Excerpts from John Alive! The Gospel of John Paraphrased for Prayer and Meditation


Chapter 4, Samaritan woman approaching Jesus at Jacob’s Well

Ticva, a Samaritan woman, approaches Jacob’s well. As Ticva takes notice of Jesus she thinks, “What’s he doing here? He certainly isn’t one of us. I came here knowing that no one would be around at this time of day, and there he sits just as content as he can be. He does look a bit tired and thirsty. I won’t have to worry about giving anything to him, nor do I care whether he needs a drink of water or not. He can get his own drink. Maybe I can drive him crazy by offering him a drink. He won’t take it from me, since I’m considered unclean. Well, one thing is for sure, he’s not allowed to talk to a woman in public, and since he’s a Jew, he won’t talk to me because I am a Samaritan. The Jewish rabbis have never forgiven us for intermarrying with foreigners. They still condemn us as violators of the Law. It was the sign of the times. We did what felt right. But they couldn’t accept this fact, and have labeled us heretics and unworthy. Why is he looking at me and smiling? He can’t do that! I don’t know him, nor do I want to be associated with him, a hypocritical Jew. He does look pleasant enough. What am I saying, he’s a Jew and they’re all rotten to the core. They have their stubborn pride about who can or cannot make use of the Temple. He doesn’t have anything to get water. Well he won’t use my bucket or ladle. If he touches anything I’ve handled or even associates with me, he’s going to be considered unclean and will have to go through the rites of purification to become whole again. I guess I won’t have to be bothered with this character.”
As Ticva approaches Jacob’s well, Jesus speaks. “Good day.”


Chapter 11, Scene after Mary goes out to meet Jesus after his arrival in Bethany

Some of the mourners notice that Jesus is silently weeping.
Joseph turns to Ethan, “Look at Jesus. He is weeping. He must have loved Lazarus very much.”
Ethan replies, “His tears are probably just for show. If he loved Lazarus so much, he would have come earlier. Martha and Mary sent word to him days ago. I know for a fact that Micaiah personally delivered a message to him. Since he gave the blind beggar sight, you would think that he could have stopped Lazarus from dying. I suppose his excuse was that he was too busy to come earlier. He gives a great performance, but I’m not convinced of his sincerity.”
Ethan says these words loud enough for Jesus to overhear.
Jesus turns and stares at Ethan. “Father, I feel this touch of anger building inside of me, but no matter how hard I try there will always be those who will talk against me. I will always have to endure the taunts of nonbelievers. Their hearts are hardened. I will continue to show them love and respect and maybe in time, they will come to see the errors of their ways. Heavenly Father with the raising of Lazarus I will show the mourners your magnificent power and glory. May you ease the pain of Martha and Mary.”

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How do you handle the taunts of non-believers?
How do you handle Christians who don’t understand your position?
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Chapter 18, Judas and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

Judas approaches Jesus.
Jesus speaks, “Judas, I know why you have come. You have not come to show your loyalty, as one of my chosen Twelve, but to demonstrate your disloyalty and betrayal with a sign of affection. I know that this must be done to fulfill what Scripture has foretold, yet I am still saddened at your hardened heart. I have shown you love and you have thrown it to the winds. You stand before me thinking that this is your time. You have all these men looking at you, for the moment. They will come to know you as a traitor, one who can’t be trusted. Take your moment of so called glory, for you will come to know that this is my time, not yours. Do what you must do, betray me with a kiss, for I will not stand in the way of destiny. But as you do, remember that you are displaying your utter worthlessness.”
Judas stands before Jesus. “Teacher.”
With this word, Judas kisses Jesus, and then steps back to see his reaction. There is none.


Final Reflection from Chapter 10

The joy in reading this chapter is the story about the Good Shepherd. Many of you have seen the picture of Jesus holding a lamb close to his heart. If you could only imagine that each of you is that lamb, and that Jesus values you just as you are, then it might be easier to feel just an ounce of his love. Even if you feel unworthy of his love, Jesus knows each one of you by name. He knows what lies deep in the chambers of your heart. With your faith in him, who is unseen, he will guide you into his loving arms and give you the light of his love. He will open the doors to a whole new world. Cherish it! Even in the hard times he will bring you closer to him, if you let him. You must never give up your faith and hope in him. Even if you have wandered and have trouble finding your way home, the loving Lord will send an under-shepherd to guide you on your journey. Just remember to stop and listen. You will hear his words, “Come home, I am waiting for you!”
Have you noticed that Jesus doesn’t give up on anyone? Even though the Pharisees want to arrest or stone him, Jesus keeps coming back. He doesn’t give up easily. Once you have come to know the truth about him, he will be by your side, even if you turn and look the other way. Like the runaway lamb, I struggled with my beliefs. As much as I wanted to run, I always returned. Even in my unbelief, I always believed and trusted in God. I have come to know and accept the love Jesus has for each one of us
For those who struggle with the truths about God, know that he is always waiting for you. All you have to do is ask for his help. Even if you don’t ask, Jesus will know when you are ready. Jesus will always seek those who are lost. Once you are found, he will show you the way to greener pastures.