John 12:20-26 - Death and Glory

John 12:20-26

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Message: Death and Glory

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 chapter starts with Mary anointing Jesus which had the disciple Judas questioning it, then he went to Jerusalem as Passover was near and was greeted their with people crying out Hosanna 'Save Me' and blessing Jesus' arrival and Jesus comes on a donkey. But these things were not understood by the disciples at the time, though later they would look back and understand. Despite of this many still were understanding though the Pharisees were bothered that people were understanding. 

Verse 20 mentions Greeks who were part of those going to worship. Verse 21 they want to see Jesus. Philip told Andrew and both came to Jesus (verse 22). And then we have some lessons by Jesus. As I look at the Bible, now and through chapter 17 will be a lot of Jesus talking and speaking. 

Jesus begins in verse 23 by saying His hour has come. Up to this point he had mentioned it was not yet time for his departure. Hour is an interesting word for it seems to refer to time more than only an hour. It is language that is often said in the Bible that is not literal but refers more to a span of time. Either way, Jesus realizes the Son of Man will be glorified. Jesus refers to himself in the first person and as he does says Son of Man. This title has great meaning for Jesus will be the perfect man in taking away the sin of the world, substituting as the animals did annually, but Jesus will do once and for all. He has mentioned thus far his authority that comes from the Father.  But conversely is his person, fully man. Son of Man is simply a term for human. Ezekiel was called a Son of Man. 

In verse 24 he makes a reference to a grain of wheat dying to produce fruit. He says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." It is interesting because he clarifies a little what He means by the hour having come for him to be glorified. He speaks of a grain of wheat falling from its stalk, no longer receiving nourishment from it and falling to its death. 

Alone. This is interesting because there seems to be something significant here. Jesus will die alone. Salvation is not a group effort it is his personal death. He will die. He is also alone in salvation. He is it. There are no other answers for the salvation of man. And so he compares himself to this grain of wheat and is speaking of Himself. 

I don't know it is an interesting phrase of meaning. Once it goes to the ground though, it will bear fruit. His death results in resurrection and out of this resurrection will come fruit. Many will be saved out of this resurrection. Disciples are washed in the blood of Jesus to bear fruit. 

In verse 25, Jesus mentions further that to love life is to give it up. Jesus loves mankind. He loves all people. God loves the world (John 3:16). But to keep people always with God he must lose that life. And Jesus mentions one must hate their life to have life eternal. We must give up our life. Again this is another phrase that speaks to life and giving it up or surrendering it. 

These are the words of Jesus that feel the hardest for me to obey in this life. To hate one's life is just so opposite to how my life is lived. I think often of the pandemic and this complete focus people had on preserving life. I never saw it more clearly than during this time. And I suppose I continue to witness it in this life - this zeal and 100% desire to stay well, to preserve life, to keep going. And yet that approach seems so opposite to these words. If there is one thing that continues to keep me hiding from the preaching of the gospel it is this - I love my life. Not that I think I will be killed for sharing my faith, but in that thirst to do things that protect me and my well being and keep me from being embarrassed or labeled a radical, I stay hidden from the public eye. I talk of everything going on in this world but the salvation of others. In sharing about my week, it is all about what I have experienced in that week. Nowhere am I losing my life. I might lose my life to serve others but even often in serving others there is selfish gain in stroking pride, in stroking my accomplishment, in thanks. There just isn't enough 'surrendering.' There is self protection. 

And so verse 26 is the natural next verse -- If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. After losing one's life, we then serve Jesus. And in this service is a promise - serve Me and the Father will honor him. And so that's it. Serve Jesus. Lose one's life. Die to your life and it will bear fruit. Lose one's life. Serve Jesus in losing one's life and dying to it. I am a servant. Larry Norman wrote that song and I remember him saying he wrote this about his dad because his felt this expectation to do what his earthly father said. He couldn't do what he wanted to do in his life. Instead he is a servant. And yet born out of that experience by Larry Norman in which he seems to write almost in anger is the idea that we can be the Lord's servant. Do this serve and your life will be honored. See the connection - to have one's life honored by Father God, what must we do? Serve Jesus. The two are connected. 

Summary: Greeks looking for Jesus and then Jesus speaks about his future death and how He will and we need to lose our lives to find fruit and abundant life. 

Promise: Serve Jesus and the Father will Honor you. 

Prayer: O God, your words are truth and life to me and yet assaulting to me. It is so hard God because I love myself too much. And instead I need to love You. Not simply more than I love myself. I need to love You. Lord, keep assaulting me with these words and training me and teaching to lose my life for Your sake. Lord, I need to make more mention of You in my day. I need to lose my life. I need to follow You in losing one's life, hating one's life, serving you Jesus. This is my journey and if I am being honest my real desire and ambition as a Christian, a Christ-Follower. 

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

John 12:16-19 - Misunderstanding Jesus

John 12:16-19

16 These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him. 17 So the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify about Him. 18 For this reason also the people went and met Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are not doing any good; look, the world has gone after Him.”

Message: Misunderstanding 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: I love the honest reflection John gives in verse 16 to begin this lesson today - "These things His disciples did not understand at the first." What has just transpired? It is Passover and Jesus has left Bethany and gone to Jerusalem. He has entered the city and people are crying out Hosanna! or "Save Me" and acknowledging that He is blessed and Jesus also finds a donkey to ride in on, showing his humility and possibly some sort of completion like in battle of the culmination of who He is. And in this process, "The Disciples are scratching their heads, trying to figure out what is going on." Jesus is doing things. They are following Him. And they are trying to put it all together. They are experiencing Him. He is teaching them. They are slow to get it. And Jesus understands this. He has raised Lazarus it seems more for their purpose and the purpose of other people, that they will see this and better comprehend who He is. 

And then John writes in the future in verse 16 -- "but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him." Sort of "Ahh, now I get it." At the time, maybe they went along or maybe they did things that they didn't understand at the time but still did it. And then later they remembered. 

Verse 17 states that those who were with Jesus when He raised Lazarus continue to testify about Him. John 11:15 says, "that you might believe." Well, it has happened, people are believing. People continue to "testify about Him." The raising of Lazarus has sparked conversation. And in verse 18, "people went and met Him" for this reason of raising Lazarus. Again, more words that speak of the impact of a miracle. This miracle saw Jesus as someone they wanted to know.  

But then the Pharisees who were bothered by Jesus. So we have one crowd that is going after Him and seeking Him and learning of Him. They are pursuing Him and then the Pharisees who are pursuing Him for their selfish gain. They are pursuing Him to apprehend Him and take him out of the spotlight. The Pharisees are looking at one another and disappointed stating, "You see that you are not doing any good; look, the world has gone after Him." In other words, they are saying that they themselves are not doing any good yet. Nothing is changing. People are still pursuing Jesus. In 11:57 they expected people to report Jesus but instead they want to know more about Him. 

It is interesting to me - Tabletalk today has titled this, "Misunderstanding Jesus" but it seems it is more apt to say "Not understanding Jesus yet." There is a difference and that seems to be what I see - Jesus is being pursued and followed but not yet understood. Understanding Jesus is not always that easy. 

Summary: The disciples continue to follow but still do not understand Jesus completely, but one day they will, we know this. Meanwhile, the Pharisees remain bothered. 

Promise: Once we surrender ourselves we will see Jesus. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for helping me to understand You. I see my life pursuing You and yet not understanding most of the time and most of the time wrapped up in myself. I think of growing up and going to church as a young person at Heights and going but not getting it. Maybe this was producing in me a desire for greater understanding. And then at 14 you used a movie to waken me up so that my life in You, in Christ, could begin. And since then I continue to pursue You and I am so thankful for that process, to know You more and seek You and try to understand You better and then how I can be present for others. Help me to be present. Help me to see people better and discover them. Thank you for keeping me on the path toward You. 

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

John 12:12-15 - Greeting the King

John 12:12-15

12 On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “HOSANNA! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” 14 Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, 15 “FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SEATED ON A DONKEY'S COLT." 

Message: Greeting the King

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

What the Lord is Saying: In the first 11 verses of Chapter 12 the main idea of this text is the anointing of Jesus by Mary. She does it. Not sure what prompts her to do this and not sure if she was aware what she was doing. Hard to say. But there was a significant purpose in it, as it anticipated the burial of Jesus. Now maybe He is the only One that knew when this burial would be soon, but nevertheless it was significant. 

And now in this passage is another offering of sorts or another recognition of sorts of Jesus. Passover is near or beginning and many have come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Jesus is 2 miles away in Bethany and word of Him has spread. But in verse 12 it mentions that He is headed to Jerusalem and in anticipation of this people come bringing branches of palm trees and speak words from Psalm 118:26, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." The words from Psalm 118 could have referred to the Messiah, but they could have referred to anyone that was coming to Jerusalem or coming to the Temple to present an offering. Jesus will be soon presenting the ultimate offering, sacrificing Himself for the sins of mankind. 

Hosanna can take on the meaning "Save us Now." And that phrase is not found in Psalm 118. So perhaps by using this word, it takes the message from Psalm and tweaks it so that it speaks of Jesus. Jesus is the one who will save them. 

After this occurs, Jesus then finds a donkey. The donkey signifies Him arriving in humility. Again, He will be one who sacrifices Himself. He is not there to conquer His foes or to wage war against them. He is not coming on a war horse, but coming on a donkey. Jesus has a different foe - sin, Satan, and death. A humble animal could be ridden even of a victorious king like in I Kings 1:33. 

This last phrase is a quote from Zechariah 9:9 - "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This verse mentions a king coming, a king that is different. And now applies to Jesus. And John points us to this here. 

Summary: Jesus is intentional, being greeting in Jerusalem with palm branches and then riding on a donkey, humble with a foe of sin, Satan, and death.

Promise: We need to approach the Jesus that came and not the one we want. Let us seek to follow Jesus as He reveals Himself in the Bible. 

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for revealing Yourself. And thank you for the bridge that is brought from the Old Testament words to Your coming. 

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

John 12:9-11 - Plotting Against Lazarus

John 12:9-11

9 The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus.

Message: Plotting Against Lazarus

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

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus is back in Bethany at the time of the Passover and after serving a meal to Jesus (and the disciples) Mary anoints Jesus with perfume. Judas is surprised, stating it should be given to the poor, but he really wants some of the money for himself. Jesus says his burial is coming and the perfume should be used for this. He will not always be present. 

In today's passage we have a crowd that learned He was there. Not what we were hoping. But maybe not. They came to not only see Jesus, but really also to see Lazarus. The crowd included the chief priests that felt like it would be best to put Lazarus to death also, in addition to Jesus. Again, the fear is not only Jesus but those who are being impacted by Jesus - they were believing in Jesus. The message from John remains simple - believe in Jesus. John 3:16 is about belief. And throughout this Gospel this is the message that Jesus wants people to arrive at - to believe in Him. And this has been the message throughout scripture - believe in God, believe also in Me. And when we truly believe in something it changes our lives. It can't help but change our lives. There is never easy believe-ism. There is a cost of discipleship. That is apparent always. 

Jews are believing. We tend to focus on those that are not believing often, but Jews are believing in Jesus. This is huge that Jews are making the change to believe in Him. And perhaps this is making the chief priests more alarmed in the process. 

This is the problem we Christians run into all the time and the reason there are so many Martyrs for Jesus is we become guilty by association. 

Summary: Many continue to come to see Jesus and believe but also now they see Lazarus, impacted by Jesus and others want to also put Lazarus to death. 

Promise: We must be careful lest jealousy consume our hearts and lead us to be evil toward others. 

Prayer: Lord, you are good. You are good. Your ways are right. They are true. Lord, help me to not harbor anger toward others. I do this all the time. I did this yesterday. Once again, in an email, I used my mistake to talk ill of another person. Inexcusable. I was mad last night and I sinned against you. I became just like these chief priests that sought to squash out that which is against them. Forgive me Lord. That was wrong. Help me Lord. I get tired and I get bothered. I don't want to be like these chief priests. Help me Lord. Help me to not get bitter. Help me to stay positive and do things in the right way. 

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

John 12:1-8 - The Anointing of Jesus

John 12:1-8

1 Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” 6 Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. 7 Therefore Jesus said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”

Message: The Anointing 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: After raising Lazarus from the dead in Chapter 11, the Pharisees plot to seize Jesus to kill him. Jesus goes to Ephraim (v. 54). The Passover is at hand (v. 55) and now in chapter 12 Jesus returns to Bethany (v. 1). Mary and Martha prepare a supper for him there with Lazarus reclining at the table (v. 2). [Note: from other Bible passages this is the home of Simon the Leper, who is likely part of this family.] The disciples seem to be present (v. 4) when Mary takes costly perfume and anoints Jesus' feet, wiping His feet with her hair filling the house with the fragrance of the perfume (v. 3). [Note: Matthew and Mark state the perfume is anointed on his head, so perhaps there is so much perfume that it is on his feet as well, pouring down or done separately.] Judas however is amazed because he says the perfume (equal to 11 month's wages) could have been sold and the money given to the poor, he says (v. 5). His words sounds noble, but John provides us more information here about Judas Iscariot, namely that he was the keeper of the money or rather he had the money box and he really wasn't concerned about the poor, rather he wants to hold onto to the money so he can take some of it for himself (v. 6). 

Jesus responds to the statement by Judas stating that Mary should be left alone. And the perfume should be kept for his burial. Poor will always be present but Jesus being with us is temporary. Thus, there is a correct time to give to the poor, but at this time, this is the time for Jesus. This anticipates His burial when it will once again be used at the day of His burial. 

It is not clear at first why Mary does this. Her family must be wealthy for her to even have this flask of perfume. She is still thankful for the raising of Lazarus. She must have some extravagant love for Jesus. 

Summary: Jesus is anointed by Mary after a meal is served and cites this is His time for this rather than giving to the poor from the proceeds of the sale of perfume. 

Promise: We are to use our resources to honor Christ and His church at the appropriate time, as we are led. 

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom about the timing of giving to those in need. I have people in my life that have monetary needs. I have befriended them and they continually look to me to rescue them. They are young. Help me to know when it is appropriate to give and when I need to teach them. Help me in other circumstances to know when to give of my time in ministering to others and sharing with others the truth of Your love. Give me this wisdom. Help me to be a good stewards of all of the gifts that You have given me. Be glorified always in my life. 

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

TABLETALK - June 2018

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

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

Chapter 10

The Door of the Shepherd (John 10:1-10) - Jesus provides an allegory of sheep that hear the voice of the shepherd and follow Him while strangers try to get to the sheep. 

The Shepherd Who Knows His Sheep (John 10:11-16) - Jesus is the good shepherd, laying down His life for His sheep, those of the fold of Israel and other sheep (Gentiles), not of this fold are prophesied. 

The Shepherd's Charge from His Father (John 10:17-21) - Because of the Father and Son's love toward one another, Jesus will lay down His life and take it up again (resurrection). This continues to cause division among the Jews. 

Safe in the Hand of God (John 10:22-29) - Jews encircle Jesus at the time of Hanukkah and want to know if He is the Christ. Jesus has already repeatedly told who He is. They are not His sheep and cannot hear Him. 

The Perfect Unity of the Father and the Son (John 10:30) - Jesus has responded previously that only the Sheep here his voice but in further response to them asking who He is, He states He and the Father are One, of the same essence. 

Charges of Blasphemy Refuted (John 10:31-42) - The Jews sought to stone Jesus for speaking a statement of blasphemy but Jesus states God can name him the Son of God, even men from Psalm 82 held this distinction, but Jesus is God incarnate. 

Chapter 11

News about Lazarus (John 11:1-10) - Jesus leaves Jerusalem, but will return to nearby Bethany after hearing that Lazarus is sick.

The Purpose of Lazarus' Death (John 11:11-16) Before proceeding to Bethany Jesus explains to the disciples his reason for going - confirming their belief will be the goal of this visit. 

Source and Sustainer of Life (John 11:17-27) - Jesus arrives in Bethany, and speaks to Martha, who is sad he is late, though Jesus assures her is the Resurrection and the Life and believing in Him results in eternal life to all.

Entering His People's Affliction (John 11:28-35) - Jesus has some emotions as Mary takes him to the scene of the tomb and other Jews also present.

Lazarus Resurrected (John 11:36-44) - Jesus calls Lazarus to life from the grave as Martha and other Jews are watching. 

An Unwitting Prophet (John 11:45-53) - After seeing Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead, many Jews believed, but many others did not and these went to the Pharisees to plot Jesus' death.   

Before the Final Passover (John 11:54-57) - Jesus goes to the wilderness, but back in Jerusalem, many are preparing for the Passover, wondering if Jesus will be present at it. 

Various - Christology, The Doctrine of Christ, Part 1 - We need to clearly understand that Jesus has two natures in one person: divine and human. We distinguish these two natures, but do not separate them. There is no division. It is important to understand the error to better understand the truth. 

Christians are Disciples - Many think there is a difference in being a Christian, and being a disciple of Jesus Christ. And yet there is no distinction. A disciple is someone who trusts Christ and who lives his life according to that trust, following Christ, and growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Trust him, follow him. Do not follow him then you do not trust him. We are great at getting converts, but we struggle in making disciples. 

The Mandate of Discipleship - To be a Christian is to be a disciple. Jesus want to make disciples, not simply converts (Matthew 28:19). Following and obeying is not optional. We are trust Jesus with our very lives and follow hard after Him. 

What Is A Disciple - Before being called Christians, early followers of Christ called disciples. A disciple is a student. It is one who learns, disciplining oneself in following the principles and fundamentals of a teacher. A disciple follows Jesus. Our goal is to be like Christ. A disciple listens to Jesus and learns from Jesus. A disciple obeys Jesus. 

The Ordinary Means of Discipleship - According to Luke 2:42, early Christians devoted themselves to 4 basic means for discipleship. (1) "Devoted to apostles teaching." We can apply this today to regularly submitting to the hearing of truth and study of it. Those who teach in the power of the Spirit and those who listen are those who make disciples. (2) "Devoted to fellowship." We were made to fellowship with Him and with one another. We need to be with others that share our faith in Christ. And that genuine love we have for one another is then contagious. (3) "Devoted to breaking of bread." We need to be devoted to sacraments of baptism and Lord's Supper. These communicate the Father’s adopting love, the Son’s sacrificial grace, and the Spirit’s life-giving fellowship. As such this is another reminder of the importance of fellowship. (4) "Devoted to prayer." We need to be devoted corporately in prayer, seeking the face of the Father through the mediation of the incarnate Son with the help of the Spirit. --Let us continue to seek the Lord in this manner, with one another. Christ will equip His disciples to make disciples. 

Disciples Keep Christ's Commandments - To be a disciple is to re-orient one's life so that it is in line with Jesus' standards. The basis for keeping God's commandments (John 14:21) is a love for him, not fear that if we don't judgment will come. We start with love for Him and this is our motivator. Our obedience also shows others we love Him. And we have help, the Holy Spirit (Jo 14:16). Our salvation is based, fully and completely, on the righteousness of Christ, both in His life and His death, imputed to us....but we have a Spirit-filled desire to follow Him and obey His commandments.

Disciples Worship God - Disciple was given by Jesus so that all people could join together in a praise to God. "To be a disciple is to forego all confidence in anything but Jesus and to glory in His person and work with the melody of heart and tongue." Phil. 3:3 says, "For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh." Circumcision was intended to be a sign in the flesh to mark out the people of God. It was a mark of discipleship, following God. But the people of Philippi were getting it wrong. They insisted on some sort of mutilation of the flesh and focused too much on the act versus the meaning. And so Paul says true circumcision is about worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Jesus Christ. 

Disciples Stumble - I John exhorts us to 3 truths in the first two chapters - we should not sin (2:1), we will sin (1:8-10), and we have forgiveness and propitiation for our sins (1:9; 2:1-2). We do indeed sin. God's grace in justifying us by imputing Jesus' righteousness to us is necessary because we sin and continue to sin. Our guilt is imputed to Him. And that righteousness of Christ is perfect. We need to see the depth of our fallenness (Rom. 7:13-19). And we see this depth when we see more our desire to please Him in all things (Phil 2:13). And I am chief of sinners needing His grace bountifully (I Tim 1:15). 

Disciples Confess Their Sin - I John 1:8-9 speaks to an unwillingness to recognize one's own sin, but also humbly and honestly recognizing our sin. Confess sin in verse 9 means to agree with God's diagnosis about us that we are sinners and have sinned. We must confess to God first and then maybe to others as appropriate. The verse speaks of God's "faithfulness." This means He always fulfills His promises. He cannot fail. "God is just" to forgive. He will forgive us and cleanse us from all evil because of Jesus Christ already having paid for our guilt. When forgiveness is used in conjunction with sin it means to cancel. And it also removes the stains and consequences. This verse encourages us simply to not sin. 

Disciples Make Disciples - Women reinforce what the pastor has said to younger women. Sound doctrine informs and transforms our attitudes and actions. Elizabeth (other woman) discipled Mary (younger woman). Elizabeth teaches Mary that blessedness comes from obedience to God’s Word.

 

Disciples Discipline their Children - The Lord designed households to be unique places for the development of disciples. Parents are commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6–7 to teach the words of God “diligently to your children." In Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, but bring them (children) up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Sing psalms and hymns over little ones, make Lord’s Day worship a delight; speak often of God’s Word. Children will need rules based on God’s Word. Seek to show them how each situation can either lead to alienation or to the cross of Christ and reconciliation. Let conversations be had in the home and when questions are difficult, pray. 

Disciples Obey Their Parents in the Lord - Ephesians 6:1-4 - The command: obey in the Lord. The assessment: it’s right. The promise: flourishing and life. The method: the discipline and instruction of the Lord. The manner: without anger. 

Disciples Hide God's Word in their Hearts - Memorize scripture. Deut. 6:4–7. For a Jewish father, the Law would be recited in the child’s hearing from his earliest days, and key passages would be repeated over and over. Since most homes were too poor to own their own collection of the Old Testament scrolls, the cultivation of the memory was essential. It aids the renewing of our mind so that our thinking is shaped by the indwelling Word (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 10:5). God’s truth stored up in the heart will come more readily to mind in decision making, counseling, witnessing, teaching, etc. When we are beset with doubts and depression, the hidden store of God’s truth will be a sure and steady anchor for our storm-tossed ark.

Disciples Receive Correction - To be a disciple one must also be disciplined and receive correction. One who fails to be corrected is treated as an unbeliever. We hate correction because it affects our pride. We are commanded to humble ourselves and God gives us grace to be humble. What is key is recognizing our sin is a heinous offense against a holy God who loves us and makes us His children. 

Disciples Love Other Disciples

Disciples Pursue Holiness

Disciples Love Sound Doctrine

The Freedom of Discipleship - 

The Cost of Discipleship - We follow people easily today, on social media. Has this confused our understanding of Jesus' words - "Follow Me." Following Jesus though means we don't follow anyone else.  

The Rewards of Discipleship - The rich young ruler wanted heaven and eternal life, but was unwilling to give up things that he held of high value in order to obtain eternal life. Conversely, the disciples had left everything behind to follow Jesus. Our reward is great when we give up things to follow Him - both in this life and the life to Come. These are rewards, not conditions for our salvation. Jesus is not merely a good teacher or prophet but the Son of God who wants our devotion. And following Him isn't always comfortable or exciting. 

Discipleship as Rest - Different words for discipleship - learn, commit, obey, righteousness, suffering, perseverance. And there is a cost. And Jesus says to look to the cross (Matthew 16:24-25). Don't be surprised at the opposition by the world. Yet, not a burden. Bible reading, worship, memorization are disciplines but they are blessings, not burdens. Discipleship should be the same. It should actually be rest (Matthew 11:28-30). We are yoked to Jesus as oxen pulling a cart are yoked to one another. When he moves, we move. So be careful to not see it as a burden. 

Engraved on God's Hands - Sometimes it feels like the Lord is forgotten us as we keep waiting for prayer requests to occur. Isaiah 49:14-16 mentions Israel doubting and having fear that the Lord has forgotten them. But in the words of the Lord is God will never forget us. God is committed to His children. Verse 16 says, "I have engraved/inscribed you on the palms of my hands." John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Ministry on God's Terms - God needs to renew our churches and us for a passion for ministry on His terms in our churches today. The Word of God is not present like it should be. Sacraments are not frequent. We are often more focused on a smooth production and doing things by a worldly paradigm. We need to be more focused on prayer and believing that God answers prayer. We need to have an earnest commitment to the ordinary means of grace - the Word, sacraments, and prayer. 

Shattered Trust - Had a missionary say, "Love is freely given; trust is earned." Had an aunt say, "No command to trust, just love and serve people." But we do trust that people in our lives we treat us in the right way - grocer not water down the milk; the neighbors don't treat us harshly when the weeds grow too long in the yard. We are to trust in God, but we don't necessarily have a similar trust in humans. And we don't need to really. People will disappoint us. We will disappoint people. Jesus will never disappoint us. 

Measured Growth - Sanctification is a salvific benefit of being united with Christ. We are growing daily to be more like Christ. And because we are always growing, we continue to stumble. When Paul writes to the Corinthian church, He calls them sanctified saints in Christ - and yet they are a church with division, sexual immorality, and idolatry. Thus, they still struggle in their sin. Thus, when we are in Christ, our nature is not immediately transformed, but remains in conflict with evil. Paul says the Corinthians are “of the flesh and behaving only in a human way” (1 Cor. 3:3) and yet still admonishes them as "beloved children" (I Cor 4:14). Again, we are to be confessing sin and remain penitent, or in humble sorrow for our sin (2 Cor 12:21).  We call Christians to repentance. 

The Double-Minded Man - In Matthew 6:24 Jesus warned us about serving two masters. In our lives this happens as we pray, as we read the Bible, as we serve - competing thoughts come into our mind, and can deflect us from what is most important. This double-mindedness makes us unstable in everything (James 1:8) and the audience James wrote to had been dispersed, having left Jerusalem due to persecution, and this resulted in them being probably bewildered. This can be similar to us today - not necessarily because of persecution but often as we experience trials, we question rather than trust the trials ("Count as joy"). We struggle with allegiances. But we can confirm our faith in Christ by seeing that we are true believers in Christ Jesus. View the church as vital to your welfare and service. Keep your mind focused on Jesus. 

Deacons to the Rescue - A problem arose in the early church (Acts 6) as converts were being made and people came to Christ, some of the widows were being neglected when food was given out. We are commanded to provide for orphans and widows in their distress. It could have caused a split with some choosing sides when people speak but are not heard. Elders are to preach the word while deacons serve the church to free up the elders. “Those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 3:13)."

Various Scriptures - Christology, The Doctrine of Christ, Part 1

John 17:3

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Message: The Necessity of Christology

In John 11, Jesus wept, thus showing us his emotions. This is his humanity, but him being divine is also united with his humanity. Issues related to the natures and person of Christ fall under the heading of Christology. Recently, there has been less about Jesus being God and Man and more about simply knowing Jesus. Many religions hold to an understanding of Jesus, but often define Him differently, so who is the real Jesus? It can't be the Jesus of our imagination. 

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Mark 1:9-11

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; 11 and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”

Message: Early Denials of Christ's Deity

Heresy is false teaching and scripture warns us that people will seek to lead people astray. Many heresies deny the deity of Christ. The Ebionites (using texts like Mark 1:9-11), up until the 5th century, believed Jesus was the Messiah, but only a man, not divine. Yet, in light of all scripture, Jesus is more than just a man. Arianism believe that the Son of God existed before Jesus and before creation but still believe the Son was created. They say that the Son is the first and greatest creature of God. The Council of Nicaea in 325 said Jesus is the same essence as the Father (after much debate). 

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2 John 7

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Message: The Docetic Heresy

Even in apostles time there was a denial of Jesus having a human nature. Docetism holds that Jesus does not have a real body, but only an illusion of one. 2 John 7 states it is false to deny that Jesus came in the flesh. Christianity born in the Greek world that looked down on the physical world and looked forward to a time with the soul would be released from the body. This thinking mostly went away but still we sometimes get too focused on only defending his divinity and forget to defend his humanity. 

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Matthew 6:24

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Message: The Eutychian Heresy

Eutyches was a 5th century monk. He taught that Christ has only one nature - divine; or one theanthropic nature instead of one person with two natures as Christology teaches. Yet, by teaching it absorbs the human nature, then the divine nature is not fully divine. 2 problems result: many scriptures that speak to His humanity become confusing, like Jesus pretending to be asleep on a boat. Second, how can he be the perfect mediator between God and man, and thus He cannot atone for our sin. 

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Luke 2:52

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Message: The Apollinarian Heresy

Apollinaris, a the fourth-century bishop of Laodicea, early on defended the Council of Nicaea and the full deity of Christ. Later, though, he was opposed by orthodox because of what he taught of Christ's two natures. He said human beings are made up of 3 parts -- a physical body, a “lower” soul that makes us living creatures, and a “higher” soul or spirit that is equivalent to the rational mind that humans possess. Yet scripture grounds humans in two constituent aspects - soul and body. Again, he compromises Jesus's full humanity. He felt in Jesus his divinity replaced the higher spirit. 

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Hebrews 5:9

And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.

Message: The Nestorian Heresy

Docetism, Eutychianism, and Apollinarianism did at least believe Jesus has one nature. Nestorius, the fifth-century bishop of Constantinople not only confessed two different natures in Christ but also two different persons. He said the humanity of Jesus does not belong to the Son of God, but rather simply to the human person. Thus, a human died. And so when a miracle was performed, it was the divine nature acting independent of the human. Once again, though, we are left with an insufficient atonement, one that is only fully human or only fully divine, but not sharing in those essences. 

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Luke 1:41-43

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

Message: Cyril and Nestorius

Cyril, a bishop of Alexandria wrote to Nestorius asking him to recant his position, which led to the Council of Chalcedon in 451. He asserted theotokos toward Mary meaning, "God-bearer" meaning that Jesus had a divine nature that was pre-existent in Himself when He was born. Nestorius rejected this title, preferring Christotokos or "Christ-bearer." He did not intend to deny his divinity, but Christotokos is not enough to preserve the divine nature. Nestorius did not believe Jesus could undergo suffering and change, but Orthodox Christianity does not believe this about Jesus. When Jesus suffered, it was only according to his human nature that He suffered. It is true that the divine nature did not suffer, only Jesus' human nature suffered. Christ died as a man in order to pay for the sins of other human beings. And yet His divine nature remained unchanged. 

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Acts 20:28

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Message: The Chalcedonian Solution

In 451, in the City of Chalcedon, the Roman emperor Marcian wanted to settle these debates of Jesus' humanity and divinity and those denying His true union in the one divine person of the Son of God. There we received our standard definition that in Christ we have a perfectly united divine nature and human nature that is without confusion and mixture an each nature retains its own attributes, thus the hypostatic union - Christ is one person with two natures. He may act according to His divine nature or according to His human nature, but the same Christ acts no matter whether He is exercising His divine attributes or His human attributes.

Summary: We need to clearly understand that Jesus has two natures in one person: divine and human. We distinguish these two natures, but do not separate them. There is no division. It is important to understand the error to better understand the truth. 

Promise: Thank you Lord for those individuals that came before us, that went through a process of vetting out the true nature and we can stand firm in this belief today. 

John 11:54-57 - Before the Final Passover

John 11:54-57

54 Therefore Jesus no longer continued to walk publicly among the Jews, but went away from there to the country near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there He stayed with the disciples.

55 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 So they were seeking for Jesus, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, he was to report it, so that they might seize Him.

Message: Before the Final Passover

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 with the plot now on for those to kill Jesus, which is what the disciples concern was earlier when he went to Bethany near Jerusalem (verse 8), John mentions in verse 54 that Jesus will no longer continue to walk with the Jews. He will get away from walking with the Jews as Has more to accomplish, though He knows His death is inevitable. But this lets us know that He will decide the time and not let others decide it for him. 

Verse 55 mentions the Passover was near. I remember in John 2 the Passover was near, so time is passing along, at least a year between those two passages. Based upon what I have read Jesus is probably about 31 if he began his ministry at age 30, but that is just my guess. Later, when Jesus was crucified, that would be during the feast of the Passover. 

In verse 55 it mentions the Jews left Jerusalem "to purify themselves." I looked this up in commentaries and Charles, a theologian in the 1800s states, "The Law ordained no special purifications before the Passover, but on the general principle of ceremonial cleanness, a large number of pilgrims would necessarily go up before the feast to observe the legal rites and offer the required sacrifices." Numbers 9:6 remarks that some are unclean, but Lord to Moses says those individuals (unclean because of a dead person) can still observe the Passover. And yet there is also mention in Leviticus 22:3 about approaching the holy (whatever that is at the time) unclean that person is cut off. As such, possibly there is an approach to 'better be safe than sorry.' 

And people wonder, possibly Jews whether Jesus will be present at the Passover. He is not with them. He was at the last one it seems in John 2, but for this one, at this time, possibly it is not known. It is clear that some Jews want to seize Him. 

Summary: Jesus goes to the wilderness, but back in Jerusalem, many are preparing for the Passover, wondering if Jesus will be present at it. 

Promise: We are not to seek suffering or harm, but as it occurs, we are to faithful and endure it. 

Prayer: Lord, you are holy and as I even come before you at various times to celebrate communion or a baptism or even an event like Christmas or Easter, I am not sure if I have taken the time consistently to prepare myself. You want me to observe these events, to remember, and in that be thankful the Your gift to me, but I think it can be important to first confess sin and see if there is any wicked in me and to think about how my life at that moment can be defiled by other things, by other priorities, by other thoughts. Help me to focus on You. Even as I attend church and walk into a fellowship, too many things are often on my mind. Even as take a moment to study Your word each day and pray, often there are thoughts at war within me of other responsibilities. So help me God to be serious about those times of service and worship and study, as I approach You - to cleanse me. I don't even pray God prior to getting into your Word and yet this pattern is done at Church. I know I'm not requited, but help me make those times more focused so that I am hearing You when You speak. 

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

John 11:45-53 - An Unwitting Prophet

John 11:45-53

45 Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done.

47 Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council, and were saying, “What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs. 48 If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” 51 Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they planned together to kill Him.

Message: An Unwitting Prophet

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 brings forth Lazarus from the dead, many of the Jews who had come to this area, believed in Jesus. Jesus had shown them His relationship to the Father and that the Father is in Him and the Jews believed. Thus, there were Jews believing in Jesus. Not all, but there were Jews believing (v. 45). I think this is significant because Jews are being impacted for the gospel. And they still are today. 

But some of them responded by going to the Pharisees (v. 46). These were individuals that were basically snitching on Jesus and going to the Pharisees with the purpose of inciting some sort of controversy about Jesus, with the idea that people will come together and figure out a way to stop Jesus from saying these things about Himself and His relationship with the Father. For these, it did not matter the evidence that was being presented by Jesus, they were intent on disregarding Him and this is the condition of many a person. The Spirit needs to awaken in man that desire for Him. 

But the Pharisees intent first convene a council. They are taking this seriously. What Jesus is doing is serious to them. They believe that if Jesus continues to speak and do these things that many will believe in Him. They see Him as a threat. Their concern: losing "our place and our nation (v. 48)." Losing our place could mean they fear losing the temple but also their fear losing their purpose and vocation. One of the chief issues by man is this fear - the though that who they are will be lost and I think we all struggle with this to some degree. We have a difficulty conforming to the rules because we are individuals, proud of our individuality and fear we will lose that in surrendering our lives to Him. If allegiance shifts from their ways to Jesus, the Romans could then dissolve the Sanhedrin and destroy the temple.  

And Caiaphas makes a statement that is most revealing. In verse 50 he states and agrees that better for one man to die that the entire nation period. And then in verse 51-53 is his prophecy that Jesus will not only die for the nation but for all of those children of God all over. And so his fear and Jesus' reality the same - all will be saved. 

Summary: After seeing Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead, many Jews believed, but many others did not and these went to the Pharisees to plot Jesus' death.   

Promise: God works through intentions of fallen people to bring about His good will. 

Prayer: O God, I submit myself and surrender Myself to You and that desire I have You have given me and I am thankful that I can see that You are greater than I. That this world does not surround itself around Me, but around You and Your purposes for us individually and globally. You show me God your purposes will get carried out no matter what, even through those who are against You. It is because of those that are against You that you have died for my sins. They end up carrying out God's mission. Yes, Lord, you use those acts to carry out your eternal favor on all of Your children. How Great You are God. How Great You are. And yet God you don't want to see anyone fall from you and spend eternity outside of your Presence. Your love is great and great for all mankind. 

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

John 11:36-44 - Lazarus Resurrected

John 11:36-44 

36 So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have kept this man also from dying?” 

38 So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” 44 The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Message: Lazarus Resurrected

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: My journey continues through this passage of scripture about Jesus encountering Lazarus. He had left Jerusalem, but then based upon a request from his friends - Mary and Martha - returned to Bethany near Jerusalem despite the disciples not thinking this was the best move for Jesus. And yet Jesus knows his purpose in raising Lazarus and doing what he was going to do. He has a confidence in what He will do. And He has a mission in confirming the disciples faith. He seems to know that they need what He will be doing. And yet He isn't really revealing what He will do. Mary and Martha wished he was there sooner, prior to Lazarus dying to heal Lazarus and yet Jesus seems a little bothered that they would think there was a limit to how he can help. 

Jesus shows emotion and now here in verse 36 the Jews who are on hand make a remark. Lazarus, we have already identified, is an important person, and Mary and Martha are even people of distinction. "See how He loved him!" was the comment by the Jews. And they make a remark about how Jesus should be able to do something as remarkable as healing a blind man he didn't even know. It seems the Jews understand something here about Jesus. That He is a great healer. 

Jesus comes to the tomb and tells them to move the stone. Martha remarks that it will smell. Perhaps the stone was in place to keep the smell in the tomb. Either way, Martha doesn't understand yet what Jesus will do. He remarks that Martha will see the glory of God. 

And then Jesus speaks to the Father. He has mentioned his relationship to the Father prior but here he actually speaks to the Father - thanking that the Father hears Him. And He is making this remark for the benefit of the people standing around Him - "so that they may believe that You sent Me."

Then Jesus calls Him back from the dead. And tells them to unbind him and let him go. 

Summary: Jesus calls Lazarus to life from the grave as Martha and other Jews are watching. 

Promise: Jesus has authority over life and death. 

Prayer: Lord, you are Holy and True and your ways are always right. You are indeed sent from God and through You we believe. help those in unbelief to know You and become more serious about their love for You and their life living for You. I pray for the man Travis I saw yesterday and that He would get involved in church and get closer in His life with You. Make yourself real to Him. Help my son oldest son Tyson to do his job well and be consistent in making it to work on time. Help these people. Be glorified. 

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

John 11:28-35 - Entering His People's Affliction

John 11:28-35

28 When she had said this, she went away and called Mary her sister, saying secretly, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and was coming to Him.

30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and consoling her, when they saw that Mary got up quickly and went out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, 34 and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept.

Message: Entering His People's Affliction

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 bit of scripture and sort of slowly developing. Jesus first left Jerusalem, then heard that Lazarus was sick, stayed a moment with the disciples who questioned him returning, then he went to Bethany to see Mary and Martha. They had wished he had come sooner, and so far he hasn't revealed that he is going to raise Lazarus, but does mention that He will be resurrected and Jesus is the author of life and death. 

Jesus is going to Lazarus for the purpose of glorifying Himself and helping confirm the disciples faith in Him. 

Jesus is first speaking to Mary and Martha outside of the village and not near the tomb yet. Mary then went to the tomb area with Mary and he witnessed Mary being emotional, weeping. Jews there as well there weeping. And Jesus was moved by this and wept. Or it could also be that he is weeping over death. Death is not the intended outcome of man as death is the result of sin. But also, as He has been speaking of resurrection and Lazarus rising again, he might also be a little troubled that his audience is not more confident in Him. And this also shows the humanity of Jesus. 

Summary: Jesus has some emotions as Mary takes him to the scene of the tomb and other Jews also present.

Promise: Jesus is our model for what it means to have righteous anger, righteous sorrow, and righteous joy. Let us look to Him to see what it means to be holy in the expression of our emotions, asking Him to help us avoid sin.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for a new day and the opportunity to come before You and know You as Savior and Lord. Thank you for the truth of Your word and showing us your humanity and your emotions. Thank you for placing the people you have placed in my life. It is a great joy to do life with them. 

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

John 11:17-27 - Source and Sustainer of Life

John 11:17-27

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off; 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. 20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. 21 Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.”

Message: Source and Sustainer of Life

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 now arrived in Bethany. Mary and Martha had sent for Jesus to tell him of Lazarus being sick (11:4). When Jesus arrives, Lazarus is already in the tomb having been dead for 4 days. Martha proclaims to Jesus her belief that things would have been different for Lazarus if he had been here when Lazarus was still alive. She understood that Jesus has a unique relationship with God the Father. Jesus tells Martha that Lazarus will rise again to which Martha agrees and understands this when in the future, at Christ's return, he will be resurrected. But Jesus then makes a more compelling statement that is consistent with the statements he has made in the past when He proclaimed Himself living water (4:13), the living bread (6:51), the Light of the World (8:12) and that he says, "I am" (8:58). Jesus is way different from any one else. And He is the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Him will die, but then keep on living. And Martha confirms her belief in Him. 

John notes in verse 17 that Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. This is significant for John to mention because of the ancient Jewish belief that for 3 days following death, the soul hovers over the body and thus there is the possibility of the soul reentering the body and bringing it back to life. By mentioning four days, the soul has departed for good and the body remains in the grave until the resurrection at the end of the age. Thus, when Jesus raises Lazarus it will be proof of His supernatural power and authority. 

Lazarus seems to be well known. Verse 19 mentions "Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother" giving the idea that Lazarus or Mary and Martha were significant members of the Jewish community. And then Mary later anointing Jesus with perfume in chapter 12, expensive perfume gives the possibility that this family was prominent in the community. Thus, what Jesus was preparing to do carried with it more significance because of the possibility wealth and raising a well known person. 

By Jesus mentioning He is the "resurrection and the life" he is stating that he is the source and sustainer of life. There is no life apart for Him. Unless we are with Him we cannot achieve eternal life with God in heaven and will suffer the wrath of God. John is mentioning about Jesus once again that believing in Him results in eternal life. This continues to be the consistent theme of the book of John. Again, Jesus has already mentioned that in this present life He is the source of all we need when He declares Himself to be the Water of Life and the Bread of Life, thus supplying in Himself every need of spiritual thirst and spiritual hunger. And now He goes beyond this life to the future. Jesus is all we need. 

Jesus tells Martha, “Your brother will rise again." This is an encouraging word He gives to Martha who up to that point regrets that Jesus has not come sooner. But Jesus in His response looks to the future and Lazarus' future and gives Martha the assurance that He will rise again -- at this point not being clear which resurrection that will be for Jesus has not been clear if he will immediately rise him from the dead or if this speaks of the peace to all family members that are in Christ of their resurrection to eternal life with Jesus. Either way, the words can be an encouragement to Martha. 

Daniel 12:2 has given the promise that, "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." So Martha's response in verse 24 confirms her understanding. There is possibly a little disappointment in this statement for again she was focused on him remaining alive. 

In verse 26, Jesus mentions that we are to believe but we are also to live in Him. But this is not really a new idea because He is previously inferred this when speaking that a full life on this earth now is yielding to Him and trusting in Him to provide our needs. 

Jesus continues to speak with confidence. And so we can rest in that assurance. 

Summary: Jesus arrives in Bethany, and speaks to Martha, who is sad he is late, though Jesus assures her is the Resurrection and the Life and believing in Him results in eternal life to all. 

Promise: Death will not have the final word for all those who are united to Him by faith. 

Prayer: Lord, I continue to speak of You as I speak to people with questions about You and whether You need to be believed in. Your words are clear and we must hold onto them. You are the resurrection and the life. You are living water. You are the living bread and the Light of the World. Help us to believe this and like someone has said recently to know what it means to really believe in You. I want my days to be lived by this truth. You grant me peace and assurance continually through Your word. Help me to help people to walk with You continually, to study Your words and be an encouragement to Many. Continue to encourage me and help me to stand with You. Continue to deepen my faith. Draw people to You. Draw family members closer to You and help them to really believe in You and that You provide for their needs. Out of fear we tend to do things our own way. Yes, Lord, I believe in You and Yes, Lord, I will live for you. 

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

John 11:11-16 - The Purpose of Lazarus' Death

John 11:11-16

11 This He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep.” 12 The disciples then said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. 14 So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.” 16 Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”

Message: The Purpose of Lazarus' Death

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: Last lesson began this story of Lazarus and Jesus heading back to the Jerusalem area, at Bethany to visit Lazarus, but he has not left yet. The disciples are with him and Jesus is now explaining to them his soon departure and they first misunderstand that he has died thinking he has just literally fallen asleep. But Jesus clarifies he is dead. Jesus wants the disciples to go with him so that they will witness him bringing Lazarus back from the dead. He wants His disciples to see this and in response believe. This is the purpose of Lazarus rising again - that people will see the work of God and believe. 

Part of the confusion by the disciples is that Jesus use a metaphor for sleep that was common in the Old Testament. 

I Kings 2:10 - Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.

2 Kings 8:24 - So Joram slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David; and Ahaziah his son became king in his place.

2 Chronicles 9:31 - And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David; and his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.

Today we often use the term, "Pass away" as a more kinder declaration than died. But this idea of going to sleep can also be fitting for the body itself goes to sleep. Though many believe the Spirit goes to heaven and then at the second coming of Jesus, the body will be united with the Spirit. 

However, for this lesson Jesus again has a goal of confirming the disciples faith. 

Verse 16 states that Thomas will be going along and speaks to the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." It is not clearly apparent what Jesus meant by this statement. We know Thomas wanted proof of Jesus, seeing his nail scarred hand (John 20:25). Up to this point, Jesus had spoken of his death coming and perhaps the disciples were bewildered by this and with the knowledge that the Jews in Jerusalem were seeking to seize him (John 10:39) perhaps he thought Jesus was walking into a trap and yet Thomas wanted to go with Jesus. But even in Jesus stating that he will go to Lazarus, maybe the disciples do not understand yet what Jesus will be doing with Lazarus. Jesus does speak in a little bit of mystery and the disciples are still trying to figure out what Jesus is saying. 

Jesus is going to resurrect Lazarus, given the disciples a sign that will confirm their faith and sustain them in grace. In a way, Jesus will provide the disciples a sort of proof to them of who He is and why He has come - to change lives. 

Summary: Before proceeding to Bethany Jesus tries to explain to the disciples his reason for going. The disciples will go along with Jesus and their belief will be the goal of this visit. 

Promise: Jesus is going to resurrect Lazarus, given the disciples a sign that will confirm their faith and sustain them in grace. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the great one who has come to change our lives. As I was speaking to a young man recently, Izzy, offering words to him, I pray that he will come to know you personally and that his faith will hold up in all of life's circumstances and he will see that he has been changed. Lord, your gospel shows us that we have needs - that we need you to save us and make us whole. That left to our own devices we will not yield a life glorifying You but rather glorifying self. Lord, you recognize what the disciples needed here and they needed more support for their faith and by raising Lazarus they can see more that you are here to change lives. Lord, strengthen me in your service and strengthen all us Christians to serve you always. 

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