John 7:1-13 - At The Feast of Booths

John 7:1-13

1 And after these things Jesus was walking in Galilee; for He was unwilling to walk in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of the Booths, was at hand. 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here, and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may behold Your works with you are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret, when he himself seeks to be known publicly If you do these things, show Yourself to the world." 5 For not even His brothers were believing in Him. 6 Jesus therefore said to them, "My time, is not yet at hand, but your time is always opportune. 7 The world cannot hate you; but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil. 8 Go up to the feast yourselves; I do not go up to this feast because My time has not yet fully come." 9 And having said these things to them, He stayed in Galilee. 

10 But when His brothers had gone up to the feast, then He Himself also went up, not publicly, but as it were, in secret. 11 The Jews were therefore seeking Him at the feast, and were saying, "Where is He?" 12 And there was much grumbling among the multitudes concerning Him; some were saying, "He is a good man"; others were saying, "No, on the contrary, He leads the multitudes astray." 13 Yet no one was speaking openly of Him for fear of the Jews. 

Message: At the Feast of Booths

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 7 begins with Jesus in Galilee. In Chapter 6, he had crossed the sea of Galilee to Capernaum and spent time there at the synagogue speaking to people - Jews and the multitudes following after Him. He is in Galilee walking and not in Judea for his time had not yet come and in Judea he knew "the Jews were seeking to kill him." 

At this time, the Feast of the Booths is at hand. This is 6 months later from the Passover mentioned in Chapter 6. The Feast of the Booths was a joyous celebration as it brought many people together, celebrating the 40 years of Jews spent in desert after slavery. During this time Jews would make a trek to Jerusalem and live in small homes or sukkahs because this is how they lived after the exodus.  

On the heels of the last text is Jesus turning to His disciples after some of the multitude had left him, not really agreeing to give their lives in service to the Lord. Their belief was not complete. It was not surrendering all to the Lord (6:64). And now his brothers seek to tell Him (Jesus) what his purpose is to be as they want Him to make Himself known publicly before all. It seems normal to ask Him to go to Jerusalem with them to celebrate this festival, but Jesus knew something they didn't. He knew His death was on the horizon. But He had more to accomplish. Jesus would not go with them, but He still went, but He went in His way, at His time, so as to not place Him at the center of attention. 

The Jews did not like Jesus. He spoke in a way that communicated His authority, that He had come from the Father, sent by the Father and He is asking people to believe in Him for eternal life. The Jews had comfort in what they knew and Jesus was threatening this comfort. I even see today as Jesus threatens my comfort but to deny Myself each day is not easy. It is hard to surrender what I want for what He wants. I know there are riches that come from this and nevertheless it is difficult and against my nature. I have my own agendas as to what I want and want Jesus to be. 

Summary: Jesus' brothers ask him to join them on their journey to Jerusalem for the Feast of Booth and to publicly speak to people, but Jesus knows His time not yet come and will go in private. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "When we preach the gospel, people may hate us as well. Let us make sure that they hate us because of the gospel message, not because of our offensive personalities."

Prayer: O God, you are Savior and Lord. You are the first and the last and You are the one that has come to save the World. Thank you for your message of hope continually in our lives. Thank you for saving me and taking me from the path of the wicked. Work in me continually to glorify You and make you known. Thank you for these truths. 

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

John 6:66-71 - Persevering Disciples

John 6:66-71

66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore. 67 Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" 68 Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69 And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God." 70 Jesus answered them, "Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?" 71 Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him. 

Message: Persevering 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: I still am amazed by the last lesson and the acknowledgement that the Spirit gives life and opens people's minds and many do not respond in faith and people may profess a faith in God but there life needs to have works in it and when it doesn't people will leave eventually as it now says they have done in verse 66. 

And then Jesus turns to the 12 making sure through a question that they do not want to also go away. This reminds me that the people that were following Jesus was many more than 12 as "disciples" are mentioned and then also "multitudes." Within these groups, these followers, there were some that Jesus acknowledged were not part of His kingdom. So following Him did not guarantee that they would be part of His kingdom. This is important and yet also sobering even today to realize that simply going to church or attending regularly and having the appearance of being a follower of Jesus does not guarantee that someone is indeed a follower. 

For example, yesterday, I was remembering a study from Mark in which Jesus speaks about people who follow Jesus with wrong motives. Some people come to Jesus for motives of their own, to be seen by other people or for selfish reasons. 

And yet, here, it seems odd that Jesus would ask the question to the 12 - "You do not want to go away also, do you?" And yet perhaps God is also asking me, "Will you go away?" When the going gets tough and when the questions come up that you don't like the answer, will I go away? Jesus does not answer every one of my prayer requests for His sovereign reasons and so when this happens, what is my response, to turn away or will I continue to follow. Peter responds, "Where else shall we go?" Jesus is the only to offer eternal life. And He is the Holy One of God. 

Gill's Exposition states here: 

He was promised by God of old, spoken of by the prophets, and expected by the Jews; that anointed prophet Moses had spoken of, that should arise out of Israel, like unto him that anointed priest, who, according to the oath of God, was to be priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek; and that anointed King, whom God has set over his holy hill of Zion.

He is the Holy One. He is the Messiah, the Christ. And yes, Jesus confirms as well, just as He is the Chosen One from God, the disciples are also chosen and yet among these chosen one will not respond in faith. There will be one that will turn away. God chooses but some do not respond. One will betray him. One is of the devil, the accuser, is actually against Me. One who is following Me will at some point not follow Me. 

Jesus is intending for all to check themselves, to examine themselves. We need to do this often and regularly always and not ever assume we have made it. And yet I have questions about this one betrayed: Does Jesus choose some that don't respond in faith and believe Him all of their days? It makes me wonder again the process of salvation among these disciples as there is a calling but at what point did they become part of His kingdom? Can one be saved and then turn away later? 

Summary: After some have left following Jesus, Jesus turns to the 12 for them to examine themselves as he knows one will betray Him at some point and will they all continue to follow Him. 

Promise: Daily, I need to commit myself to Christ and His teaching, to persevere in faith and show that He has chosen me. 

Prayer: Father God, your ways are right and true. You choose people to be Your vessels, to be Your people. You ask Me to follow You but I also need to respond in faith to You and follow You all of my days. You show yourself as the One, the One who gives eternal life and the Holy one of God. I am thankful for those that surround me that remain faithful and I pray Lord that You will continue to bring back many to that saving faith. I think of friends who start out in this way of following You but have not always continued for various selfish reasons. Bring them back to the joy of their salvation. And Lord guide me to never give up and to continue to follow You all of My days. 

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

John 6:60-65 - Grumbling and Disbelief

John 6:60-65

60 Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?" 61 But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble? 62 What then if you should behold the Son of Man ascending where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65 And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me, unless it has been granted him from the Father." 

Message: Grumbling and Disbelief

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 met with the multitudes and the Jews in the synagogue, declaring that He is the bread of life, sent by the Father and people are to receive Him, like they receive and eat bread. They are to eat of Him, taking Him in, believing in Him and they will receive eternal life. We are to be a people that believes, but also receive and abide in Him and make Christ number one in our lives always. 

Some disciples who had been following him came to him also and mentioned that the words Jesus has been saying are hard words. Now these do not seem to be the same 12 disciples, for in verse 67 Jesus will refer to the 12 after these disciples had left. I remember studying John 2 at the end of the chapter and those that believed in His name and yet Jesus was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew them and knew was in them. They were paying lip service possibly to God and not really believing in Him. That passage is a rather haunting one. It is just not clear what sort of disciples these are as they are called "His disciples" also referenced in John 2:2 at the wedding in Galilee. Either way, at this moment Jesus knew that the disciples were grumbling or realizing that what Jesus was saying was difficult. Maybe these are a people that believe in Jesus but when it comes to following Him have different ideas. 

I think of people I encounter in my work life and even when we would talk to people at the mall, sharing the gospel and at times discovered people that believed Jesus and believed in Him and knew that he had lived, died and rose again. They understand the meaning of Christmas and Easter, but honestly, as I stare at their lives, their habits, what comes out of their mouths, and their lifestyles, I do not see a people that seems to follow the Lord and yet they see in me someone who does or tries. They mention this. They call me a religious person. 

Jesus recognizes this perhaps as well in the disciples here. They are grumbling at what He is saying about eating and taking in Christ as we do our daily bread, making Him not simply a belief but part of our life, abiding in Him -- and they struggle with this and Jesus counters that if they struggle with those words they perhaps the Father has not truly called them. 

Back in verse 44 Jesus said, "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him." And now Jesus further expands on this by first remarking that these are people that won't be able to understand higher things like Jesus ascending to Heaven (after His resurrection) - "What then if you should behold the Son of Man ascending where He was before?" And then He further speaks of the reason they are not understanding: Verse 63, "It is the Spirit who gives life." Going back to John 3 and his reference to being born again and in verse 5 and 6 remarks that one must be "born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God." And verse 6 and verse 8 mention being "born of the Spirit." What an alarming statement that Man must be rescued and called by the Spirit of God. 

And in verse 63 He says, "The words I have spoke to you are spirit and are life, but there are some of you who do not believe." Again, Jesus is using the word believe as He has used it before, but as Jesus continues to communicate and we see that there is more to His words than we initially see. It seems here this is heard again. Jesus is saying that if you are listening and can't understand and your belief is not simply one time belief but transformation belief, abiding in Him belief, then you are not really believers of Him. And verse 66 will show this as "many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore." Whoa. They left. They heard the message. They realized they were not willing to go the extra mile and be the complete believer in Christ and they left. It is like instead of having an altar call in church, we turn to people and say, "Do you need to leave?" Are you really a believer in Christ that wants to follow Him will all of your life, in all of your ways? Are you that kind of believer? Or are you the kind that likes the simple message, the fancy show, but in actuality you do not want to follow Him with your entire life? What kind of believer are we really? A true believer hopefully. One who accepts what Jesus says always. And eats, taking Him in as we take bread into our mouth and stomach so we can live. 

Verse 66 - "His disciples withdrew." Christians left church. 

Summary: True followers of Christ are true believers, that have been drawn by the Father, the Spirit gives them life, and they understand all that Jesus is saying to them. 

Promise: True believers stand on every word that God says, made alive in Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, we are to be true believers. I am to be a true believer and stand on every word that you say. 

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

John 6:52-59 - Eating and Belief

John 6:52-59

52 The Jews therefore began to argue with one another, saying, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" 53 Jesus therefore said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in  yourselves. 54 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me he also shall live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate, and died, he who eats this bread shall live forever." 59 These things He said in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Message: Eating and Belief

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 a reminder, this discourse that Jesus is giving is in the midst of multitudes in the synagogue which includes Jews. He has been clear in his words, but he is also using language that is a little shocking stating "I am the living bread....if anyone eats of this bread he shall live forever." Our passage this morning begins with the Jews asking this question - "how are we to eat flesh?"

With our knowledge now of Luke 22:19 - And when he had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of Me." And so we know now that Jesus' discourse here of eating the body and drinking the blood would be a parallel for His atoning death. But at the time, what would His audience have thought? Jesus does not seem to here be talking about the sacrament. 

Thus, as we study, we see parallels - verse 40 - "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I myself will raise him up on the last day." Jesus mentions repeatedly believing in Him. And then as we look at verse 54, "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." Thus, there doesn't seem to be extra work or an extra sacrament that is required for eternal life, but rather the eating and drinking are not carnal acts, but rather speak to the trust we place in Him for salvation. He also says in verse 56 that doing this "abides in Him." Abiding is a giving of oneself completely. It is to include ourselves in all of what God provides to us - studying His word, prayer, fellowship, living our life in faith. As such the eating and drinking refer to more than belief, but taking Jesus in and taking Him in completely to our lives. 

Summary: As Jesus is the bread of life, to eat his flesh and drink His blood is to abide in Him and to trust in Him completely for salvation practicing all that He has provided for us to grow in Christ. 

Promise: Later on, with the Lord's supper, we see a tangible picture of taking Jesus in and entering unto Him, to show that tangible practice we are to mirror in our life of growing in Christ daily. 

Prayer: Lord, as Petra stated in their song, we are daily to move Beyond Belief. I am to practice the presence of God daily in reading and studying and listening to good speakers, in fellowship with my wife and any others in the faith and encouraging myself and others continually to go beyond faith and belief to practice and doing the will of God. In believing I am sealed for eternal life, but in my belief I work for it shows that I am with you God. Keep training me daily in this sort of living. Keep me focused on You and leaning on You. 

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

John 6:45-51 - The Bread of Christ's Flesh

 John 6:45-51

45 It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. 46 Not that any man has seen the Father, except the One who is from God, He has seen the Father. 47 Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread also which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh." 

Message: The Bread of Christ's Flesh

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: And so the bread of life discourse continues. Jesus is the bread of life from the Father go give us eternal life, to those who believe. By believing, we will have our most significant need met in Him. We will have no need to hunger and thirst for God's acceptance of us as we will have what we need for all time. The Father provides the Son the people that will believe in Him, drawing them to himself. Jesus will never lose them. Jesus has seen the Father. He is the only one. He is exclusive. 

We are told here that we can eat of the bread, thus we can eat of Jesus. This is interesting as we even observe the Lord's Supper. His body is broken for us and we eat it. We are to take the Lord and He is to be a part of us. He is not simply a trophy in our lives but we are to make Him life, in our life. In contrast to the manna of the wilderness, eating of this bread will bring about eternal life. 

I do not see in these verses any instance of "easy believism" or the idea that just believe and a person is all good and accepted into the kingdom of God. What I see is verses that confirm that the Father is the one that draws the person to an understanding and desire to believe and the person responds in faith. I don't think this is automatic, but the convert has a response of faith. In these verses, the willing person eats of the bread. Again, something is required of the person. 

Throughout this book thus far, the message is simple: believe and receive eternal life. Our response is simple, Answer the Call. 

Summary: We must eat the bread of heaven in order to have eternal life, and this eating consists in believing in Christ. 

Promise: God chooses His elect for salvation, but we cannot know we are saved until we believe. Believe in Him alone this day for salvation. 

Prayer: Lord, the message is clear to me. Believe. I am to answer your call and believe and you will grant me eternal life. I believe God this is the way to be saved. I know some believe this is a way to be saved, only for a certain time, this time, and later on more is required of a person, but these words seem to communicate to me that this is not simply for a time period, but for all time for this is the message throughout this gospel. Continue to enlighten me though Lord. And continue to draw people to an understanding of You. 

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

John 6:41-44 - Drawing People to Faith

John 6:41-44

41 The Jews therefore were grumbling about Him, because He said, "I am the bread that came down out of heaven." 42 And they were saying, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does He now say, "I have come down out of heaven?" 43 Jesus answered and said to them, "Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day." 

Message: Drawing People to Faith

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 tension is building. Jesus is in the synagogue (v. 59) speaking to the multitudes and explaining further who He is and how He has come into this world to save people, to give them eternal life. John 3:15 says, "that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life." And as John writes this book and tells of Jesus, Jesus making these assertions of Himself is drawing criticism from many. Jesus continues to speak with purpose, that people need to believe in Him. He has stated that He is the bread, giving eternal life, and people do not need to hunger again. The message is being repeated. Jesus is repeating, "everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life." 

And while the multitudes are present, Jews are also present. And these words are making them feel uneasy and grumble and Jesus brings forth another idea that "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him." As I have seen before, the Spirit must draw people. The Father must draw people to this belief in Jesus being the bread, the bread of life, that takes away people's sin. People must be born again (John 3:7) and born of the Spirit (John 3:8). 

This continues to be an incredible statement and piece of doctrine that no one comes to God on their own accord, but one must be drawn. And after being rightly drawn, that person will not be lost. In verse 39 Jesus said, "All that He has given Me I lose nothing." None that come to Jesus will ever be lost. So two natural thoughts come to mind - 1. I do know of people that have come to the Lord, admit salvation, and follow the Lord from our perspective. Some even are pastors and have written books to help many, but then turn away from the Lord. And so we seem to be able to conclude that they were never saved. Only Jesus knows who is truly saved. 2. Only certain people are saved. I mean, this is clearly evident in our world today as many people have no regard for God and many are not living their lives in service to Him or love to Him or seeking to love Him with all of their heart, mind, strength. And yet only the Father draws people to Him. I suppose we would rather see people reject Him than God not calling them? 

Albert Barnes states this:

In the conversion of the sinner God enlightens the mind John 6:45, he inclines the will Psalm 110:3, and he influences the soul by motives, by just views of his law, by his love, his commands, and his threatenings; by a desire of happiness, and a consciousness of danger; by the Holy Spirit applying truth to the mind, and urging him to yield himself to the Saviour. So that, while God inclines him, and will have all the glory, man yields without compulsion; the obstacles are removed, and he becomes a willing servant of God.

It is true one must be drawn by God, but one must also yield to God without compulsion. So people are drawn, but people must still respond. So perhaps this is the message we must see in this. That the drawing maybe does not always guarantee the changed life. God is the active agent in people's lives, yes. Without Him, we can do nothing, but as is clear in the scripture, we still must turn to Him and we are asked to turn from Him. 

There are more questions on this. They do continue, but I stop for now. 

Summary: Jesus is the Bread from Heaven, sent by God. God enlightens the mind and urges people to yield themselves to the Savior. 

Promise: We must preach the gospel to all people, trusting God to draw His elect from the nations to Himself. He clearly calls us to preach. Though not always, He wants us to be involved. 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for these words that You speak, but I admit, they still are words that I have a hard time accepting. I admit. I have heard them spoken and I understand them in theory, but in my heart, I struggle. As I go through this world and see people and watch them, I do clearly see a people that doesn't want to even follow You and know You, but instead do their own thing and define their lives in their own way. For these it seems easier to understand this and yet hard still that it seems they are that way because they haven't been drawn, so why not? Why do some come to faith and some not if God you are the active agent? Lord, I struggle but I am thankful for the grace I have in You, for the calling, for elevating me to eternal life and for the special union I have in Christ. For me, I am greatly blessed, but still hard to be with others that don't have that same peace and that possibly Lord you have not drawn them. But, help me Lord. Help me to understand this text further, of what You mean by Your words here. And bring to me peace. I will continue to preach and share and await with expectation changed lives for You. You are there and truly there and I need You. 

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

John 6:36-40 - The Father's Gift to the Son

John 6:36-40

36 But I said to you, that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day. 

Message: The Father's Gift to the Son

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 was talking to my brother night before last. He is teaching through John now with Bible Study Fellowship and we were recalling some themes in this book. The one theme that I see over and over is John is telling us how Jesus and His message is one of eternal life. And it really amazes me as I read this text as well. The last lesson was on the Bread of life whereby Jesus is speaking to the multitude, going through scripture in the synagogue (v. 59) and continuing to speak to these folks about believing in the Father and believing the Father sent Jesus and Jesus is providing them eternal life and this need for eternal life now is equivalent to bread that we need to live on and yet Jesus as the bread of life is greater than anything else in this world. 

I was speaking to someone at church yesterday as class ended. We had been discussing heaven and he remarked that death is not even a reality for a Christian for we will never die. And I remarked that the church is often about retraining and realigning our lives to the truth of God's word. Every week it is the same. It is about getting us back in line with God and His word. 

And here once again, Jesus repeats this message to them, but in these verses refers back to the Father and His Gifting the Son. I've already studied these themes before in Chapter 5 of the Father granting to the Son. And yet both Father and Son are eternal based upon our understandings of them throughout scripture. 

This passage is sort of depressing. People have Jesus right there in front of Him and He is explaining Himself to them and they are not believing (v. 36). And as such, this message of divine election seems to be being taught here by Jesus. Verse 39 seems to be a big idea on this, "that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing." And in verse 37, "All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out." Those ideas. The Father gives Me. And whoever He gives me will not be cast out. I will not lose. And yet many don't believe. There is no losing people. People don't get lost after getting found. 

Tom Nelson was talking about this recently in a message I was listening to him preach on from Hebrews. The message is called Two Cents and a Handful of Lettuce and he speaks of people that renounce their Christian faith and comments that there is no coming back of these people. These folks do not come back to the gospel. It is just a start reminder of people that get drawn to the Lord and are truly saved. We must watch their entire life. 

Summary: The Father has gifted people to the Son to be saved and the Son gives eternal life and possessing these people, Jesus will not cast them out ever and He will never lose them. 

Promise: Everyone who has been chosen comes to believe in Christ alone for redemption. We can know we are His elect by believing in Christ and showing authentic belief and faith in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, sometimes these messages are hard to read and accept, but yet God you have chosen Your people and You will not lose them. Your ways are perfect. I pray for more chosen people and that You would direct me to those that I need to disciple and help. Give me wisdom in how to help people and encourage them. I need your strength Lord. I need You. 

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

John 6:30-35 - True Bread from Heaven

John 6:30-35

30 They said therefore to Him, "What then do You do for a sign, that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'HE GAVE THEM BREAD OUT OF HEAVEN TO EAT.'" 32 Jesus therefore said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world." 34 They said therefore to Him, "Lord, evermore give us this bread." 35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."

Message: The Bread from Heaven

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

What the Lord is Saying: After Jesus has walked on the water, coming to the disciples after he went alone to the mountains, following feeding the multitudes through a miracle, he approaches the multitude again and speaks to them in the synagogue (John 6:59) to hopefully show them through words and direction that following Him is not about gaining personal needs alone. There is a danger in coming to Jesus only to benefit oneself - such as getting healed or getting our needs met with food or finances. Jesus is not simply a Santa Clause or genie that grants wishes. Rather we are to believe in Him. Our food is being focused on the eternal life that He provides. 

In life, this is normal. The reason we often do things is fueled by our own selfish desires or needs, but Jesus is wanting us to learn to define our life based upon His ways. 

The previous passage is the beginning of a larger message on Jesus, the Bread of Life. This has been called, 'the Bread of Life Discourse.' We need bread to survive. Jesus is going to show us that He is the bread we need to survive.  

Going back to what Jesus said prior to verse 30, He was trying to get the multitude to take their focus off of what they expected Jesus to be and see Jesus and hear the message He has come to preach. Jesus is not simply a figure of their political liberation, but to give them life, eternal life. But they still don't get it and respond in verse 30 with "Show us a sign." And they provide an example of the type of sign they are thinking - Bread from heaven in a similar way to the the bread (manna) Moses brought to the people while traveling in the wilderness. 

And Jesus basically says, "You are looking at your bread for life." It is me. It is I. So you want a sign, you want something, I am that something that You want. 

Jesus back in John 3 talked about being born again. Jesus is continuing to give that message, though stated another way. In John 3 something must happen to the person to be born again: they must be regenerated by the Spirit of God. For a person to understand and come to Jesus, they must be changed by Jesus. [This remains a puzzle to me. Jesus is showing people how they need to come to Him not with their own agendas and yet that coming to Him is only by the Spirit prompting people.] And this food is eternal life. 

Once again, I go back to Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. Or I shall not have a need to want. Or I shall lack nothing when the Lord is my shepherd. My shepherd will provide me what I need. 

Summary: Jesus tells the multitude that the Father provides the true bread of life that they need and Jesus is this bread, giving us eternal life and therefore, we shall not hunger or thirst again. 

Promise: Only Jesus can give us eternal life, reconciling us to our great God. 

Prayer: Lord, it is interesting to me how your message of salvation and what we need is so similar throughout the scripture. It is a repeated message that You want me to define my life by what You are telling me is the meaning of life. I am out there often in the world trying to define my world and my ways on what the world tells me is important. And yet once we have this salvation, once I have it, I need to keep coming back to You so that you define in me everyday what I am to know, what You want to impart to me. 

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

John 6:22-29 - The Work God Requires

John 6:22-29

22 The next day the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into the boat, but [that] His disciples had gone away alone. 23 There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 When the multitude therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, "Rabbi, when did You get here?" 26 Jesus answered them and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Do not work for the food with perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, even God, has set His seal." 28 They said therefore to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." 

Message: The Work God Requires

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: Thus far in this chapter Jesus has fed 5,000 and upon seeing this the people wondered if Jesus was their prophet, the one to come and rescue them from their land problems and political difficulties, but Jesus goes off to himself alone, to the mountain. The disciples head to the sea to get to the other side, Capernaum and while they are in a sea storm, Jesus shows up, walking on water and coming to them. 

The multitudes now looked on, having seen the disciples leave in the boat and seeing Jesus there now in Capernaum, but did not see another boat that Jesus had been in. After eating the bread (and fish) that Jesus provided they got into boats to go to Capernaum, again seeking Jesus. Once they arrived, they asked Jesus how he got there. Jesus, as is typical, does not answer question directly as He has more to say to them. And Jesus responds, saying to them, that they continue to follow because they have had a personal experience with Jesus - having been benefactors of the feeding of loaves of bread now and fish. Stated another way, people come to Jesus because they want something - personally. This is not necessarily bad, but Jesus wants them to want more than a miracle. He says "You seek Me not because you saw signs." The people are not seeking after Jesus because they are trying to discover more of God and more of who God has sent. The signs purpose is to point to Jesus and to show that Jesus is more than a mere man, even more than a miracle healer, but He is the Son of God. 

Back in verse 14 and 15, the people want something, but Jesus has a different mission. We must be willing to look at Jesus and embrace who He is. Instead, we come to Jesus with a wish list of what He is supposed to do for us. He is the genie in a bottle, a Santa Clause type. We are selfish. We are needy and Jesus is going to grant us what we need so we can fulfill our life now. 

But now they are to work not for food (Do not work for the food that perishes). Do not focus only on this life, this temporary life. 

Carrie Underwood, the country singer, sang in 2009 with the song of the title, Temporary Home:

"This is my temporary home
It's not where I belong
Windows in rooms that I'm passin' through
This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary home"

Instead of comfort coming from getting my needs of this present life met, I need to focus on eternal life, "for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you." And even as Jesus is explaining this they still feel like they must do something, but Jesus says to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."  Their response is again wondering what work they need to do. But Jesus says to them, the work you do is only to believe. 

This is the message that I need to be trained on each day (I Timothy 4:17-18) because I too often am trained by a message of "It is all about me and all about me now." Jesus says life is all about Him. Trusting Him. Loving Him. 

I have seen this before and it continues. Jesus responds to questions and situations in a different manner and way than people expect because His agenda is different and His prescription to people is rather simple: Follow Me and Believe. 

Summary: Jesus talks to the multitudes, helping them see that they only need to believe in Him in this life and not go after that which meets their own temporary needs of this life. 

Promise: We do faith following a regeneration by the Holy Spirit of us. We are to be filled with Christ and with His grace. 

Prayer: Lord, I am reminded in this text of how I am so focused in this life and going after that which pleases me. I suppose it is a natural way in which I live, but I do want to be trained by You so that My life is being lived in the way that glorifies You. Help me to glorify You. It all needs to come back to You. This is a tricky balance in My life. I suppose I can't help most of the time pleasing myself, but I want to be a person that is focused on the needs of others. I will self-protect myself and will naturally take care of my needs, but my work needs to be for others, for you O God. You will satisfy what I need. Help me to understand this further Lord and to understand You further and How you work in Me, in people to bring them to faith and a knowledge of You. I love this simple milk but I also love solid food that I discover through these same words. Keep teaching me. Keep challenging Me to share this truth with others. 

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

John 6:16-21 - Walking on the Sea of Galilee

John 6:16-21

16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. And it had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 And the sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When therefore they had rowed about three or four miles, they [beheld] Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. 20 But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21 They were willing therefore to receive Him into the boat; and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. 

Message: Walking on the Sea of Galilee

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: So in the previous verse Jesus had retired to the mountain after the people were thinking that he was their prophet, their long awaited one who will change the tide of everything politically, but Jesus instead retreats, back to where he and the disciples were at, in the mountains. 

But here now, evening comes and the disciples go down to the sea, get into a boat in order to cross the sea. They were in the boat, but Jesus was not yet with them, though it was dark. A strong wind started blowing and headed 3 or 4 miles and then here comes Jesus, walking on the sea and coming to the boat. They are frightened, but He tells them to not be afraid. He got into the boat and then at that point the boat was at land. 

Hmm. Interesting interlude of Jesus walking on water. This event is referenced also in Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52. Interesting at how relatively high level is this version in John. There is definitely more detail in Matthew and Mark. Matthew mentions Peter and getting out to attempt to walk as well. Mark mentions more of the disciples response, being terrified at what had occurred, but John doesn't have either Peter or any mention of disciples feelings of faith. Rather it is a straight forward - they were traveling and Jesus showed up. Now John does mention disciples being frightened and so the story mirrors fairly closely what is in Mark. John also mentions strong winds blowing, maybe to express that despite the strong winds and that possibly having an impact on the disciples, what instead they were impacted by was Jesus walking on the water. 

One thing to notice, maybe the only thing is Jesus telling the disciples to not be afraid. Why? Because it is Him. Did they think that it wasn't Jesus and maybe it was a ghost as Matthew mentions. Jesus confirms it is Him. He confirms what He can do and that is a miracle different from what He has done previously - healing someone or making something out of little, but walking on the water is different, for no one can do this on their own accord. This is the 5th miracle in the Gospel of John. 

Joseph MacLaren comments that "the emblem of the sea as the symbol of trouble, unrest, rebellious power, is very familiar to the writers of the Old Testament." 71 percent of the world is water. I can't swim so water has always bugged me a little from that perspective, but it is also captivating in another way. And yet in our day, our weather or storms spring often from water. Hurricane season has somewhat ended but every year it seems to cause issues. This year it was strong winds off the coast of Maui that impacted fires on that land. And then also hurricane's around Florida that caused a lot of damages. So water effects us and in life, we are often affected by what we can't really control. 

We want to know that there is someone there in our life, to comfort us. Yesterday, I started speaking to an atheist. Well, I replied to the person after it was reassigned to me. I read the previous conversation and at first, saw that because of the pain of religion and what it said, how people acted, she left it. And now is happier doing life without it. And yet there is still the reality that so many believe in it. 

In this parable or lesson or miracle, we have a tension - the storms of the sea and the absence of Jesus. Storms are happening. Where is he? He shows up finally. When, at the end as we hit land. So we go through all of this time of storms without him. But he says, "It is me. Do not fear." He lets us know that He won't always be right by us physically, but that doesn't matter, we don't need to fear, "It is I." And yet it doesn't matter, we will walk through difficult times. The storms will happen. Difficult times will occur. We may not like it and we may try to protect ourselves from those things happening. And in a way, we have. But they will happen. God is there but sometimes he doesn't show up till the very end. In this story, he shows up. When? Right as they are getting to the land. 

And so this parable seems to be the constant tension - Absent Lord. Toiling Church. But He is not absent. He is interceding for us. "The Bible shows us that Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf. Romans 8:34 says that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In 1 John 2:1 we read that Jesus is our “advocate with the Father,” and from Hebrews 7:25 we learn that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us." Though we may think He is absent and feel like it at times, He isn't. He is there. 

And yet as we are fighting against the storm, struggling with the toil, the challenges, at times feeling like we can't take any more broken appliances, unhappy supervisors, bodily aches - we might see Jesus and not immediately have the comfort of Him but instead fear. I mean, this is often what people are thinking about trials that come our way, that God is angry with us. We think of Him only because we think we are being punished or have done something wrong. Not to say that sometimes there are consequences, but He maybe simply wants us to behold Him and be comforted to know that He is near. 

Earlier I said Jesus showed up at the end, and yet maybe he didn't show up at the very end, but maybe He showed up and with Him on board, the trek went by fast. When we have God near, and can rest with Him - time doesn't move so slowly. We can trust that everything will work out. 

Summary: The disciples go out onto the sea, get hit by a storm and Jesus shows up, walking on the water saying, "Fear not."

Promise: Amidst trials, He is not silent. He is there. He is interceding for us. 

Prayer: Lord, you amaze me. I started off with this passage, not really thinking there was much to it, but as I studied further and broke it down, I saw a lot of richness in the passage and you have encouraged me with it. You are there. I am not too fear. Even with trails come and they will, you are near. I do not need to fear. The key is to stay close to You and continue to trust that You are there. Help me to do this Lord. Trials are coming, I know. I pray and ask that You will be my trust throughout those trials and I can rest in You. 

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

John 6:15 - Withdrawing From a Confused Crowd

John 6:15
Jesus therefore perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force, to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.  

Message: Withdrawing from a Confused Crowd

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 am reading the Bible, sometimes I forget about the politics going on at the time of the writings or even that there is that going on. I've never been a great person to pay a lot of attention to this even in the world in which I live in. I suppose it is mostly this way because of the way I grew up and the little prominence that this played in my life. We did not watch any news show in the evening or in the morning and we never did get the paper on a regular basis, except for the Sunday paper, which my dad often read while we went to church. But, as a citizen I can't help but pay attention to it as it is talked about and I am to be a concerned citizen. It is important, but sometimes I wonder how important. And yet maybe it is not so important to me because I've never been really negatively impacted by the leadership and my quality of life. 

Jesus had fed the 5,000 at the time of Passover. And verse 14 culminates with the idea that Jesus is the Prophet who is to come in the world (fulfilling Deuteronomy 18:18), a prophet to propel them to political independence. Jews had a desire to be in full possession of the land promised to them and therefore, free from Roman occupation. The first Passover was a setting where the Jewish people had an aspiration to be free from the control of Egypt and now this was similar to their desire to be free from Rome.

And so Jesus, like Moses, could be the one to free them. And thus the reason for verse 14. And yet Jesus had a different purpose. As such, verse 15 today states - Jesus therefore perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force, to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. Jesus had to get away. He heads back, to where He was before with his disciples (verse 3). He changed the tide and went away to hopefully show that He has a different purpose. He changed the scenery. 

Summary: Upon hearing that the crowd thought he was their Prophet to shake things up politically, Jesus withdrew and went back to the mountain, alone. 

Promise: Jesus will be the Lord and King over us on His terms, not ours.

Prayer: Lord, yesterday in that session at work about race, I did recognize that as a white person I have had privilege and haven't been stopped by police or questioned just because of my race. I think of this when I think about politics and the leaders of this world and how I haven't been very involved, mainly because I haven't had a reason to be involved because my world has not been upset by their leadership. And I appreciate this message Lord, this simply message you inspired John to provide to us, to remind us Lord once again that you on this earth were about something different, to free people from their sin and to help us all recognize our sin. Thank for the simplicity of this, but also for what I have and have been given. You've made me special, yes. But you have also placed me in this world at such a time, at such a place. Continue to show me how I am to live. 

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

John 6:1-14 - Multiplying Loaves and Fishes

John 6:1-14

1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberius). 2 And a great multitude was following Him, because they were seeing the signs which He was performing on those who were sick; 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" 6 And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. 7 Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii (one day's wage) worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little." 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. 12 And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost." 13 And so they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 When therefore the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, "This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world." 

Message: Multiplying Loaves and Fishes

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: To review Chapter 5, a lame man is healed, but Jesus makes sure to speak to the man about his need to address his sin. The Jews accuse Jesus of being equal with God and Jesus gives witness that the Father gave Him life and every work He does is from the Father and yet He is equal with the Father and has always existed. We have been given eternal life resulting in deeds of righteousness. One day all of our deeds will be judged resulting in eternal life and judgment. John testified of Jesus, and Jesus and His miracles also testify of Him as well as the words of Moses and Scripture. Jesus is from the Father, doing the deeds of the Father and eternal life is only found in Him. If you reject the Son, then you reject the Father. 

And now in Chapter 6, Jesus goes to the other side of Galilee. In verse 2, John describes the fact that people are following Jesus in great numbers. Why? Because of the signs that He is performing. These works are part of His mission (5:36) and they testify of who Jesus is, and yet Jesus knows that a healing or sign alone does not save a person and people must believe in Him, placing their complete faith in Him, in order to have eternal life. 

The people following Him are great in number (verse 5). Matthew lets us know the number to be 5,000 men and yet there are women and children also, so the number is greater than 5,000. Jesus upon seeing this remarks that the people need to eat. Jesus asks Philip and Philip responds that 200 days' wages would not meet the need (verse 7). Andrew also mentions there is a little food but what are people going to do with that small amount (verse 8 and 9). Jesus provides the food, multiplying the loaves of bread and fish into not only enough for the people but leftovers as well. 

Jesus provides, not only for His disciples but beyond this. I don't think we can necessarily think that every person following Him was his true follower and yet Jesus still provides. He provides to people beyond those who are His followers. Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethsaida in chapter 5 and yet we have no real assurance of this man's salvation. Jesus will work in our world today as well, healing people as well, even those that are not His true followers. We would hope that people would come to an understanding of Him through those miracles. 

In verse 14 is a proclamation, "This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world." This is the appointed Messiah. This could be the outcome of the statement from Deuteronomy 18:18, "I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him." A text and promise that had come over 600 years prior. And yet this is a text that many Muslims also claim to be Mohammed and LDS believe also point to Joseph Smith. In John 1:21 Jesus does not say he is Elijah or a Prophet, and yet the people still blur this idea of the two, as is mentioned here. 

Summary: Jesus feeds the multitudes following Him multiplying 5 loaves and 2 fish to provide for more than enough and the people testify that He is the prophet prophesied. 

Promise: The Lord meets all of our needs, now and forever. 

Prayer: Thank you for this passage O Lord and the great reminder that you are our provider. And you heal people and provide for them, all people, your followers and beyond. You are good, all good and that good transcends beyond just your chosen people. You impact many more. And hopefully people through that process come to know You as Savior and Lord. You are to be praised. Bring clarity and understanding to people. 

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

John 5:37-47 - The Witness of Moses and the Scriptures

John 5:37-47

37 And the Father who sent Me, He has borne witness of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 And you do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent. 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me. 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from men. 42 but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. 43 I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another shall come in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote of Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?

Message: The Witness of Moses and the Scriptures

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: From the previous lesson - John testified of Jesus prior to His coming and Jesus is sent by the Father and in the miracles He performed this also testified of Him. In these passages, Jesus is replying to the Jews still that are coming to him, questioning his claims of calling God His own Father. In verse 33 Jesus says, "You have sent to John" and the words of Chapter 1:19 can be recalled which said, "And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" - So 'You' that Jesus mentions repeatedly in these passages are the priests and Levites the Jews sent to find out about Jesus and probably more on the accusatory level of "Who do you think You are?" And yet in that confrontation Jesus is telling us who He is, who sent Him and the authority in which He works. And in the process we get this testimony now in the words of Scripture. 

The words of verse 37, "The Father who sent Me, He has borne witness of Me" are such powerful words that I often just read and yet in pondering them. That Jesus is in fact testifying of his equality with God. He isn't referring to God as God, but His own Father (v. 18). And Jesus is rather sharp in his words toward the these scribes and in a way, assaulting them by saying that they have not heard the voice of the Father (v. 37) nor "have His word abiding in you." Because they don't believe in Jesus. To believe in Jesus is to believe in the Father. And you can't have the Father unless you also believe in Jesus. 

See this is the kind of phrase that really kind of makes me stop myself in my tracks. In thinking of the Trinity, even if we don't define it as "Trinity" how can we reconcile these words with the idea that Jesus is simply a man. To say that the Father does not abide in someone unless they believe in Jesus are very strong words. How can a religion even only call Jesus a great prophet. This isn't a momentary, one-time hearing of the voice of the Father by Jesus. And again, this is all in response to Jesus being accused of equality with God and calling God His own Father (v. 18). No wonder Islam totally rejects the book of John as scripture.   

Jesus has witnesses to His claims: the Father, John the Baptist, and Jesus' own miracles. And the testimony of Jesus bears more witnesses. Jesus points out that the scriptures bears witness as well (v. 39). And yet the mere study of scriptures does not merit eternal life. People miss the revelation of God all of the time. Jesus points out that in the Old Testament words of Jesus by Moses writings (Genesis-Deuteronomy) we have a testimony or witness of Christ as well. Jesus remarked that Moses wrote of Him ("For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote of Me.")

This is an interesting passage as it shows us that people refuse to believe. People make the choice to not believe in Jesus. They want the answer to come in another way. They don't want to believe in Jesus. Even when Christ is presented to them, they won't believe. It is a hard realization but a true one. 

Summary: The witness of Jesus continues with the words of Moses and the writings of Scripture, which testify of Jesus Christ and His glory. 

Promise: All of our study of Scripture should lead us to glorify Christ and praise Him for His great salvation. 

Prayer: Lord, it is hard to deal with this issue of people rejecting You despite hearing Your truth and Your Gospel. But in reality it is true, people want to find truth and meaning in other ways. Direct me to those that You want to save and help me to help them and give understanding to them. Thank you for the testimony of You and for the clarity of it and for giving it to us from so many sources: the Father, miracles, scripture, Moses. Thank You for speaking to me with such clarity. 

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

John 5:30-36 - Testifying to Jesus

John 5:30-36

30 I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 31 If I alone bear witness of Myself, My testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the testimony which He bears of Me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 But the witness which I receive is not from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the witness which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 

Message: Testifying 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: Jesus continues to speak, answering (v. 19) the Jews (v. 18) and how they were seeing Him do things on the sabbath day that they felt He should not do, but also was God His own Father (v. 17), making Himself equal with God. 

And Jesus testifies that He does what He sees the Father doing. The Father begot the Son, yes. And yet the two have always existed. In believing in Jesus we have eternal life (v. 24) and Jesus has the same authority as the Father (v. 27). 

Jesus mentions (recorded in v. 30) that He works not on His own, but on the initiative of the Father. His judgment is just, because He does it by the will of Him (Father God) who sent Him. 

He makes it plain that He cannot bear witness of alone Himself (v. 31). An interesting note because of how many other religions get started because of one person's testimony or belief or even thought of God's appearance on their life. And then afterwards seek out others to bear witness, but the witness of Jesus is first from John. His witness precedes His testimony to people. Again, I think of two notable individuals in history that started religions - Mohammed and Joseph Smith. Would not their arrival been true if their was someone that preceded their arrival? And yet, neither had such a person. And there are many more like this in which someone self-proclaims themselves. 

And then He shows that His true calling and true witness is greater than John, but of the Father (v. 36). He is sent by the Father. The witness of Jesus is not merely from a man though this is of great impact to many hearers. But Jesus is clear that his chief witness is that He is from God (v. 34). 

As I look further at verse 35 in which Jesus refers to John as the lamp, I also remember John 1:8 in which John states, "He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light." And yet I am not sure of its similarity to this text as Jesus speaks of John being the lamp and people rejoiced in his light. 

But not only John and not only the Father, Jesus remarks that His works, the miracle He performs are a testimony of His teaching. It is not only others that have come, but His work itself testifies of the greatness of who He is. Again, he is set apart from others by what He has done. Sometimes I have not held highly the works of Jesus because Jesus I think often thought that people just came to Him to see the outcome or benefit from the outcome of His healings, but I need to also remember that it His healings and miracles that also speak and testify that He is sent by God. 

Summary: John testified of Jesus prior to His coming and Jesus is sent by the Father and in the miracles He performed this also testified of Him. 

Promise: We have much to proclaim to us of the validity of Jesus - His own teaching, the witness of John the Baptist, the witness of the Father, and the witness of our Lord's miracles. 

Prayer: Lord, You are good. Your ways are true. They are right and Lord, your ways are great because of who came before You and who sent You and then Your works also testify of who you are. You are not simply one that came with words, but others prepared your way and Your words testify of You. Help me to remember this and remember this - to help to testify of You continually. You are to be praised and glorified. 

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