A community of fate

Community becomes deeper when we share something painful. With whom would I even be prepared to die?

Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples: “Then let us also go, that we may die with him.“
John 11,16

Having an effect by not being there

Where have I lost my footing, where have I been left alone? I can recognize phases in which I had to stand on my own two feet and where I surprised myself.

And for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.
John 11,15

Game over
To know when the end has come – when is that necessary? When must it be declared out loud?

So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead.”
John 11,14

Learning to talk in the face of death

Don’t smooth over the difficult parts of life, but take them seriously: That sets energy free. Can I speak about things which oppress me and cause fear?

Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
John 11,13

Healing sleep

Sleep heals and provides power. Religious people experience this as an encounter with God. Do I also enjoy inspiring sleep?

His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better."
John 11,12

Death’s brother - sleep

A person whom everyone has abandoned is doomed. For whom do you still have hope, nonetheless?

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up."
John 11,11

A time of standstill

There are times in which I can do nothing. Only cry out in need, endure and wait for the day when I can and must take action.

It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.
John 11,10

The opportune moment

Every hour of the day counts. The most important hour is the one in which someone uses my help, my competence, my responsibility.

Are there not twelve hours of daylight?
John 11,9

The courage to face life

The courage to face life – what this is becomes shockingly clear when it suddenly vanishes. How can we strengthen our courage to face life?

"But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?"
John 11,8

Places one must go

Where do you go to communicate unpleasant decisions? Which places set energy free in you for something new? In which places can you articulate your visions?

Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."
John 11,7

The tactic of delay

Where do we have to let time go by before the turning point arrives? Where does time help, so that everyone involved can move forward? Who lets us wait?

When he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
John 11,6

Can love then be work?

Along with the beautiful parts, love is strenuous and takes energy. For which people do I engage myself? Who is important to me?

Jesus loved Martha, her sister and Lazarus.
John 11,5

Cheer up, rejoice!

When desperation turns into unbelievable joy, one can sense the glory. What kind of comfort do I desire?

This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.
John 11,4

He was born to be a brother in times of need

Many people call themselves friends. Who can you count on in an emergency? Can you list the names of your real friends?

So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
John 11,3

We have to chew on some things

How do we deal with conflict during the festival of peace? Where to put the unresolved issues? Forget, lie and celebrate?

But Mary held all these things in her heart and pondered them.
Lk 2,19

Christmas, where’s home for you?

This Mary was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.
John 11,2

Hold on to the dowel

With whom can I breath a sigh of relief and come to rest? To whom can I offer support and orientation?

Lazarus was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
John 11,1b

The day is snuffed out

A terminal illness changes ones whole life. It gives each moment absolute importance and causes one to ask what remains.

Now a man named Lazarus was sick.
John 11,1

I believe in people

About whom can you say that they believe in you? In whom do you believe? I discover moments in time when I began to believe in someone.

And in that place many came to believe in Jesus.
John 10,42

Success needs prophets

Entrepreneurs, politicians, artists create works. Who prepares the way for them?

Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.
John 10,41

Hesitation leads to failure

The reason for our failures can not always be found in external circumstances that are a given or are difficult to change. Often it is my own indecision that causes my plans to fail, hesitation on my part where action would be necessary.

Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.
John 10,39

The rooms of the soul

New freedom and creativity emerges where people open rooms of the soul for each other. With whom do I experience this happiness?

That you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.
John 10,38c

Deeds speak for themselves

Which project is impressive, irregardless of the people who founded it? Which deed of the competition convinces you?

Even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles.
John 10,38b

Eye to eye with God

We’re not just children of God, we are gods. A crucial difference. Knowing this makes a person a leader.

Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I have said you are gods'?
John 10,34

Sharpen your vision?

Sometimes I observe that an opponent can appraise me very well. Also my own vision is sharpened when it is focussed on another. Do I see as well when the goal is finding something good about the opponent?

"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
John 10,33b

On the stubbornness to protect ones dignity

External challenges threatening ones lifeline. What helps me remain innerly upright?

Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him.
John 10,31

With whom am I one?

With whom do I identify – church, family, corporation, country? Who gives me my selfconfidence? From whom do I receive my strength?

I and the Father are one.
John 10,30

Knowing there is a strong father

Which teacher made me greater than he himself was? Whom did I successfully make great?

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
John 10,29

Like a cow market

I imagine love and intimacy between God and believers to be free and not self-serving. If you think about it from another point of view, in terms of concrete gains, a less romantic picture emerges.

They shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
John 10,28

Constructive confrontation

Do I have enough inner freedom to create distance in a debate? Confrontation can clarify a relationship.

But you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
John 10,26

A simple deed

Which work can you use to show the goals of your company? Which deed allows one to see what your work is about?

The works I do in my Father's name speak for me.
John 10,25b

The right time to push open a door

When is it the right time to push open a door? Where are people pressing for an answer? Where is the aspiration strong enough?

A warning against what?

I can influence many things. Many plans can be realized. In-between there are empty spaces which I can hide from or use.

... and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade
John 10,23

The joy of celebration

During a celebration the community comes together again. Where do we celebrate? Is everyone invited? Are the important themes discussed?

Then came the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem.
John 10,22

Demons cannot heal

In times of crises many healers, helpers and advisors come forward. Who is serious? Whose words guide us in the right direction? Who is convincing?

These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?
John 10,21

Social solutions divide people

Who has new answers to social or economic problems? High expectations inspire and frighten people.

He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?
John 10,20

Where are you, Jesus?

When Jesus is there, when I experience him, my life changes. It contains nuances and becomes rich.

I have authority to lay down my life and authority to take it up again.
John 10,18

Separation and unity

External borders have fallen, new ones are being constructed. What helps overcome them? Where do I experience contact that opens up my horizons?

There shall be one flock and one shepherd.
John 10,16

The children in the house and the children on the street

Where do I belong, who are the people who carry me and strengthen me? And who are the others with whom I am in dialogue and debate?

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.
John 10,16a

Ten plagues lead to insights

Who has often disappointed and then surprised me? Who do I know best of all? For whom will I not stop fighting?

I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
John 10,14

For their own sake

There are many people in my life with whom I concern myself because they have a certain function for me. Aside from this use, they don’t interest me.

The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.
John 10,12

A weak person cannot give

Where do I encounter strong and generous people? Who holds a group together? Who leads into the future? When it becomes dangerous, who saves me?

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10,11b

The urge to live

Where does my desire to live intensely come from? Where do I look for fulfilment? What encourages me to trust life?

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10,10

Entrance into peoples’ hearts

Who opens you up for relationships? Who makes conversation easy just by being there?

I am the door to the sheep.
John 10,7

Questions accompany me

Things which I experience, people I meet, mistakes I make pose questions for me. The Pentecostal gift of the Holy Spirit does not answer all of them. But it gives me the assurance that I am not alone with my questions.

Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.
John 10,6

A mirror of the soul

Body and soul sound together in the voice. When I pay attention to it, I begin to treat others and myself with greater empathy.

But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.
John 10,5

Satan, follow me!

How can pupils pass the teacher? Who has gone ahead of you and motivated you to learn through their trust?

The shepherd goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10,4b

The genuine art of communication

Where does the person across from me like to open up? Where can I enter respectfully and upstanding. There is one who sees the door of my heart.

The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.
John 10,2

A street kid overcomes all hurdles

You alone can examine the inner voices that liberate you and make you strong. It takes courage to listen to them.

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10,3b

A connection to criminals

Where are the personalities in the church and in politics who have no fear of robbers?

I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.
John 10,1b

Whom do I invite in?

I usually know precisely for whom I do not open the door, with whom I do not want to get involved. Am I equally aware when the question is this: to whom would I like to extend an invitation?

The watchman opens the gate for the shepherd.
John 10,3a

Held even in death

Who can you build on? What holds you in life and death? The word amen makes you strong.

Amen, amen.
John 10,1

To forgo certainty for a period of time

False certainties offer no foundation. There is only the foundation of the heart. This you reach slowly.

Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”
John 9,41

To no longer fit in the old world

Whoever is torn out of her old patterns of thinking and relationships finds new and deeper questions. It is enough to be human.

"Do you believe in the Son of Man?" "Who is he, sir?" the man asked.
John 9,35f

Where have all the children gone

Concordia 72: A new youth initiative in Austria against emptiness, poverty and coldness.

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.
Lk 10,1

To end a fight
Conflicts are a part of communication. They can be resolved and they can take on a life of their own. Then it’s up to me alone to consciously bring it to an end.

To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out.
John 9,34

Prophetic artist
No fear of freedom in art. It depends on its effect.

If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.
John 9,33

Young people go their own way; one of them becomes a friend

Many have been our teachers. From whom did I learn to see what I had to do? With which teacher do I still have a friendship today?

Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses!”
John 9,28

Leaping sparks
Whoever courageously invites others creates a new community. Where does the strength for this come from?

“Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
John 9,27

Who do I allow to touch me?

I encounter many people. For a quick greeting, a small talk, to work together, for a long lasting relationship. Some of these relationships have changed me.

Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!
John 9,25

The risk in saving someone’s honour

Whoever is unjustly accused needs friends to stand up for him or her without fear. There is ultimate justice.

“Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner. “
John 9,24

An explosion with a promising future

Where are the insubordinate ones who have to be given a shove in order to stand on their own two feet and show what they can do?

The Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue.
John 9,22

Ask her yourself!

We worry about many people and look for answers. Who has them? Most probably those about whom we worry.

The parents answered: Ask him yourself. He is of age; he will speak for himself.
John 9,21

Against the current

The harder the times, the more we need prophets. They swim against the current and change our vision.

Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet."
John 9, 17

Signs that it will be good

There are certain signs that indicate whether an event comes from good or evil, whether it will bring blessings or a curse. Which signs do we find at the beginning of a year with so much uncertainty?

How can a sinner do such miraculous signs? So they were divided.
John 9,16b

A magic word

How young people become self-aware. In difficult times street children lend us the key to Christmas joy.

Because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2,7b

What do I hold on to?

Are there values for which I stand up without compromise? Or do I accommodate my faith to that which appears believable or liveable for the moment?

Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath."
John 9,16

Where are you?

Why do we search for one another? What do we want from each other? Maybe I can find more in you than I was looking for.

This man named Jesus, where is he? He said: I don’t know.
John 9,12

Moments that give the gift of light

To review ones own life and see the moments of recognition and the steps where my eyes have been opened.

How were your eyes opened?
John 9,10

Trace the line of your life
Who was I formerly, who am I today?

Some claimed it was him .Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man."
John 9,9

A way to self knowledge

My neighbour is different from me. Does this difference bring aggravation or does it open my eyes for that which is strong in me?

His neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?"
John 9,8

Looks which heal

In moments of trust we begin to understand each other more deeply; such healing moments open up a view of the world.

"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent).
John 9,7

The Hundred

When does healing begin? The turning point is when the weak person becomes active. What could he do?

He spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go and wash," he told him.
John 9,6f

How much time remains for me?

You have brought light into the world. What are you planning for the time after you are gone? What are you doing so that others will then be the light of the world?

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 9,5

The night sharpens your sight

Dreams awaken in the night. Threats come close in the night. How do I experience the night?

Night is coming, when no one can work.
John 9,4

Self-responsibility or trust?

Those who explain problems do not solve them. There are some challenges I can not master alone. Precisely these offer a chance.

"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
John 9,2

A new world opens up

Who opened your eyes once? Who opened the door to a new life and a new perspective for you? Whom have you showed something of the world to?

Along the way, Jesus saw a man who had been blind since his birth.
John 9,1

There is a time to throw stones

A stone in the hand is the strongest image of a threat and of daring. What means stand at your disposal to protect yourself from danger? How far do you go in an encounter?

At this, they picked up stones to stone him...
John 8,59

You are more important than Abraham

You’re jealous. You have too much to do. You are not recognized for your work. A remedy for feelings of insecurity.

I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!
John 8,58

The father of faith has disbelieving children

One day parents have to look on as their children break with tradition. Founders of companies have to watch as their followers do things differently. Can they rejoice on this day?

Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.
John 8,56

It’s damned hard to know God

There are varying degrees of closeness to God. Some people search for him, others reject him. One doesn’t know him at all, others love him. Some people fight with him. How great is your closeness and distance from God?

If I said I did not know God I would be a liar like you.
John 8,55

Body and Soul

What remains of a person in the afterlife? A worldly exploration of the assumption.

There are no heathens

The panorama of believers is heartening: Jews, Christians, Buddhists and atheists. What variety do you see?

My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.
John 8,54

People can not be compared

There is something that only you have. That is your trump. The discovery of your own uniqueness liberates you from envy and feelings of inadequacy.

Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets.
John 8,53

The afterlife changes this life

Words which make life precious. Words which banish death.

What the resurrection brings about. If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.
John 8,51

The greater glory

Where are you great – in business, in knowledge or in faith? There you can allow yourself to be surprised by someone even greater.

I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge.
John 8,50

Honor and abuse

To whom do I give the honor? Where do I set the priorities which I can not explain to the world?

“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me.”
John 8,49

Who risks political suicide?

To guarantee our future, we are dependant upon people who stand up for what they believe – even when others consider them heretical or crazy.

Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?
John 8,48

Appeal to their honour

Anger helps bring strengths into play. Where has an accusation brought you closer to your goals?

The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.
John 8,47

Juveniles in jail

When a mistake has to be admitted, it’s more important to come up with a new idea than to make someone feel small with accusations.

Who of you can prove me guilty of sin?
John 8,46

When one person who believes is found

How are things in our world? What do you worry about, what touches your threshold of pain? This is the key to getting started.

Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!
John 8,45

Not all lies are equal

False testimony, white lies, exaggerations, concealment – all of these are lies. They can comfort but also kill. Where is the border between them? How do I use lies?

When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8,44

Disempowering the devil

To kill with lies. How do I react when I am threatened? Do I dare to enter the conflict or do I pull back?

He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.
John 8,44

The devil has something tell to us

Where do I encounter people who challenge me because they are in the grip of the devil or because they fight against the devil? About discernment of the spirits.

You belong to your father, the devil and you want to carry out your father’s desires.
John 8,44

The evil spirit has a tail like a snake

> When I following the course of my thoughts, I can recognize whether they come from an evil or a good spirit. Which aftertaste do my decisions leave?

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire.
John 8,44

Who is the father of your thoughts?

God or the devil? Where do my plans lead me – to an inner calmness or to more and more pressure? Rules for discerning the spirits.

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire.
John 8,44

I know what you want to say

A bad rumour or a positive discovery: which word stayed with you?

Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.
John 8,43

When we no longer understand young people

When paths become steep and lead in different directions, the question of heritage and the goal become important. Whom do I want to serve, what do I want to achieve?

If God were your father, you would love me.
John 8,42

Patchwork in Families and Firms

Adultery or further development. Where does a new relationships threaten a new project or us? Whom do I give a bit of trust in the insecurity of a new beginning?

"We are not illegitimate children. The only Father we have is God himself."
John 8,41

Cursing to peace

Whom would I like to kill most of all? Conflicts, enemies and processes – about the use of aggression.

Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word.
John 8,37b

What’s it like for the daughters and sons of great people?

Whose son and daughter am I? Who are my spiritual father and mother? A delicate relationship.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8,36

The house where I can stay

With whom do you work? With whom do you live? With whom do you feel at home? How a slave differs from a son or a daughter.

Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
John 8,35

To live in this and in the other world

Easter invites us to look at the people I live with. Who is closer to me than the world or material could explain? Who has gone ahead of me to the heavenly home?

I am going there to prepare a room for you in my Father’s house.
John 14,2

Prosperity has two faces

Looking at something clearly and not moralising awakens the strength to resist and fight against sin. Whom can you liberate from burdens?

Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
John 8,34

Which goal sets you free?

Recognize your duties but don’t lose sight of the important goals. Only in that way are you free.

We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone.
John 8,33

The truth lies in the future

A different term for truth. Not a philosophy, but rather a way, a journey.The truth breaks systems open; it says what lies ahead

Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
John 8,32

My friend the agnostic

It it’s not about mimicry, it depend on ones deeds. Who holds on to Jesus’ word?

If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples.
John 8,31b

Words which transform

I remember words which gave me faith. Which words transform the negative to positive? A basic course in belief.

Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
John 8,30

The sending makes one strong

Where is there need, where is there an emergency, where am I being sent? The sending is more important than ones own inclinations or desires. It is even more important that the calculation of talents and resources.

The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone.
John 8,29

Lifting up one’s view

How do we make other people great? How do we awaken their self-confidence and animate their abilities? Affirmation and encouragement produce strength.

When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be.
John 8,27

Inspiration and a view of the world

Where are the inventors who move us forward? Where is the world which needs our products and solutions? The source of innovation – to sense the need and listen to oneself.

What I heard from him, I tell the world.
John 8,26c

Silence is golden

When I give everything I’ve got, the others control me or I frighten them. Holding back makes the mystery of a person tangible.

I would still have much to say about you and in judgment of you.
John 8,26a

As the pupils got the teacher all tied up in knots

Knowledge and products will be developed further. The final decision is made at the emotional level.

Who are you? they asked. Why am I still talking to you? Jesus replied.
John 8,25

The luck of meeting Bruno

Ways out of stress, boredom and the feeling of worthlessness. Who calls us to friendship and to human engagement?

At home in two worlds

Rationality and dreams, this life and the next – there is a healing tension between above and below. Who casts their gaze upwards?

You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
John 8,23

Bethlehem at the train station

Where are you going to celebrate Christmas this year? Who are the defenseless to whom you go? Where does the light for your holidays come from?

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David.
Luke 2,4

Who wants to kill themselves?

What is characteristic of an entrepreneurial personality? Founders, fathers, mothers, and crazy people have something in common.

This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself?”
John 8,22a

Conversing with the deceased

Who leads me, who encourages me, who lives in me? People who have moved on but are still close to me.

I am going away, and you will look for me.
John 8,21a

Wine drinkers and wine connoisseurs

Agnostics and god fearing people both search for justice. It depends on taste.

If you knew me, you would know my Father also.
John 8,19b

The tavern owner remains a tavern owner

Which decisions can I justify rationally? Where do I follow my feelings? About the necessity of lonely decisions.

You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.
John 8,15

Where are you going?

My heritage and the tasks which lie before me: Where do I come from, where am I going? Two sources of self-confidence.

I know where I came from and where I am going
John 8,14b

A powerful means of encouragement

To employ the power of my history. Do my words clobber others on the head or do they encourage them and relieve them of a burden?

"Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
John 8,13b

Does only one light shine?

Foreign religions and cultures, idealists and entrepreneurs are contenders in the service to humankind.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.
John 8,12b

The power to change

Judgments bind. Weaknesses and mistakes make it possible to understand others and to pick them up.

Jesus declared, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.“
John 8,11b

Younger people learn from their elders

I’ve done wrong. To whom can I turn in order to get out of it`?

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.
John 8,9a

The goal is not to be without sin

Can decisions from distant central office be humane? About the ability to empathize.

If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.
John 8,7b

You should write on the earth twice

Locked in a conflict. Places with symbolic power can resolve difficult questions.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
John 8,6b

Questions reveal who you are

To judge a person, to win trust, to test a theory, to solve a problem – how do you use questions?

They asked this to test him. They wanted to find a reason to bring charges against him.
John 8,6

When does punishment make sense?

It is normal to motivate with rewards. Where is the limit upon which the threat of punishment is necessary?

In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?
John 8,5

How to stand up for values without offending people

In Vienna every second marriage ends in divorce, in Austria every third. How can we support the families and accompany the broken relationships?

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group.
John 8,3

Our world needs Nicodemus

Our conscience is needed when the majority is in the wrong. Standing up for others takes courage.

Nicodemus asked, “Does our law condemn a person without first hearing him to find out what he does?”
John 7, 51

The cursed people

Cooperative decision making and leadership exist in tension to each other. Where do I have to resist?

But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.
John 7,49

The political messiah

How political is Christianity? Jesus had a world wide program. Who implements it today?

Others said: “He is the messiah.”
John 7,41

Critics become founders

Where do leaders develop? Prophetic people – the necessary counterpart to leadership.

“…some of the people said, ‘Surely this man is the Prophet.’”
John 7,40

The weight of words

Who has something to say to me? From whom do streams of living water flow?

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
John 7,38

You can look beyond, but you may not go there

To withdraw and make others great. Karl Wlaschek’s 90th birthday.

“You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come."
John 7,34

The unsatisfied show the way

Regarding the thirst of the wealthy. What do young people desire? About the symbol of water.

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.“
John 7,37

Do we need to be afraid Islam?

How can Europe overcome the crisis? Venture the spiritual attack. We can learn from business.

The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?”
John 7,35

What happens when the messiah comes?

Catastrophes are on the rise. Do people learn from them? There are positive signs.

"When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?"
John 7,31

The teacher thinks of one thing, we of the other

I know you, I love you – about whom can I say that?

I know him because I am from him and he sent me.
John 7, 29

The just are on the way

Who finds protection with you? The Bible differentiates between laws and justice.

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment!"
John 7,24

The seventh part for healthiness

What is sanctifying time? About the difference between free time and Sundays.

“Are you angry with me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the Sabbath day?”
John 7,23b

Which work describes you?

What is your personal trade mark? Is there a single work with which you can describe yourself? The point from which your energy flows?

Jesus said to them, "I did one miracle, and you are all astonished.”
John 7, 21

A strong personality polarises

Will we take a chance on a charismatic personalities? A question of the conflict culture.

“Why are you trying to kill me?" "You are demon-possessed," the crowd answered.
"Who is trying to kill you?"
John 7,19

A view to the starry sky

To whom do you give honor? For whom do you live? Power will be released.

He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself.
John 7,18

The wind blows where it pleases

The spirit keeps working, even when our plans are thwarted and our arrangements fall apart. Expectations for Pentecost.

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.
John 3,8

Is it enough to be a decent person?

To activate human reserves. What do I say to people who are searching? What leads out of a conflict?

If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.
John 7,17

Between Desire and Assignment

Where am I needed? Who sends me? Central questions which lead to success.

Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.”
John 7, 16

That what is genius and that what is learned

Computer science, education societies, elite universities – they don’t create geniuses.
Where can geniuses be found?

The Jews were amazed and asked, "How did this man get such learning without having studied?"
John 7,15

Everyone celebrates, one person disturbs

Tradition alone is deadly. Every festival has its own energy. How is this energy released?

Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach.
John 7,14

Fear ensures the future

Your competition, your opposition – whom do you have to fear?

But no one would say anything publicly about him due to the Jews’ fear.
John 7,13

The Red Cardinal was controversial

Which political topics, which people polarize? What’s positive about wagging tongues.

Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he leads the people astray."
John 7,12

A recommendation for an Easter stroll

The grave is the place where people either break or grow spiritually. Love remains, faith becomes stronger.

Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies…Do you believe this?"
John 11,25f.

That which only comes into being in secret

Ideas and decisions need the luxury of secrecy. Where are these spaces?

“…he went also, not publicly, but in secret.”
John 7,10

By whom are you hated?

It is not a bad sign to be hated. Regarding the difference between
populism and politics.

”The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.”
John 7,7

It depends on proper timing

To do the right thing at the wrong times causes much damage. Help in managing time is needed.

Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right.“

The brothers’ long path

Exceptional performance is threatening. Give siblings time!

For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
John 7,5

The Religious Roots of Anti-Semitism

Who is guilty of the death of Jesus? Did the Jews crucify Jesus? Dealing with prejudices.

After this, Jesus purposely stayed away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.
John 7,1

Liberation from the Judas complex

Witches used to be burned. Today people are demonized. Judas lives in our society.

Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!"
John 6, 70

Words which keep working

Small talk, chatter, discussions, messages – everything is words. When are they the words of eternal life?

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
John 6, 68

Exorcisms, Original Sin, Hell - where have they gone?

The church changed its mission strategy. It has learned from the PR industry. That is dangerous.

No one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.
John 6, 65

The good ones, the trouble makers and the outsiders

With whom is it easiest for you to work, with the good kids, the trouble makers or the outsiders? A personality test.

For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.
John 6, 64

To free the spirit

For teenagers, an event needs to be awesome or cool. What makes an evening or a trip interesting?

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
John 6,63

Separating from those who are overburdened

Ambitious projects needs courageous workers; it’s like in extreme expeditions. Many aren’t able to come along, some need to turn around. A conflict arises – does it leave wounds?

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"
John 6,60

Everything depends on me – everything depends on you
Everything depends on me – is this what people say who are overwhelmed or those who shoulder the burden of being productive?

Faith is nothing pious

The crazy thing about you

God likes to disturb our circles. Misfortunes and surprises, encounters and insights form our personality. How did you become?

No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.
John 6, 46

Christmas must become political

What do you do on Christmas Eve? Christmas as it used to be and Christmas today - what has changed?

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
Luke 2,1

The departure from exile

Prosperity leads to exile. Churches and youth organisations feel this most acutely. Who will manage to reverse the trend?

It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.
John 6,45

No salvation outside of the church?

"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Joh 6,43

A strong personality – how does it develop?

From where do I take my sovereignty? Suffering and elements of luck.
And they said: Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?

How then can he say: I came down from heaven?
John 6,42

Separations and what they mean

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up on the last day.
John 6, 39

Who is my teacher?

Then Jesus declared, " I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.“
John 6,35

What endures

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
John 6,27

Give a sign

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.
John 6,26

Fear and reverence

They saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid. But he said to them, "It is I. Don't be afraid."
John 6,19

The angels are down below
What would the world be without angels? Where do we find them, in heaven or on earth?

"…you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
John 1,51

A Call to Arms

Many enemies, much honor. It is dangerous when you have no
opposition. Where is the front on which you fight?

You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.
John 1, 50

Everyone sits under his own fig tree

What does the spiritual world look like which makes us resistant to injustice? With whom can I have good discussions? Who are my spiritual partners?

"I saw you under the fig tree."

John 1,48

Where are the troublemakers?

"Nazareth ! Can anything good come from there?"
John 1,46

The Time of Bridge Builders

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee . Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."
John 1,43

Looking for a power person

Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas." Cephas means rock (translated Peter).
John 1,42

The Andreas Principle

How we live

Look, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
John 1,29

Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1,29

He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.
John 1,27

They asked John, `Who are you?' John told them. He did not hide the truth, but he told people plainly. He said, `I am not the Christ.'
John 1,19

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us
John 1,14

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
John 1,11

The word was with God, and the word was God.
John 1,1

In the beginning was the word.
John 1,1

In the beginning was the word.
John 1,1

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.
John 13,3

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to hand over Jesus.
John 13,2

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.
John 13,2

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.
John 13,2

The evening meal was being served.
John 13,2

He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
John 13,1

Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.
John 13,1

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
John 13,1

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
John 13,1