Author Archives: David Cartledge

John 1:35–51 invites us to witness the very first moments of Jesus forming his new community—one built around himself.  God’s presence now stands before them in Jesus, inviting them to dwell with him. They ask him, “Where are you staying?” … Continue reading →

John the Baptist identified Jesus as the one who baptises with the Spirit—the Spirit who gives life (John 6:63). This life is relational: it is the eternal communion shared between the Father and the Son in the Spirit. When Jesus … Continue reading →

The one who sent John the Baptist told him, “He on whom the Spirit comes and remains is the one who baptises with the Spirit.” This identifies Jesus as the source of the Spirit’s for the community gathered around him. … Continue reading →

John the Baptist consistently pointed people to Jesus as the one they should follow.. His testimony did not rest on his own insight, but on what he had seen: the Spirit descending upon Jesus and remaining. The verb menō—“to remain,” … Continue reading →

Jesus is called the Lamb of God because he is the true Passover Lamb who launches a New Exodus. His mission is not merely rescuing isolated individuals from hell; he is leading a renewed humanity out of the “Egypt” of … Continue reading →

The religious authorities confronted John the Baptist with the question, “Who are you?”  John answered first by clarifying who he is not: he is not the Messiah, not Elijah returned, and not the Prophet like Moses. His self‑understanding begins with … Continue reading →

Standing on Sinai’s heights, Moses dared to pray, “Show me Your glory.” It was the cry of a heart that wanted more than commandments or miracles—he wanted God Himself. God desired to reveal His goodness, yet He also knew that … Continue reading →

Glory, in Israel’s story, is the radiant nearness of God—His presence so weighty, so alive, that human beings trembled before it as it both dazzled and unsettled. However, in Israel’s darkest moment, Moses pleaded, “Show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18). … Continue reading →

Grace was constantly seen in Jesus’ words, actions, and presence. John saw the fullness, and  he also received from the fullness “grace upon grace.” How should we understand this grace upon grace? Many hear it as “one blessing after another,” … Continue reading →

Before Israel entered the land, the tabernacle was the place where God chose to dwell among His people. When it was completed, the tabernacle was filled with the shekinah glory—the radiant, visible manifestation of God’s presence (Exodus 40:33–35). That same … Continue reading →