Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus get permission from Pilate to bury Jesus. They take away Jesus' body, embalm it with 75 pounds of myrrh and aloe, wrap it up, and lay it in a new tomb. I assume they also roll the stone over the front of the tomb. All of this is done on the Sabbath. Jesus was criticized for healing on the Sabbath and letting his disciples pick heads of grain as they walked through the fields. Here, 2 leaders of the Jews give Jesus a proper burial, even though it means working on the Sabbath. In contrast, Mark 16:1 indicates that Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome waited until after the Sabbath was over to take spices to anoint Jesus' body. But Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus do it right away. They were secretly disciples while Jesus was alive, but appear to be emboldened to do what is right after his death.
When Mary Magdalene reports that Jesus is not in the tomb, Peter and "the other disciple" run to see. The other disciple "bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in". I don't know if there is any significance to the linen strips being left behind, but there is an interesting parallel in Leviticus 16: "When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert. Then Aaron is to go into the Tent of Meeting and take off the linen garments he put on before he entered the Most Holy Place, and he is to leave them there."
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
19:17 thru 19:37 (Mar 30)
Jesus is crucified with 2 others. The people who wanted Jesus dead do not want the bodies left on the crosses during their special holy day, so they ask the Romans to bring them down early. The soldiers break the legs of the first 2 men, but not Jesus. Instead, one of the soldiers pierces Jesus' heart with a sword. John tells us, "The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe."
Obviously, it is very important to John that the reader understand that Jesus was dead. He was not taken down from the cross and mistaken for dead, allowing him to slip off into the night. He was really dead. His dead body was brutally pierced and this act was witnessed and testified to. Why is this emphasized so much by John? Because it is critical to the Christian faith. If Jesus was not really dead, then he was not really raised from the dead by God the Father. And if he was not really raised from the dead by God the Father, then Jesus was not who he claimed to be and did not tell the truth. As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:14-15: "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead."
No, he was in fact the King of the Jews. And he was in fact dead. And he was in fact raised again. And he was in fact who he claimed to be. He was in fact "him who is, and who was, and who is to come, ... the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." (Rev 1:5).
Obviously, it is very important to John that the reader understand that Jesus was dead. He was not taken down from the cross and mistaken for dead, allowing him to slip off into the night. He was really dead. His dead body was brutally pierced and this act was witnessed and testified to. Why is this emphasized so much by John? Because it is critical to the Christian faith. If Jesus was not really dead, then he was not really raised from the dead by God the Father. And if he was not really raised from the dead by God the Father, then Jesus was not who he claimed to be and did not tell the truth. As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:14-15: "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead."
No, he was in fact the King of the Jews. And he was in fact dead. And he was in fact raised again. And he was in fact who he claimed to be. He was in fact "him who is, and who was, and who is to come, ... the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." (Rev 1:5).
Monday, March 29, 2010
19:1 thru 19:16 (Mar 29)
Pilate can find no basis for a charge against Jesus (v18:38), but he still has him flogged. He figures that the crowd will be satisfied when they see Jesus beaten and bloody. Pilate is afraid when he hears that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. He wants to set Jesus free (v19:12), but in the end he does not. He condemns himself by saying "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Pilate had the authority to set Jesus free, but he gives in to the crowd instead. This was God's will and turns out to be very good news for the believer who is saved by the sacrifice of Jesus. But it was still a wrong and cowardly thing to do. This is a good lesson from the bible about just how wrong we can be when we follow the crowd and ignore doing what we know is right.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
18:19 thru 18:40 (Mar 27)
"Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover."
The irony is a little painful here. While handing Jesus over to the Romans, the Jews avoided ceremonial uncleanness so that they could still eat the Passover. Jesus, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin (uncleanness) of the world!" (John 1:29). Jesus was the fulfillment of all of the symbolism of the Passover celebration. He was the freedom from slavery - not to Egypt, but to sin: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36). The Lamb of God was with them, and they could not see it. They could focus on the ceremony of their religion, but not on the substance and meaning behind the ceremony. John's gospel has had a few things to say about this already. At Cana, Jesus took the water that the Jews used for ceremonial washing and turned it into wine. He made a new creation out of the old religion! In chapter 3, John the Baptist's disciples have an argument over ceremonial washing and John tells them that they cannot wash away their stains without Jesus: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36). This passage where the Jews cannot see the Lamb in their presence is a tragedy in the truest sense.
Final thought is borrowed from a devotion I attended at an old church: "They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion." Barabbas was a murderer, a sinner, who did not deserve to go free. Yet he is freed by the sacrifice of Jesus. Freed by the blood of Jesus shed as a substitute for the punishment that he deserved. We all have a lot more in common with Barabbas than we might think!
Father God, thank you for providing Your Son, the Lamb, to take away my sins so that I do not have to suffer the punishment that I deserve. I can never truly appreciate the magnitude of this gift because I will not suffer the way that Jesus did on my behalf. Thank you, Lord, for your incomprehensible grace.
The irony is a little painful here. While handing Jesus over to the Romans, the Jews avoided ceremonial uncleanness so that they could still eat the Passover. Jesus, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin (uncleanness) of the world!" (John 1:29). Jesus was the fulfillment of all of the symbolism of the Passover celebration. He was the freedom from slavery - not to Egypt, but to sin: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36). The Lamb of God was with them, and they could not see it. They could focus on the ceremony of their religion, but not on the substance and meaning behind the ceremony. John's gospel has had a few things to say about this already. At Cana, Jesus took the water that the Jews used for ceremonial washing and turned it into wine. He made a new creation out of the old religion! In chapter 3, John the Baptist's disciples have an argument over ceremonial washing and John tells them that they cannot wash away their stains without Jesus: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36). This passage where the Jews cannot see the Lamb in their presence is a tragedy in the truest sense.
Final thought is borrowed from a devotion I attended at an old church: "They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion." Barabbas was a murderer, a sinner, who did not deserve to go free. Yet he is freed by the sacrifice of Jesus. Freed by the blood of Jesus shed as a substitute for the punishment that he deserved. We all have a lot more in common with Barabbas than we might think!
Father God, thank you for providing Your Son, the Lamb, to take away my sins so that I do not have to suffer the punishment that I deserve. I can never truly appreciate the magnitude of this gift because I will not suffer the way that Jesus did on my behalf. Thank you, Lord, for your incomprehensible grace.
Friday, March 26, 2010
18:1 thru 18:18 (Mar 26) (cont.)
I find it interesting the contrast used by Jesus and Peter in this short section of verses. Jesus acknowledges Himself(v5), while knowing the full on consequence of such statements. Peter denies Jesus but look at the words(NASB) (17) "Then the slave-girl who kept the door said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." "
Jesus stands there and says "I am He" and Peter stands there and says "I am not". To agree with Robs sentiment express earlier. Jesus is within God's will making it easier to walk the road set before him. Peter is creating his own road and thus ends up denying Jesus.
18:1 thru 18:18 (Mar 26)
The disciples are together with Jesus in the olive grove when the soldiers come. Peter tries to fight his way out of the situation - to save himself, Jesus, and the others. Then Peter, together with John, follows Jesus to the high priest's house. He wants to stay with the master, to be with him. And then, somewhat inexplicably, Peter denies Jesus. Three times. This is a peculiar sequence - from fighting for Jesus and following him into danger, to denying him. Clearly Peter was acting on his own, not following the will of God, when he struck the servant of the high priest. And clearly Peter was not within the will of God when he denied Jesus. But there is no reason to think that Peter was outside God's will in following Jesus. The message for me is the importance of earnestly seeking God's will. Without this, even the best intentions in following Jesus can lead to sin and falling from grace.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
17:1 thru 17:26 (Mar 25)
In verse 3 Jesus prays, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." When I read this, I realized that I have a self-centered view of eternal life. I am grateful to know that I will live forever; that I will not have to pay the eternal penalty for my sins; that I will reach the ultimate fulfillment of my life. But Jesus points to the God-focused view. Most importantly, I will know God and Jesus Christ in eternal life. I will have true fellowship, uninterrupted by the sin of this fallen world. Amen!
Verse 8 reminds me again just how simple it is to spread the truth of God. Jesus says, "I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them" (v8). Likewise, we are commanded to share the good news. All we are asked to do is give others the words that have been given to us. The Word of God. That's it. So simple. Whether they accept the words or not is not our concern. Our job is to share, just like Jesus in this regard.
Final thought. Twice in this passage Jesus prays for unity among believers. Verse 11: "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one." Verse 20: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." I don't often consider how important it is to Jesus that his church be united and strong. This reminds me of the things that are detestable to the Lord in Proverbs 6. The 7th - the most detestable, the most emphasized - is "a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." God desires that his family be united in love, not fighting and divided. Father God, make what is important to you important to me also. Change my heart so that this is true.
Verse 8 reminds me again just how simple it is to spread the truth of God. Jesus says, "I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them" (v8). Likewise, we are commanded to share the good news. All we are asked to do is give others the words that have been given to us. The Word of God. That's it. So simple. Whether they accept the words or not is not our concern. Our job is to share, just like Jesus in this regard.
Final thought. Twice in this passage Jesus prays for unity among believers. Verse 11: "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one." Verse 20: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." I don't often consider how important it is to Jesus that his church be united and strong. This reminds me of the things that are detestable to the Lord in Proverbs 6. The 7th - the most detestable, the most emphasized - is "a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." God desires that his family be united in love, not fighting and divided. Father God, make what is important to you important to me also. Change my heart so that this is true.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
16:17 thru 16:33 (Mar 24)
The disciples did not know what was coming. Jesus told them many times, but they were unable to understand. It's easy to think that they were obtuse, but I must admit that I am often in the same place myself. The problem is not seeking God. His will, His insight, His guidance, His power, His blessing, His forgiveness, His grace, His mercy, etc. I am in the same place as the disciples when I am convinced that I know what is best, and don't seek God. When I do my own thing, follow my own will, and don't seek God. When I keep trying to make it work - frustrated by circumstances and unable to make any headway - and don't seek God. In all of these cases I miss what God is doing. Just like the disciples did.
Jesus says that when we seek God's will, He will answer us. "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked or anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." We won't miss what He is doing if we seek Him. We won't lack understanding if we seek Him. We won't be frustrated in our efforts if we seek Him. Our joy will be complete if we don't miss the boat on where God is heading!
Jesus says that when we seek God's will, He will answer us. "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked or anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." We won't miss what He is doing if we seek Him. We won't lack understanding if we seek Him. We won't be frustrated in our efforts if we seek Him. Our joy will be complete if we don't miss the boat on where God is heading!
Monday, March 22, 2010
16:5 thru 16:16 (Mar 23)
There has been a fair amount in John's gospel to this point about the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Spirit gives rebirth for the believer (John 3:6); the Spirit enables the believer to worship (John 4:24); the Spirit is God's presence with the believer, living with them and in them (John 14:15); the Spirit teaches the believer and reminds them of the Word of God (John 14:26, v16:13).
Here, Jesus teaches that the Spirit works in the world as well as in the life of the believer: "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (v16:8). This is critical for us Christians to understand. Convicting the world of their guilt and sinfulness is *not our job*. It is the job of the Holy Spirit. As was stated in 15:27, our job is to *testify*. Trying to make someone see and understand their sin is going beyond what we are commanded to do.
Verse 9 is a beautiful little verse. Again, the principle of John 3:16 is restated, although indirectly here. A person's sin is equated to unbelief in Jesus. Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. A person who dies in their sin is condemned, ultimately, through unbelief.
Final thought is the truth in verse 14: "[The Holy Spirit] will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you". How does the Spirit's guiding the believer into truth and revealing things bring glory to Jesus? I think this brings glory to God because it is what we were *meant for* - being in intimiate relationship with Him. I believe that a person who is fully alive, walking with God, seeking His will, and listening for the quiet voice of the Spirit is living as God intended. And this brings glory to God! Almighty God, I am not there most of the time. I ask you to fill me with your Spirit so that I can truly live and have true fellowship with You. And in so doing, bring glory to You. And give me the strength to defeat the enemy, who seeks to destroy our fellowship.
Here, Jesus teaches that the Spirit works in the world as well as in the life of the believer: "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (v16:8). This is critical for us Christians to understand. Convicting the world of their guilt and sinfulness is *not our job*. It is the job of the Holy Spirit. As was stated in 15:27, our job is to *testify*. Trying to make someone see and understand their sin is going beyond what we are commanded to do.
Verse 9 is a beautiful little verse. Again, the principle of John 3:16 is restated, although indirectly here. A person's sin is equated to unbelief in Jesus. Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. A person who dies in their sin is condemned, ultimately, through unbelief.
Final thought is the truth in verse 14: "[The Holy Spirit] will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you". How does the Spirit's guiding the believer into truth and revealing things bring glory to Jesus? I think this brings glory to God because it is what we were *meant for* - being in intimiate relationship with Him. I believe that a person who is fully alive, walking with God, seeking His will, and listening for the quiet voice of the Spirit is living as God intended. And this brings glory to God! Almighty God, I am not there most of the time. I ask you to fill me with your Spirit so that I can truly live and have true fellowship with You. And in so doing, bring glory to You. And give me the strength to defeat the enemy, who seeks to destroy our fellowship.
15:18 thru 16:4 (Mar 22)
Jesus teaches his disciples the proper perspective on evangelism. I think this is an important perspective for Christians today as well. The Christian church has had a very prominent place in American society since the beginning of our country, but this seems to be changing. Based on this passage, it is a change from the exception to the rule. The world is guilty of sin (v15:22). The world will hate Christians (v15:19). The world will hate Jesus and the Father (v15:23). In fact, it will get so bad that "a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God" (v16:2). But notice that the response of Christians is not to avoid the world and wait for Jesus to return. Jesus commands us to testify about him (v15:27). We are to receive the Counselor, sent by Jesus from the Father, and go testify to the world that hates us. "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning". Jesus does not leave the world to be condemned, even though the world is guilty and hates him. Jesus sends *us* to bring his good news to the world. Father God, you have equipped me with Your Holy Spirit. Lead me today to testify for you in a world that needs to hear about Jesus.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
15:1 thru 15:17 (Mar 20)
"[My Father, the gardener], cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit".
Why does He cut off a branch? Because it bears no fruit.
Why does the branch not bear fruit? Because it does not remain in Jesus, the vine.
How does one remain in the vine, and thus be equipped to bear fruit? "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love" (Jn 15:10).
What commands? To love one another (John 13:34: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another"); to believe in Jesus (John 6:29: "Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent"); to accept the gift of salvation offered by God through grace (John 6:56: "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him").
What kind of fruit is brought forth by the branches that remain in the vine? John 15:16: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last".
What will last? Only 2 things in this world will last forever: people and the word of God. People must hear the truth of the Gospel. John 4:36 "Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together." John 5:24: "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." The word of God, the words of Jesus, give salvation for eternal life and are themselves eternal. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33).
Why does He cut off a branch? Because it bears no fruit.
Why does the branch not bear fruit? Because it does not remain in Jesus, the vine.
How does one remain in the vine, and thus be equipped to bear fruit? "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love" (Jn 15:10).
What commands? To love one another (John 13:34: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another"); to believe in Jesus (John 6:29: "Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent"); to accept the gift of salvation offered by God through grace (John 6:56: "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him").
What kind of fruit is brought forth by the branches that remain in the vine? John 15:16: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last".
What will last? Only 2 things in this world will last forever: people and the word of God. People must hear the truth of the Gospel. John 4:36 "Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together." John 5:24: "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." The word of God, the words of Jesus, give salvation for eternal life and are themselves eternal. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33).
14:5 thru 14:31 (Mar 19)
There is so much in this passage. Jesus lays out many things very plainly for his disciples. The disciples want to know the way to the Father's house (v5). Jesus tells them that he is the way - the only way. It is another restatement of the heart of John's gospel.
Philip asks to see the Father. Being in the Father's house would be wonderful, but Philip desires most to see the Father. Jesus tells him clearly that Philip and the others have already seen the Father (v9). The Father and the Son are one. Jesus emphasizes that the Father lives in him and does His work through Jesus (v10). In the same way, the Father will work through us when we have faith in Jesus (v12-14).
Jesus teaches them that he will send them help. He uses a legal term "Counselor". I like how the study notes characterize this: "It is a broader meaning than 'counsel for the defense'. It referred to any person who helped someone in trouble with the law." We all have "trouble with the law" of God and need the help of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Father lives in Jesus and does His work through Jesus, the Spirit of Truth lives *in* us and is *with* us (v17). We are never alone! Never "orphans". We have help remaining in Jesus and obeying his commands (v21).
And Jesus tells them that the help of the Spirit of Truth will not be taken away from them. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
The disciples want to know why Jesus will not reveal himself to the whole world, since he is the Messiah. Jesus tells the disciples to trust him - and to trust in him. He will go away *and* he will come back (v28). He must go away for the sake of the world. When he comes back, he will fulfill the other prophecies about the Messiah.
Philip asks to see the Father. Being in the Father's house would be wonderful, but Philip desires most to see the Father. Jesus tells him clearly that Philip and the others have already seen the Father (v9). The Father and the Son are one. Jesus emphasizes that the Father lives in him and does His work through Jesus (v10). In the same way, the Father will work through us when we have faith in Jesus (v12-14).
Jesus teaches them that he will send them help. He uses a legal term "Counselor". I like how the study notes characterize this: "It is a broader meaning than 'counsel for the defense'. It referred to any person who helped someone in trouble with the law." We all have "trouble with the law" of God and need the help of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Father lives in Jesus and does His work through Jesus, the Spirit of Truth lives *in* us and is *with* us (v17). We are never alone! Never "orphans". We have help remaining in Jesus and obeying his commands (v21).
And Jesus tells them that the help of the Spirit of Truth will not be taken away from them. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
The disciples want to know why Jesus will not reveal himself to the whole world, since he is the Messiah. Jesus tells the disciples to trust him - and to trust in him. He will go away *and* he will come back (v28). He must go away for the sake of the world. When he comes back, he will fulfill the other prophecies about the Messiah.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
13:18 thru 14:4 (Mar 18)
"Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant." Apparently, Judas was not an obvious traitor. The other disciples did not suspect that it would be him. There is a similar surprise when a Christian leader falls publicly. It happens and it is catastrophic. It is devastating. I am sure that Jesus is "troubled in spirit" by this also.
Jesus gives the disciples "a new command". "A new command I give you: Love one another." This doesn't seem like a new command. It was certainly part of the existing law. Something new was the way that Jesus modeled love: "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." And shortly he would model it on the cross. Jesus commands us to love each other sacrificially. He will repeat this command in John 15:12 ("My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.") and then in 15:17.
What will be the mark of a disciple of Jesus? "if you love one another." (v13:35)
How do we show our love for Jesus? "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (v14:15).
At the end of this gospel, Jesus commands Peter this again after Peter had denied Jesus. "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" Peter says yes and then Jesus commands him "Feed my lambs"; "Take care of my sheep"; "Feed my sheep".
The message is clear - that Jesus expects his followers to live lives that are best characterized by love for others.
Jesus gives the disciples "a new command". "A new command I give you: Love one another." This doesn't seem like a new command. It was certainly part of the existing law. Something new was the way that Jesus modeled love: "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." And shortly he would model it on the cross. Jesus commands us to love each other sacrificially. He will repeat this command in John 15:12 ("My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.") and then in 15:17.
What will be the mark of a disciple of Jesus? "if you love one another." (v13:35)
How do we show our love for Jesus? "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (v14:15).
At the end of this gospel, Jesus commands Peter this again after Peter had denied Jesus. "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" Peter says yes and then Jesus commands him "Feed my lambs"; "Take care of my sheep"; "Feed my sheep".
The message is clear - that Jesus expects his followers to live lives that are best characterized by love for others.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
13:1 thru 13:17 (Mar 17)
There is a really interesting word at the start of verse 4 - "so". Verse 3 says that "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God". Jesus knew that HE is the supreme power. In heaven and on earth. All of creation is under his command. The universe. Everything seen and unseen. All knowledge, all power, all things.
"SO he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
So...what? Is anything more precisely opposite of what we know of power? Human power, that is. Jesus, knowing that he was powerful beyond anything that we could even imagine in the worst fit of megalomania, humbled himself and washed the feet of his disciples. To include Judas, who would betray him; who may have been possessed by Satan at that very moment (Lk 22:3). He washed their feet. Truly, Jesus "set an example" (v15) for his disciples. And he commands us to do the same for one another. "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
"SO he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
So...what? Is anything more precisely opposite of what we know of power? Human power, that is. Jesus, knowing that he was powerful beyond anything that we could even imagine in the worst fit of megalomania, humbled himself and washed the feet of his disciples. To include Judas, who would betray him; who may have been possessed by Satan at that very moment (Lk 22:3). He washed their feet. Truly, Jesus "set an example" (v15) for his disciples. And he commands us to do the same for one another. "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
12:20 thru 12:50 (Mar 16)
Some Greeks come seeking Jesus and this appears to trigger a recognition in Jesus of how close he is to the end of his life. Maybe it made him think about the fact that he was about to open up "the gate" to salvation to "other sheep that are not of this sheep pen" (v10:16). Jesus says that He gives up his life for us and that his death will "produce many seeds". And then he says that his followers need to model this action. That we, too, must lose our life to keep it for eternal life. That if we are his servant, then we will be where he is.
I find myself asking, have I lost my life for Jesus? I need help with this. I see the words of a prayer for help in this passage. Lord God, draw me to you; show me how to walk in the light; train me to trust in the light; give me faith to believe your message; reveal yourself to me; open my eyes so that I am not blind; stir my heart so that I can understand; heal me; give me courage to confess my faith; teach me to love your praise more than praise from men; I want to keep your words and not just hear them.
I find myself asking, have I lost my life for Jesus? I need help with this. I see the words of a prayer for help in this passage. Lord God, draw me to you; show me how to walk in the light; train me to trust in the light; give me faith to believe your message; reveal yourself to me; open my eyes so that I am not blind; stir my heart so that I can understand; heal me; give me courage to confess my faith; teach me to love your praise more than praise from men; I want to keep your words and not just hear them.
Monday, March 15, 2010
12:1 thru 12:19 (Mar 15)
Jesus returns to Bethany, outside Jerusalem. A dinner is given in his honor (v2). Martha serves Jesus (v2). Mary spares no expense honoring Jesus. She washes his feet with expensive perfume and humbles herself by wiping his feet with her hair (v3). A large crowd of Jews comes to see Jesus (v9). Many Jews are putting their faith in Jesus (v11). When Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowd rejoices and welcomes him as the Messiah. They wave palm branches and declare Jesus as their savior (v13).
All of these things glorified Jesus. "This is getting us nowhere", the Pharisees complained. Perhaps this was unwittingly prophetic. If Jesus had *only* been glorified the way the crowd intended - as a powerful King - we would all be dead in our sins. Jesus' ministry would have gotten us nowhere. Nobody in the crowd understood the way that God intended for Jesus to be glorified - as the lamb that was slain to take away the sins of the world. God intended that Mary's perfume be used for Jesus' burial (v7). Jesus tells his friends that he will not always be with them (v8). It is stated that the disciples did not understand the scriptures that were fulfilled in the triumphal entry until "after Jesus was glorified". As Jesus said, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me" (John 8:54). People were glorifying Jesus, but none of them knew what would come next.
I am sad to say that the same is true of me sometimes. I may *think* that what I am doing is glorifying God. But if what I do is outside of His will, however well intended, it is wrong. Lord God, please teach me to follow you and truly seek Your will. Speak to me and show me even a little of Your glory.
All of these things glorified Jesus. "This is getting us nowhere", the Pharisees complained. Perhaps this was unwittingly prophetic. If Jesus had *only* been glorified the way the crowd intended - as a powerful King - we would all be dead in our sins. Jesus' ministry would have gotten us nowhere. Nobody in the crowd understood the way that God intended for Jesus to be glorified - as the lamb that was slain to take away the sins of the world. God intended that Mary's perfume be used for Jesus' burial (v7). Jesus tells his friends that he will not always be with them (v8). It is stated that the disciples did not understand the scriptures that were fulfilled in the triumphal entry until "after Jesus was glorified". As Jesus said, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me" (John 8:54). People were glorifying Jesus, but none of them knew what would come next.
I am sad to say that the same is true of me sometimes. I may *think* that what I am doing is glorifying God. But if what I do is outside of His will, however well intended, it is wrong. Lord God, please teach me to follow you and truly seek Your will. Speak to me and show me even a little of Your glory.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
11:45 thru 11:57 (Mar 13)
Jesus raises a man from the dead, so the Pharisees and chief priests get together to double down on their efforts to kill him. Puzzling, to be sure. They must have been determined not to believe in Jesus. He told them the truth, but they did not believe. They considered Jesus dangerous - to themselves and to their country (v48). In fact, Jesus IS dangerous to the powers of darkness. "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him". These could be the words of Satan himself.
But even though the high priest is trying to kill Jesus, God speaks a prophesy through His high priest: "You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." Caiaphas did not realize that he was speaking the truth. He sought to remove a political threat. But God's truth cannot be silenced.
Romans 5:12-18 echoes this truth: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men...But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! ... just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men."
But even though the high priest is trying to kill Jesus, God speaks a prophesy through His high priest: "You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." Caiaphas did not realize that he was speaking the truth. He sought to remove a political threat. But God's truth cannot be silenced.
Romans 5:12-18 echoes this truth: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men...But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! ... just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men."
Friday, March 12, 2010
11:1 thru 11:44 (Mar 12)
"Take away the stone," Jesus says (v38). Just like that, he removes the barrier between death and life. Once more, John repeats the heart of the gospel: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (v25-26). The disciples were afraid to go near Jerusalem - afraid for their lives - since the crowd had just tried to stone Jesus there. And then they see Jesus' power over death.
Many in the passage question Jesus: why did he allow Lazarus to die? They believed in his power to heal and cannot understand why he did not come at once. Jesus tells the reason to his disciples: so that God's Son may be glorified through it (v4). The "bad" and "evil" event of Lazarus' death was an opportunity for Jesus to be glorified. For people to put their faith in Jesus. To show that Jesus has the power and authority to bring the dead back to life. To demonstrate that Jesus is more than a prophet, more than a "healer" - he is God's divine Son.
The fact is, Jesus will allow us to die like he allowed Lazarus to die. He tells us to believe in him, and we will live again. When we put our trust in Jesus, we too can bring glory to God. Our life, and our death, are an opportunity for this. Jesus does not just quietly raise Lazarus. He proclaims the work of God. He gives glory to God so that the crowd can hear. We, too, are called to proclaim the work that God has done, and is still doing, in our lives.
Many in the passage question Jesus: why did he allow Lazarus to die? They believed in his power to heal and cannot understand why he did not come at once. Jesus tells the reason to his disciples: so that God's Son may be glorified through it (v4). The "bad" and "evil" event of Lazarus' death was an opportunity for Jesus to be glorified. For people to put their faith in Jesus. To show that Jesus has the power and authority to bring the dead back to life. To demonstrate that Jesus is more than a prophet, more than a "healer" - he is God's divine Son.
The fact is, Jesus will allow us to die like he allowed Lazarus to die. He tells us to believe in him, and we will live again. When we put our trust in Jesus, we too can bring glory to God. Our life, and our death, are an opportunity for this. Jesus does not just quietly raise Lazarus. He proclaims the work of God. He gives glory to God so that the crowd can hear. We, too, are called to proclaim the work that God has done, and is still doing, in our lives.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
10:22 thru 10:42 (Mar 11)
The dictionary defines blasphemy as: (a) an act of cursing or reviling God; (b) In theology, the crime of assuming to oneself the rights or qualities of God. The crowd could not understand that Jesus was guilty of neither because they were not looking for God incarnate. They were not looking for a Savior from their sins. They were looking for a military-political Messiah to "save" them from Rome. The feast of dedication was a commemoration of the last great political deliverance of the Jews by Judas Maccabeus. Celebrating this, the crowd comes to Jesus looking for the same kind of deliverance.
Jesus corrects their thinking. He points the crowd to the true mission of the first coming of the Messiah. Jesus simply tells the truth and, in doing so, was doing God's will: "The Father set [Jesus] apart as his very own and sent [him] into the world". Being faithful to God's will is the opposite of cursing or reviling God. Jesus points out that his miracles were a testimony to the fact that he was doing God's will (v32, v38).
The second definition is true of Jesus. He did assume to himself the rights and qualities of God. "I and the Father are one", he says. The charge of blasphemy would have been valid against anyone who said this - unless they truly were one with the Father. But the political crowd could not see it this way because, tragically, it was not what they wanted. They were not looking for God incarnate and were not open to the truth.
Jesus corrects their thinking. He points the crowd to the true mission of the first coming of the Messiah. Jesus simply tells the truth and, in doing so, was doing God's will: "The Father set [Jesus] apart as his very own and sent [him] into the world". Being faithful to God's will is the opposite of cursing or reviling God. Jesus points out that his miracles were a testimony to the fact that he was doing God's will (v32, v38).
The second definition is true of Jesus. He did assume to himself the rights and qualities of God. "I and the Father are one", he says. The charge of blasphemy would have been valid against anyone who said this - unless they truly were one with the Father. But the political crowd could not see it this way because, tragically, it was not what they wanted. They were not looking for God incarnate and were not open to the truth.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
10:1 thru 10:21 (Mar 10)
Jesus declares that he is the gateway to eternal life: "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved" (v9). He is also the gateway to meaning and fulfillment in this life: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (v10). Jesus promises that he will be the light of life in us and our salvation to life eternal. We are sheep. What is our role? To know the shepherd (v14). To know the voice of the shepherd (v5). To listen for the call of the shepherd (v3). To be led by the shepherd (v3). To follow the shepherd (v4) and not follow another voice (v5). To run away when we hear a stranger's voice calling us (v5). To enter through the gate to salvation (v9). To accept the life of the shepherd, laid down for us (v11, v15). Jesus alone has authority to lead us to salvation (v18).
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
9:1 thru 9:41 (Mar 9)
"The blind will see and those who see will become blind" (v39). Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." Really?? It is amazing to me that the Pharisees could be so blind. As if restoring sight to the blind is not a work of God? The Pharisees setup a system of rules and belief that kept them from the salvation that Jesus offered. Including this one: "for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue" (v22). If they had come to believe in Jesus based on this miracle, they would have put themselves out of community. They prevented themselves from coming to saving faith in Jesus and tried to prevent others. They tried to dictate to the blind man how he must respond to the miracle (v24). They attempted to find out more about how Jesus opened his eyes (v26), perhaps to try to show that they could do the same. They insulted the man born blind (v28). And they held to their tradition and system of belief rather than believe in Jesus (v34). This is all reminiscent of Pharaoh's obstinacy to the miraculous plagues sent on Egypt.
At the end, Jesus seeks out the man healed of blindness. Jesus heard that he had been thrown out of the synagogue and goes to ensure that the man knows the truth - the truth that saves. The man confessed to the Pharisees that Jesus was a prophet. Jesus tells him that he is the Son of Man, the Savior, and the man believes. Amen!
At the end, Jesus seeks out the man healed of blindness. Jesus heard that he had been thrown out of the synagogue and goes to ensure that the man knows the truth - the truth that saves. The man confessed to the Pharisees that Jesus was a prophet. Jesus tells him that he is the Son of Man, the Savior, and the man believes. Amen!
Monday, March 8, 2010
8:31 thru 8:59 (Mar 8)
The crowd is divided about Jesus. There are some who believe and put their faith in him (v30-31) and there is the rest of the crowd, who do not believe and continue to argue with Jesus. Passages like this one in the gospel of John leave no choice but 2: you either believe that Jesus is who he claimed to be or he is a crazy person. The crowd was divided into these 2 camps.
Jesus does not give up on the unbelieving crowd. He tells them the plain truth: "everyone who sins is a slave to sin" (v34). He uses strong words with them: "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire" (v44). They think that they have right standing with God (v33, v39, v41), but Jesus tells them where they really stand: "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God" (v47). Jesus is essentially doing the work of the Holy Spirit, revealing truth and working to convict people of their sin.
But not all choose to believe - as true today as it was for the crowd in the presence of Jesus in this passage. They accuse Jesus of not being a proper Jew and conclude that he is insane (v48). What is Jesus' response? He holds out to them the hope that comes to those who believe: "I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death" (v51). Father God, do not let me get lost in empty religious observance. Keep me in your truth, grounded in belief in your son, who you sent to save me and the world. I want to belong to your family forever.
Jesus does not give up on the unbelieving crowd. He tells them the plain truth: "everyone who sins is a slave to sin" (v34). He uses strong words with them: "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire" (v44). They think that they have right standing with God (v33, v39, v41), but Jesus tells them where they really stand: "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God" (v47). Jesus is essentially doing the work of the Holy Spirit, revealing truth and working to convict people of their sin.
But not all choose to believe - as true today as it was for the crowd in the presence of Jesus in this passage. They accuse Jesus of not being a proper Jew and conclude that he is insane (v48). What is Jesus' response? He holds out to them the hope that comes to those who believe: "I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death" (v51). Father God, do not let me get lost in empty religious observance. Keep me in your truth, grounded in belief in your son, who you sent to save me and the world. I want to belong to your family forever.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
8:12 thru 8:30 (Mar 6)
"When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me." This is very similar to 3:14-15 when Jesus is talking to Nicodemus. I am not sure if "lifted up" here means when Jesus is lifted up on the cross or if it means a personal response to the claims of Jesus - that is, if we believe that he is more than a "Son of Man", that he is God the Son as he claims to be, then our belief has "lifted Jesus up" and we know the truth.
Verse 8:24 is compelling: "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." Again going back to Jesus' discussion with Nicodemus, this statement is the converse of John 3:16. Whoever believes shall not perish but have eternal life. The opposite outcome is here: If you do not believe, you will die in your sins.
Jesus' statements about validity of his testimony and judgment are confusing to me. Reading commentary helped (http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/John/Jesus-Reveals-Himself-Light).
Verse 8:24 is compelling: "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." Again going back to Jesus' discussion with Nicodemus, this statement is the converse of John 3:16. Whoever believes shall not perish but have eternal life. The opposite outcome is here: If you do not believe, you will die in your sins.
Jesus' statements about validity of his testimony and judgment are confusing to me. Reading commentary helped (http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/John/Jesus-Reveals-Himself-Light).
Friday, March 5, 2010
8:1 thru 8:11 (Mar 5)
I always had a lot of questions about the situation in this passage. Was this a setup of the woman? How else could she have been caught in the act? Why was the man not brought also? Was the woman a prostitute? Were the Pharisees trying to have this woman killed for some reason, just like they wanted Jesus killed? Did they believe that Jesus was good and merciful, and therefore would not condemn the woman? Or did they believe that he would condemn her? Why did Jesus write on the ground with his finger? And what was he writing?
We don't know. What is clear is that this is an attempted setup of Jesus. The Pharisees stop trying to seize Jesus (they tried several times, but could not) and now they try to trap him. They use an aspect of the law of Moses that is crystal clear:
Leviticus 20:10: If a man commits adultery with another man's wife — with the wife of his neighbor — both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death.
Deuteronomy 22:22: If a man is found sleeping with another man's wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.
The Pharisees reason that if Jesus does not uphold the law of Moses, then he cannot be from God. Then they would have the proof they need to convince the crowds that Jesus is not who he claimed to be.
But they are missing one very important teaching: the purpose of the law of Moses. The purpose of the law was to convict us of our sin and our need for a savior. We all need the sacrifice of Jesus to save us from our sin. Even the Pharisees are confronted with their own sinfulness. This should have pointed them to Jesus, to their need for a savior. But it is the adulterous woman who is saved - saved by Jesus! The actions of Jesus silence her accusers, just like Jesus' death on the cross will silence The Accuser. But in this case the woman's salvation was from earthly consequences, not heavenly consequences. So Jesus points her directly to her need for a savior: "Go now and leave your life of sin". This is the last unanswered question: what ultimately happened to the woman? Did she find the savior and put her faith in him? Did she make the decision that leads to life eternal?
We don't know. What is clear is that this is an attempted setup of Jesus. The Pharisees stop trying to seize Jesus (they tried several times, but could not) and now they try to trap him. They use an aspect of the law of Moses that is crystal clear:
Leviticus 20:10: If a man commits adultery with another man's wife — with the wife of his neighbor — both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death.
Deuteronomy 22:22: If a man is found sleeping with another man's wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.
The Pharisees reason that if Jesus does not uphold the law of Moses, then he cannot be from God. Then they would have the proof they need to convince the crowds that Jesus is not who he claimed to be.
But they are missing one very important teaching: the purpose of the law of Moses. The purpose of the law was to convict us of our sin and our need for a savior. We all need the sacrifice of Jesus to save us from our sin. Even the Pharisees are confronted with their own sinfulness. This should have pointed them to Jesus, to their need for a savior. But it is the adulterous woman who is saved - saved by Jesus! The actions of Jesus silence her accusers, just like Jesus' death on the cross will silence The Accuser. But in this case the woman's salvation was from earthly consequences, not heavenly consequences. So Jesus points her directly to her need for a savior: "Go now and leave your life of sin". This is the last unanswered question: what ultimately happened to the woman? Did she find the savior and put her faith in him? Did she make the decision that leads to life eternal?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
7:25 thru 7:53 (Mar 4)
I see in this passage many examples of the fact that we don't always have things figured out the way we think we do. If we seek the truth in our own knowledge and power, if we do not humble ourselves and earnestly ask God to reveal his truth to us, then all we have is human wisdom and, likely, human error. There were some in the crowd who had it all figured out. Jesus could not be the Christ because they knew where he was from - he did not just mysteriously appear. Ironically, they did not know where he was from (he was sent from the Father, his birth itself was a miracle). But they had it figured out, so they tried to seize him (v30) and the Pharisees had it figured out so they tried to arrest him to prevent people from believing in him (v32). And they had it figured out that the Messiah could not be from Galilee, so they wanted to seize him (v44). In verse 48, there is a human litmus test: if the learned Pharisees don't believe, then neither should anyone else.
Paul was a Pharisee, and he has some things to say about this topic in first Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 1:18: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:21: For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
1 Corinthians 2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"
Paul was a Pharisee, and he has some things to say about this topic in first Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 1:18: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:21: For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
1 Corinthians 2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
7:1 thru 7:24 (Mar 3)
"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 (v17)". What is God's will in this case? Verse 6:40: "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." Truly, we will find out. The first step is faith, believing Jesus. Believing that his "teaching comes from God". Believing in his sacrifice to save us from our sin. After this, we find out that his words are truth when we receive the Holy Spirit. When we see our life slowly transformed. As we trust God and depend on Him and see Him working. When we see the work of the church, blessed by God and changing the world. Ultimately, we find out when we die.
Verse 7:19, "Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?" I always found that last question to be a rather strange, abrupt transition. From preaching and teaching the crowd to Jesus' own perilous situation. But as I read it now, I see that this question is an example of not keeping the law. We tend to elevate some sins over others ("Well, at least I am not a murderer!"). Here, there are Jews in the crowd who are nursing murderous thoughts about Jesus, but seeing themselves as righteous because they have the law of Moses. The very law that condemns murder! Jesus keeps trying to reach them, but their hearts are hard to him.
Verse 7:19, "Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?" I always found that last question to be a rather strange, abrupt transition. From preaching and teaching the crowd to Jesus' own perilous situation. But as I read it now, I see that this question is an example of not keeping the law. We tend to elevate some sins over others ("Well, at least I am not a murderer!"). Here, there are Jews in the crowd who are nursing murderous thoughts about Jesus, but seeing themselves as righteous because they have the law of Moses. The very law that condemns murder! Jesus keeps trying to reach them, but their hearts are hard to him.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
6:25 thru 6:70 (Mar 2) (cont.)
I like that v28,29 outline our responsibility clearly. It has always bothered me that verses like the following two are in the bible(there are more like them but their not part of this study)...
(v37)" All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out."
(v65)And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father."
When I've read these for years I've never liked the fact that God must grant to me(anyone) the ability to come to Jesus. That seems like a very controlling God. Finally my heart was truly humbled tonight in that exact truth, that it is ONLY by God's granting, God's sending of His Spirit that I can/could ever know/believe in Jesus. My pride always wanted a pat on the back and to look down on those who can't seem to reach the same conclusion after analyzing the data.... but truly it is ONLY by His grace/mercy that I am saved. Now that this concept is firmly planted v39,40 seem even more poignant
(v39,40) Jesus' will is that none given to Him will be lost. Not only spoken here also part of His declaration of the Father and Him being one (John 10:28-29).
In (v56) the NASB uses the word "abides".... so I looked it up. "continue without fading or being lost"... Ah to abide in Christ, to continue without fading or being lost. That is my desire Lord.
6:25 thru 6:70 (Mar 2)
"What must we do to do the works God requires?" Wow, that is a great question. Jesus gives the same answer that he gave Nicodemus in 3:16: "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent". This is the work that does not "spoil" and "endures to eternal life" (v27). The people respond by asking for a sign and citing scripture: "He gave them bread from heaven to eat". My study bible says that a popular Jewish expectation was that when the Messiah came he would renew the sending of manna. The people saw the miracle of the loaves and fish, and it seems that they wanted the renewal of the manna to start right then and there.
Jesus declares that he is "I am", the living bread who has come down from heaven. He offers them something better than free food - eternal life! Their response is similar to Nicodemus. How can Jesus have come down from heaven when we know his parents? Jesus repeats the truth: "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life". How can we eat his flesh? Jesus repeats the truth and goes even deeper: "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life". Believing in Jesus means believing in why he was sent down in the flesh - the significance of his blood to forgive sins.
This is a hard teaching, to be sure. It is not the free meal that many in the crowd were looking for, and they turned back and no longer followed Jesus (v66). Tragically, Jesus was offering them something "free", if they would believe. And it was much more than physical food. Not everyone falls away, though. Simon Peter gives voice to the believers: "You have the words of eternal life. We believe!". The application for me, again today, is to not get so focused on my daily problems and struggles [manna] that I cannot see and accept the more abundant, more wonderful things that God has for me [spirit and life, the work He has for me] - if I will submit to Him and listen for His voice.
Jesus declares that he is "I am", the living bread who has come down from heaven. He offers them something better than free food - eternal life! Their response is similar to Nicodemus. How can Jesus have come down from heaven when we know his parents? Jesus repeats the truth: "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life". How can we eat his flesh? Jesus repeats the truth and goes even deeper: "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life". Believing in Jesus means believing in why he was sent down in the flesh - the significance of his blood to forgive sins.
This is a hard teaching, to be sure. It is not the free meal that many in the crowd were looking for, and they turned back and no longer followed Jesus (v66). Tragically, Jesus was offering them something "free", if they would believe. And it was much more than physical food. Not everyone falls away, though. Simon Peter gives voice to the believers: "You have the words of eternal life. We believe!". The application for me, again today, is to not get so focused on my daily problems and struggles [manna] that I cannot see and accept the more abundant, more wonderful things that God has for me [spirit and life, the work He has for me] - if I will submit to Him and listen for His voice.
Monday, March 1, 2010
6:1 thru 6:24 (Mar 1)
A great crowd of people follows Jesus to the mountainside. After Jesus miraculously feeds them, the crowd says "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world". My bible points this reference to a passage in Deuteronomy 18, which says "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me [referring to Moses] from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb [another mountainside, where the law was given] on the day of the assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die [the people recognize their sinfulness before God]" The Lord said to me: "What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account."
This highlights what Jesus just said in 5:46: "If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me". A prophet greater than Moses is sent. The people do hear the voice of the Lord their God. And they are commanded to listen to what he tells them, to what he speaks on behalf of God. For some reason, the crowd recognizes Jesus based on his miraculous provision of food, but this is not really related to the particular Deuteronomy passage. They were supposed to have recognized him as speaking the words of God. The application for me is to not get so focused on my physical needs and my daily struggles that I can't hear from God. Guilty as charged. Father God, help me to set aside time to hear your voice and listen.
Final thought is an observation about the faith of the disciples and how they follow Jesus even when they feel inadequate and have a lot of uncertainty. First, Philip recognizes that he can't do what is being asked on his own. Then Andrew offers up what they are equipped with. He recognizes that it is not enough, but he offers what he has to the Lord. Then they are obedient to Jesus and do what he asks them to do, even though it is not yet clear how God will act. Certainly getting 5000 hungry men to sit down and expect something to happen is an act of faith! Lord God, move me to follow you even when I don't think that I have enough and don't have everything figured out ahead of time.
This highlights what Jesus just said in 5:46: "If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me". A prophet greater than Moses is sent. The people do hear the voice of the Lord their God. And they are commanded to listen to what he tells them, to what he speaks on behalf of God. For some reason, the crowd recognizes Jesus based on his miraculous provision of food, but this is not really related to the particular Deuteronomy passage. They were supposed to have recognized him as speaking the words of God. The application for me is to not get so focused on my physical needs and my daily struggles that I can't hear from God. Guilty as charged. Father God, help me to set aside time to hear your voice and listen.
Final thought is an observation about the faith of the disciples and how they follow Jesus even when they feel inadequate and have a lot of uncertainty. First, Philip recognizes that he can't do what is being asked on his own. Then Andrew offers up what they are equipped with. He recognizes that it is not enough, but he offers what he has to the Lord. Then they are obedient to Jesus and do what he asks them to do, even though it is not yet clear how God will act. Certainly getting 5000 hungry men to sit down and expect something to happen is an act of faith! Lord God, move me to follow you even when I don't think that I have enough and don't have everything figured out ahead of time.
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