Word of the Week: Simple

I really enjoyed yesterday as we heard what is happening at Word and Table Church and thought about God’s plan to use us. But taking things another direction, sometimes a simple plan works the best, right? The more complicated something gets, the more possibilities for trouble. So, if you want to get a kick start in Bible reading in 2018, why not start with our Evening with Jesus series?

We will be doing a number of sermons on John 13-17. This section all happens on the night before Jesus died - at the “last supper”. John alone gives us all this information, and in it are some of the most beautiful and powerful things Jesus says to us. I think the more you read these words over and savor them, the more the Lord Jesus will become beautiful to you.  I’ll give you the verse breakouts for the sermon, but here is the simple plan:

After each sermon/Sunday (whether you were present or not), read the passage repeatedly that week. Read it three to five times. Consider printing out the passage at home using a website like www.biblegateway.com. Have a notebook or journal handy, and jot down your thoughts. When you repeat the process, review what you wrote from the day before. Here are some ideas to help you break down the passage for yourself.

Underline all the verbs, and circle words that seem really important. Perhaps a word is repeated and thus is critical. Maybe a phrase just sticks out to you. Go back and look at what you circled. Write down anything you learned.

Did something puzzle or confuse you? Write that down in your notebook. If you get time, research a little bit and see if you can figure it out.

Ask yourself, “What does Jesus mean here? What is this passage saying? And what does it mean for me?” You are a disciple, so almost all of these words are directed at you as well as the original disciples. What is Jesus saying to you? How have you missed this before? Do you have sins to confess to God because of what you read? How can what you’ve read guide the requests you pray for often?

I’m suggesting as a simple plan that you reread the passage 3 to 5 times each week, and add thoughts to your notebook. Savor the words of Jesus they way you might savor a great meal, or an amazing glass of wine, or a masterpiece at an art gallery. Let your mind and heart be filled with the thoughts Jesus is conveying in each passage.

I hope you can make some headway with this idea.  I especially hope you get a greater grasp on the great love of Christ for you!

In Him,

Don