Gus Cameron

1 September 2026

Psalm 105:1-23

Gus Cameron

1 September 2026

This month, we are returning to our devotions through the book of Psalms. For these devotions, instead of hearing someone else’s reflections, each day I’ll ask you to reflect on the Psalm yourself using two simple questions:

What things in the Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus? It could be something about his ministry, his suffering and death, his resurrection, his kingdom, or what God has done for us through Jesus.

But don’t worry if you can’t always think of something – just read, reflect and pray.

~~~

1 Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
make known His deeds among the nations.
2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
tell of all His wonders.3 Glory in His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
4 Seek out the LORD and His strength;
seek His face always.
5 Remember the wonders He has done,
His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced,
6 O offspring of His servant Abraham,
O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.
7 He is the LORD our God;
His judgments carry throughout the earth.
8 He remembers His covenant forever,
the word He ordained for a thousand generations—
9 the covenant He made with Abraham,
and the oath He swore to Isaac.
10 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
11 “I will give you the land of Canaan
as the portion of your inheritance.”
12 When they were few in number,
few indeed, and strangers in the land,
13 they wandered from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another.
14 He let no man oppress them;
He rebuked kings on their behalf:
15 “Do not touch My anointed ones!
Do no harm to My prophets!”
16 He called down famine on the land
and cut off all their supplies of food.
17 He sent a man before them—
Joseph, sold as a slave.
18 They bruised his feet with shackles
and placed his neck in irons,
19 until his prediction came true
and the word of the LORD proved him right.
20 The king sent and released him;
the ruler of peoples set him free.
21 He made him master of his household,
ruler over all his substance,
22 to instruct his princes as he pleased
and teach his elders wisdom.
23 Then Israel entered Egypt;
Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

31 August 2026

John 13:36-38

Gus Cameron

31 August 2026

36 “Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked.
Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.”
37 “Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.”
38 “Will you lay down your life for Me?” Jesus replied. “Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Annie Davies

This passage makes me reflect on sin and my own experience of the Christian life. There have been times in my life when I have been so keen for Christ, so certain I will go and be a missionary overseas, and open to embrace every kind of challenge and suffering for Christ, to make him known. Like Peter, I can say to Jesus, “I will lay down my life for you”.

Then I have kids, and suddenly I am not so bold. I am not as willing to make sacrifices for Christ when it may be hard for my family, and I can slide into wanting a comfortable life. Struggles with sleeplessness and busyness with kids take over, and doubts about God creep in. How do I go from such certainty and zeal for Christ to wavering in my willingness? It makes me wonder how easily, in my changed circumstances, I might slip into denying Christ entirely. The power of sin is shocking and scary to think about!

This reminds me of what Paul writes in Romans 7:21, which describes a similar struggle with sin: “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me”. We know and love Christ and want to follow him, yet evil and sin are right there and we need to keep fighting them. This continual struggle seems to be part of the Christian life.

I am so thankful Jesus was glorified like he said he would be. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has defeated sin and death. Despite the struggles, I am encouraged to keep struggling and fighting sin. We can trust God and hold onto his promises that Christ’s death has paid the penalty for sin and we will go to be with Christ later.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Annie is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

29 August 2026

John 13:31-35

Gus Cameron

29 August 2026

31 When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify the Son in Himself—and will glorify Him at once.
33 Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’
34 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Queenie Favelle

As I read this passage, the question that came to my mind was: Why is it a ‘new’ commandment that Jesus is giving to the disciples? Loving each other is basically the summary of the law of Moses (see Leviticus 19:18).

But I quickly realised that Jesus is referring to his example of loving each other, which is laying down his life for them. Even though Jesus knew that he would soon die on the cross, his preoccupation is not his own suffering, but what will happen to his disciples. He tenderly calls them his ‘little children’ and he spends the next 2 chapters comforting them before he heads to the cross.

Jesus’ love for us is to the point of death, and we are to love each other in the same way. This really is a big challenge, because we so often want to put ourselves in front of others and think about the ‘sacrifices’ we make for church. But Jesus’ love is a high calling. It is love that is willing and sacrificial, not counting the cost.

And when we love like Jesus does, it has an evangelistic edge. It is a gospel witness to others. As they see what kind of love we show each other, they get a glimpse of the love that Jesus has shown us. Our love for each other will be attractive to many non-Christians, especially in our individualistic and self-centred society. How we love will have a bearing on how others perceive Jesus.

Reflect now on how we are going with showing real love for each other. Is our love stingy, or is it the kind of willing, sacrificial love that Jesus has shown us on the cross?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Queenie is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

28 August 2026

John 13:21-30

Gus Cameron

28 August 2026

21 After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.”
22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant. 23 One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. 24 So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about. 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him.
Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew why Jesus had said this to him. 29 Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as he had received the morsel, Judas went out into the night.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

I found the whole bread-dipping thing confusing at first. How did the disciples not understand it was Judas? I think it’s that, when Jesus actually handed him the bread and spoke to him, he did it subtly so the others wouldn’t pick it up. He wanted them to know that his betrayal was part of God’s sovereign plan, but he didn’t want them to know who the betrayer was – not yet.

Why not? Because they would have jumped on Judas and tied him to a chair to stop him! Jesus wouldn’t allow that. Even as his death drew closer – as the enormity of what he would suffer (God’s wrath on the whole world!) bore down on his truly-human mind and emotions – still Jesus resolutely directed events to take him to the cross. “What you are about to do, do quickly” (v. 27): he virtually pushed Judas “out into the night” (v. 30).

Into the night. That isn’t a random detail. It symbolises what had happened to Judas’s heart. Judas had walked away from the Light of the world and into the darkness. It symbolises what verse 27 tells us: “when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him.”

I wonder if you read that and thought, “It wasn’t Judas’s fault – Satan took control of him, so how could he resist?” It’s true that, at this point, Judas was not in control of his own steps. And yet the fault was entirely his. It wasn’t like he went from “eager disciple” to “slave of Satan” in a single moment. Long before this, he had taken to stealing from their communal funds (John 12:6). Before this night arrived, Satan had suggested to him the path of greed and betrayal (John 13:2), and he hadn’t resisted. No one walks away from Jesus innocently and against the grain of their own choices. Satan’s control is built on a hundred moments of deciding for the world instead of for Jesus.

I’ve wrestled many times with the question: What will stop me from walking away from Jesus? And the Bible always brings me back to the same two answers. From my side, God calls me to strive against sin, the world, and the devil with all the energy he gives me. And at the same time, I know that ultimately, I will only continue in Christ because of God’s grace and sustaining power in me. So I trust him with my future, even while I strive.

Pray now for his strength, and place your future in his hands.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our Senior Minister.

Gus Cameron

27 August 2026

John 13:12-20

Gus Cameron

27 August 2026

12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
18 I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He. 20 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Paul Bogg

The other day, after my 5-year-old’s bath, I told her how hard I had to scrub her feet to get them clean. She had been walking around outside barefoot, and come bathtime, her feet were filthy. She understood that it can be hard to clean your own feet (it’s hard to get to them properly!), and that your feet often get dirtier than any other part of you.

Yesterday we heard how Jesus’ washed his disciples’ filthy feet. Today he explains that he has set an example for them to follow. He commands them to do the same for each other. He then says something that the world doesn’t understand: no servant is greater than the master. In other words, if Jesus the master is prepared to do the lowliest acts of service, then so should his followers.

I reminded my daughter of Jesus’ words. He died for us to wash us clean – and we live in light of what he has done. She immediately knew what he meant, I didn’t even have to explain it. The example that he set was enough that she wanted to have a go at doing some things herself for others. This morning, she got breakfast for her older sister (I'm not crying, I promise).

If Jesus’ example is enough for my 5-year-old to understand and put into action, it’s enough for all of us. What lowly act of service will you take on in response to Jesus’ example? Perhaps taking on an unseen, unrecognised work or support for someone or for the church? Perhaps reaching out to a brother or sister who you haven’t seen recently, to pray over them or encourage them in some way? Pray about it and serve like the great king has served us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

26 August 2026

John 13:1-11

Gus Cameron

26 August 2026

1 It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end. 2 The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
3 Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. 4 So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him.
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus told him, “Whoever has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him. That is why He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Yuan Vongsavanh

I remember reading these verses years ago during my early exploration of Christianity and they left an uncomfortable lasting image in my mind. It is unfathomable that the Son of God would get up from the dinner table, lower himself to a servant’s role and posture, and wash his disciples’ feet. In Jesus’s time, when people walked in sandals on dusty roads, feet were gross, caked in dirt, mud, and street waste. Yet Jesus, stripping away his robes and his status, used his bare hands to clean that filth.

Even before I accepted Christ, this image made me uneasy because I recognised it as an act of deep humility. Today, viewing this scene through the lens of the cross, that discomfort is still there, but also a profound gratitude. Jesus knew every sin and shortcoming I had and would ever commit, yet he still chose the path of the ultimate self-sacrificing servant, giving his life to redeem me and cleanse me.

How undeserving we are of a love that unfathomable! This passage remains a powerful reminder of his ultimate sacrifice, freeing us from sin and offering eternal life. What a beautiful reason to praise Him for that now in prayer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yuan is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

25 August 2026

John 12:44-50

Gus Cameron

25 August 2026

44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me alone, but in the One who sent Me. 45 And whoever sees Me sees the One who sent Me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.
47 As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
49 I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Paul Bogg

Today’s passage marks the last words that Jesus proclaims in his public ministry in the gospel of John. Although Jesus had performed many signs in full public view, many still did not believe him. So when he cries out in verse 44, my first reflection is that you can really get the sense that he is making one last concerted effort to anyone who is still listening: “Believe in me! Believe in my words. I have come, from the Father, to save and to be a light for all, so that no one who believes remains in darkness.”

In a world that continues to live in great darkness, Jesus is that light. His words have the power to save. The time of judgment is not yet – but there will be a time when God will hand down judgment, on that last day. But for today: salvation is available for anyone who receives the words of Jesus.

So as a follower of Jesus, what should my response be to today’s passage? I think it is to continue to do exactly what Jesus did: speak what the Father has told Jesus to say. For me, that means to go and proclaim the news the Jesus is the Christ, the saviour of the world, the light that you can come into out of the darkness. Whisper it or cry it out, but share the hope that this brings with someone you know, that they too might believe in Jesus as Lord.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul is a member of our Bossley Park morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

24 August 2026

John 12:37-43

Gus Cameron

24 August 2026

37 Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
“Lord, who has believed our message?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says:
40 “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
so that they cannot see with their eyes,
and understand with their hearts,
and turn,
and I would heal them.”
41 Isaiah said these things because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him. 42 Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. 43 For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Adam Davies

This passage immediately makes me think of that classic thing people say: “If Jesus/God came and spoke to me or showed himself to me, then I would believe.”

That feels like it should be obvious – if Jesus was standing right in front of me now, performing miracles, healing the sick, even raising the dead, well of course all my doubts would disappear and I would leave everything to follow him… wouldn’t I?

The trouble with this age-old objection to following Jesus is that he did come, and he did perform many signs, but people still didn’t believe him! We entertain thoughts like, wouldn’t it be better if Jesus came now, because we could make a video documentary, and then the evidence would be so clear to everyone, but really… would it?

In an age of “AI slop” where “Shrimp Jesus” gets as much attention as anything real (yes, that’s a thing on the internet now!), it still wouldn’t help! It’s not an evidence problem, it’s a heart issue. If I simply don’t want to give up living for myself, I will find any excuse not to trust in Jesus, even if his work is clear before me. Isaiah spoke many years before Jesus came about this exact problem – our eyes are blinded, our hearts are hardened, so we cannot turn and be healed.

But I thank God that he chose to reveal himself to me, that he worked in me by his Spirit so I can believe his message, and has promised to keep me for the day of salvation. Otherwise there would be zero hope for me, a sinner.

What about you? Have you believed his message that has been revealed, or are you harbouring doubts that long for a direct revelation that would give you the certainty you desire? Christ has already come in the flesh, what more could we want?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

22 August 2026

John 12:27-36

Gus Cameron

22 August 2026

27 Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.
30 In response, Jesus said, “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours. 31 Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.
34 The crowd replied, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever. So how can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”
35 Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.”
After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Matt Radloff

Why did Jesus come into the world? Why did he enter the world that he made? Why face rejection, humiliation and death? Jesus tells us that this is the very reason that he came. He came to die. But not a pointless, meaningless death. Jesus came to die a death that would be the most significant death in the history of the world. He knew that this was the reason for him to come, and he knew what it would accomplish. It would bring glory to his Father's name. Even while Jesus' soul was troubled, fearful of what stood before him, he called for his Father to glorify his name. Jesus knew that his death on the cross would bring glory to God. And that's exactly what it did. Jesus was lifted up, nailed to the cross in pain and suffering. And from there, he shone as light for all people, radiating God's glory. He gathered us to himself, people from all tribes and nations. He brought us to see the Father's love for us, so that we might give glory to the Father.

Jesus shows us how important the Father's glory is to him. And I think this passage challenges us to seek the Father's glory as well. We don't do that by making ourselves look good. Instead, we give glory to the Father by listening to him. Jesus listened to his Father and obeyed him to the cross; he glorified his Father's name. And so, for us, we also bring glory to God when we listen to and obey him. As God calls us to step out in faith each and every day, we bring him glory when we listen to his voice. Most of all, we glorify God when we obey his word by coming to Jesus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt is one of our Student Ministers.

Gus Cameron

21 August 2026

John 12:20-26

Gus Cameron

21 August 2026

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 Philip relayed this appeal to Andrew, and both of them went and told Jesus.
23 But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

REFLECTIONS

Written by George MIhas

We see in verse 20 some religious Greeks go to Jerusalem to worship before Passover. Whether they were Gentiles following the Jewish religion or converts is not clear. Nevertheless they have heard of a famous miracle worker and they want to see him. We’re not told why – do they want to be entertained or could they really believe he is the promised Messiah? (What does that even mean, seeing as no one truly understood what the Messiah came to do?)

One thing stands out to me: Jesus is not distracted. He is determined to continue his path to the cross, and he starts to preach a cryptic sermon about why he is going to die. He doesn't run to them. He isn't interested in man's approval. He isn't chasing money or fame, he is determined to finish his Father’s work.

This part of Scripture makes me think of those television evangelists who have swayed from the truth and who preach a gospel of health, wealth and prosperity, like “Just give me more money and you can get back to the Garden of Eden.”

Isn’t it funny that I’m criticising that, as a former charismatic Christian? I believe these people start off in ministry with a heart to serve, but man is corruptible. Not everyone can handle the wealth and fame and all the temptations. And I’m no expert in this - Lord have mercy on us and help us!

Praise God that Jesus is not like that. Let us look to Jesus so that we learn to serve God in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. Let us push on and walk with Christ when life is hard and learn to praise God when everything is going wrong.

The other thing that stands out to me is what Jesus says about his death. He explains that his time to be glorified is approaching because he is going to the cross. He does this symbolically by saying that when a seed falls to the ground and dies, it produces a great crop (v 24). In the same way, Jesus’ death for the sin of the world is producing much fruit of sinners rescued from hell to eternal life.

But then Jesus connects his death to us, by saying that every true Christian will follow his example of giving up our lives of worldliness to serve him. Use his words as you pray today:

“Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” (v 25-26)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

George is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

20 August 2026

John 12:12-19

Gus Cameron

20 August 2026

12 The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting:
“Hosanna!”
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the King of Israel!”
14 Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written:
15 “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion.
See, your King is coming,
seated on the colt of a donkey.”
16 At first His disciples did not understand these things, but after Jesus was glorified they remembered what had been done to Him, and they realized that these very things had also been written about Him.
17 Meanwhile, many people continued to testify that they had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead. 18 That is also why the crowd went out to meet Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign.
19 Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You can see that this is doing you no good. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Grace Ip

Have you ever looked back on a season of your life and thought, "Now it makes sense"? At the time, you couldn't understand why God allowed things to unfold the way they did. Yet, with the benefit of hindsight, you can often see His wisdom and faithfulness more clearly.

I think back to a time when I started a new job and, not long after, wanted to quit. I questioned whether I'd made the right decision and kept asking God for a sign. Looking back now, I'm so glad I stayed. Among the many things God was doing, He brought a beautiful friendship into my life that I would never have known otherwise. At the time, I couldn't understand why God had me there. Now I can see that He was doing far more than I realised, working in ways I never expected.

The disciples experienced something similar. They had just witnessed one of Jesus' greatest miracles—raising Lazarus from the dead! Crowds gathered because of it, welcoming Jesus with palm branches and cries of "Hosanna!" and "Blessed is the King of Israel!" As Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He rode on a young donkey, just as Zechariah had foretold. You might expect that, by now, the disciples finally understood what kind of King Jesus had come to be.

But John records something surprising in verse 16: "At first His disciples did not understand these things." Only after Jesus was glorified did they look back and realise it had all unfolded according to God's Word, making sense in light of the cross and resurrection.

Perhaps you can relate. Maybe it's an unanswered prayer, a hurting relationship, or a season that feels directionless. Like the disciples, our perspective is often limited; we may not see clearly what God is doing in the present.

John reminds us that understanding doesn't always come immediately. Sometimes God calls us to trust Him before we fully understand what He is doing. In Christ's life, death and resurrection, God showed that He always keeps His promises. Because of that, His faithfulness gives us every reason to trust Him in the present. So when the path ahead seems uncertain, we can hold onto the hope that God is always at work, even when we cannot yet see the bigger picture.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Grace is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

19 August 2026

John 12:9-11

Gus Cameron

19 August 2026

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Rodney Clarke

This passage recalls what we read about in chapter 11 – the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus from the dead.

To me, it's the different reactions to this event that I find striking. It’s clear that what Jesus did was unparalleled. It defies logic and makes you wonder about the nature of Jesus. A teacher who can perform miraculous signs – in fact, who can raise the dead!

But the Pharisees don’t respond with wonder or even curiosity. They feel that Jesus is a threat to their power, which means their position in the social hierarchy is being threatened. In fact, they were so determined to hang onto their power that they plotted to kill not just Jesus, but Lazarus as well! Clearly they valued their social position more than what God might have been saying about Jesus.

Then there was the crowd of people who had personally witnessed Lazarus being raised. They flocked to him, and many put their faith in him. Jesus clearly transcended their culture and limited beliefs. What does this amazing sign mean? What does it say about God? What does it say about hope? And what does it say about this humble carpenter from Nazareth? The resurrection of Lazarus clearly proved Jesus’ power and majesty.

We know far more about the meaning of the sign now, because of Jesus’ own death and glorious resurrection. We are dead in our sins and under God’s judgment, but Jesus brings us back to life again by his atoning sacrifice on the cross. Like Lazarus, we are given a second chance – not just to be resuscitated for a while, but to be raised forever.

Jesus did this sign because he wanted people to understand the nature of his ministry and what he came to do. In the Gospel of John we see the capacity for light and darkness. We see the hope of the crowds in seeing Lazarus’s resurrection, as well as the stubborn resistance of the Pharisees. We know deep down we have the potential for both these responses in our own hearts. Let's look to the hope that Jesus offers, because he has the power to call us out of the darkness and into his wonderful light.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rodney is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

18 August 2026

John 12:1-8

Gus Cameron

18 August 2026

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial. 8 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Rebecca Mihas

When I read this passage, I was really encouraged by Mary's love for Jesus. She poured expensive perfume on His feet and wiped them with her hair. She wasn't worried about how much it cost or what other people thought. She just wanted to honour Jesus and show Him how much she loved Him.

This passage made me stop and think about my own relationship with Jesus. Life can become so busy with work, family, church, and everyday responsibilities that it is easy to focus on everything that needs to be done. Sometimes I can become so busy doing things that I forget to just spend time with Jesus. Mary's example reminds me that nothing is more important than sitting at His feet and making Him my first priority.

Judas saw Mary's gift as a waste, but Jesus saw it as an act of love. This reminds me that God looks at our hearts. He knows why we do the things we do, even when others don't understand. It challenges me to ask myself if I am giving Jesus my best, or only what is left over after everything else.

This passage reminds me that every day is an opportunity to spend time with Jesus, trust Him, and grow closer to Him. I don't want to let the busyness of life distract me from what matters most.

My prayer is that I will have a heart like Mary's that loves Jesus deeply and puts Him first. I want my life to honour Him in the way I speak, the way I treat others, and the choices I make each day. I also pray that, as a church family, we will continue to encourage one another to keep our eyes on Jesus and grow closer to Him every day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

17 August 2026

John 11:53-57

Gus Cameron

17 August 2026

53 So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. 54 As a result, Jesus no longer went about publicly among the Jews, but He withdrew to a town called Ephraim in an area near the wilderness. And He stayed there with the disciples.

55 Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?” 57 But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was must report it, so that they could arrest Him.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Linda Vu

This passage is deeply convicting. After hearing that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and Pharisees still chose to kill Him. Instead of falling down before him, we read, "from that day on they plotted to kill Him" (v. 53). Their hearts had become so hardened that even a miracle that great did not lead them to faith. It reminds me to examine my own heart. Am I willing to let God's Word change me, or do I sometimes resist Him when His ways are different from my own?

As the Passover drew near, the people kept asking, "What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?" (v. 56). While the religious leaders were searching for Jesus to arrest Him (v. 57), Jesus was never anxious or rushed. He lived according to His Father's perfect timing, not the plans of His enemies. This encourages me to trust God's timing even when life feels uncertain or difficult.

This passage also speaks into my everyday life. In the midst of the busyness and of raising two young boys, I often find it easier to scroll through Instagram or simply fall into bed exhausted after a shower. Yet I wonder, am I still seeking Jesus with the same eagerness as the crowds who were looking for Him? I want that same longing in my own heart – to seek Him wholeheartedly, spend time in His Word and prayer, and trust that time with Him is never wasted.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

15 August 2026

John 11:45-52

Gus Cameron

15 August 2026

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
47 Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. 48 If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
49 But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
51 Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Andy Rowlands

How could some of the Jews, after seeing Jesus raise Lazarus, go and tell the Pharisees? How could they not believe in him? It flies in the face of people who say, “I’ll believe it when I see it,” because here, seeing isn’t believing! It reminds me of what Jesus said to Thomas after his resurrection: “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

This passage shines a light on how we respond to Jesus, because rejecting him isn’t always about having sufficient knowledge or proof. When friends have told me that they needed more proof or to see Jesus to be able to believe, it’s often that – like the Pharisees here – they really don’t want their lives to change. They’ve become too attached to the life that they have, and they think that Jesus’ authority will only get in the way of them doing the things that they want to do.

And yet, this doesn’t get in the way of God doing his work in the world! The Pharisees and the high priest here reject Jesus and his authority, but God uses them to proclaim what he is going to do through Jesus. “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish,” says Caiaphas. He thinks that Jesus is a problem, and by getting rid of that problem they will save God’s people. But God planned Jesus as the solution, the perfect sacrifice whose death would save sinners – including us – from eternal death and bring us into the body of Christ.

God used this rejection of Jesus to bring about good, and this same God is at work today. Only God can bring good out of evil, and only God can change the hearts of those who reject Jesus. As we pray that God would work in their lives to bring them into the one body of Christ, I am comforted knowing that he is working all things for good, by building his church in this messy world today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andy is one of our Student Ministers.

Gus Cameron

14 August 2026

John 11:38-44

Gus Cameron

14 August 2026

38 Jesus, once again deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” Jesus said.
“Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.”
40 Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me, but I say this for the benefit of the people standing here, so they may believe that You sent Me.”
43 After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
44 The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth.
“Unwrap him and let him go,” Jesus told them.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Helen Mitry

Growing up in a Christian family and attending church and Sunday school, I have read and heard this story many times before, but as I read over it this time, one thing stood out to me that I hadn't fully appreciated before. The first half of verse 44 says, “The man who had been dead came out” – or the NIV translation, which is more succinct: “The dead man came out.” Let that sink in a bit.

It reminds me of the title of a movie I watched last year. It’s the third film in the “Knives Out” comedy murder mystery trilogy, and it’s called, “Wake Up Dead Man.” The movie also had biblical references – perhaps the producer did some research in John’s Gospel! Because dead people shouldn't be doing anything. The word “dead” should not be paired with any active verb, but God in his power raised Lazarus up from the dead so that he could walk out of his own tomb.

Throughout the chapter, Jesus tells us the purpose of this miracle in a few different ways: so that God the Father would be glorified (v 40), so that the Son of God would be glorified (v 4), and so that people will believe God the Father has sent Jesus his Son (v 42). Ultimately, by this miracle Jesus shows us that if we ask him, he will do the greatest miracle of all for us. We were dead in our sins and couldn’t do anything to save ourselves, but Jesus paid the debt of our sins so that we could glorify him and gain eternal life in him. Jesus only asks for our belief. Do you believe? Take a moment to thank him, and also to pray for people you know who don't believe in him yet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Gus Cameron

13 August 2026

John 11:28-37

Gus Cameron

13 August 2026

28 After Martha had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside to tell her, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.” 29 And when Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him.
30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met Him. 31 When the Jews who were in the house consoling Mary saw how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 32 When Mary came to Jesus and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit[D] and troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” He asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they answered.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”
37 But some of them asked, “Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept Lazarus from dying?”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Mercy Saw

How do you respond when things don't work out the way you want? Some of us tend to react with anger. Others retreat inwards in self-pity or apathy to ward off the pain of disappointment. Sometimes this might cause us to question or doubt God’s character.

Mary's response is remarkably different – as Martha’s had been also. It would have been natural for Mary to be angry at Jesus for not making it on time, or to continue grieving privately and not see him. Instead, she immediately goes to Him, and brings her grief and sorrow to him. She acknowledges his power and that he could have saved her brother. Yet this does not lead to resentment, blame, or doubt, but faith-filled submission to him.

We see also that Jesus is one who is worthy of such trust. This passage comforts me that Jesus was a real human, with real emotions and a real love for those he cares for. Even though he knows he will soon raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus is moved by the tears of Mary and those around him, and he weeps. This wasn't just a tear trickling down a cheek. Jesus wept to the point that it was evident to all around him how much he loved Lazarus.

Whatever heartaches and loss we experience, whatever disappointments or unmet hopes, we know that Jesus is not immune to our pain but feels and cares deeply. Though we may not know as clearly as in Lazarus’ story why Jesus allows our suffering to occur, we can be comforted that he grieves with us. More than this, we have a greater hope because Jesus experienced the ultimate suffering on our behalf by dying on the cross to deal with the source of all suffering, and he rose to bring about a new creation where there will be no more tears or mourning or pain. Let’s continue to draw near to him with all our cares and concerns, knowing he is both sovereign and compassionate to those who trust in him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mercy is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

12 August 2026

John 11:17-27

Gus Cameron

12 August 2026

17 When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already spent four days in the tomb. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, a little less than two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him; but Mary stayed at home.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him.”
23 “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.
24 Martha replied, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. 26 And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she answered, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Rebecca Lin

When Jesus arrives at Bethany, he is met with scenes of complete hopelessness and despair. We learn immediately that Lazarus had already been dead for four days. Any last glimmer of hope that Jesus might come to heal Lazarus from his sickness had disappeared when Lazarus died. Many Jews had come to see Mary and Martha, but all they could do was console them. There was nothing they could do to change the situation. And Martha, overwhelmed by her grief and the hopelessness of death, greets Jesus by saying, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” To her, Jesus had arrived too late and death had already won.

But all of this only makes Jesus’ next words stand out even more. Amidst their mourning and suffering, Jesus declares in verse 25, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” While physical death and sickness are at the forefront of everyone’s minds, Jesus points them to the only solution to their hopelessness, to a greater comfort and the firmest hope – that he himself is the resurrection and the life. When he took our sins upon himself, died to pay the price for us and rose from the grave to conquer death, Jesus brought us the incredible gift of salvation and everlasting life with him. He brings the certain hope that physical death is not the end for those who believe in Him.

It can be easy to be overcome by the brokenness, hopelessness, stress, grief and pressures of this world. But at one of the lowest points in Mary and Martha’s lives, Jesus’ words brought true comfort and meaning, and that reminds me that we can cling to his promise of life with complete assurance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

11 August 2026

John 11:11-16

Gus Cameron

11 August 2026

11 After He had said this, He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.”
12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get better.” 13 They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus.
14 So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
16 Then Thomas called Didymus said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ken Ip

One thing that stood out to me in this passage is how differently Jesus viewed death compared to the disciples. When Jesus said Lazarus had "fallen asleep," the disciples naturally thought he meant ordinary sleep. But Jesus was speaking as someone who has complete authority over death. To him, waking Lazarus from the grave was like waking someone from sleeping.

I also found verse 15 both surprising and comforting. Jesus says, "for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe." At first, those words seem harsh, like he didn't care about Lazarus’s death. But he wasn't glad that Lazarus had died, he was glad that through this painful situation, the disciples would see something even greater about who he is. What looked like a delay wasn't a lack of love but rather part of God's plan to glorify Jesus and strengthen their faith.

Maybe it’s something about living in an age of instant gratification but so often I want God to answer my prayers immediately, and when he doesn't, it's easy to wonder if he's forgotten or doesn't care. This passage reinforces what we saw in yesterday’s devotion, that God's delay does not mean he doesn’t care. Yesterday we were reminded that God’s plans are bigger than my plans. Today we see that his ultimate goal is centred on his Son. It’s that we would trust in and know Jesus more deeply. As Jesus later prays, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).

Father, thank you that you have power over death itself and that through Jesus we also have hope of resurrection. Forgive us when we are impatient with you and think we know better than you. Help us to trust you especially when your timing doesn't make sense to us. We ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

10 August 2026

John 11:1-10

Gus Cameron

10 August 2026

1 At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.”
4 When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So on hearing that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was for two days, 7 and then He said to the disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
8 “Rabbi,” they replied, “the Jews just tried to stone You, and You are going back there?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks at night, he will stumble, because he has no light.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Vinh Dang

The passage today really challenged me to think about how I respond when God doesn't answer my prayers in the way or timing that I expect. When Lazarus became sick, Mary and Martha knew that Jesus loved them, so they expected that Jesus' response was going to be quick. Instead, Jesus waited two more days before telling his disciples that they should go back to Judea (verse 6). At first, this was hard to understand, but it reminded me that God's timing may not be the same as mine. Even when I cannot see what He is doing, I can trust that He has a greater purpose.

Another thing that stood out to me was that Jesus' delay was not because He didn't care. In fact, John makes a point of saying that Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. This encourages me as there are times when I feel like God is distant or slow to answer my prayers. This passage tells me that His silence does not mean he has ignored me. Instead, He may be working in ways that I cannot yet understand. It is for God’s glory, as Jesus says in verse 4. I was also encouraged by Jesus' determination to return to Judea, even though it was dangerous (verse 7). Jesus was not controlled by His fear but by obedience to His Father. This particular part of the passage challenged me to think about whether I sometimes allow fear to stop me from doing what God wants me to do. I want to trust God more and follow Him faithfully, knowing that He is in control of my life.

God's plans are always better than mine, and He is always working for His glory and the good of His people. I pray that we would all become more patient, trust in God's good timing, and continue to follow Him confidently, even when we don't understand what He is doing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vinh is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.