Reflection on Acts 1

Reflection on Acts 1

Jesus' life, death, resurrection and teachings are a historical fact.

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

(Acts 1:21-22)

Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of God living and working in us) to em-power us for day to day life.

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

(Acts 1:4-8)

Jesus' resurrection and ascension is a historical fact witnessed by many of his followers.

3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

(Acts 1:3)

Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God after his resurrection which proves that the work he came to do on earth did not just end at his crucifixion.

3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

(Acts 1:3)

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit of God as a gift to those who follow him as his disciples and apostles.

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

(Acts 1:4-5)

Jesus tells his disciples to be witnesses for him in every town, city and place in every part of the earth.

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

(Acts 1:8)

May we tell the story of Jesus and witness to his life, death and resurrection to everyone we meet, work and live with.

May we live in light of the fact that Jesus' life, death and resurrection is the reality of what believing in him and following him entails: A life completely dedicated to glorifying God in every aspect of how we live and what we say and do.

Reflection on John 21

Reflection on John 21

Jesus shows us a BETTER person to believe.
                  Jesus shows us a BETTER person to love.
                                Jesus shows us a BETTER person to follow.

Jesus' resurrection is a call to BELIEVE him, 
Jesus' resurrection is a call to LOVE him and 
Jesus' resurrection is a call to FOLLOW him.



Jesus shows us that true life is to believe him. Believe IN him, his life, death and resurrection.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 

8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.

9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 

11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 

13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

(John 21:7-14)

Jesus shows us that full life is to love him. Love Jesus for who he is and what he does for us.

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 

19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him,“Follow me!”

(John 21:17-19)

Jesus shows us that real life is to follow him. Faithfully follow Jesus through easy and tough times.

20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 

23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

(John 21:20-23)

Reflection on John 20

Reflection on John 20

Jesus shows us a BETTER resurrection.

Jesus' death and resurrection shows us that life in him is a BETTER existence, a GREATER experience than ANY and ALL experiences, happinesses and joys that we might encounter in our lives.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

(John 20:1-10)

Jesus' resurrection shows us his power over death.

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

(John 20:17)

Jesus' death and resurrection shows us that life in Jesus is death to our old life without him and the beginning of a new life.

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

(John 20:26-31)

Reflection on John 19

Reflection on John 19

Jesus shows us a BETTER authority.

Jesus shows us that God is a BETTER power, a GREATER power than ANY and ALL earthly powers, authorities, systems and governments.

8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace.“Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 

10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”

(John 19:8-12)

Jesus assures us that God is the overall authority even when it seems that the powers, authority and systems of the world are more powerful than God.

Jesus shows us that even the killing, executions and assassinations carried out by earthly governments, militaries, systems and authorities cannot overcome God's power and authority.

28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

(John 19:28-30)

May we see that when Jesus said, "It is finished" He meant he had conquered death. Jesus has completed the task God gave him to live and glorify him on earth as the Saviour and Redeemer who reconciles God and humans and ushers in the eternal Kingdom of God.

May we always see that dying for Jesus is never dying in vain.

May we always live without fear of death because Jesus has conquered death by dying for us.

May we always live without fear of death because Jesus has overcome death by dying in our place.

May we always see Jesus' death as the FACT and REALITY of new life, a resurrected life in Him.

Reflection on John 18

Reflection on John 18

Jesus shows us a BETTER way to suffer.

Jesus teaches us a BETTER way to accept suffering...(not weakly resigned and dejected but redemptively trusting God to work it out for our good.)

Jesus teaches us to drink the cup of suffering.

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

(John 18:10-12)

We often do everything we can to avoid suffering.

We often do everything we can to avoid suffering even when it will help others avoid suffering themselves.

We often avoid suffering because we are cowardly.

We often avoid suffering because we want an easier path that involves less work, effort and pain. 

We often avoid suffering because we want someone else to suffer if they can take our place.


When Jesus is arrested, he tells Peter to put away his sword and not to fight back and resist.

Jesus accepts his drink of suffering so that when we suffer we will not lose hope.
Jesus accepts his cup of suffering so that when we suffer we will know that he knows what we are going through and he walks with us THROUGH the pain and suffering we will face in life.

May we see that Jesus' suffering ensures that all our suffering is not hopeless. 

May we see that our suffering is redeemed by the fact that Jesus suffered so that our eternal life will triumph over all the earthly pain and suffering we will go through.

May we see that our suffering will be redeemed when we see that the rejection Jesus suffered ensures that God has accepted us and will not reject us.

Reflection on John 17

Reflection on John 17

Jesus shows us a BETTER way to pray.

Sometimes we focus only on praying for ourselves and neglect to pray for others. 
We neglect to pray for fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus to be protected from evil.
We neglect to pray for people who are not in relationship with Jesus to be protected from evil.

Jesus lovingly prays to God to protect us and keep us safe by the power of his name.

Jesus lovingly asks God to keep us safe from the Evil One.

Jesus lovingly prays that God will dedicate us to himself.

13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 
14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 
15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 
17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 
18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

(John 17:13-18)

May we always pray for God to sanctify us through the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our lives.

May our lives be lived solely to KNOW God and be in deep and open communion with Jesus.

May we be dedicated to God by means of truth.

May we be dedicated to God by being dedicated to listening to his word which is truth.

May we be united in our fellowship with each other and our worship of God so that we are united as Jesus and God are united.

May we be complete and find complete contentment, satisfaction and our true selves ONLY when we find complete-ness in Jesus.

Reflection on John 16

Reflection on John 16

Jesus gives us a BETTER spirit.

                     Jesus gives us a BETTER Helper. 

                                                      Jesus gives us a BETTER Advocate. 

                                                                                          Jesus gives us THE Holy Spirit.

Worldly spirits will not give us courage and hope to face the evil, sin, pain and suffering in the world. We may gain false hope and false courage but we will be distraught and broken when tested by existential struggles like terminal illness, heavy financial losses, broken relationships and death.

Worldly helpers may not always be there to help us when we need them.
Worldly helpers may not always be able to assist us in the way we want them to.
Worldly helpers may not be able to carry the load or meet our needs and wants the way we want our hungers and thirsts to be quenched.

Worldly advocates WILL never take away our sense of guilt for how far we are from who we want to be and how we want to live and behave. 

Worldly advocates will never make us feel completely perfect, holy and righteous in the eyes of others, ourselves and God.

Jesus gives us God's Holy Spirit who is a BETTER helper, a BETTER advocate and a BETTER spirit than anyone or anything we seek assurance from in the world.

7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 

8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

(John 15:7-15)

May we rest in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

May thoughts, our words and our actions be guided by God's spirit working in us and speaking to us.

May we always seek to obey the spirit of God as God's word reveals the truth to us OVER and AGAINST the noise and voices of how the world says we should think, speak and act.

IF we remain united to him and cling to him faithfully in our lives...Jesus gives us a better victory!

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

(John 15:33)

Reflection on John 15

Reflection on John 15

Jesus is the REAL vine.

Jesus has planted us in him and grafted us to be connected in him so that we may have eternal life.

Jesus has joined our life to his life so that we will live like him and bear fruit to glorify God.

To follow Jesus is to REMAIN faithfully in him.

To be a disciple of Jesus is to REST in his presence and find COMPLETE contentment in His love.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (John 15:1)

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 

8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

(John 15:4-8)

May we rest in Jesus in every moment of every day.

May we cling to Jesus in easy times and in tough times.

May we feed on Jesus as the only way to gain strength, life and sustenance for every day.
May Jesus' life be the blood that courses through our veins.
May Jesus' body be the bread that we eat and live on as our source of nutrition and growth.

May we faithfully remain in Jesus no matter how challenging and tough the context and circumstances around us try to move us away from believing, trusting and following Him.

Reflection on John 14

Reflection on John 14

Jesus shows us a BETTER Peace.

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

(John 14:27)

We strive for worldly peace that most times seeks our own comfort especially at the cost of other people's pain and suffering.

We want peace and comfort that satisfies our "selves" even at the expense of the needs and survival of other "selves" especially the poor and the ones who we can easily oppress.


May we seek to rest in the PEACE Jesus gives.

May we see that the PEACE of Jesus is over and above worldly peace and comfort.

May Jesus' peace conquer the fear and anxiety that the world strives to plant in our hearts and minds.

May we be satisfied with the PEACE that Jesus plants in our hearts and minds to guard us against seeking greed, violence and oppression- " peace as the world gives."

Reflection on John 13

Reflection on John 13

Jesus shows us a BETTER humility.

Jesus shows us that to be a leader, a teacher and a person in authority, we must humbly serve.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place.“Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 
13 “You call me ‘Teacher’and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 
15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 
16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 
17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

(John 13: 12-17)





Jesus teaches us a BETTER commandment.

Jesus lives a life full of love for those who follow Him as well as those who hate him (his enemies).

Jesus teaches, preaches, convicts, convinces and dies to reconcile God's enemies with God.

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

(John 13:34-35)

Reflection on John 12

Reflection on John 12

Jesus is the BETTER servant
We cannot be served by the idols of the world we commit too much time and resources to: we end up serving them and idolizing them. We end up being enslaved and held in bondage by them.

Jesus shows us that we should NOT self-ishly love our life in a way that idolizes " 'our' life"

Jesus shows us that whoever wants to serve him MUST follow him to where he is going.

23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

(John 12:23-26)

Jesus is the BETTER light.
Jesus is the light who shows us the way and teaches us to reflect his light in the darkness.

34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever,so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”

35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

(John 12: 34-36)

May we accept that the only way to follow Jesus is to live like He lived.

May we actively serve and sacrifice like Jesus did.

May we follow Jesus knowing that He is in us and with us through any and all forms of pain and suffering that we will go through. May we not pull back even at the risk of torture and death.