John 14:1-3 - A Place Prepared for Us

John 14:1-3

1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

Message: A Place Prepared for Us

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: I now begin chapter 14. In chapter 13, Jesus is beginning to prepare more for his departure from earth as he knows it is getting closer. As this is occurring, most of the disciples are committed to Jesus but one is unwilling to surrender and Jesus announces the betrayal of Judas while also emphasizing that Jesus' disciples are those that are willing to live and act as He lives and acts practicing what He does. While the chapter mentions betrayal, it also reveals the knowledge Jesus has for people - knowing Judas will betray him but also knowing Peter will deny him. Peter, a representative of the disciples, speaks to Jesus, wanting to follow Him. Jesus talks of the glorification that will occur of Him - and how the cross will culminate much in history. The disciples won't follow Him to the where He is going to be with the Father because they probably don't understand completely what is going on. But they will come to heaven one day. 

So now I jump into Chapter 14 and Jesus continues now to be taking about the future place in which the disciples will join Jesus. He is leaving to go and prepare a place for his disciples, for his followers. Going back to Chapter 13, verse 36 Jesus says, "You cannot follow Me now" and then 14:2 says, "For I go to prepare a place for you." I like this thought that Jesus is leaving this earth, going to heaven and preparing a place for us, for his disciples. 

From a literal point, Peter asks the question in verse 36 and Jesus answers Peter in verse 36 and then states further in 14:2 that He is preparing a place for you, which could only mean Peter. So how do we know these words can be applied to all the disciples or all people? One idea is the conversation with Jesus is expanded to "no one" or everyone in John 14:6. Some have said Peter acts as a representative for the other disciples in asking questions, so all of these words by Jesus would then also be towards the disciples. And then from there we can expand the disciples to everyone. 

Going back to verse 1, I continue to see in John's words the linking of God and Jesus. It is as if John through his book is imploring the audience, the Jewish people, who believe in God to also believe in Jesus. He does this by frequently speaking this idea of - if you believe in God you will also believe in Jesus. The most basic idea seems to be that God sent Jesus and if that occurred then we need to believe in the one that God sent. And yet also stating these words, "Believe in God, believe also in Me" almost gives the idea that to believe in God is the same as believing in Jesus. As if there is something more than simply believing that God has sent Jesus to believing in God and Jesus is the same thing or the same belief because Jesus is God. That's the leap of faith it seems the Bible is moving people towards. And now in modern day Christianity the leap that the Church is imploring all people to believe. 

Then in verse 3, Jesus says, "I go and prepare a place for you." And "I will come again" And "receive you to myself" --- "that where I am, you may be also." 

Rather than speaking of heaven, could this be going back to verse 13:31 and the idea of the "Son of Man glorified." Jesus, fully man, will be glorified. God will transfer all of His glory to Jesus. And could this be talking of the resurrection? That place could be heaven, but that place could also be the freedom found in Christ when all of our sins are clearly paid for. Jesus has been walking the earth and assuring people that He is real and He is equal to God and He can be trusted, but on the cross, all sin will be paid. And until all that sin is paid, being with Him and with the Father cannot happen yet. 

Jesus is giving Peter (and the disciples) the promise that while He needs to leave and they can't come with him right now, that He will come back and then they will be able to be received to Himself. John prepared the way for Jesus. Jesus is preparing the way for His followers. The High Priest entered the holy of holies annually to offer the blood of the sacrifice and Jesus now will be going to the cross to offer His blood, sacrifice to save all. 

Overall, Jesus is saying, "Trust me." He is telling Peter and the disciples that they do not need to be concerned, that while they want to be with Him and follow Him now, He will be back and they will be together. 

Summary: Jesus to Peter and disciples promises that though He is leaving, He is preparing a place for them and He will return and they will be where He is going. 

Promise: We shall meet again, and dwell in a place where there shall be no more separation and no more tears.

Prayer: Lord, the promise I receive from you is to trust You even when I do not understand all that is ahead of me. I get scared and nervous and I want to be in control, often believing or stating that I know best. But you tell me as you have told the disciples to trust you. And whatever it means to be glorified, whether it is salvation or bringing me one day to heaven, your promises are rich and complete and it reminds me that You are the author and you are the great provider of all. Lord, I can trust You. I can believe in You and Your promise, always. Thank you. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 13:36-38 - Peter's Overconfidence

John 13:36-38

36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” 37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times."

Message: Peter's Overconfidence

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 36 seems to begin where verse 33 left off when Jesus said, "Where I am going, you cannot come." Peter is not understanding Jesus and wants to go with Him. Jesus seems to be mentioning his ascension after His death to the Father. Peter is confident in his surrender to the Lord, but Jesus now once again, as in showing the betrayal of Judas, predicts also the denial by Peter of Jesus that will occur 3 times before the rooster will crow. 

Previously in John 10:11 mentioned that as the Good Shepherd He will lay down His life for His sheep. And in other places there is the prediction that Jesus will one day die. It is said that Peter is sort of a spokesman for the other disciples often. He speaks here wondering where Jesus is going and wants to go with him, but Jesus confirms that Peter cannot come. Peter does not really understand what Jesus is doing yet. I am sure I would not understand either at this time if I was in the same place as Peter and the other disciples. Jesus also mentions thought that one day Peter will go where he is going, "you will follow later." As such Jesus is confirming that Peter will be with him one day in heaven. 

But in response to this now, Peter is not listening well. He wants something and Jesus' reply is not holding weight to what he wants. He states that he will lay down his life for Jesus. He will follow Jesus even to death. Peter has a devotion to the Lord that is clear even when he does not necessarily understand all that Jesus is saying. Peter has a willingness to follow Jesus. The disciples left everything to follow Jesus initially and this unreserved devotion to Him continues here. They have had a willingness to follow Him and that resolve has not changed. 

Yet, Jesus sees something that Peter does not see. Despite the fact that Peter seems to be expressing a heartfelt commitment to follow, Jesus knows something about Peter that he doesn't know: that Peter will deny Jesus when put to the test. Jesus conveys this information to Peter. Jesus makes a statement and yet it doesn’t change the fact that Peter will still deny him. If someone told me something that I was embarrassed by that was going to happen, I would think I might try to make sure it doesn’t happen. And yet it still happens.

It’s also really hard to be critical of Peter, because I might hope that I would respond differently given the situation, yet it’s not until I’ve been placed in that situation that I would know for sure. 

Summary: Simon wants to follow Jesus and go where He goes when He is glorified, but Jesus lets him know that He will come later, but first Peter will deny Jesus 3 times. 

Promise: We dare not trust in ourselves but only in the power of Christ to keep us faithful to Him. Let us ask Him this day to make us persevere.

Prayer: O Lord, I pray that I am a faithful follower of You all of my days. And yet Lord, I am concerned of my own failure and the way I might deny You given a circumstance. I pray that I am not like that and that instead I make you known always. Thank you for these words though it is hard for me to hear them about Peter. Thank You for Your great love. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment from Christ

John 13:34-35 

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

Message: A New Commandment from Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus is in the middle of speaking about His departure from this life. In the previous verses He talks of His glorification - that His mission on earth is soon complete when He will be glorified - bearing the punishment of all people's sin but then also conquering death and ascending to be with the Father. He has shown Himself to be a servant to the disciples and even as He did this encouraged His disciples to serve in the same manner toward one another (v. 14-15). 

Jesus remarks that He is giving them a new commandment and yet this commandment does not seem to be new. Not in the Gospel of John, but in Matthew and Mark, a Pharisee had come asking Jesus what the greatest commandment was in the Law and Jesus took that opportunity to summarize all the commandments speaking of our love for God with all of our heart and then love for our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-39). Going further back to Leviticus (1400 years prior) are these words in 19:18, "You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord." Thus, the principle of loving one another was not knew. I don't think we can simply say that John didn't know about these prior words. 

But here Jesus mentions this as a "new commandment." Again, Jesus spoke previously of washing one another's feet and now in this verse he mentions a bigger principle and purpose and outcome related to loving one another that maybe has it now as a motive that has never been spelled out before. In washing another's feet we speak forth the idea of serving one another. And now the result of loving one another is "By this all men will know that you are My disciples." Jesus will soon be glorified and He will ascend to be with the Father as He has stated the disciples will not be going (v. 32-33). How then are we to live once He leaves? On earth, people saw Jesus and came to know Him through His presence on earth, but once He leaves, how will people come to know the Lord? Through our love. 

This challenges me and us i think to always think about what it means to love one another, truly love one another. It motivates me to really consider others and consider their needs and make them more important than myself (Phil. 2:3 - let each of you regard one another as more important than himself). 

This is a love that when others people see the love they recognize us being from God. All we are doing in our life is meant to point people to Jesus, having been sent by God. Our motivation is to not to only get people to love in the same way, but to know God. We don't want anyone to be rejected by Jesus (12:48). Therefore, we love. No matter the circumstance.

The betrayal has just been mentioned by Jesus. Jesus was betrayed for money, and yet we are to be about love. Jesus' love remains the same for Judas as it does for His other disciples. Keep on loving one another. Don't get focused on how people are reacting. Maybe Jesus is wanting to call attention to this - that we love because He loved us and we keep loving so people will keep seeing the connection we have with Jesus- that we follow Jesus. We are His disciples. We are not simply people who love one another, but our love is because of Jesus loving us. 

My tendency always is when people are rejecting or different from or not agreeing with me, my tendency is to have anger. Yesterday, with my wife I had this bout of selfishness. My wife was focused on others and serving others and being there for others, but I was caught up in a basketball game and wanting to enjoy it, thinking it was the joy I needed. I was struggling, maybe irate, I don't know, but I voiced my displeasure towards her. I was focused on selfish needs, but I should be focused instead on love. On loving others. I think again of those Resolutions from Jonathan Edwards and no. 59: "Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill-nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly." May I be resolved to be good-natured first, even as anger is raising its head in me. Will I stop and be good natured and love others? 

Summary: Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us so that all will know that we are His disciples. 

Promise: Let us ask God to give us the strength to love our fellow believers truly so that we might be a witness to Him in the world.

Prayer: O Lord, I thank you for this great reminder of truth and my need to have love for others, not simply because this is a good trait, but because You have loved me and I want people to know that I am a follower of You. I want to point people back to you so that they accept you as Savior and Lord. Lord, remove my selfishness and remove the tendency I have to be ill-natured or angry. Let me be about love always in relating to others. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 13:31-33 - The Glorification of the Son of Man

John 13:31-33

31 Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; 32 if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

Message: The Glorification of the Son of Man

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: After the feet washing, at the supper prior to the Feast of the Passover, Jesus had been around the table with the disciples and announced that one of them would betray Him. Though he does not call him by name He does signal it by dipping a morsel and passing it to Him. And then in verse 31 it says, "Therefore when he had gone out" or when Judas had willingly, on his own, left their group. He had been exposed and so there was no longer a need for him to stay a part of the group. His deeds would be made known and Satan had also entered Him and therefore His presence also with that group is not appropriate. 

Now moving on to the crux of this passage and words by Jesus of

Now is the Son of Man glorified

God is glorified in Him

if God is glorified in Him, 

God will also glorify Him in Himself, 

and will glorify Him immediately. 

Little children, I am with you a little while longer. 

You will seek Me; 

and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

"Now" starts verse 31 and Jesus' words. As if, it all comes down to this. This is the time now for Jesus to be glorified, the Son of Man, as He refers to Himself. The betrayal was a part of it, signaling in a way this glorification that will now occur - when Jesus will go to the cross to bear man's sin and God will lift Him up, raising Him from the dead and sealing the fate of God's chosen ones. Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) mentions a triple glorification: the Son of Man glorified in His Cross; God glorified in the Son of Man; and the Son of Man glorified in God. 

By saying "Now is the Son of Man Glorified" it feels like Jesus is saying that now, the Son of Man will fulfill His mission. As if, this has been the point of His life all along. He has mentioned this several times in His ministry, in His journey's. As even as He had been troubled by it occurring (13:21) as He was going to experience pain, the pulling in of the cross to Himself was His mission. It reminds me of a birth which women will often not look forward to because they know their will be pain in that delivery, in that pregnancy and yet their is such a great anticipation in bringing that child into the world. There will be a culmination. 

Christ will (1) bear the curse that sinners deserve at the Cross, (2) witness Jesus conquering death, (3) uses the worlds despised tool of death for the means of defeating death, (4) and reveals the great love of God. 

The glory which is mentioned is an interesting word to me for Jesus in speaking these words seems to be signaling something and that it is the ultimate calling on His life, on our lives - to glorify God. And what greater glory is there than to redeem mankind - to make a way for man to be saved, once for all.  Jesus has been walking the earth, sharing His message, helping people see the Love of God and that Jesus is sent by God and has all the source of salvation that is needed and yet in this act on the cross His need for walking on the earth will no longer be needed. Nothing more will be needed. Animal sacrifices is no longer needed. 

God has sent His Son and now He is glorified. Romans 3:25 speaks clearly of what occurs, "whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed." Sins have been passed over. The ultimate Passover has occurred. 

It amazes me how we walk through life, engage in activity, take care of ourselves, live for ourselves, seek enjoyment in our activities - continue to walk through life - and yet this most incredible moment in history has occurred in God rescuing mankind from their sins. Maybe it is not as prominent in my life. Maybe I miss it is the issue and maybe I am too busy in other activities. Maybe the problem is me and my need for this to be ultimate event of life - the greatest moment.  

And God is now going to be glorified in this glory. It reads, "God will also glorify Him in Himself." The ultimate glory of God for which all of life seems to be about will happen now in this act. 

• Hebrews 1:3 - He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature
• John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory
• Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
• 1 Chronicles 16:24 - Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
• 1 Chronicles 29:11 - Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.
• Isaiah 42:8 - “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.”
• Isaiah 6:3 - And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
• Psalm 72:19 - Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!
• Romans 11:36 - For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

All for God's glory is life. Been speaking with a man this past week who says Jesus and the Bible is all fake and made up. He says that Jesus was created at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It is all a fabrication and something just to control people. For his sake, I hope he is right. Because he has no interest in a holy God. And from what I read, it is all about God. I think this is the offense now of mankind that life remains about God. People want it to be about themselves instead, but we hold firm that it is all about Him. 

Finally, in verse 33 of this passage, Jesus returns to the disciples and with endearing words calls them "Little Children." He lets them know that He will be with them a little longer. He sort of consoles them realizing that maybe there will be a challenge to their lives without him directly around. The life that we live in now in which it seems life would be easier if Jesus was present physically in our lives. But rather than consider, let me just consider the words of Jesus here to his disciples setting the stage for them to seize the day and to enjoy the presence that they have with Him. 

He remarks that "Where I am going, you cannot come.’" Jesus will be returning to the Father and no one has seen God and lived. Psalm 24:3, "Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?"

Summary: History to date culminates in Jesus being glorified when the Son of Man fulfills His mission for mankind with God receiving Glory and Jesus returning to the Father in Heaven. 

Promise: In the atoning death of Jesus is revealed the glory of our triune God, and if we do not preach the cross, then we are failing to glorify our Creator.

Prayer: Lord God, you are Holy and yet You sent us Jesus so that we can see you and behold you as our Lord and Savior God. Thank you for the testimony Lord of knowing this and what matters most in life - to know You and follow You. Thank you for the peace and hope that is found in you and for making sense of this life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 13:21-30 - The Betrayal of Christ

John 13:21-30

21 When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.” 22 The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23 There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” 25 He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. 29 For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night.

Message: The Betrayal of Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: This selection of scripture in study today has mention in the other 3 gospels:

Matthew 26:21-22 - As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?”

Mark 14:18-19 - As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?”

Luke 22:21-23 - "But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table. For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing.

There isn't anything real different in the words stated in the other gospels to the account in John though John goes much more in depth. 

In the previous words Jesus had been talking of those He chose and yet also speaking of those that will not receive Him. He talks of the feet washing and the importance of being a servant. And then in verse 21 He makes the bold prediction, though it is stated more as a fact, that one will betray Him and He knows who it is and identifies Him (v. 26). I find these words interesting because the betrayal, as I have already discussed, becomes part of God's story or plan for the entire crucifixion story. Yet those present at the time did not understand the significance of it (v. 28). Jesus tells Judas to act quickly (v. 27). And remarks that Satan has now entered Judas, as if he had not up to that point. 

In verse 21, Jesus remarks that this announcement of Judas betraying Him is troubling. That troubling description could mean multiple things. (1) It could refer to the simple trouble of Judas and his betrayal despite Jesus having invested time in him. (2) But much is written that the troubling of His Spirit is anticipating now the journey Jesus will take toward the cross, and Jesus ultimately bearing the sin of the world. (3) And then another application is the offense of false teachers or those who speak a contrary word about Jesus. 

Summary: Jesus identifies the one who will betray Him, though the disciples don't understand the significance of this at the time. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- Jesus was troubled at the trial that lay ahead of Him, but He was able to persevere in obedience because of His unwavering trust in His Father.

Prayer: O Lord my God you are awesome and your name is to be magnified. You are eternal in your ways and complete in your purposes. Thank you for the standard you have shown that we are to live our lives against, namely to honor You with our lives and give glory to You all of our days. Help us to be a people that honors you always and does not seek after selfish means to please ourselves. Though this happens thank you for your hand of forgiveness. Lord, allow me to remain grieved over the truth of the cross and the need for sin to be expelled at the cross, my sin which so often is a disappointment to me when I commit it, and should remind me always of the suffering you took upon to make my place right with God for eternity. Draw people to yourself Lord. May people be revived in their souls to seek You and turn their lives over to You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

TABLETALK - July 2018

I continue in my daily studies to be guided by Tabletalk magazine. 2018 was a study on the Gospel of John and its straightforward presentation of the person and work of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other doctrines. 

• January 2018 (July 4, 2023 - July 23, 2023) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 
• February 2018 (July 24, 2023 - August 10, 2023) John 2:23 - 3:36 - Regeneration and our need to believe in Christ for Salvation
• March 2018 (August 13, 2023 - September 30, 2023) John 4:1 - 5:29 - Christ is the incarnate Son of God
• April 2018 (October 1, 2023 - November 6, 2023) John 5:30 - John 7:36 - Jesus is as necessary to our souls as food is to our body; Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths
• May 2018 (November 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023) John 7:37 - John 9:41 - Jesus experiences opposition and there is a sin-motivated resistance people have toward being enslaved to sin.
• June 2018 (December 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024) John 10:1 - 11:57 - Jesus as our shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep, but some won't hear Him. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in order to impact the faith of the disciples. 
• July 2018 (January 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024) John 12:1 - 13:20 - Jesus as Savior and Judge; salvation comes to Jesus' disciples and the judgment comes to all who reject Him. 

Chapter 12

The Anointing of Jesus (John 12:1-8) - Jesus is anointed by Mary after a meal is served and cites this is His time for this rather than giving to the poor from the proceeds of the sale of perfume. 

Plotting Against Lazarus (John 12:9-11) - Many continue to come to see Jesus and believe but also now they see Lazarus, impacted by Jesus and others want to also put Lazarus to death. 

Greeting the King (12:12-15) - Jesus is intentional, being greeted in Jerusalem with palm branches and then riding on a donkey, humble with foes of sin, Satan, and death.

Misunderstanding Jesus (12:16-19) - The disciples continue to follow but still do not understand Jesus completely, but one day they will, we know this. Meanwhile, the Pharisees remain bothered. 

Death and Glory (12:20-26) - Greeks are looking for Jesus and then Jesus speaks about his future death and how He will die and we need to lose our lives to find fruit and abundant life. 

Hearing A Voice from Heaven (12:27-30) - Jesus admits he is troubled about future judgment before God and yet God has a purpose for people, to give them assurance and Jesus submits to this. 

The Moment of Judgment and Salvation (12:31-32) - The Father has a purpose at judgment and that is to cast out the prince of this world, Satan, and Jesus by his resurrection and ascension will draw men to Himself at an alarming rate. 

Walking in the Light while There's Still Time (12:33-36a) - Despite many expecting Jesus to solve a political agenda they have, Jesus makes it clear that salvation is found in believing in him right now, while he is with them.

The Glory Isaiah Saw (John 12:36b-41) - While Jesus previously appeals to the multitude to believe in Him now, John takes us back to Isaiah to show us that some who refuse are hardened toward believing. 

A Call to Commitment (John 12:42-43) - Following belief in Jesus should be a desire only now for the approval of God and yet people can still at times continue to seek the approval of man instead. 

Seeing the Son, Seeing the Father (John 12:44-46) - Believing in Jesus is believing in God who sent Jesus, and seeing Jesus is seeing God and believing in Jesus transforms people away from living in darkness.

Christ the Judge (John 12:47-50) - The consistent them of the Bible is people go to everlasting life or everlasting contempt and believing in God, believing in Jesus, sent by God is the dividing line. 

Chapter 13

Loved to the End (John 13:1) - Jesus knows his departure time from earth is soon, going to the Father, and His love for people remains. 

The Cleansing We Need (John 13:2-11) - Most of the disciples surrendered themselves to the Servant King, Jesus, but one was unwilling to surrender himself and remained firm in his desire. 

The Example of Jesus (John 13:12-17) - Disciples of Christ must be willing to do what Jesus was willing to do, including acts of service. 

Receiving the One Whom Jesus Sends (John 13:18-20) - The betrayal of Judas was foreseen by Jesus. Let that confirm to us Jesus understanding of the future and confirm that His ambassadors who receive Jesus, receive the Father who sent Jesus. 

Various Scriptures - Guilt and Forgiveness - In washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus made it clear that those who follow Him need both the definitive cleansing from guilt they receive when they first exercise faith as well as continual forgiveness for any sins they commit thereafter (John 13:1–20). This story gives us an opportunity to reflect more on what the Bible says about the guilt of sin and the forgiveness we find only in Christ. 

To the Ends of the Earth - David Brainerd only lived to the age of 29, and yet he had a calling to Native Americans, to share the gospel with them. We have other lessons to learn from 18th century, preachers and theologians. We learn from the past to remember, but also to help us wisely serve and glorify God now, and for the future.

The Eighteenth Century: An Overview - As I read this, I couldn’t help but think about the origin of many of our thoughts today that are now normal. There was the evangelical revival in Britain and the great awakening in America. Also known as the enlightenment. There was less of an emphasis to focus on tradition and learning from it, and instead understanding nature through rational investigation. Reason became the map that included religion. Deism conceived of God as the supreme being rather than the Trinity. Miracles were needless. God simply wound the watch and let it run. God will reward the virtuous and punish the wicked. No savior was required. Thomas Paine was a deist as well as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson even edited the New Testament known as the Jefferson Bible. The only good news was these thinkers, still placed a value on the Christian faith. Immanuel Kant was the ultimate enlightenment philosopher. For him, human reason could find no path to the knowledge of God. For him, there was no intelligent design, or a transcendent cause. But he still believed that God existed in order to postulate a moral law. But God still can’t be known. For him, there is no reason to explain faith. He values Jesus, but only from the idea that he’s the founder of a new moral kingdom. He grew up Lutheran, with their revival and start a benefit of the Moravians. They influenced John Wesley. And sent out over 200 missionaries to Greenland, Lapland, the Virgin Islands, north and south America and South Africa. In America it was the ministry of John Whitfield. He spurned the planting of many of the denominations we know today. In Roman Catholicism, the Jansenists accepted defeat, not able to reconstitute Augustine’s doctrine of grace. The Jesuits we’re also defeated, but have later revitalized. The 18th century also brought about many composers such as Bach Handel Mozart and Beethoven.

The Methodist Movement - This was the only denomination to plant a church in every county of the United States, most often done by horseback. They felt Christian living should be more than the Anglican church offered, moving to an assurance of their faith and a pious life. After Oxford, John Wesley headed to Georgia to be a pastor, but then failed to secure his wife and was runoff in 1737. In 1738 on the voyage home, the Moravians words helped, giving him that assurance of salvation in Christ alone that he had been yearning for.

George Whitfield as well, rose to prominence, speaking to thousands often. Whitfield also dramatized biblical narratives. Growth occurred through revival and preaching of the Gospel, but Whitfield, a Calvinist and Wesley, an Arminian, were in disagreement, specifically over church discipline. Sanctification was also an issue as well as Wesley felt like our good works were an assurance of our salvation with the idea that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in a persons life, moving that person to walk fully in step with God‘s will. The break was made away from the Anglican church, which had ordained all Methodist preachers. Wesley, not Whitfield rose to greater heights and established the Methodist church.

Next step was Francis Asbury, who would travel some 300,000 miles for the sake of evangelism. The Wesleyan message did much to evangelize people in the Methodist movement, created ministries for the widowed, the hungry, and those in slavery. Whitfield did not have a problem with slavery for economic reasons but as Barry and another convert Harry Hosier believed, a black preacher could speak to a white audience. But there were still others that did not like black Christians, moving those blacks to form the African Methodist episcopal denomination. And of note is one of the biggest influencers of Protestantism is Methodist hymn writer Wesley who wrote close to 6000 hymns. Methodism today still is focused on social change.

Jonathan Edwards and the First Great Awakening - The earliest letter written by Edwards when he was 12 mentions the work of the Spirit of God in saving souls at his father's church in East Windsor, Connecticut. At 27, 2 years after being assistant minister in Northampton, MA, he become senior minister and was then called upon to deliver Harvard's commencement address where he spoke of salvation as a work of God. He continued preaching of grace. In his first book, the conversion of many souls awakened a common theme. In 1741 in Enfield, Connecticut he preached "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." The First Great Awakening continued but there were some zealots, like Charles Chauncy who wanted order and private expression, critical of these Awakening events. Princeton University, where Edwards would be president till 1759, prior to his death in 1761, began at this time under different names and was a training ground for ministers. Awakenings continue in the next century with Charles Finney, the Dwight L. Moody and finally Billy Graham.

The Birth of Modern Protestant Missions - William Carey, a Baptist Missionary died in 1834 with these words from Isaac Watts hymn, "A wretched, poor, and helpless worm,/On Thy kind arms I fall." In his writing he said no work equals the Moravians. A prayer meeting in 1727 sparked this surge of missionary movement by the Moravians in Saxony, Germany. Prayers for revival occurred in churches in America as well. The Baptist Missionary Society was born and sent Carey to India and Southeast Asia. Carey's sermon "expect great things" and "attempt great things." Without prayer nothing can be accomplished for the expansion of God's kingdom. We need to passionate about winning the lost for Christ and advancing the kingdom of Christ.

The Art of Standing Firm - Standing firm is an art, not to be done out of tension or discipline necessarily. We can unwittingly push agendas that undermine the gospel. We must stand firm to preserve the gospel and not submit to a yoke of slavery (Gal. 5:1). Division, lusts of the flesh, and lure of false teaching will challenge God's people. Speak the truth in love because God first loved us. We stand firm in response to Jesus pouring it out for us in Christ (2 Thess 2:14-15).

Responding to Hardships - 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 speaks of suffering the Apostle Paul enduring in his ministry to the gentiles, teaching him to rely on God. 2 Corinthians 11:23-25 Paul experienced hardships as a church planter. Paul responded on what God was doing through the difficult circumstances in 2 Corinthians 1:9 and who we need to put our trust in. So we are not to lose heart as he records in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, for He gives us an eternal perspective during trials. It is all about Jesus' strength as he wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. May we truly say, "When I am weak, then I am strong."

Fear and the Reign of God - Monsters are not real, but can still terrify us. Daniel had dream of monsters sent from God to teach him. Daniel saw a dream of 4 grotesque monsters signifying 4 powerful kings and kingdoms in history. First, Nebuchadnezzar (kingdom of Babylon); Second and Third, Idolatrous and destructive kingdoms of the MedoPersians and Greeks. Fourth to be Roman Empire but author thinks it is collective empires of the fallen world. In the dream Daniel also saw the Ancient of Days sitting on His throne and Son of Mans coming in the clouds. History does not always make sense to us, but we can take heart for our God reigns. Christ is coming again. We are secure. Abide in Him. We have nothing to fear.

Sabbath Consciousness - As I grew up, so did my understanding of things in our church. And father preaching was actually saying something that I began to hear. Sermons are sessions that equip God's people to understand how His word works and fits together and how to live out of it. Prayers made more sense. Songs were articulate praise. Worship is transforming and sustaining. We become more conscious of God's work and less of our own. Each Sunday makes us more fit for future reality.

Judgment and Rewards at the Last Judgment - Ecclesiastes begins and ends with a meaningless life ("All is Vanity") and then life will be judged ("God will bring every deed into judgment.") And yet maybe being judged gives us meaning for how often is what we have done in life not even noticed. God cares about my life and what I do. But, to live for eternity, our sins must be judged in Christ, not in our own selves. This will determine how and where we live forever. There are permanent and shattering consequences for sin. We grow strong in grace, possibly suffering, anticipate vindication. Those who lover their enemies, endure persecution and obediently serve their masters will be rewarded (Matt 5:11-2; Matthew 25:23, Luke 6:35). It is selfish to only serve Jesus for the reward. But seeking Him, serving Him, then a reward is fitting. We need to bring to Jesus something to express our gratitude. Live today as one who expects to be judged by God.

Faithful Preaching Amid Persecution - Karem, the writer of this article, mentions being interrogated by police because of word that someone was trying to kill him. Those who live faithful lives to God will encounter trouble and suffering and this has been present throughout church history. Scripture says to expect persecution. Disciples suffered while preaching gospel. Stephen while preaching gave his life. Paul suffered. Jesus saw persecution so will we. So how do we act when it comes? To continue to preach faithfully. Trust God's sovereign will. We are commissioned to declare His glory. So in every season, declare God's word. Confront the fears of being mocked or making enemies. Suffering is a privilege (Phil. 1:29). The valleys may be dark, but the shepherd is by our side.

Defending the Faith - Sometimes Christianity would be easier if it were more inclusive and we could adjust to the sails of all that society believes is important or values. Yet, throughout history Christianity has been in opposition to culture. Though we don't know everything, God does. Nothing is a surprise to Him. We are made in His image, set apart from everything else. As we are challenged, remember I Peter 3:15-16, always being ready to make a defense with gentleness and respect. Reason with the Scriptures. Preach Christ and His resurrection. And yet we can have knowledge of their beliefs as it helps us in those conversations. Those challenges are good as we need to work toward always having a good defense.

Resolutions - Beginning in 1722 at age 19, Jonathan Edwards (October 5, 1703 – March 22, 1758) wrote 70 resolutions designed to help him live a holy life. Desiring God pens these complete as of August 17, 1723, just before age 20. I have read through these once and at first glance some are weighty and some with language I do not completely grasp based upon 1722-1723 language (300 years ago). Prior to reading them I think I expected them to be more comprehensive than they are. He repeats things. I saw a blogger who in 2012 tried to restate some of these to more contemporary language. Here are some thoughts I saw:

• Do all for the glory of God no matter the time it takes and this is for my good benefit as well.
• Live with all my might.
• Realize always I am a sinner and when seeing sin in others may it show me how not to sin.
• If I am in pain, let me think of the pain of hell and of those who have suffered for Christ before me.
• Remove pride or vanity from my ways.
• Make charity a focus.
• Don't take revenge.
• Flee anger towards others.
• Don't speak evil of another.
• Live with no regrets, till the day I die.
• Don't live in fear of doing things the Lord has called me to do.
• Be wise and healthy with my food choices.
• Be happy.
• When I sin, resolve to trace it back to its beginning so that I do not sin again, fighting and praying against it.
• Examine carefully any doubt I have of the love of God.
• Study the scriptures steadily, constantly, and frequently.
• Have hope that God will answer my prayers.
• Resolve each week to apply God's word better than the week before.
• Be faithful.
• Before going to sleep each night, be reminded of any area I have been negligent, any sin committed, any way I have not acted appropriately.
• Never speak inappropriately on the Lord's Day.
• Frequently renew my commitment to the Lord.
• Don't have any fret or uneasiness toward my mother or father.
• Trust and confide on the Lord Jesus Christ, consecrating myself wholly to Him.
• When I hear of good practice of others, resolve to imitate it.
• In my conversations, let those be about love, cheerfulness, and benignity (tolerance toward others), unless duty requires otherwise.
• Strive to feel and act in a good natured way.
• Toward duty and glorifying God, do it willingly and cheerfully.
• Be an open book before God: laying open all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and everything -- confessing all to God and imploring him for help.

Various Scriptures - Guilt and Forgiveness

Romans 3:9 

What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin. 

Message: Objective and Subjective Guilt

What the Lord is Saying: Apologetics is the study of defending the Christian faith. One issue that comes up is experiencing guilt. Subjective guilt is how one feels. Objective guilt is based upon a standard. One can feel guilty and yet not have broken a standard, while one can have broken a standard and yet not feel guilty. 

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Romans 2:14-15

For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a Law to themselves, in that they show the working of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them. 

Message: Addressing our Guilt

What the Lord is Saying: Sociopath is someone that ignores right and wrongs and feelings of others in acting out. If a person has guilt, sometimes they will seek ways to mitigate it or mask it like through different forms of addiction or escape paths. What is more common is comparing ourselves to others we view are worse off than ourselves to defend or excuse our heinous behavior. Like, "I may have hate or dislike, but I am not a murderer." All of this focus is on subjective feelings or how we see ourselves and we downplay the objective or standards that may be set up, such as God's expectation for holiness and perfection. Romans 2:14-15 gives the idea that everyone has a conscience or moral compass in place that gives them the idea that they should be better than they are. 

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Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. 

Message: Our Unpayable Debt

What the Lord is Saying: Nobody is perfect and in society standards are set up and when those standards are compromised or broken, then consequences result. For the Christian, the standard is the Glory of God and we believe all have fallen short of meeting that standard. In society, we have set up methods to pay off our debts to the law or breaking the law. Conversely, in religion, many have come up with similar ways through penance, good deeds, sacraments in order to prove oneself worthy. However, finite man pays off finite man, but with God, can finite man pay off an infinite God's standards on his/her own? 

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Jeremiah 3:3

Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no spring rain, yet you had a harlot's forehead; you refused to be ashamed. 

Message: Our Consciences and Our Guilt

What the Lord is Saying: Listening to our conscience is good, but our conscience must also be trained or conform to a certain standard. For the Christian, this standard is God and His word. Only listening to one's conscience may not merit the same results as the standard is fallible and produces guilt for not achieving the standard. 

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Psalm 32

1 How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!

2 How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!

3 When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.

5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”; and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.

6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.

7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.

11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

Message: The Solution of Forgiveness

What the Lord is Saying: Good guilt is when our subjective feelings are being measured against the standards of God. Guilt is released through forgiveness as we turn our focus toward God, confess our mistakes and trust in the Lord's pardon. With God, sin occurs and will continue to occur, but through Christ's payment for our sin, once for all, sin no longer needs a payment or penance. When God forgives He forgives forever. 

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John 8:36

If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. 

Message: The Reality of Forgiveness

What the Lord is Saying: The feeling of guilt can be burdensome. In feeling guilt, we are moved to repentance, to turn from the act that produces the feeling. Like our subjective feelings and objective state of guilt there is also subjective feelings of forgiveness. Objectively, the promise of God is He will forgive everyone who repents and trusts in Jesus alone for salvation (John 3:16). And yet still people don't feel forgiven, sometimes not believing that God really will forgive their brand of sin. But being forgiven is not based upon a feeling of forgiveness. If you have repented, then believe that God has forgiven you. 

Summary: In washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus made it clear that those who follow Him need both the definitive cleansing from guilt they receive when they first exercise faith as well as continual forgiveness for any sins they commit thereafter (John 13:1–20). This story gives us an opportunity to reflect more on what the Bible says about the guilt of sin and the forgiveness we find only in Christ. 

I have often made the comment that "feelings are not facts." People are naturally moved by their own feelings and emotions. In our present day, these feelings seem to be winning how life is being defined in a person and are being seen as facts in a person's life. The Christian is addressing this in his/her contacts with people to help people see that we need to use the golden rod of Scripture to define the standard to which we should be measuring ourselves against. But this is a standard that is often seen as backwards and not current to the way of life presently. Instead, people continue to validate a person's subjective feelings. The Christian believes it is God who has authored in us a conscience, giving each of us the tension between right and wrong and so we are to look to Him to help us define what is right or wrong. 

John 13:18-20 - Receiving the One Whom Jesus Sends

John 13:18-20

18 I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, "HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME." 19 From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

Message: Receiving the One Whom Jesus Sends

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 18 is a quote from Psalm 41:9 - "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Jesus here once again takes a text that served one purpose in one time and now applies it to a different time. He takes the principal and applies it now to a different time. 

Tabletalk explains this well:

David complains that one of his meal companions lifted up his heel against him. In the ancient Near East, to eat a meal with someone was a sign of friendship and trust, so it was especially terrible for someone who sat at your table to betray you. David was the greatest king of ancient Israel, so the psalm indicates that his betrayal was not incompatible with his position. The same is true of Jesus. He would be betrayed, but that would not make Him any less the King. Moreover, Psalm 41 also predicts the final triumph of David over his enemies. By quoting the psalm, Jesus indicated that despite His betrayal, He would have the ultimate victory over His betrayers.

Verse 18 begins with, "I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen." Is Jesus expressing that the previous words that he stated are not meant in application toward all people, but only for those that He has chosen? For instance, serving one another or washing one another's feet. The idea of doing as He has done for us. I mean, is he saying these actions that He is asking us to carry out need to be carried out on all people. If that is the case, then is Jesus saying how we are to treat one another in the Body or in the Kingdom but not necessarily those outside of it? 

Or is he coming back to the words only of verse 11 in which "Not all of you are clean?" Surely I am analyzing this too much and what Jesus is referencing is that there is one among them that does not take application from these words. 

And now to verse 19 - Jesus offers a statement to help them in their faith, to help it be increased, once again showing them that He has been sent by God and the words that He speaks brings comfort to them. "From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He." Jesus explains the future. The reality is the event of Judas' betrayal has not yet occurred, so verse 18 while clear to us because of what we know of in the future is not clear to the disciples. Jesus confirms that Judas will betray Him and so He offers to the disciples this knowledge, showing them once again His knowledge of all events of time, both now and in the future. Jesus is proving Himself to the disciples. 

For verse 20 Jesus confirms that the disciples are there to be His ambassadors. There will be those that turn from Jesus but receive God and in turn receive Jesus. "whomever I (the Father) send receives Me (Jesus) and he who (disciple) receives Me (Jesus) receives Him (the Father) who sent Me (Jesus)." Judas through His betrayal injures all, not only betraying Jesus but betraying the Father and betraying the purposes of why Jesus has come and been sent by the Father, betraying the kingdom of God.

Once again, I appreciate the words of John Gill (1697-1771) here:

he that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me, and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me; I have sent you in my name to preach the Gospel; you are my ambassadors, and you will be honourably received by many; and which I shall regard and take notice of, and esteem, as though they had received me; even as my Father has sent me into this world, as a Saviour and Redeemer, a prophet, priest, and King; and as many as have received me, are looked upon by my Father, as having received him: in short, such as cordially receive and embrace the ministers of the Gospel, receive Christ, in whose name they come, and whom they preach; and such who receive Christ, as preached and held forth in the everlasting Gospel, receive the Father of Christ; and partake of his love, grace, and kindness, shown forth in the mission and gift of Christ to them: Christ, as Mediator, represented his Father that sent him; and the ministers of Christ represent him; so that what is done to them, either in a way of reception or rejection, he takes as done to himself: it is a common saying among the Jews (c), "that the messenger of a man is as himself". 

Summary: The betrayal of Judas was foreseen by Jesus. Let that confirm to us Jesus understanding of the future and confirm that His ambassadors who receive Jesus, receive the Father who sent Jesus. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Let us endeavor to receive everyone whom Christ sends to exhort us."

Prayer: Lord, all the events of your scripture here confirm You and confirm the truth of You and that You had knowledge of all events of time. For the Jew here it was important to see that connection between receiving Jesus and being sent by you Father God. Thank you for making yourself known and being this confirmation. Help me to be an ambassador for You continually and to speak Your truth to the world around me and make you known in the way I speak and act and live. I want to be your ambassador. And I want to be authentic always in the ways I live, with a desire of you being well pleased of me. I praise you God and thank you for calling me. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 13:12-17 - The Example of Jesus

John 13:12-17

12 And so when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments, and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 

Message: The Example of Jesus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: One of the first things I notice here in this passage is the dual application Jesus gives here of washing feet. In verse 11, He mentions being made clean. And now He also points to the idea that we are to follow or practice the acts that Jesus has done. 

    Luke 6:31 - Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
    John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you,     that you also love one another. 

    Matthew 6:12 - And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

In the previous passage, Jesus made it clear to me that being His disciple, being in the Kingdom of God is first found through trusting and accepting Jesus and then we follow through by keeping the commandments of God. Seek Him First though. And then these other things follow. And yet, I do understand that by themselves, these are principals that we want to have in our lives. These are ideas that should be in the hearts and minds of people always - to not simply be served. 

Matthew 10:24-25 - A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master.

Again, people have roles and duties, but that does not make anyone better than another person. And yet the reality is religion has at many times painted a different picture, a picture that makes it seem like religion is controlling people and how they think. But at the heart of the matter here is that we are to be servants and treat others the way you want to be treated. 

This is a tough principal I think sometimes in our lives now to apply - as our world continues down a course of not coming from its foundation of Christian living or defined by biblical ideals, but is shifting what is deemed right and wrong, it challenges the Christian on how they are to live and respond in these situations. I remember my good friend Bobby and I walking together in the mall many years ago and he wondered about a friend that is practicing homosexuality and wondered if he would be invited to their same sex wedding if he would attend. It was a challenging question and one I don't think we were able to resolve with an answer at the time. And yet many would not see any issue with a response either in an affirmative or not. I think these are hard situations in our lives and so I think we need to extend perhaps a little grace to one another even as we have different opinions. 

A prominent pastor and Bible teacher recently gave a response on his national call-in show of him counseling a grandmother's question of whether to attend one of these same-sex or transgender marriages and stating she could go (starting at 16:09) to maybe surprise her with a response that perhaps she wasn't expecting. And yet this response was immediately rejected by a prominent Christian pastor. 

Now I am not saying here there is a link with foot-washing and celebrating sin, but there does seem to be a principal here of the way we treat one another, even the way we treat one another when we disagree. Do we continue to live alongside these people and show them respect or is our response only to address their sin and show that their response to sin will keep them from the kingdom of God, if that is what we believe. I think it is a hard situation and response and so I think it needs grace. 

But this passage is more specifically giving the teaching that as we receive service towards us, we are to return that service to others. We are not to take a position that we are higher or mightier or on a different level from others. We are to remain servants. And yet from that I went off on treating others the same and then wondered if that treatment affects how sinners might trust in Jesus. And so maybe I am just concluding these are hard situations for me to apply. 

Summary: Disciples of Christ must be willing to do what Jesus was willing to do, including acts of service. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- we can imitate Jesus in being willing to go to great lengths to meet the needs of others. We should begin our service at home, putting the needs of our spouses and children ahead of our own. But we should also put others ahead of us wherever else we may go.

Prayer: Lord, your principals that you give us move me to compassion and serving others. I want to be a person that is about love and yet stand firm on the fact that we are each sinners in need of being restored to You for salvation. Help me to understand these texts and perhaps not get too sidetracked by their meaning as even I have probably done in this lesson. Thank you Jesus for washing the disciples feet and being a servant and being different and showing all mankind that You are different. Give me guidance and forgiveness of others as well, even those I disagree with. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 13:2-11 - The Cleansing We Need

John 13:2-11

2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4 got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.

5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” 8 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

Message: The Cleansing We Need

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: As I learned in the previous lesson and verse, the text is leading us up to the Passover. But first, feet washing by Jesus of the disciples. 

There are bookends of similar ideas for this text - Judas and his betrayal of Jesus. In verse 2 it says it is the devil that places that into the heart of Judas. But that placement had already occurred. Judas was on the scene here at the Passover already with the notion that he was not all in...and yet he was still in the room, still walking with the disciples, but still not all in. For Judas he had a love of money and so his heart was inclined in that direction and Satan then takes him all the way down the path to betrayal. What starts the betrayal - desire. Desires are not bad, but the problem here with Judas is his desire for money got him sidetracked from what matters most. Like the Rich Young Ruler who wanted eternal life, but could not give up his desire for money. 

I have wondered why Judas in betraying Jesus was necessary. But Judas is part of the process of Jesus being handed over to authorities to then be crucified (Mark 14:44-46). Despite Judas choosing that path, the path was necessary for what Jesus would accomplish. So there is seemingly free will, a choice by Judas, yet led by Satan and yet this choice is in the plan of Jesus going to the cross. There remains a tension, a question it would seem between free will and God's sovereignty. It remains a perplexing piece of life - whether we have in fact have free will. Remains hard for me to reconcile. Proverbs 16:33 - "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Every moment gives the appearance we do, but then in outcomes I just don't know. Somehow there seems to be a connection between the two otherwise are we not all robots? I mean, why would we have so many commands in our Bible which give the suggestion we have a choice? [There are scientists and philosophers throughout history that don't believe we have free will; there are atheists identify with this as well calling it determinism. And yet throughout life we are held accountable to our choices, and this is agreed despite how one holds to this notion of will.]

Well, in continuing on in this passage Jesus is washing the disciples feet. Jesus has been showing His love - mostly in communicating to people that He and the Father are one, that the Father gives the Son a mission and salvation is found in God, found in Jesus. God is one. Jesus and God are one. And along the way He heals people and saves them from physical death and storms to exemplify His power to all. And yet He remains a servant. While King He is also servant. And so in washing their feet, He goes to the level of the common servant, washing people's feet before entering a home. Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He reminds me of the importance of serving others. 

And Jesus connects himself to these disciples through the washing. 

But also here is a lesson of the need for regularly cleaning. "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Jesus is surrendering Himself to the disciple, becoming low, becoming a servant. And then man (the disciples) yield to the will of the servant. This was the problem of Judas as he did not want to submit himself to the Lord. Peter initially did not want to either, but in hearing Jesus' words he was compelled and agreed. Judas had his feet washed, but his whole self had not been cleansed. Jesus points out that not all are clean before Him, completely clean, completely forgiven. The act of being forgiven is accepting the sacrifice of Jesus. 

This here is an example of faith. Jesus is showing his cards and showing his desire to cleanse people from their sin, but we must yield and surrender to Jesus and allow our feet to be washed. And so there is faith. There is trust. And it is through that act of surrendering that I become whole. 

And so there are two surrenders. Jesus sacrifices Himself and His position, but the disciple surrenders and allows himself to be washed, to be cleansed, realizing that the cleansing by Jesus is the best cleansing. The only cleansing we really need.

Summary: Most of the disciples surrendered themselves to the Servant King, Jesus, but one was unwilling to surrender himself and remained firm in his desire. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, I like this reminder -- When we are converted, we are decisively cleansed (our whole body) from sin such that we enjoy salvation permanently. Yet, Christians continue to sin and need cleansing of that sin (our feet).

Prayer: Lord, these words that I travel through continually are a joy to travel through and you continue to teach and illuminate me and challenge my thinking. I am forever trying to understand this world that you have placed me in and how I fit here and how you have designed things. I surrender to You and pray that I would continually do this each day. Thank you for making me clean and stain free before You. But don't let me get ahead of myself and not see that I need that forgiveness each day as I continue to sin and go in selfish directions. Cleanse people. And give us understanding continually of the work that You are doing in making people clean. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 13:1 - Loved to the End

John 13:1 - Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 

Message: Loved to the End

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: I head into chapter 13 now and think back to Chapter 12 and the many different themes of that chapter, such as: people who are following Jesus and are recognizing Him for who He says He is, sent by God, with an eternal purpose to provide salvation. Yet, naturally, many others do not see and instead see Him as a threat to their own established ways. God wants to save people but this will come at a cost: Jesus dying and Jesus knows this and finds trouble in this at times, yet still trusting God. Others want Jesus to be something He is not, rescuing them now from the political forces. Believing in Jesus will be transforming to lives today, away from a life of living in darkness. This is forever the mark of man's existence - eternal life with God or eternal contempt not with God. Trust God, believe in Jesus today. 

As I head into chapter 13 to study and learn from it and how it will speak to me - I see that the Passover Feast is coming, but first something else ("Now before the feast of the Passover"). 

And "Jesus knowing His hour had come." Departure time. God had sent His Son into the world to announce salvation through Jesus. But His time on earth is limited because God wants to save people from judgment and while people are being saved at this time, upon his resurrection and ascension people will be saved with more abundance. Jesus knows this. Jesus has eternity in Him. While He can still be troubled at his impending death, and who of us is not fearful of that day, He can still trust God completely. 

He does this because He loves us - "having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." I am not sure if I have read John describe Jesus' love with these specific words of "He loved." Jesus' love is apparent everywhere He goes as He heals people and brings them to physical life and healing but also eternal life and healing, but in these words John mentions Jesus and His love for those here and His love will not end. 

Summary: Jesus knows his departure time from earth is soon, going to the Father, and His love for people remains. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- Jesus loved us enough to submit Himself to the worst death possible—death under the wrath and curse of God.

Prayer: O How You love me. Thank you for the great love and thank you for planting that love in me and your sacrifice for me. forever conquering the grave. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 12:47-50 - Christ the Judge

John 12:47-50 

47 If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

Message: Christ the Judge

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Tabletalk mentions today in this devotional. a consistent theme in the Bible, a contrasting outcome of all people: 

Daniel 12:1-2 - "Now at that time [the time in which troubles are the greatest; typically, towards the close of Antiochus' reign; antitypically (foreshadowing), the time when Antichrist is to be destroyed at Christ's coming] Michael, the great prince who stands over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress* such as never occurred since there was a nation [that is, ever since the world was, from the beginning of it, from the creation of the world] until that time; and at that time your people^ everyone who is found written in the book# [the first contrasting outcome - those written in the book], will be rescued. And many [more likely 'all'; but still may be specific still to Israel prominent during the reign of Antiochus] of those who sleep in the dust [grave] of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt [the second contrast - those resurrected to eternal contempt]."

* - Matthew 24:21 - for then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of world until now, nor ever shall. 

^ - "the Jews, the people of Daniel; these shall be delivered not only from the then present outward troubles, not only from their present captivity and afflictions, but from their spiritual evils; from the bondage of sin, and the captivity of Satan; their disbelief of the Messiah; their confidence in their own righteousness, and attachment to the traditions of their fathers; they shall be turned from their transgressions, and return to the Lord their God, and David their King, and shall be truly converted, and spiritually and eternally saved..." - John Gill (1697-1771); Romans 11:25 - "For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery— so that you will not be wise in your own estimation— that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in."

# - "By those found written in the book, or, as it is expressed, Isaiah 4:3, 'written among the living in Jerusalem,' may be understood, 1st, The pious Jews who should be preserved from the mischief and ruin designed them by Antiochus; but more especially, 2d, Such as should believe in Christ when he appeared, embrace his gospel, and become his true disciples, who should escape both the temporal calamities coming on their countrymen, and obtain spiritual and eternal salvation through him. It includes, 3d, Those who should be converted in the latter days, and restored to their own land; and lastly, All that should be found written in the book of life at the day of final judgment, that is, all truly justified, regenerated, and pious persons." - Joseph Benson (1749-1821).

This is one of my first times to take a moment in studying Daniel 12:1-2. It is interesting to me that the contrast of death and life is not always only spoken of in the Bible as occurring upon physical death but that which occurs also from spiritual death to spiritual life. Our death being in our sins and then the turning point of life which occurs by God (Glory Be!) like is mentioned in Ephesians 2:4-6, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loves us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." As Daniel 12:1 ends, "will be rescued." That idea of being made alive and being rescued places the glory completely on God and just continues to mesmerize me and challenge my thinking. 

This leads us to this text and the dividing line between life and contempt, salvation and condemnation. Verse 47 is an interesting verse as it specifies that hearing and not doing does not merit judgment. In other words, it seems the key here is verse 48 and rejecting Jesus. Following Jesus' teachings is not salvation. Following Jesus is the key. It is accepting Him. It is a combo of rejecting Him AND not receiving His sayings. The focus is not works. I'm immediately reminded of those that only speak of Jesus as a good teacher. Their focus is simply on what He has said and doing what He has said. But they are not acknowledging Jesus as the one who saves. They are rejecting His allegiance with God and having been sent by God. 

The words of John of Jesus are so clear. He speaks, but He speaks from the Father - "just as the Father has told Me."

Summary: The consistent them of the Bible is people go to everlasting life or everlasting contempt and believing in God, believing in Jesus, sent by God is the dividing line. 

Promise: It is urgent to believe in Jesus now.

Prayer: God, it is good to get into your Word and read it. I thank you for the encouragement of my friend Scott and his simple words yesterday of diving in Your words and studying them and that reminder that I have been living without this the last 2 weeks and realizing my time today with You needed to be important and a priority. So thank you for the richness of Your words today and the greatness of the salvation You have given me. You have rescued me. You have made me alive in Christ. I am forever in Your care, forever with You, starting now. All glory goes to You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.