John's record of the last days of the earthly life of the Lord begins with the supper at Bethany - a remarkable picture of Christian worship and commitment seen in Martha's service, the testimony of Lazarus, and Mary's demonstration of faith by the symbol of anointing.

- earthly and personal desires that is. Beginning with the need to curb determination to have one's way, Solomon deals with anger, longings in general, and the 'evil eye' of coveting. He powerfully emphasises the need to observe God's sacred boundaries in life.

Two months before Calvary, the ruling council of chief priests and clergy assembled to plan the death of Jesus of Nazareth. Their folly is here tracked to show how everything they thought and planned was overruled and re-shaped by the sovereign power of Christ.

Christ's parable of the pounds had a message for His Jewish hearers, plus an ongoing one to the people of all times, namely that everyone has an awareness or instinct of God and should invest it by seeking to find Him and know Him.

Over several days, the Lord gave three clear intimations that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, but the disciples, then Martha, in varying degrees, could not take in His words. Faith triumphed in the end, and here is the history of growing conviction.