Author Archives: David Cartledge

John 2:13–22 reveals Jesus as the new Temple, the living dwelling place of God’s presence. In Israel’s story, the holy of holies was the concentrated centre of divine glory.  In John’s Gospel, that presence dwells among us in Jesus, the … Continue reading →

Jesus’ body is the new Temple (John 2:18-22). The Temple had been the place where God’s Name dwelt, where divine glory was revealed, where heaven and earth met.  To identify Jesus as the new Temple is to assert that everything … Continue reading →

We are creatures of longing. But where do these longings come from? Their roots lie in our creation: we were made to dwell with God as He dwells with us. This takes us back to Eden. Eden was a garden‑temple—God’s … Continue reading →

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 →