John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel

John 20:30-31

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 Purpose of John's Gospel

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 is an interesting verse and sounds like the end of the book and yet there is one more chapter. It is interesting that I have read that many of the Gospel writings were written after many of Paul's writing or that they were written close to the same time period. Since this was said to be written around AD 85 and 90, it may not be the John who was the forerunner of Jesus that wrote this. And yet there is this focus in the book that believing in Jesus is the focus. The book is a good record of the life of Jesus, the historical figure. 

I have found that John has at times a clearer focus on Jesus as I have repeatedly seen him to talk about Jesus as the one who gives people life. I have seen at times that some of the red letter words in the gospels don't seem like words by Jesus but rather commentary, such as John 3:16 and several of those verses around that. But John wrote with a purpose in this book - and that purpose is that in Jesus and believing in Jesus people would have life in His Name. 

 

I do like how John mentions that his book is not exhaustive. He admits that there are other signs that Jesus performed that are not recorded in this book. Jesus did more than what He is presenting. His writing is not exhaustive but that does not lessen the writing, but John gives us what He believes at the time to be most appropriate. John is writing this after Jesus has been resurrected. 

John speaks of this in John 10. Verse 16 says, "I have other sheep (which seems to signify the Gentiles which is not the primary audience that Jesus is writing to), which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear my voice (so they will be found redeemed in the same way the present audience is found redeemed); and they shall become one flock with one shepherd." All are found to be worthy in Christ, some now and some later. Verse 17, "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." 

John clearly states here the words of Jesus that He will be laying His life down and so will be dying on the cross and then be resurrected. And this laying of His life is on His own initiative. 

The lesson today remarks, "If someone believes that the resurrection happened but fails to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, nothing will convince him." And so the life of Jesus record is important. Only believing in the resurrection is not the gospel, the good news. We need the gospels to help us understand the life of Jesus. There is only salvation because of his life that is lived. 

Today, we need the entire record of Jesus. It is all important, not simply parts. John is giving us his part of the story and his part is needed. It tells the story of Jesus and how he lived on this earth and how people came to know Him as Lord and Savior. 

I Corinthians 2:2 Paul says, "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." The Gospel of John tells us about Jesus Christ. This is an important message. Paul brings it home in giving us the fuller meaning of Him crucified and that entire message is the Gospel record. 

Summary: John provides us his purpose in this gospel - that people will know Jesus, believe in Him and have life in His name.

Promise: John wrote His Gospel with a focus of Jesus as the Messiah. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for John, whichever John it was, but you knew we needed this message and John records this message for us. I thank you for these Words that help me better understand You Jesus and who you were and the person You were and the perfect way you dealt with people. Thank you for the Gospel and the life that is found in You. Help me to be careful and courageous in speaking these truths to people and to focus always on the cross and the resurrection. Forgive me for being too proud and setting myself apart as someone elite. Lord, you are the great one. I am your vessel. Train me in understanding this truth and making it known to others. Thank you for the truth of it all. 

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

John 20:24-29 - Doubting Thomas

John 20:24-29

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Message: Doubting Thomas

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: The last passage was Jesus finishing up conversations with the disciples and now Thomas comes forward, though he wasn't with the disciples when Jesus came to them in the room. The other disciples told him that they had seen the Lord. Thomas responded with "I want proof.". A week later Jesus stood among them and told Thomas to do just that Thomas believes. 

The church has throughout the ages referred to Thomas as doubting Thomas. Yet, Ligonier remarks that in verse 26 when Jesus comes back to the disciples they are in the house again still. After seeing Jesus, they are still hiding out in the house. Jesus is back but their feelings of fear remain. 

Jesus greets Thomas with the same greeting he gave the disciples, "Peace be with you." Even 2,000 years ago is the understanding that we need peace. 

What else is Thomas know for? In John 11:16 he is the one that when Jesus says he will be returning to Lazarus, Thomas it seems leads the charge by the disciples to go with Jesus to Lazarus. And yet he says interesting words - "Let us also go, that we may die with him." There still probably isn't understanding here of why Jesus is going to Lazarus. This idea in this verse by Thomas to "die with him" is a phrase with a little controversy as it is unclear what this statement means that Thomas is voicing. Whatever it is, it seems to support the idea that he did not understand why Jesus was going to Lazarus or the outcome that would prevail. 

Thomas later is recorded in the words in John 14:5 prior to Jesus stating He is the way, truth, and the life that  “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Again in these verses is the sentiment by the disciples of not knowing what Jesus is up to.

And so now that Thomas is stating that he wants to see proof of Jesus, perhaps his words are consistent with the idea that he along with the other disciples are still trying to figure out why Jesus is doing the things he is doing. Despite all that Jesus states, people are still not putting it all together.  

Jesus knows that people have these issues and he provides the answers that they need. And yet, I think there is a hope that people did not have these questions and would instead trust in the words of Jesus and see the big picture of what He is about. Jesus then in this passage also makes a point to state that he is able to provide proof but "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." While Jesus appeals to Thomas he also makes a point to appeal to all of those that will believe in Jesus despite not seeing but believe based upon the eyewitness accounts of others. And this is the primary way people will believe throughout history, not only of Jesus but throughout all events of history. No one is more at an advantage. Believing occurs whether seeing the nail scarred hands or not. One belief is not greater than the other. 

Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) mentions about this passage that Thomas was not part of those disciples that were up in the room, hiding out. But instead Thomas seems to be off alone. He remarks -- "The worst thing that a man can do when disbelief, or doubt, or coldness shrouds his sky, and blots out the stars, is to go away alone and shut himself up with his own, perhaps morbid, or, at all events, disturbing thoughts." I like this observation for it is true. We are much worse off when we retreat alone with questions instead we need to bring those questions to others. I need to watch out for this in my life. Maclaren also comments that Thomas put conditions on his belief. It wasn't that he doubted Jesus, but he seems to have rejected Jesus at this point for he laid out what must be necessary for him to believe. He did not accept things as they were. I suppose we all do this to a point, but I do find there are many people like Thomas that reveal all of the conditions they seemingly have to believe and yet rarely does it seem those things do any good. 

Summary: Thomas, not with the disciples in the room, states to believe in Jesus, he wants proof and to see not only Jesus but his scars. Jesus appears and Thomas believes. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We believe because of the historical testimony of the Apostles to the ministry of Christ. It is no virtue to take a blind leap of faith; rather, we should know the reasons undergirding our trust in Christ."

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this passage and making it more meaningful to me. I appreciate the words of Maclaren and using him to help speak to me, 100+ years later after his words are spoken. Help my unbelief. Thank you for the confidence which we have throughout history for the events that have occurred. Remove the obstacles that are in front of so many for believing. 

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

John 20:23 - Giving and Withholding Forgiveness

John 20:23

23 If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”

Message: Giving and Withholding Forgiveness

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: The idea of God forgiving sin I think is an interesting idea in scripture. I was speaking to someone recently that said I John 1:9 wasn't necessary to be prayed for it says, "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us of those sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Their point that on the cross Jesus forgave sin and our salvation is accessed by our faith in Jesus as told in Ephesians 2:8-9. Now I've looked at this verse and studied and came away with the conclusion that it could also be used to acknowledge agreeing with God for our sins. Their argument is the confession of sin was needed but that need was a prior dispensation or time period and that once Jesus died on the cross, the need for confession was no more. More to come on that idea. 

Today's passage is a passage that the Roman Catholic church uses to uphold the idea that their are those that have the authority to forgive sins and that authority is conveyed to the Apostles and then to their successors, the priests and bishops, who have a special sacramental authority. The Mormons or LDS church takes a similar role in conveying authority to the Apostles that then gets passed onto Joseph Smith and then he passes on to apostles in the church and that continues throughout the age of the church. It is an interesting idea I think that continues, that certain people on the earth get to receive the authority to forgive sin and they pass on that authority to others.  

Mark 2:10 states that "the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Jesus forgave the sin of the paralytic. This appears to be his role and yet is it a role on while he was on earth. Did that change when after he had died on the cross?  

Ephesians 1:7 gives forgiveness over to the shedding of blood --  "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us."

What happened in the Old Testament when animals were taken to the altar and their blood was shed for the sin of people? Leviticus 4 prescribes that "the priest shall make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven (verse 20)." This is repeated multiple times in this passage, either using a bull or a goat or a lamb but each time, though the types of sins may be different, the result it blood is placed somewhere for an offering and this process of atonement for sin results in forgiveness. Seems clear. But Hebrews 10:1-18 gives the direction that the Law and the sacrifices did not make anyone perfect. So while the sin was atoned for with blood it was not complete in its atonement, but was temporary, having to be repeated yearly and never completely washing away the sin. The song lyric says, "What can wash away my sin -- Nothing but the blood of Jesus" supports the idea that only Jesus' blood washes away sin. Hebrews 10:11-14, "Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified." 

Thus, the Old Testament provides us a script that is fulfilled in Jesus, namely that blood starts by temporarily covering sin, but then in Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, all are perfected for all time. And it those that are being sanctified that are perfected, so those who have salvation and are continuing to be sanctified or working out their salvation (Philippians 2:12). 

And then I come back to today's passage and other passages that speak to the idea of sin being forgiven. Jesus has come to the disciples. They were hiding in a room, trying to stay away from the officials out of concern that they would be held guilty of an offense as Jesus was held guilty. Jesus comes to them and confers upon them peace, the Holy Spirit, and then says and this is the translation from the Greek, "If of any you might forgive the sins they are forgiven them if any you might retain they are retained." What is Jesus saying in these verses because at first reading it sounds like he is conferring on the disciples the ability to forgive sin. 

Now the person that told me earlier about the I John 1:9 not applying believes in dispensations and so can say that all of those verses are good verses, but they don't apply anymore today. And that's the basic idea. Is it that simple? Has something changed? 

I suppose it still makes me wonder what this verse means and what Jesus meant by it. It seems clear that only Jesus/God can forgive sin. But, Jesus did give the Holy Spirit and maybe with the Holy Spirit upon them, it is really the Holy Spirit that is forgiving. It seems to be what he is doing is making us ambassadors for his work. Jesus forgives sin. It is a hard verse and I still not completely sure about it. 

Summary: Jesus speaks to the disciples, mentioning that they can forgive or not forgive sin.

Promise: God promises to forgive all those who turn from their sins and believe in Jesus, so we can tell people that God has in fact forgiven them when they trust in Christ alone.

Prayer: Lord God, your word speaks to me, but I admit, at times, I am not completely understanding of it in all of its ways. Would you give me insight Holy Spirit and help me to better understand Your Words and all that they mean in all of their parts? At times, it feels like a puzzle and I believe in much of it and understand it but not always. And this passage does sort of confuse me, that Jesus would perhaps place forgiveness on others after he had died and risen again. Even if it was only for a time, I am not sure if that makes sense to me. Lord, I am not hanging on these words and I believe you have given wisdom and insight to people about these verses, simply help me to find those answers. 

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

John 20:19-22 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples

John 20:19-22

19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit."

Message: Jesus Appears to His Disciples

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 resurrected - Mary, and other women, and the disciples have seen he's not in his grave. Jesus has appeared to Mary and told her to tell others. In verse 19, I found out that the disciples are hiding in a room, fearful that after Jesus has been sentenced to death that they may be next. Jesus arrives to them, at this room and speaks words of comfort, "Peace be with you." He lets them know that they do not need to fear. 

He proceeds in verse 20 to show the disciples his hand and his side to verify and confirm that it was indeed him who had been on the cross. Then in verse 21, he repeats the greeting of "Peace." And commissions them to the world, "I also send you." 

And in verse 22 mentions the Holy Spirit to them. He breaths on them letting them know they are now endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Father sent Jesus to this earth and Jesus now send them forth, sealing them with the Holy Spirit. In this Jesus shows that the Father and the Holy Spirit are part of the Godhead. 

Summary: Jesus comes to the disciple to bring them peace and send them forth with the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Promise: God always equips those whom He calls (1 Cor. 12).

Prayer: Thank you Holy Spirit for being in my life and equipping me for Your work in this world. 

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

John 20:16-18 - Mary Recognizes Her Lord

John 20:16-18

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.

Message: Mary Recognizes Her Lord

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: These are short lessons. Not much here or not much I am discovering from these. Jesus calls out Mary's name and now she recognizes him, stating "Teacher." I suppose what Jesus says here - now - is interesting -- “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” The clinging language may have been said because Mary was now sort of at his feet perhaps and bowing before him and being close to him, so says something like, "This is not the time." And then says, "I have not yet ascended to the Father" which might mean - I've still got work to do. So then what she needs to do is to go and speak these truths. For the time is now. Jesus had been saying these type of words to his disciples. He had predicted this moment and now here he is saying these words to them - This is it. This is the time. I'm going to My Father, to my God. And He is your father and your God. 

It is as if Jesus has always been speaking to them and trying to get them to understand what he is saying to them. There is an emphatic approach he is having with them. And that is growing. 

Currently in our home, we are hosting two hockey players, who are seeking to get college scholarships or play in college on a team. And for now, they are on a development team with the hopes of being seen by a college scout. As they are playing on this team now for the 2nd year and with us a 2nd year, they have mentioned that in their team practices there are several players that are not simply listening to their coach. The coach is speaking and coaching them and asking them to do things, but it sounds like they continue to not listen and instead do only what they want to do as players. Our two players, perhaps in their 2nd year, understand this better. 

And perhaps Jesus is still saying these same words to his disciples, "Would you simply listen to me and do what I am saying? The time is now. This is happening." I even saw a commentary say that the resurrection which has occurred is the beginning stage of his ascension. 

Summary: Mary now sees that Jesus is here, but Jesus makes it clear, He is ascending to the Father and Mary needs to tell others this is happening and the time is now. 

Promise: The Time is Now

Prayer: Lord, are you saying something to me that I am not picking up on? Am I hard hearted? I wonder if I am like these disciples in any way and you are trying to get me to understand something I am not understanding. I wonder if I am being stubborn in any way like these disciples were. If so, I pray that I am awakened to a right understanding. Thank you God for your mission and resurrecting Jesus. You be praised God always. 

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

John 20:11-15 - Mary Sees Jesus and the Angels

John 20:11-15

11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”

Message: Mary Sees Jesus and the Angels

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: It is rather interesting this story. I admit I have not studied it before, have read it, but have not stared at or studied this. Mary goes to the tomb and sees that it is empty. Peter and John follow and see the same thing. And now we have the record of Jesus speaking or responding to Mary. Mary shows up at the tomb, despondent, weeping - wondering what has happened to Jesus. She thinks someone has taken him. Before her at the tomb were two angels sitting - one at the head of where Jesus would lie and one at the feet, asking Mary why she was weeping. And then behind her it would seem a voice came as well asking the same - and yet that voice was Jesus. 

Luke 24:4 also reports the presence of two angels at the tomb, while Matthew 28:1–2 and Mark 16:5 tell us that one angel was there. 

The angels came to her in that tomb and probably only her and those angels were meant to be a comfort to her but she did not seem to recognize it for her grief in the moment was larger. Sometimes in our grief and despair we struggle seeing what God is doing in sending us comfort and sending us people to give us comfort. There remained in these people (Mary, other women, John and Peter) a cluelessness or perhaps the truth had not yet been revealed to them. Obviously it is easy for us to see afterwards and to think they should have known better. But I do not want to miss what they were experiencing at the time.  

Summary: Mary goes to the tomb and 2 angels are there to comfort but she does not recognize this or Jesus who asks her a question about her sadness. 

Promise: We are likely to seek and find, when we seek with affection, and seek in tears. 

Prayer: Thank  you God for the work you want to do in our life - to comfort us and send your messengers to speak to us. 

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

John 20:3-10 - Peter and John at the Tomb of Jesus

John 20:3-10

3 So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb. 4 The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; 5 and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. 6 And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes.

Message: Peter and John at the Tomb 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: This is a follow up it seems to Mary letting folks know that Jesus was not in the grave. It seems apparent from other passages that Mary wasn't alone, but upon hearing the disciples ran (Peter and John) ran to the tomb to see that the linens that Nicodemus and Joseph had wrapped around Jesus for burial were there but Jesus was not. John makes a note that they saw him gone, but did not understand or take into account yet the scripture prophecy or teaching that he would rise from the dead. 

Graverobbers was not a possibility because they would not have taken the time time to leave the linen nor as it states wrap the linen or roll it up. Plus, the linens were expensive and would have been taken. This is the same John here that authored this gospel and he remarks something in verse 8 that is interesting - "he saw and believed." And then mentions the scripture not yet fulfilled of Jesus' resurrection. But John believed. So John believed that Jesus was alive, but did not yet understand what this meant in relation to the resurrection. 

Of this story, Luke only mentions a visit by Peter. John was younger than Peter and this was the reason he probably outran Peter. John arriving first, doesn't go in and he is restrained by fear and awaits his friend to arrive. Peter though goes straight in, being the bolder one. 

Summary: Peter and John run to the tomb to see what Mary had stated that Jesus was in fact not present, the linens there though. 

Promise: When we trust in Christ, we more and more understand that He is proclaimed on every page of the Bible.

Prayer: O God, it is great to slowly read this account of the discovery of you, not being in the grave, but rising from the dead. Again, I pray that more and more people would understand these truths and behold you as the living God. 

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