Day 21 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 21 Shared by PJ
What a journey of joy reading through the 21 chapters of John during the month of February. This last chapter of John is one of my favorite chapters in the bible. Why? You see the amazing beauty of Jesus reaching out to one of his dsicples who had really messed up.
After a rooster crows three times Peter, completely denies ever knowing Jesus. Jesus totally shared with Peter this was going to happen. Can you imagine how painful each rooster crow was after Peter had done this?
But here is the beauty of where John 21 comes in…we see Jesus show up and pull Peter aside and reassures him that although he (Peter) has messed up, he is still called to live out the truths of Jesus and serve Him.
This is an improtant truth for us to continue to go back to when we mess up and sin. To konw that we serve a powerful loving God who shows up again and again in our mess is such a great reminder of how we are to meet others in theirs as well.
God is so good!
Day 20 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 20 Shared by Taylor
One of the most beautiful moments in John 20—apart from the resurrection itself—is Jesus’ encounter with Mary Magdalene. Grief-stricken, she doesn’t recognize Him at first, mistaking Him for the gardener. But the moment He speaks her name, everything changes.
"Mary!" Jesus said.
She turned to Him and cried out, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher").
John 20:16
This moment echoes Jesus' words in John 10:27: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." Mary was desperate to find Jesus, but her sorrow clouded her vision, until His voice broke through.
Isn’t that just like Jesus? In our deepest grief, confusion, or distraction, we may not always recognize His presence. Pain can blur our vision, making it hard to see that He’s right there with us. But when He speaks, when He calls us by name, His voice cuts through every doubt, fear, and sorrow. It is familiar, personal, and full of love.
Just as Mary recognized Him the moment He spoke her name, we too are invited into that same intimacy. Jesus is not distant; He is a close and personal Shepherd who calls each of His sheep individually. He doesn’t see just a crowd. He sees you. He knows your name, your story, and the burdens you carry.
So in moments of uncertainty, grief, or when you feel lost, listen for His voice. He is calling you, reminding you that He is near. He has never left. His voice is steady, full of love, and unmistakable to those who belong to Him.
Day 19 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 19 Shared by Tanner
I want to start by saying that this chapter is heavy. It’s the worst that Jesus had to endure so that you and I could have a relationship with him, but even in his darkest hour he shows us forgiveness. He doesn’t say to Pilot “why are you doing this to me.” When Pilot says he has the power to crucify him or set him free. Instead he says “you have no power over me unless it was given from above.” Even in the darkest hour Jesus is focused on the eternal.
It also stood out to me that Pilot let others influence him and was swayed from what he knew was right. It’s so easy to give in and listen to the wrong people in our own lives and I pray that we don’t.
In verse 26 and 27 we see the perfect picture of faith and what I feel like the church is called to be.
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Here is Jesus mother seeing her son die in the worst way imaginable and people came along beside her and helped her get through it. For those of you that don’t know I am a super nerd and my nerdy brain connected this with a quote from Gandalf from the fellowship of the ring.
"Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay."
Let me end by saying what you do matters. It may not feel like much to you but it may mean the world to someone else. People go through dark, hard times. Meagan and I did early on in our marriage when her mom and dad passed away every day felt daunting but the TRC family came along side us and showed us love and compassion when we needed it the most, and if you are walking through the hard times in your life now there is light and hope on the other side.
Day 18 of John 21
Day 18 Shared by Sam
John 18 is heavy with the realization that us humans will never be satisfied on our own. We must have Jesus. In the same moment that Jesus is willingly sacrificing for us, the majority of those that witnessed his miracles, heard his teachings, defended him viciously, turned their backs on Him. I want to yell at them as I read “No! How could they after everything he has done to show us love and grace???” however in my gut, I know I have done the same in different moments of my life. It’s so easy when you are in a good place to imagine I would never turn my back on God but when the suffocating time comes of darkness it can become so easy to betray him and not reflect his love. This chapter pours out painful love for us as his people. It shows how patient and unconditionally loving God is. After the betrayal of Simon Peter, after being turned over by the people, after Pilate declares that he sees no crime yet the people condemn him anyways, his love remains with no regret.
This chapter helped me know that if the God of the universe loves me this much unconditionally, I choose to love him back unconditionally.
Day 17 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 17 Shared by Chris
John 17 is one of the most profound chapters of the Bible, because it gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ heart as He prays to the Father before His crucifixion. I love how Jesus prays for the world and for his disciples ministries knowing that his life will end soon. This brings me to question how am I living out my faith and time with Jesus.
Do you see your life’s purpose as glorifying God? Jesus teaches that true life is found in knowing God deeply, not just knowing about Him.
As followers of Christ, we are set apart for God’s purpose. How are you allowing God’s Word to sanctify you daily?
Father, thank You for revealing Jesus’ heart in this message. Help me to seek Your glory, be sanctified by Your Word, and pursue unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ. May my life reflect the love and truth of Jesus to the world. In His name, Amen.
Day 16 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 16 Shared by Christi
John 16 is a powerful chapter where Jesus prepares His disciples for what's to come which is that He is going to leave them. Like most things in life; he paints a picture of holding space for two things at once... Comfort and Challenge. He promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide, convict, and empower them when He's not there too. Despite the sorrow they feel at His leaving, Jesus assures them that their grief will turn to joy, much like the pain of childbirth gives way to the joy of new life. He speaks of overcoming the world, reminding them that in Him, they will find peace even in trials. I need that message currently on the daily and it reminds me that message is true today for us, as His disciples. Jesus reassures them (and us) that while they’ll face struggles in the world, they can take heart because He has already overcome it. This chapter is a reminder of faith in the face of adversity, the ongoing presence of the Spirit, and the ultimate victory of Christ. It’s a call to trust deeply in God’s plan, even when we can’t see the full picture. So, even in the hard - we lean in...
Day 15 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 15 shared by Jarod
John 15 has got to be one of my favorite passages of scripture, and one of the toughest to grasp. How do we abide in Jesus? He is the true vine and we are the branches. If we abide in Him, He will abide in us.
This is what God is telling me this morning.
Romans 8:31, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” The God of the universe wants to bear good fruit through us, the branches! We have a purpose. We are to bear good fruit. And how does He do that through us? He gives us the vine, Jesus to abide or “remain” in. When we stay connected to Jesus then we are able to bear good fruit.
Okay, so how do we remain in, abide in, stay connected to Jesus? Alright, our typical answer is to pray and read the Bible. These are great answers. Continue to read the Bible and pray. Sometimes I, myself can begin to do these things so robotically just so I can say I checked them off my list for the day. Staying connected to Jesus is constantly checking your heart. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Ask God to check your heart. What or who are we finding our identity? If Jesus is your source, then there’s your answer.
Verse 10 Jesus tells us that if we keep His commandment we will abide in His love. His command; to love others as Jesus loves us. Love others. And not just the others who love us back. Love those who disagree with you. Love those who despise and reject you. Love the unlovable. May our hearts break over the things that break His heart.
We are nothing without the vine.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
John 15:16-17
Day 14 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 14 shared by PJ
In the world of so many unknowns and what is occuring from day to day, it brings so much peace to me to know the following words of Jesus;
“ “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14: 1-3
To know that Jesus foretold that there would be trouble does not always make the heavier days lighter, but it does remind us that He is all knowing God.
He also reminds us to place our trust in Him. When my heart is troubled often times my trust is in something else. I have a tendency to place my trust in my surroundings instead of my Savior.
Finally, this verse reassures us that He will be coming back for us. Not only is He coming back, but He is actively preparing a place for us to join Him.
Go and have a great day and remember…
He knows!
He loves!
He is coming back!
Day 13 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 13: Shared by Zach
Here I see Jesus in his purest form. A living being fully God fully man all knowing yet humbled in flesh. We see that Jesus focuses on loving his people too his fullest extent while the tension of his sacrifice is just getting to its peak. He washes the disciples feet charges them to love like he has. We are to love and serve because he did first. We often get that point when reading this, but I wanted to highlight the immense grace he has in this moment. He knows the plans in the heart of Judas. Yet we don’t see him get angry, petty, or bitter. Jesus simply loves him washes his feet feeds him and says go do what you will quickly. He shows ultimate love through the purest form of humility. Judas the one who walked so close to Jesus that in his journey he may have gotten the dust, sweat, blood, and tears of our savior on him. Yet in this heart was never surrendered. Though this was true Jesus loved him to the very end dying on the cross for Judas as well as you and me.
Day 12 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 12: Shared by Tanner
One of the key things that jumps out to me in John 12 is when Mary washes Jesus feet with expensive perfume. It is an act of pure worship. She bowes herself before him and washes his feet with the perfume and cleans his feet with her hair. She was all in, that is not a halfway devotion. It makes me ask myself when was the last time I went all in at the feet of Jesus. Judas admonishes her, often times there are people in our life who won’t understand what we are doing, it won’t make sense to everybody, even those who claim to be believers but Mary did it anyway. I also think the fact that the perfume is expensive means following Jesus can be costly. There are some things that you and I will have to give up to be totally committed to Jesus but in the same token Jesus stops Judas from chastising her and acknowledges her sacrifice.
The second part that stands out to me is that Jesus rides into Jerusalem seated on a donkey and people are excited and shouting Hosanna! Blessed is the king of Israel! If it were me I would think that Jesus would say “your right, the king is here!”but in true Jesus fashion he does the opposite and compares himself to a grain of wheat to be sacrificed so that it can produce many seeds. He doesn’t make things about himself, even when everyone wants him to. Can I just say that is difficult for me to do, and I’m willing to bet that is difficult for others to do as well. He’s showing us that self sacrifice is a vital part of his mission and if we go on we see that devotion to God should be our top priority. “Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of the light.”
Day 11 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 11: Shared by Terri
John 11:35 Jesus wept.
This verse... although the shortest verse in the Bible, for me this verse held a lot in it especially as I read it today. I feel like you don't get the truest impact of this verse without knowing what is going on before the verse appears as well as what goes on after.
This verse doesn't just say that Jesus was upset and cried, it says "Jesus Wept". He wept for the hurt of the people who were dear to Him. He wept because His good friend Lazarus had died. He saw how distraught they were and He felt it.
The Messiah, who brought the dead back to life, who died and rose from the dead, felt the hurt right along those dearest to Him. I love this because when we are feeling the emotion of something that hurts us as deeply as Mary and Martha had felt at the loss of their brother, I know that Jesus feels it with us.
I know that He understands the hurt and pain we go through at times. It doesn't always make it easy to go through but we do have a Savior who gets it and wants to bring comfort to the hurting. We just need to open enough to allow Him to do so.
Day 10 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 10: Shared by Jess
First, I was impressed by the analogy of the sheep and the shepherd. How Jesus (the shepherd) calls his flock to follow him and trust in him and how we (the sheep) as followers of Christ should know his voice and follow him. As a shepherd would lay down his life for his sheep, so did Jesus willingly sacrifice himself for all those that will believe in and trust in him. John 10:14-15
Secondly, I’m surprised and amazed at how so many of the people who saw and heard of the great miracles Jesus was doing, still doubted that he was the Messiah. Even going as far as threatening to stone him where he stood. Aren’t we, even as Christians, often as doubtful and skeptical of Gods plan for our lives, but we must remember that God’s plan for our lives is greater than anything we can make happen through our own effort alone. John 10:28-29.
Trust your life to Jesus, stay in His word, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Day 9 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 9: Shared by Jonathan
In Chapter 9, Apostol John talks about a blind man from birth that was prepared to meet Jesus at the right time so that the works of God might be displayed in him. Jesus spit on the ground to make mud and sent him to wash in the pool of Siloam. What situation are we in that God wants to use to show his power? Whatever we are going through, God has a purpose to show others His marvelous power and that He is the only way and the truth. Now the blind man was a living walking testimony of the power of God, furthermore; he was giving testimony to those who doubted that it was truly him and that now he was healed. What a blessing! you would probably say.
But I believed that he didn't understand his illness from the beginning and much less that God had a bigger purpose for his life. I do feel that many situations in my life I do not understand, but I want to believe that God has a bigger purpose beyond my comprehension for each situation. I do also believe this to be true for everybody, you! Also remember that his miracle didn't happen instantly, he had to go wash to see. The miracle has happened, what is it that is obstructing me to see it? Let us be mindful that God is at work at all times and just because we don't see the miracle, it doesn't mean it is not there. Once we can see how great God is, let's tell it to everybody that is waiting and or can't see a miracle, God is real, He is at work, and your miracle is happening, can you see it?
Day 8 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 8: Shared by Kensi
In John 8, there are a few powerful moments that really stand out.
One that I found particularly striking is the story of the woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders bring her to Jesus, hoping to trap him with a tough question: should they follow the law and stone her, or show mercy? Jesus responds so wisely, telling them, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” His response not only reveals his deep understanding of grace but also exposes the hypocrisy of those who were quick to judge.
How often do we find ourselves in the space ready to cast stones rather than offer grace and understanding?
Later, Jesus boldly declares, “I am the light of the world.” In a time when people were looking for a savior, this statement was a radical reminder of Jesus’ divine identity. It’s a powerful invitation to follow him and be led out of darkness. John 8 is filled with layers of wisdom, grace, and conviction. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ deep compassion, his divine identity, and the importance of humility in recognizing truth.
Day 7 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 7: Shared by Jarod
Whoa!! Talk about a lot to digest in one chapter. As I read through the seventh chapter of John there were quite a few things that God is showing me.
First, in chapter 6 we see a lot of Jesus’ followers turn their backs on him. Now in chapter 7 we see the brothers of Jesus mock him and verse 5 says, “For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.” Alright, you may be thinking, “Are these dudes crazy?! Have they seen or heard what Jesus has done?” Have you ever seen or heard things that seem too good to be true, and waited for the other shoe to drop? I’ve been there. Besides, the resurrection hasn’t happened yet. They’ll believe soon enough.
Second thing, have you ever heard or used the phrase, “It’s all in God’s timing?” Here you go, Jesus knows God’s timing (because He is God.) So this saying, I believe, is a good one. We like to try and take things into our own hands and our own timing, believe me, if it’s not God’s timing, it’s not going to work.
Thirdly, verses 12 and 13; Jesus the Messiah, or Jesus the lunatic. You get to choose. He is one or the other. He is either the Son of God or He’s not. “But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.” God, help me to have courage when I need it. No matter what happens. “Even if.”
Fourth thing, I’ll make it my last point, but there are a ton more. Verse 16 Jesus says, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me.” He goes on to tell the crowd that those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves. Let us be ambassadors for Christ, not ourselves. If it’s not Jesus’ agenda, then it shouldn’t be yours. If you want to know if it is or not, check scripture. No matter where we find ourselves, let us speak the truth of the Gospel. God tells us to love one another. Let’s do that. Let’s do that well.
Day 6 of 21 Challenge
Day 6: Shared by Marsha
John 6 is filled some action-packed moments that highlight some of Jesus’ greatest miracles. First, Jesus feeds 5 thousand with only 5 small loaves of bread. Already knowing exactly how he would feed these people, Jesus asked Phillip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He was testing the faith of one of his own disciples. As people often do, Phillip was focused on what seemed impossible rather than his faith in Christ. Not only did the people have enough to eat, but there were leftovers. This shows me that when things seem impossible, Jesus ALWAYS provides.
We then see two more ways Jesus reveals his super natural power as the disciples were crossing the lake for Capernaum. The first was when Jesus defied gravity by walking on water. What stands out even more is that it doesn’t say they rowed some more until they reached the shore. It says when Jesus entered the boat, it “IMMEDIATELY” reached the shore. These both show me that Jesus has sovereign authority over heaven and earth.
Later, the crowd looked for Jesus to provide them with earthly, nourishment. Instead he taught them that what they needed was eternal life through him so that they would never go hungry. HE “is the bread of life.” After hearing these hard teachings, many of the disciples stopped following Jesus. Are there times in my life when I am tempted to be satisfied in things that are only temporary pleasing, rather than the on one that give me eternal life? When things get hard, do I run as the disciples did, or do I press into Jesus?
Day 5 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 5: Shared by Chris
John 5 is a fascinating multi-layered chapter in the gospels.
Here are some of my thoughts.
I love the Healing at the Pool of Bethesda, it is a true picture of human helplessness. The man at the pool had been an invalid for 38 years, a lifetime just waiting for someone, anyone to help guide him to the water when it was stirred. For me, this shows people's helplessness and dependence on God's grace.
Jesus, knowing the man's condition, takes the initiative to heal him. This shows God's active love and compassion for those who are suffering, this means so much to me and my family while we navigate the fight against my cancer. The healing is not just physical, it also symbolizes spiritual healing and new life. Jesus' command to the man, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk," signifies a new beginning and a call to action, take responsibility for his own life. The foreshadowing can even lead us to the crucifixion with the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders over the Sabbath. This chapter reveals Jesus' compassion, authority, and identity. It invites us to reflect on our helplessness, our need for healing, and the importance of believing in Jesus for salvation.
Day 4 of John 21 Challenge
Day 4: Shared by Taylor
One part of John 4 that really stood out to me was the moment when the Samaritan woman questioned Jesus. In verse 9, she says, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?" During that time, Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with one another, making her question completely understandable.
But what really moves me is Jesus' response in verse 10: "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to..." That line holds so much depth. How often do we, like the Samaritan woman, question God—whether out of doubt, fear, or simply not understanding His plans? Yet, His response to us is the same: "If only you knew."
There is so much comfort in that. Even when we don’t see the full picture, God does. His plans far exceed anything we could ask for or imagine, and He is always faithful to provide.
Another part of John 4 that really stood out to me was verses 13-14.
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
This is such a powerful reminder that anything we seek in this world will eventually run dry. No matter how much we chase after success, approval, or material things, they will never fully satisfy us. But when we desire the things of God, He is faithful to give us something that will never fade—eternal life.
The things of this world are temporary and fleeting. So why put our trust, hope, or energy into something that will eventually fade when we have a God who never will? Only He can truly satisfy our souls.
Day 3 of John 21 Challenge
Day 3: Shared by Christi
John 3 is one of those books in the Bible that has some of the verses that are considered “greats.” I love the Red letters.
My thoughts reading through this chapter began with being thankful for the John challenge and consistently staying in the word daily through one book of the Bible. I truly hope that people are diving into this beautiful book and reaping the blessing of this challenge.
John 3 opens up with an intellectual man, named Nicodemus that they called a pharisee back then. He was asking Jesus questions trying to make sense of the miraculous things that Jesus was doing. The back and forth between Nicodemus and Jesus reminded me of how much Jesus wants us to have faith and trust him. The external things of having all the right answers or doing all the right things and also the internal work of believing in Jesus as our Savior are really not the same thing. Reading this it seems so complicated.
I love the red letters because John 3 goes from that conversation of what it is to be born again in Jesus and through the Holy Spirit to the famous John 3:16. In one verse, laying out the gospel. And that’s it. I can be that simple. He loves us and that love sets us free from everything that wants to condemn and accuse us. We have hope and joy from living in the light.
John 3 ends with one more character. It’s Jesus’s cousin, John the Baptist who is completely different from Nicodemus who liked his position of superiority. John the Baptist had followers because of his contagious spirit and obedience to baptize those that he shared the truth of the Messiah with but he shared and knew that it wasn’t for his glory. So we get another one of my personal favorite but “big” verses in John 3:30 - I MUST decrease, so that HE can increase. This truth bomb from John the Baptist is so Good! In order to have joy, we have to be filled with him and not self or the empty things the world has to offer.
If we are focused on position, we will miss our mission. John new his mission and I pray that I can keep my life free of any pressure to be popular and serve from a posture of humility reflecting Jesus.
Day 2 of John 21 Challenge
Day 2: Shared by Stacy
In John 2 we see Jesus' first public miracle of his ministry on earth with the turning of water to wine at the wedding. What I feel like God shows me from this passage is Jesus showing the abundance of his love. He didn't change a small quantity to wine- they filled the pots to the brim. It wasn't good enough wine- it was the best. And having wine at the wedding wasn't life or death- it was a blessing. With his first miracle, He showed His great love.
Also in John 2 we have Jesus visiting the temple and finding them selling items and exchanging money and he made a whip, overturned tables, and ran them out. What I felt God showing me in this today was the importance of being a peacemaker and not just a peace keeper. What Jesus saw happening was preventing people from entering God's temple and the sanctity of His house and He would not allow that. A peace keeper would have said "Don't cause a scene." But in this moment Jesus showed us that being a peacemaker doesn't always mean just keeping quiet.