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 12:44-46 - Seeing the Son, Seeing the Father

John 12:44-46

44 And Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. 46 I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.

Message: Seeing the Son, Seeing the Father

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: In the previous lesson, I saw how John mentions that there were some rulers that believed in Him. Prior to this there was mention of some that despite the signs they were receiving they still did not believe and this unbelief was actually a fulfillment of prophecy. But there were some who believed, like rulers. Yet while believing, their external witness of their belief was still met with fear of being put out of the synagogue. It made me wonder first of all if their belief was real. It also made me wonder if believing in Jesus meant not being part of the synagogue, but some sort of different fellowship. But John mentions while believing they still sought the approval of men, which can be a problem still today, even with me. 

And so now the rest of this chapter will be Jesus speaking, from verse 44 through verse 50. These verses form a paragraph as recorded in my Bible (that division of words being a conclusion of the translators). In these words, Jesus will now again talk about His relationship to the Father and that union He has with the Father to the point that believing in Jesus is actually believing in God. Jesus is God's representative. 

Much of this chapter has been about believing - believing that Lazarus was risen from the dead, Following belief in Jesus should be a desire for the approval of God and yet people can still at times continue to seek the approval of man instead. 

At first, I am looking at verses 44-46 today and seeing a few different ideas:

(1) Believing in Jesus is actually believing in the Father who sent Jesus. As I saw previously in John 3:16, God loves us so much and therefore sent His son. It all starts with God's love or God's desire and I think Jesus is trying to communicate this idea to the Jewish people. Jesus has come on the scene and sort of upset their notion of God. Many were still learning about Jesus and many were not sure about who Jesus is and that it was important to believe in Him. Many felt like their belief in God was enough. Some are believing but some are not. And this will continue throughout history. As Jesus says in verse 44, "He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me."

(2) Jesus has a special union with God the Father for He states that Seeing Jesus is seeing God - verse 45, "He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me." Jesus is saying there is no difference. He is asking people not to choose Jesus over the Father. Jesus is not saying He is better than the Father. This is important because I think some future false prophets will proclaim themselves not only equal with God but better than God. It is hard to not then conclude that Jesus and God are the same in essence. I might live my life in a way to point it to God and give Glory to God through my life, but I would not say that seeing me is the same as seeing Father God. We are different than God and different Jesus. Man is different. 

(3) After establishing this union He has with God, Jesus remarks that He is the light of the world. Without believing in Jesus, people live in darkness or separation from God. And believing in Jesus transforms a person from darkness to light. "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness." Jesus said this in John 8:12 previously, "I am the light of the world, he who follow Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." Something happens to a person when they are awakened by the Spirit of God and now walk in the Light. Darkness is still present in their life as they give in to sin or the ways of the world, but they now see life differently. There is a revelation that occurs, a sensitivity to the things of God, a recognition that we see our condition as sinners, in need of a Savior, not able to save ourselves, and live to Glorify God. It is a transformation that I notice. It is not simply a desire to go to church, but is deeper than that as this is a person that wants the things of God. 

None of these verses are unique to John. I think we have heard them before in what He has said. 

Summary: 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. 

Promise: We must be insistent that the only way to see and to know God is to believe in Jesus alone for salvation.

Prayer: God, you have sent Jesus to this world and I believe that you sent Him and I believe in Him and by believing my life has been transformed. It is such a clear transformation that has occurred. Thank you for transforming me and yet it is is hard to be transformed while others are not - to see see that notion of darkness showing up in people's lives and them still living in it. Lord, I pray that you would transform lives and that you would transform people from darkness to light. Wake people up. Help them see You as never before. 

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

John 7:37-39 - Rivers of Living Water

John 7:37-39

37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, "From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water." 39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 

Message: Rivers of Living Water

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 still in Jerusalem and the Feast of Booths is happening and this verse mentions the last day of that festival or the 8th day. This means we can think of Chapter 7:10 till now to be 8 days. On this last day Jesus says words that he has spoken previously from John 4 about being the living water but He also seems to quote from Scripture. And John comments in verse 39 that Jesus is speaking of the Spirit, the Spirit that was coming to indwell in people. 

As a reminder, the Feast of Booths celebration was focused on remembering God's faithfulness in sheltering the people of Israel while in the wilderness. In Numbers 11, God promises through Moses that the Spirit will come upon the people of Israel. And the provision of water was also characteristic of God's work with the Israelites. 

And so Jesus, as He has spoken before, declares that the provision of water or the source of water is He Himself. One is to believe in Jesus. The quote that Jesus gives here is nowhere found in Scripture. And yet the thought is present in the Old Testament:

• Exodus 17:6 - “Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
• Numbers 20:11 - Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank.
• Psalm 114:8 - Who turned the rock into a pool of water, The flint into a fountain of water.
• Isaiah 44:3 - For I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants;
• Isaiah 55:1 - “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost."
• Isaiah 58:11 - “And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.
• Joel 2:23 - So rejoice, O sons of Zion, And be glad in the LORD your God; For He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain, The early and latter rain as before.
• Joel 3:18 - And in that day The mountains will drip with sweet wine, And the hills will flow with milk, And all the brooks of Judah will flow with water; And a spring will go out from the house of the LORD To water the valley of Shittim.
• Ezekiel 47:1 - Then he brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, water was flowing from under the threshold of the house toward the east, for the house faced east. And the water was flowing down from under, from the right side of the house, from south of the altar.
• Ezekiel 47:12 - “By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.”
• Zechariah 13:1 - “By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.”
• Zechariah 14:8 - And in that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter.

And so it is fitting that Jesus calls Himself the living water and yet He shows that He is the source of the living water. Water that everyone needs and wants and provides for us. And yet today, maybe it is hard for us to be affected by these words, especially in the western world, in which we have water in abundance and perhaps take it for granted. Because of that provision that is already overflowing, do we struggle comprehending the full meaning of this or maybe we miss the full impact because of all that we have? I wonder. 

The Rivers of Living Water is the abundant provision that will not come about until the Spirit descends into people's lives following Jesus' ascension. And it speaks in verse 38 that this provision of living water will be from his innermost being. Or in King James, from his belly. As such there will be spiritual blessings that will flow forth from the believer in Jesus. There will be good works of abundance coming from this person in Christ. We will be a people full of blessings, overflowing generosity. We will be a people helping other people in many ways, providing for their needs, their health and well-being. As in birthing hospitals and aiding people when disasters hit. While Christ is the source, the people of God will be the conduits. The people of God will be the working on this earth of all of this flowing river. Rivers are incredible to me because they are constantly in flow. The source is not always apparent but under the ground and yet it keeps coming. 

Summary: Jesus is the source of living water, providing life to those who believe in Him and the waters will flow in the form of blessings to many people, continually. 

Promise: We ourselves are not sources of living water, but Christ empowers us by His Spirit and works through us to bless others. 

Prayer: Lord, I want to be eager for You to use me in this way, blessing others, from the source of living water that You provide. I see rivers and streams and waterfalls that flow with power and flow continually and it reminds me of the power of giving and helping those in need. And providing others what they need. You are the source of giving and life and all that is good. Even as my atheist friend shares of the way he helps a young man with learning difficulties, you are still the source of all of this. Our spirit enjoys this and is impacted by this. Help him to realize the source of this giving. You work God, not only in believers, but continually in people's lives. May more people recognize You as the source of Life and believe in You. 

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

John 3:1-2 - Nicodemus Comes to Jesus

John 3:1-2

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

Message: Nicodemus Comes to 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: Chapter 2 was a fairly short chapter of 25 verses; Chapter 1 had 51 verses. Chapter 2 had 2 main divisions - The Wedding at Cana and Jesus Cleansing the Temple at Passover. At the end of Chapter 2 is the understanding that many were coming to hear and believe in Jesus, but Jesus was not entrusting Himself to them, meaning He was not giving Himself to them or they did not have real faith. 

But here in John 3 is the record of "Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews." He mentions the signs that Jesus had been doing (2:23 "many....observing His signs which He was doing") and Nicodemus believes that no one can do these signs unless one is from God. 

Pharisees would be the primary basis for Rabbinic Judaism following the destruction of the temple in AD 70. They were a strict Jewish sect that believed that God created the world, chose Israel as His people, and rewarded and punished them according to the law or their observance of the Law. And the Pharisees were opponents of Jesus or known to be the one's often questioning Him. 

The passage states that "this man came to Jesus by night." It could be that since Jesus was an opponent that he wanted to come to Jesus under the cover of darkness, not to be seen. Or it could simply be that he came to Jesus after the day's activities. 

Nicodemus also approaches him with a safe word for him - "Rabbi, Teacher." But even in this pronouncement is an acknowledgement that Jesus must be from God. And again, the reason - he saw miracles he had been doing. In this book, I have only seen a miracle of turning water into wine, but it must be that there were other miracles that John did not speak of directly. 

Summary: Nicodemus, observing the signs Jesus was doing, comes to Jesus to remark him as a Rabbi and that He must be sent from God. 

Promise: Anyone can come to Jesus. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the message of Your word today and the privilege to continue to hear your Words spoken and taught. Holy Spirit, continue to speak and to remind us to be your faithful witnesses as we walk in this world, helping me grab hold of opportunities to share the truth of Your gospel to others. 

TABLETALK - January 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 - ) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 

Chapter 1

The Fourth Gospel - This gospel, like the others has similarities, but is also a more private discourse and understanding of Jesus the Christ so that we will believe and have Life in His Name. The Uncreated Word - Jesus, the Word, is at creation, with God and was God and was therefore uncreated. The Word of Life and Light - Jesus, the Word, is beginning, is eternal and complete life, is light to our way, which darkness cannot fully comprehend. The Witness to the Light - It was necessary and needed for John to first appear and prepare the way for Jesus to come. The Right to be Children of God - God calls many of His own to be born of God, as his Children - those that receive Him.  The Incarnation of the Word of God - The Word - Jesus - became flesh to dwell among us and through Him we see God's glory.  The Full and Final Revelation of God - All that we know of God we have in Christ. His grace is everlasting and greater than repeated annually through sacrificial system. John the Baptist Identifies Himself - John the Baptist states who he is not (Christ, Elijah, Prophet) and who he is - a voice crying out to make straight the way of the Lord/Jehovah/Jesus.- The Baptism of John - John’s baptism demonstrated the humble willingness to repent, be cleansed, and prepare for the coming Messiah. John the Baptist Bears Witness to Christ -  John, upon seeing Jesus, perhaps for the first time, testifies that He is the Son of God. Becoming Disciples of Jesus - John showed two disciples Jesus, proclaiming Him as the Lamb of God, and they followed Jesus. Jesus Meets Simon - Andrew introduces his brother Simon to Jesus who gives him a new name of Cephas/Peter. Good from Nazareth - Come and see Jesus and follow, something good to come from Nazareth. Seeing the Way of Salvation - Jesus proclaims that is present between heaven and earth, going back and forth, taking His people to heaven from earth, back and forth. We see him. We believe. 

Chapter 2

The Wedding at Cana - Jesus, His mother Mary, and the disciples attend a wedding at Cana and more wine is needed and Jesus responds that is not His hour yet. The First of Jesus' Signs - Jesus does a miracle, turning water into wine, and shows that He is better than the past; new is better than old. Jesus Cleanses the Temple - Here, Jesus alerts people and provides his authority about ensuring the Father's business is carried out, true worship occurs in the temple and nothing else. The Temple of Jesus' Body - The final temple is Jesus, His body, that will bear our atonement for sin, once for all and then He will rise in 3 days.

Jesus the Christ - The Hidden Messiah - Jesus the Lord - Jesus the Son of Man - Jesus the Savior

The Fear of the Lord - Buck Parsons (Editor of Tabletalk magazine) - We need to return to talking about the fear of God. Often sin, hell, condemnation, holiness, wrath or sovereignty is not mentioned from the pulpit. Instead we focus only on God being about love and peace. Fear is not to be slave-like but humble and reverential. We are told to fear God, but fear not, so we are not to be afraid of God. We need to have reverence and awe. 

God's Good Pleasure in Election - R C Sproul (founder of Ligonier Ministries, founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., and first president of Reformation Bible College) Predestination was not invented by Calvin or Luther or Augustine for Ephesians 1:4-6 states God "predestined us for adoption..." Why does God elect some and not others to be His people? Some will say then that God is arbitrary (based on random or whim rather than reason). While I am not adopted because of anything I have done, scripture gives the pictures that there is a reason He chooses some for salvation. Ephesians 1:11 states, "according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." Counsel suggests reason rather than arbitrary which alludes to no purpose. Purpose actually is mentioned in Eph. 1:4-6 as it mentions His will. We are meant to be a praise to Him. 

What are We Afraid Of - Matt Smethurst (Elder at Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky) - We live in fear, despite security systems, advanced medicine, organic food, and endless information, and material blessings. We are shocked when things are hard rather than easy. And then we think if we control it, we won't be afraid. Rather than follow science, we are now told to follow our heart and focus on self. We try to play God, steering the ship while figuring out the dials. What's the answer? Inerrancy of the Bible. We can believe that the One in charge of our lives is good and great. What sets apart our faith is God can and God cares. Our fear is being found out. The sin of idolatry has taken over. We need to fear God because He is holy; He's not mean. Luke 12:32, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." God pursues us. The Lord/Lamb is my shepherd. The most repeated command in the bible is "Fear not." He has never failed one of His own. 

The God Whom We Are To Fear - K. Scott Oliphint (Professor of apologetics and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia) - [Note: this is outstanding] - In a solar eclipse, the suns brightness is covered, but not the UV rays. Though it is eclipsed the full power is still there and can still hurt us. This is a good example of God's glory and how we as humans have been able to view it over time. Moses saw some of God's glory, but not all of it and God let him know if he saw all of it he couldn't live. In Christ, we have God's glory passed onto us through Christ. Again, it is an eclipse of it. Though I believe Jesus is God, what we see in him on this earth is part of that Glory. That Glory is a reason we fear God because it reveals God's power. There are many ways God provides for us, eternal life. He is eternal but gives us eternity after we die with him in heaven. But he is different. We are made in His image, yet still different. Oliphint mentions, "Christians fear God, in the first place, because we recognize that the radiance of His infinite, eternal and majestic character would, simply by its majesty, stamp us out of existence. We fear God because we know that if we were to see Him in all His glory, we would be no more." I like this article because it provides a very high view of God. God is separate from man. And we will never be God. We may be like him, but will never be God. That to me is fearing God. 

The Blessings of Fearing God - Kim Riddlebarger (Senior pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim, California) - What does it mean to fear the Lord? How is it related to God's love? How does it secure God's blessings for His people? Fear is Hebrew word yireh and means to be afraid, terrified or in awe. It is not respect. Wisdom is knowing who God is, His power, His righteous ways. Fools ignore God. Wisdom arises from fearing the Lord. We do not weaken fear to preserve the fact that God loves us. We fear God because He is holy, we are sinners and all sinners must be punished. And yet God promises to save us from our sin, thus alleviating our fear. 

Putting the Fear of God into Practice - Eric B. Watkins (Senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine, Florida) - The Fear of God - a challenge to think about, especially in our world in which our pride and temptation to conform to the world challenges us to abandon God's principles. One purpose of the Law of God is to restrain evil, cultivating a fear of God and consequences to our actions. Instead, each person does what is right in their own eyes. 

Worship and the Fear of God - John P. Sartelle Sr. (Senior minister of Christ Presbyterian Church in Oakland, Tennessee) - Author remembers his father, as a reserved and quiet man, and yet a person that hugged and kissed him. There was reverential awe of his father, who set boundaries for him, gave direction and yet loved him unconditionally. The seraphim were sinless, and yet in awe of God. John was closest to Jesus, and yet still drop dead at his feet. Though we have been adopted into the family of God, and we can call God father He is still transcendent (supreme power). In our worship of him, we need to show the world our love for him, but also our fear and awe of him.

Profitable for the Kingdom - Aaron L. Garriott (Production manager of Tabletalk Magazine) - Parents teaching their children about stewardship. Luke 19 parable about ten minas is a great guide with the 3rd servant receiving the greatest thrashing for storing his gift. We must be servants that are wise about our use of gifts that the Father has given us. We will be accountable to the King when He returns for how we have used the gifts He has given us. Be like the two servants that put their minas to good use and procured a profit. 

 

Your Word Reveal Your Heart - Stephen Mueller (church planting pastor of Gospel Church Minchen in Munich, Germany) - 

Sanctified Culture

The Idolatry of Sports

Sanctified Culture

False Humility

Eating Together

Good Works as a Light to the World

The Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books

Various Scripture - Names of Jesus

Matthew 16:16

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:20

Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then REPLAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.

Acts 13:23

From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,

Message: Jesus the Christ - The Hidden Messiah - Jesus the Lord - Jesus the Son of Man - Jesus the Savior

What the Lord is Saying: In the first chapter of John, I am amazed at the different names that are given to describe Jesus, such as Word, Light, One, Him (masculine), Son of God, Lamb of God, King of Israel. Tabletalk in these last 5 lessons for this issue takes a moment to look at these names. 

The name that is attributed to Jesus the most is Christ. Tabletalk states, "“Christ” is simply the English translation of the Greek word christos, which is itself the translation of the Hebrew term mashiach or “Messiah,” which means “anointed one.” Although there are many anointed one's (prophets, priests, kings) in the Bible, Jesus is the fulfillment of a final or overarching anointed one of all. Matthew 16:16 states, "Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

As I also look at Jesus the Messiah, I see that in latter part of the BC period, after Judah fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC, they were not free again and they were eager for an anointed one or Messiah to give them freedom and reestablish an earthly Jewish Kingdom. Isaiah 53 also mentions that in addition to the Messiah restoring the kingdom the Messiah would also sacrifice by death on behalf of His people. Jews often overlooked redemption from sin and focused on political salvation. 

People stating they were Messiahs happened in the 1st century and so this is one of the reasons Jesus told others to not tell others that He was the Christ, as is stated in Matthew 16:20, "Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ."

From Tabletalk, -- “Lord” is the English translation of the Greek word kurios, which is typically used in the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, to translate the Hebrew tetragrammaton—the covenant name of the God of Israel. That is, when the ancient Greek translators translated God’s name Yahweh, they typically did so using the Greek word kurios. Lord can be applied to persons but more enough it is ascribed to a deity. Peter and Paul called Jesus Lord and as monotheists they were claiming Jesus to be divine. As in Acts 2:36, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified." 

Jesus Himself used the name Son of Man to refer to Himself 79 times, and 3 more by others. Some believe Son of Man refers to His humanity, but the reference is to Daniel 7:9-14 is "one like a son of man" who comes into the presence of the Ancient of Days---God Almighty---and receives a kingdom and authority over creation (see Acts 2:14-36). Daniel saw a vision of Jesus returning to the Father for his coronation as King of Kings and Lord of Lords after the completion of His earthly ministry. Matthew 16:27, "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then REPLAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS." 

Finally, we look at Jesus as Savior - our rescuer. 2 Samuel 22:3 David refers to the Lord as "my savior" and so rescues him from war and his enemies. Isaiah 38 refers to Savior as one being rescued from illness, such as healing. Also, saved from sin as in Ezekiel 37:23. Acts 13:23 From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,

Summary: Jesus is the Christ, Messiah  Lord, Son of Man and our Savior. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the many ways we see you described and what it tells me about the reason Jesus you are needed as the Christ or anointed one that has saved us from our sins and even from all of life, the promised Messiah, our Lord and Only God, the Son of Man as you show me you are King of King and Lord of Lords and also Savior, saving me from enemies, illness and sin. You are holy and great. Thank you. 

John 2:18-22 - The Temple of Jesus' Body

John 2:18-22

18 The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

Message: The Temple of Jesus' Body

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 continue to progress through these readings, it is interesting and worth noting the focus John is making on these texts and what He is sharing about Jesus. Again, he begins John 1 with going back and seeing Jesus before He was Jesus on this earth the way we know Him but with God at creation, creating and even testifying Him as God. Also as the Light, One, Son of God, Lamb of God, King of Israel. John was his forerunner, preparing the Way. And as He came disciples began to follow and then He shows people He is Savior and He is different from anything that have seen before. God is with Him but He is distinct. 

And now John explains the response from the Jews at this day who want to see a sign of His authority. I suppose just asking the money changers and people selling in the temple was not enough. He let them know that they were not part of His father's business, so the Jews ask for a sign. Jesus responds instead with his next message about His body and that in 3 days it will be raised. But the Jews misunderstand and hear "temple" and think it is the literal man-made, bricks and mortar temple that took 46 years to build. (In fact, even during Jesus' days the temple was still being built and would not be completed till after his death and resurrection.) 

But Jesus was equating the temple with Him. He is the temple. He is the one to be worshipped. Another remarkable statement as the temple is likened to our body as well. But right now, looking at Jesus as the temple. The temple was the place to meet God, offer sacrifices, do the work of God. The old covenant tabernacle began then King Solomon supervised the building of the temple in Jerusalem with the temple similar to the design of the tabernacle. And so these Jews knew that changing the temple was significant. Jesus had shaken things up by cleansing the temple of those selling goods. And so Jesus as the temple (explained by John; spoken by Jesus, but clarified by John) meant that no more temples were needed. RC Sproul stated, "Christ is the temple, and all men are commanded to come to Him in order to worship and serve the one true God." 

Jesus speaks of 3 days. The number 3 is significant in scripture and as I study these passages I need to remember the significance of the number 3 and look for other examples of it. 

Summary: The final temple is Jesus, His body, that will bear our atonement for sin, once for all and then He will rise in 3 days. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "The only temple we should be looking forward to is the temple that is Christ’s body, which we will see in the new heaven and earth. The temple pointed to Christ and it is fulfilled in Christ and His church, so let us love Christ and His people."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I read your Words I can't help but have this sense of urgency for others to have the understanding of who You are and what you have said about You. Lord, I believe this is true and if it is, it changes lives. So change lives Lord and show me how I need to be involved. Thank you for this passage and for speaking the way You did and giving us clarity and understanding for who You are. Help me to speak these truths to others and show the clarity of Who you are. And will always be and who I am in Christ. 

John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple

John 2:13-17

13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; 16 and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME.”

Message: Jesus Cleanses the Temple

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 has just done a miracle by turning water into wine but in the process revealed things possibly about Himself - basically that the best has come. The past was good but now pales in comparison to what He is doing now. 

The Passover is a time of remembrance of God rescuing His people. What excused the people of Israel from judgment was blood on their doorposts. God struck the Egyptians at this time but he saved the Israelites. Previously the Israelites had been slaves but no more. It is a celebration to remind us that God remembers His people but what sets them apart is the blood. John records that "The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem." This is the time of Jesus' arrival. 

When Jesus approaches the temple, what He sees is people using the temple not for its purposes but for their own selfish purpose. They have taken the temple and used it as a place to sell and earn money. They have missed the point of it. So he commands them to take the things out. Stop making the Father's house a place of business. 

This is a familiar passage to me but it is not present at the beginning of Gospels but rather at the end, like in Mark 11:15-17. In that passage the circumstances are slightly different, but the idea is the same - people are not using the temple for its intended purpose. 

And in this, the disciples remember a text from Psalm 69:9, "For zeal for Your house has consumed me,

And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me." They quote this directly. But why? That Psalm starts with "Save Me O God." The Psalmist is experiencing opposition. The desire for true worship is being opposed. And so there is a parallel here of Jesus being opposed. 

And yet at that moment, John could be using this passage to emphasize again that Jesus is coming to rock the boat. What was in the past is the past and who He is now will be different. But also in Jesus' words is authority. The people of that day do not have the authority that He has. He will tell them what is the Father's business. 

Summary: Here, Jesus alerts people and provides his authority about ensuring the Father's business is carried out, true worship occurs in the temple and nothing else. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We should be grieved to see the church polluted by false worship and bad theology. And when we see such things, let us work to improve them, insofar as we are able."

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for this lesson that You have shared with me this day and helping me recognize that Jesus is in charge of the Father's business and making sure people are conformed to this. Lord, are there things that I need to be doing that I am not doing? Am I living my life for You in any way that is not proper? Cleanse me Lord. Help me to not be proud or diminish Your real purpose for me. I get on my kicks of getting things done but I do not want to forget you or make it out that I have it all figured out. Thank you for saving Your people and using blood to save them. It reminds me of your purposes and that they are consistent and your message is whole and complete and the same from beginning to end. Thank you for the joy of reading Your word and studying it. 

John 2:1-5 - The Wedding at Cana

John 2:1-5

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

Message: The Wedding at Cana

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 continue each day to be guided in my study of Scripture by the ministry of Ligonier and their publication Tabletalk (although I am behind in these lessons and do not do it on the same schedule as the ministry). Their goal for 2018, the year I am following is to study the book of John. I'm thrilled with this as it is good for me to study another Gospel. But it is interesting the way they choose lessons. This passage does not have a lot of nugget of information, and yet it is interesting to sort of analyze and dissect what it is saying. 

I do agree with the separation of John 1 and John 2. John 1 had a clear focus and now after John has somewhat established Jesus throughout history and started showing us the many names of Jesus and the bridge he is to us between heaven and earth to God, we will also start to see the focus of Jesus on this earth in doing miracles. 

This passage begins with Jesus attending a wedding with his mother and the disciples present with him (v. 1, 2). And his mother, Mary, let's Jesus know that there is not enough wine for the wedding (v. 3). In reading this I think it is hard to read too much into this statement Mary makes. It could simply be an innocent comment in which Jesus is being asked to figure out a way to get more wine and his mother has no expectation for him to do anything miraculous in providing more wine. But others may think that she knew something about Jesus. 

Either way, Jesus responds and states that, if he is expected to do a miracle, it is for him to decide and ultimately now is not the time (v. 4). I think it is difficult to conjecture too much about what He states. He could mean His hour of being revealed as the messiah. He could mean the hour has not come for the need of more wine and that is isn't yet out yet. And yet what follows is Jesus performing a miracle and delivering wine. And so possibly He is saying that in Him providing a miracle and wine, He will decide. 

And in her response she remarks that whatever Jesus says, people are to follow and do what He asks (v. 5). Therefore, she clearly has a confidence in Him and remarks that He is to be followed when He makes a decision. 

Summary: Jesus, His mother Mary, and the disciples attend a wedding at Cana and more wine is needed and Jesus responds that is not His hour yet. 

Promise: We are to submit and surrender to God and accept what He provides. 

Prayer: Oh Heavenly Father, thank you for the time to be in Your Word. I don't always understand what it says but thank you for the time to look at it and even ask questions. Give me wisdom and further understanding into what Your word says and what you want to teach me from these texts. 

John 1:43-46 - Good from Nazareth

John 1:43-46

43 The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Message: Good from Nazareth    

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: For the first time in the book of John and in John's writing we now have the work of Jesus. Up to this point there has been an introductory statement showing Jesus as the Word, the Light, that He was in the beginning at creation and is God. And the Word became flesh. Jesus, in the beginning, became flesh, and dwelt among us or lived on this earth. No one has seen God, but Jesus is here to explain Him. John, in his writing, has established that John the Baptist, in coming as a forerunner to introduce people to Jesus, namely the Jewish people, is only about Jesus. John did not come as the Christ or a prophet or Elijah, but he came as a witness of Jesus Christ and to preach repentance for the forgiveness of people's sins and baptize them. Jesus is the Lamb of God who forgives sin. In the temple, forgiveness occurred annually on the day of atonement, but now forgiveness is through the Lamb of God who will atone for sin, once for all. 

This is Jesus. He is God. He comes to earth to dwell with us and in Him there is forgiveness so we can all be right with God and we are to follow Him all of our days. 

Before this, Andrew and possibly John, the writer, followed Jesus but now Jesus says to Philip, "Follow me." And Philip locates Nathaniel to tell him about Jesus, the one that the Moses and the Law of Prophets wrote about. Let's "come and see."  

Jesus is headed to Galilee where He will do much of His ministry. Nathaniel remarks, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Nazareth was an insignificant and despised town. And so Jesus coming from Nazareth sparked wonder as people wondered what good come come from that town. Yet, Jesus being despised is something mentioned in Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 53:1-3) and among the people of the day who will be witnesses of Jesus. 

Also, it is through Nathanael is the same person as Bartholomew and one of Jesus' twelve disciples. 

Summary: Come and see Jesus and follow, something good to come from Nazareth. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We must measure greatness and success according to God’s standards, not the standards of this world."

Prayer: O God, thank you for rising me up this morning and giving me understanding of Your Word. I think of my son Derek and his friend Cameron this morning arriving in Philadelphia after being re-routed on a plan and now on a train to New York. Thank you for keeping him safe on this journey. And thank you for calling me to Follow You. I pray Cameron and Derek will follow you as well all the days of their lives. May people see the significance of following You. Thank you for the message of Your Gospel and helping me understand it. Give me a thirst for speaking truth and sharing truth with others. Help me to learn how to start conversations and be bold for You. I want to be like Andrew and Philip and tell people about You. Give me wings to fly. 

John 1:6-9 - The Witness to the Light

John 1:6-9

6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

Message: The Witness to the Light

Time: Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. 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: John the Baptist appears in all 4 gospels. These seems like it should be significant and yet how significant do we make it. I suppose I don't make it significant but it is clearly very important in the life of Jesus and those hearing his message for someone to come like John and prepare the way. John Michael Talbot wrote a song called Prepare Ye the Way in 1977 which was also recorded by Caedmon's Call. Interesting that this is a song I think about when I think of John.

In a way we are all John the Baptists, out in the world to Prepare the Way for Jesus. I've wondered how people came to accept Jesus, but maybe it was because John the Baptist prepared the way. 

John lived 31 years. He was executed by beheading after he spoke truth or rebuked Herod Antipas for divorcing his wife. And then marrying the wife of his brother. In the gospels, John is also mentioned as baptizing Jesus. 

A couple of notes:

• He was sent by God. 
• He came as a witness.
• His purpose: testify of the Light. 
• Why? So that all may believe through Him. 
• The Light enlightens every man. 

John is on the scene to not get any credit, but so that Jesus gets all the credit. I wonder if his message came from God or came from being with Jesus. Also, of note, John the Baptist is not John the author of this book. 

Summary: It was necessary and needed for John to first appear and prepare the way for Jesus to come. 

Promise: Before Jesus started teaching about Himself, John the Baptist provided people with the clearest understanding of who Jesus was and what He came to do.

Prayer: Father, help me to understand more fully this man, John the Baptist, what he did and how lived for You, preparing the way and then being executed at the age of 31. He was significant. I need to remember him and the affect he had on the message of Jesus. Thank you Lord for him and showing me the importance of him. 

John 1:4-5 - The Word of Life and Light

John 1:4-5

4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Message: The Word of Life and Light

Time: Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. 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: Yesterday, I started with a discussion introducing John. In that introduction, John takes us back to "in the beginning" to charge that Jesus was there, with God and was God and all things came into being through Him. John helps us better understand Jesus. In chapter 20:31, he states that his purpose in writing is to believe Jesus. And we are to have Life in Him. 

Today in verse 4, he brings this to my attention even more. In Him was life. It is an interesting word play because we all have life. We are breathing. We are walking the earth. We are living. And yet John calls attention still to this word "Life" and directs us to the idea that this life is different with Jesus. And the life that John is communicating He also says is the Light of men. In verses 1-3 John mentions Him as creator - God in Genesis 1 creates the world and everything we see with a Word and John characterizes Jesus as the Word and in creating life, Jesus now is shown as life. And He is also the Light for all. Light illuminates and shows us the Way. The morning light comes into our world and shows us the way. 

When I do a quick word study of life I see it is the Greek Word Zoe and it is speaking of everlasting or eternal life. Matthew 7:14 mentions us entering into life and few will find it. Matthew 19:16 is the rich young ruler asking about eternal life. Matthew 25:46 contrasts this eternal life with everlasting punishment. And so life is lasting and eternal and continuous. But, I think life is also speaking of breathing and Jesus is that. 

There is a peace we who believe in Jesus have about life that I don't think is present in this world. Often, I hear followers of Christ wonder how non-followers make it through life without Jesus. Jesus brings purpose and fulfillment to life. He is life and that life with Him is eternal. 

"...and the life was the Light of men." This life, this eternal life, this full life is what we want. It is what people want everywhere. It is what they are looking for. We work and yet in that work we want more. We want time off to enjoy and drink and be with people we love. We desire to have a family. We want to succeed in our vocations, as parents, as children. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the Life." And so this life lights our way. This is the same light that Jesus mentions is us. With Jesus in our Life as the Life then we also as His children are the light to all around us. 

And this light is in opposition to darkness. "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." When Jesus is not a person's Savior and Lord, the light, who is Jesus, is not fully comprehended. 

It is almost as if John is looking for those words to help us see and understand the fullness of Jesus and Him in our life. He is beginning. He is life. He is light. Before there was light there was darkness and Genesis 1:2 describes, "The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep." And then light happened by the Word of God. 

Summary: Jesus - the Word - is beginning, is eternal and complete life, is light to our way, which darkness cannot fully comprehend. 

Promise: Unbelievers benefit from life and truth even while failing to recognize that these things come from God alone. It is our job to remind those around us that life and light come from God and that the Lord calls us to repent and trust in Him to benefit from His life and light eternally.

Prayer: O Father, I love these words. They are simply and yet they are are full and complete. They are everything to me and to our World. You are life, full life, and eternal life. And you are light, coming out of the darkness and shining to me and to our world. Life and light is evident to all and yes, I need to help all understand that you are the Source of all life and light. 

John 1:1-3 - The Uncreated Word

John 1:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

Message: The Uncreated Word

Time: Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. 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: Matthew's gospel begins with, "The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah... (1:1)." Mark begins with, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ... (1:1)" and Luke begins in a similar way to Mark, though is more definitive of his time investigating the details of Jesus' life. John begins in a similar manner introducing John in verse 6, however in his introduction He does something the other writers did not do in that he speaks of The Word, states the Word was the pronoun He and then speaks of this special connection He had with God, the Light.  John goes beyond the message of the Gospel to link the Word, mentioned as the pronoun He to flesh that came with the same glory of God, "glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."

And so as we follow what is being stated about this one that came, the Word, we see a connection with the Word, with Glory of God and only begotten from the Father.  

The Word was "in the beginning." Genesis 1:1 records, "In the beginning God..." and now John records the same sort of phrase to connect beginning with Word/Him/Jesus and God "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

Yet, why the Word? If John is speaking of Jesus and it seems clear in following the rest of the text, then why did He start this discourse with the Word and Him and not state Jesus till verse 17? The name God is mentioned several times. And yet there is clearly a clever word choice that John uses to introduce Jesus. 

When I think of Jesus, I think of someone that came onto the scene but as I walked this earth, he was begin discovered by men for who He was, His purpose and His reason for being here. There was therefore some sort of mystery in Him or discovery ("the world did not know Him (1:10)"). And yet this Gospel writer wants to remove that mystery. And yet in removing it He uses language of discovery. 

God enters our world through words and connects us to Him through the words, "Let there be light (Genesis 1:3)." And these words are creation. And so John bridges Jesus to God with words of creation, with the Word of creation. 

Word is the Greek word Logos. It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word dabar. Dabar refers to God's creative as when He utters words He is creating. And there is a thought or principle with dabar that holds all things together and explains reality. And John states that this principle is Him, the Word, the Light. 

Thus, it may appear to be shrouded in mystery, but after reading there is no mystery and all is clear. 

There is a reason this text is rejected by Islam as scripture and a reason it gets changed by Jehovah's Witnesses - because it clearly states Jesus is God and created. For other paradigms, these words must be changed because it is clear what is being stated. He's the creator. 

Summary: Jesus, the Word, is at creation, with God and was God and was therefore uncreated. 

Promise: Jesus is not merely a good teacher or moral example. He is the very God of the universe who is owed all of our worship and praise.  

Prayer: O Father, thank you for revealing the truth of Jesus in these words and thank for John and the way He expresses Jesus to us. You are not mystery, but clear. Bring people to a recognition of this. Help people to see You as You are, creator, the Light, with God and God. Keep giving me understanding of You. 

John 20:30-31 - The Fourth Gospel

John 20:30-31

Why This Gospel Was Written

30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Message: The Fourth Gospel 

Time: Throughout church history, Christians have consistently attributed this gospel to Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee. John was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing he was to confirm the belief that Jesus was both the Christ and the Son of God.

What the Lord is Saying: I am glad to be studying the book of John for I remember early on this being a book one is to study once they become a Christian. For those searching and for new Christians, as a youth it was always a book people said to read first. It also seems to be a book that many who believe in alternate beliefs or even question Jesus as God have spent the most time changing the translation or rather focusing on. I previously did a study on the Book of Mark so this will be great to focus on this gospel. 

Tabletalk magazine records similar thoughts, stating it is often a book for children and then also a book that requires many commentators a lifetime of study. The book has a distinctive style. 

How it is different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels):

Synoptics - focus their attention on Jesus' ministry in Galilee

Fourth Gospel - also tells of the visits Jesus made to Judea and Jerusalem

Synoptics - Jesus teaching mostly in parables

Fourth Gospel - Many lengthy discourses given by our Savior

But still many similarities and the differences are not contradictions, but different points of emphasis. John, one of the disciples, heard much more private instruction versus the Synoptics recording more of what the crowds also heard. 

Today's passage summarizes his purpose in writing this gospel: 

1. so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; 
2. and that believing you may have life in His name.

Summary: This gospel, like the others has similarities, but is also a more private discourse and understanding of Jesus the Christ so that we will believe and have Life in His Name. 

Promise: Pray that my study will help me to know My Savior better and be equipped to follow Him faithfully and love Him more deeply. 

Prayer: O God, you are good. Your ways are right. And I call you Lord and Savior, my Lord and Savior. Thank you for visiting me personally through Your Spirit and continually helping me understand your Word through Study. Thank you for these studies. I pray that I would come to know you better so that I will always follow You and continue to love You more deeply. Do a great work in me as I study these words. Help these words and thoughts to stick to me like glue so that I will take them with me wherever I go on this earth, to be a light to all I come in contact with. Draw people to Yourself. 

Habakkuk 2:14 - The Coming Knowledge of God's Glory

Habakkuk 2:14 - “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

Message: The Coming Knowledge of God's Glory

Time: Habakkuk is mentioned 2 times and we know little of him (could be a professionally trained prophet in Law of Moses and/or a priest involved in worship). He mentions the imminent Babylonian invasion which probably puts the time period as 609 - 598 BC, in Jehoiakim's reign. Chapters 1 and 2 is an extended dialogue between Habakkuk and God. Habakkuk was frustrated, but he took out his frustrating in prayers.

What the Lord is Saying: Another way that God has shown who He is and His glory is through His creation. I've always loved Romans 1 and it's clarity on this subject from Romans 1:18-20: 

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 

Even as we look up to the sky and heaven we see God's glory. Psalm 19:1 - The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

It is beautiful and poetic statement that God made Himself evident to everyone in creation. I feel everyone knows faith and belief in God is important and then people either spending their time trying to find a substitute or embrace this. But everyone has some knowledge of God and His creation. 

Today's passage from Habakkuk mentions a future day or predicts a day when this knowledge of God and His glory will fill our earth, in the same way the waters cover the sea. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." 

The context of today's passage from Habakkuk is referring to the judgment of God's enemies, which is Babylon and then the redemption of God's people, the Israelites, from exile. This redemption will reveal divine glory and marks how the entire earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. But in Isaiah 40-66 this rescue broadens to include a new heaven and earth. People will see glory when they see Jesus. 

Summary: Glory is seen by all people as creation testifies of the knowledge of God's Glory and is also seen as people turn their lives over to following Jesus.  

Promise: We are engaged in the greatest work possible are used by God to full prophecy when we seek to take the knowledge of God's glory in the gospel to all peoples. 

Prayer: Lord, I love to see how this world testifies of You, through creation, through people coming to know and follow You as Lord and every day as we look up and see the sky overhead and continue to discover more and more about this planet. It all points to You and it is an incredible picture of You. You are to be praised and glorified always. 

1 Timothy 2:5-6 - Christ Our Mediator

I Timothy 2:5-6 - For there is one God, [and] one mediator also between God and men, [the] man of Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony [borne] at the proper time. 

Message: Christ the Mediator

Time: Paul is writing to a young pastor in Timothy. He is writing to Timothy in about AD 63, who is serving the church in Ephesus. He is writing about church leadership and organizing the church. Paul gives practical and pastoral advice. 

What the Lord is Saying: I didn't realize this lesson would be on Christ the mediator as I was studying the last lesson because in that lesson I was noticing that the priests of the Old Covenant (Old Testament) were the mediator for God's chosen people. God had ordained the priests to be the mediators between their sin and atonement. They were the one's to offer the sacrifices on behalf of the people. I feel like I have known this, but perhaps in that lesson it came together more clearly in my mind. 

And so now I come to this lesson and this passage from Paul to Timothy. In my bible, this passage is in the section of Paul giving charge of conduct and action concerning public worship. The passage starts in the first verse by Paul stating that "Prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men." In essence he is telling the people of God, the church, that they are to mediators for one another through the act of prayer. And so prayer is a way for each person to be a mediator between men and God. We pray because verse 4 states that "God our savior desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." And what is this truth? Verse 5 and 6 - "the man Christ Jesus." This is why Paul preaches and this is why we must pray. 

A mediator is a go-between who can represent the interests of both parties. The old covenant priests served as mediators offering sacrifices for our transgressions. But sins were not taken away, simply blotted out. These sacrifices had to be repeated. Hebrews 10:3-4 states, "But in those [sacrifices] there is a reminder of sins year by year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats tot take away sins." Honestly, I am not sure why God set it up this way, starting with a temporary fix that would lead to a permanent fix of man's sins. In many ways, both speak of the same message - God providing the way to atone for sin. And both remind us that man cannot be the atoner of sin. Both reinforce that God provides atonement; man does not work for atonement. 

Paul remarks in this passage that Christ Jesus is a man. He is emphasizing his manhood. And yet we remember Paul's words to the Philippians. Philippians 2:6 says, He (Jesus) existed in the form of God...taking the form of a bond-servant, being made in the likeness of men. He existed in the form of God but became like men. And like a man he died and God highly exalted Him so that every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord. So let's never forget, he is God and he is like man. 

Christ is the only mediator. In the old covenant, people were chosen and the chosen had their sins passed over. In the new covenant, the chosen have faith. Christ as mediator is offered to people by their faith in Him. 

Summary: The priests of the old covenant provided a temporary atonement for sin. Christ, one time is the ransom for all. And now man is a mediator for people through prayer.  

Promise: Christ is the all-sufficient Mediator, and we can approach God in humble confidence when we go through Him to the Father. 

Prayer: God, thank you for your perfect message and your complete message. As I speak to others in other faith systems, it is surprising that they must feel like this truth needs to be more. This truth is everything. You are the Holy God and in your Holiness and perfect way provide the only way for man to be truly saved - through the mediator Christ. Thank you for this message of mediator, showing me the priest of old, showing me Jesus and then also showing me myself as I am a mediator in my prayers between you and others. It reminds me to be focused on this in my life and how I need to continue in this endeavor and never give up on offering prayers for others. 

My Utmost for His Highest - June 19th - Service of Passionate Devotion

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. - John 21:16

    Jesus did not say — Make converts to your way of thinking, but look after My sheep, see that they get nourished in the knowledge of Me. We count as service what we do in the way of Christian work; Jesus Christ calls service what we are to Him, not what we do for Him. Discipleship is based on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on adherence to a belief or a creed. “If any man come to Me and hate not…, he cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:26)” There is no argument and no compulsion, but simply — “If you would be My disciple, you must be devoted to Me.” A man touched by the Spirit of God suddenly says — “Now I see Who Jesus is,” and that is the source of devotion.

    To-day we have substituted credal belief for personal belief, and that is why so many are devoted to causes and so few devoted to Jesus Christ. People do not want to be devoted to Jesus, but only to the cause He started. Jesus Christ is a source of deep offence to the educated mind of to-day that does not want Him in any other way than as a Comrade. Our Lord’s first obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of men; the saving of men was the natural outcome of His obedience to the Father. If I am devoted to the cause of humanity only, I will soon be exhausted and come to the place where my love will falter; but if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity though men treat me as a door-mat. The secret of a disciple’s life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of the life is its unobtrusiveness. It is like a corn of wheat, which falls into the ground and dies, but presently it will spring up and alter the whole landscape (John 12:24).

Mom's Notes

2009 Mother's Death

My Notes

Nourish my sheep. Be devoted to God/Jesus, not to causes only He started. Be devoted to His followers. 

 - From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition

My Utmost for His Highest - May 6th - Liberty on the Abyss of the Gospel

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. - Galatians 5:1

    A spiritually minded man will never come to you with the demand--"Believe this and that;" but with the demand that you square your life with the standards of Jesus. We are not asked to believe the Bible, but to believe the One Whom the Bible reveals (cf. John 5:39-40). We are called to present liberty of conscience, not liberty of view. If we are free with the liberty of Christ, others will be brought into that same liberty--the liberty of realizing the dominance of Jesus Christ.

    Always keep your life measured by the standards of Jesus. Bow your neck to His yoke alone, and to no other yoke whatever; and be careful to see that you never bind a yoke on others that is not placed by Jesus Christ. It takes God a long time to get us out of the way of thinking that unless everyone sees as we do, they must be wrong. That is never God's view. There is only one liberty, the liberty of Jesus at work in our conscience enabling us to do what is right.

    Don't get impatient, remember how God dealt with you--with patience and with gentleness; but never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, "Go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19)," not "make converts to your opinions."

- From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition.

My thoughts
Liberty (7) is being free or freedom from control; not sure what is meant by liberty of conscience versus liberty of view (freedom of conscience versus freedom of view?). Again, our focus is always on Jesus - it is never God's view that people must meet my expectations. Only liberty is that of Jesus at work. Never water down the truth; let it have its way. Overall, the message here is one Chambers continues to emphasize - let our focus be completely on Jesus. 

My Utmost for His Highest - April 2nd - The Glory That Excels

So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 9:17

When Paul received his sight, he received spiritually an insight into the Person of Jesus Christ, and the whole of his subsequent life and preaching was nothing but Jesus Christ--"I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)" No attraction was ever allowed to hold the mind and soul of Paul save the face of Jesus Christ.

 
We have to learn to maintain an unimpaired state of character up to the last notch revealed in the vision of Jesus Christ.

The abiding characteristic of a spiritual man is the interpretation of the Lord Jesus Christ to himself, and the interpretation to others of the purposes of God. The one concentrated passion of the life is Jesus Christ. Whenever you meet this note in a man, you feel he is a man after God's own heart (see Acts 13:22).

Never allow anything to deflect you from insight into Jesus Christ. It is the test of whether you are spiritual or not. To be unspiritual means that other things have a growing fascination for you.


"Since mine eyes have looked on Jesus,
        I've lost sight of all beside,
So enchained my spirit's vision,
        Gazing on the Crucified."

-- Mary Dagworthy Yard James USA 1810-1883 from the hymn, "All for Jesus!"

Oswald Chambers - From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her Print Edition