I might be saved. 

John 11:1 - 57

Nine: It was amazing that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The priests had no reason to go after Jesus except for them being threatened by Him.

Twelve: It was amazing that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The priests and the Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus. The lesson is that we are opposed by people even when we do the right thing.

Forty-seven: It's hard to understand the reaction of the priests to the raising of Lazarus, but I know that I likely would have my doubts about such an event happening today so I can begin to comprehend their reaction. Instead I should be as my children and be amazed in God always!

John 9:1 - 41

Nine: We should listen to God's word and the Pharisees didn't because they were blind to the truth.

Twelve: The Pharisees did not understand what Jesus did. They thought He was a sinner and they were perfect. They did not listen to Jesus. We Should take from this that we need to read the Bible and obey it.

Forty-seven: The newly healed blind man is amazing to watch in this story. He never waivers and as he is questioned his faith grows. 

John 1:1 - 18

Nine: God's son came to sacrifice Himself to save us. John made the path for Jesus.

Twelve: God sent His son to us that we should know about Him. He is the word. He is the light.

Forty-seven: I love this passage. It's one of those moments when we catch just a glimpse of God's mystery at work. We can't really hold the moment, but just watch it go by and marvel.