Summary: The action of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is yet another sign of God’s covenant promise of life. In all that Jesus does, we see the glory of God. In the raising of Lazarus, we have the most spectacular manifestation of God’s glory through Jesus Christ. This sign or miracle is the backdrop for the religious authorities seeking to bring about the death of Jesus. This is the ultimate catalyst that begins the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which is the seal and fulfillment of the covenant God has made in His love for humanity
Summary: Time and again the gospel of John will use the images of light and darkness, and blindness and sight to envelope the wisdom of God that is in the person of Jesus Christ. In the story of the Man Born Blind, the individual evolves from one stage of faith to another, from darkness and ignorance to wisdom and light. Watch the evolution of the names the man gives to Jesus...the man called Jesus, prophet, man from God, Lord.
Summary: This story of the Woman at the Well speaks of the evolution of faith. In this passage from John’s gospel we see the woman coming to a deeper knowledge and faith in Jesus. With each encounter the Samaritan woman sees Jesus more clearly for who he is. Through his conversation with her the woman ultimately comes to faith in Jesus and becomes an apostle for the people of her town. In verse 39 we hear that many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony. The Samaritan Woman fulfills one of the conditions for being called an apostle, and that is to bring others to faith in Jesus.
Summary: This section of Matthew’s gospel recalls the temptation of Jesus in the desert. Through various symbols, such as bread, safety, and kingdoms, Jesus is presented with what have been and continue to be the temptations of human beings: pleasure, power and failure to accept responsibility. These particular things can displace the primary position of our relationship with God. Jesus consistently counters each of the devil’s temptations with a reliance on the Grace of God. Throughout the scriptures we will see Jesus place ultimate trust in the Father’s love (Grace) and providence.