Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

 John 12:1-8

Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12:7-8

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 12:1-8, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive oil as Judas protests this act of love.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus celebrates God's work - how Lazarus was raised from the dead (v1).  We should have hearts of gratitude towards God as He is always at work and as we grow more aware of God's hand, so will our hearts be increasingly filled with gratitude with what He has done.  Jesus responds in vv7-8 to Judas' protest of Mary's act of love by telling Judas to leave her be.  His response shares a glimpse of His pending death on the cross, and how love of God is the most important commandment (vs love others). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In v3, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with an inordinate amount (one pound) of expensive ointment (nard) - clearly she is not concerned with the money she spent on the nard, but instead she is filled with love for her Lord and Savior as she takes it a step further and serves Jesus by wiping His feet with her hair.  In contrast (vv5-6), Judas does not see this as an act of love and selflessness to bring glory to God as He is consumed with self and greed as we learn that "he was a thief" and will betray Jesus.       
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid selfishness and greed.  Claim the promise that we can never be separated from God's love and that we should follow the example to love God and treasure Him as Mary did.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves and saves me - You are worthy of all praise, honor and glory and I treasure You.  Thank You for the gift of my salvation and how You bless.  I am not deserving of such a gift and blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

 John 11:45-57

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. John 11:49-52

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 11:45-57, where we reach the climax of the story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raises from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus' moment for His arrest and crucifixion is near as we reach the beginning of Holy/Passion Week (chapter 12).  Yet as the Pharisees sought to arrest and kill Jesus, Jesus evades and "no longer walked openly among the Jews," instead going near the wilderness to Ephraim (v54).  Jesus has a plan and nothing is going to stop His plan.  Vv49-52 shows that Jesus has providence over all details - including the words of Caiaphas as God spoke through the high priest to prophesy that Jesus would die at their hands for His people (those who believe and followed Him) not just now across all redemptive history as His followers will be scattered all over the world.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Some of the Jews who had witnessed Lazarus' resurrection believed in Jesus (v45) while some went to the Pharisees to share what Jesus had done, knowing the Pharisees would use this as further evidence that they should arrest and kill Jesus (vv53, 57).  They were more concerned about their own status and power then they were with following Jesus who fulfilled prophecy as the Promised Messiah. V55 notes how the Jews focused on external cleansing/purification instead of cleansing of their heart which only Jesus can do.      
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): People should avoid focusing on their own efforts to be saved - being good is not something any of us can truly do - we are all sinful and broken and God alone cleanses our heart, gives us power over sin and makes us more like Him.  We should claim the promise that Jesus alone saves.  We should follow the example of Jesus who had a plan.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  I am not deserving of how You give me a heart of flesh, power over sin and eternal life.  My sin is great and it continues....daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”

 John 11:38-44

And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” John 11:41-43

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 11:38-44, where we reach the climax of the story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raises from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Just as I posted yesterday, as He came to Lazarus' tomb, Jesus was "deeply moved again," as He loved Lazarus and Martha and Mary - mourning with them and sympathizing with their grief.  Jesus challenges us in our unbelief - see vv39 when He tells the people with them to take away the stone [door] entrance to the tomb.  Martha responds with a concern about odor from the tomb. In v40, Jesus lays down the challenge as Martha experiences a momentary period of unbelief.  When the stone is removed, Jesus prays to God (vv41-42), specifically praising the Father for "always hear[ing him]," while acknowledging that the only reason He specifically offers this praise so that those present "may believe that [the Father] sent Him."  Jesus continues to seek and save the lost and His plan is designed for teachable moments where His glory is revealed so that people would be drawn to Him.  After He prays to the Father, He commands Lazarus to come out of the tomb (v43).  For non-believers this is seen as a crazy request yet for believers we must remember that Jesus has been granted all authority by God is He is able to do anything - nothing is impossible for Him.  See also Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25 where Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves and we see Jesus' providence over not just life and death but over creation. Upon Lazarus coming out of the tomb in v44, Jesus then commands those present to unbind Lazarus as his hands and feet were bound with linen strips (burial clothes).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In v39, Martha experiences a momentary period of unbelief as she initially resists God's command to remove the stone entrance to the tomb.  Believers often are either led by God or read explicit text where He tells us to do something but we resist.  We find ways to rationalize our disobedience but we must clearly see our disobedience to God's commands and calls for our life.  Remember the story of Jonah where he resisted going to Nineveh?
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid resisting God's commands - this is disobedience.  We should claim the promise that nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37).  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves, and nothing will be impossible with You.  I am not deserving of how You save and how You provide the Holy Spirit to give us power.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer, and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled....Jesus wept.

John 11:28-37

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled....Jesus wept. John 11:33,35

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 11:28-37, where we continue the story of Lazarus, whom we know from the larger story arc is ill and dies, and that Jesus raises him from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: After learning of Lazarus' illness earlier in chapter 11, and then staying where He was for two more days, Jesus is now seen approaching the village where Martha, Mary, and Lazarus lived.  In response to Mary falling to Jesus' feet in grief over her brother's death (vv32), Jesus "was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled...[and He also] wept" (vv33,35).  Jesus sympathizes with us and our cares, concerns and worries.  Believers should understand that because Jesus took on flesh as the Incarnate Son of God, "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15-16).     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In v32, Mary reacts first in worship towards Jesus, as she falls to Jesus' feet.  Similar to her sister Martha (v21), Mary then expresses frustration towards Jesus as she believes that if Jesus had come earlier He would have healed Lazarus (v32) - this is frustration yes but also faith because Mary was definitive that "if you had been here, my brother would not have died."  The Jews in the village and with Mary and Martha consoled and loved them, and wept with them (vv31, 33) - this is a great example of how we are to love others (second greatest commandment).  Some of the Jews marveled at Jesus' love for Lazarus, while others questioned the extent of Jesus' authority and power as He recently healed the blind man (chapter 9), but He was not to keep Lazarus from dying (vv36-37).  There will always be people who doubt who Jesus is - but believers should never doubt that Jesus is God, and Lord and Savior - Creator and King of Kings - able to do anything (Colossians 1:15-17).    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not doubt Jesus and who He is.  Claim the promise that He saves, is able to do anything, loves us and sympathizes with us.  Follow the example of Mary who worshiped Jesus and saw Him as able to heal her brother.  Love others as the Jews consoled and wept with Mary and Martha.  Believe and have faith.        

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves, saves, and sympathizes with us.  Thank You Jesus for all that You do.  I am not deserving of how You bless and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”

 John 11:17-27

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” John 11:21-22

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 11:17-27, where we continue the story of Lazarus, whom we know from the larger story arc is ill and dies, and that Jesus raises him from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God has a plan for everything and his design and plan is perfect.  Jesus knew that and allowed/planned for Lazarus to die (see vv4, 14), and that He would use Lazarus' resurrection from the dead as a means for others to believe in Him and to strengthen their believe in Him.  In v23, Jesus repeats - authoritatively - once more, that Lazarus will rise again. In vv25-26, Jesus shares that through Him there is resurrection and life (see also John 10:10).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Martha is seen as being frustrated with Jesus - v21 as she sees others who have come to console here (v18) but sees Jesus as being too late to heal Lazarus as he has died and was in the tomb already for four days (v17).  People are often frustrated with Jesus' timing after Martha and Mary had sent their request (not a prayer explicitly) for Jesus to intercede on their behalf to heal Lazarus.  Martha very quickly, however, in vv22, 24, and 27 pivots to a posture of trust and faith in Jesus.  When we have faith in God, He blesses us - we don't know how He will bless us but He does - see Matthew 5:6.  We must understand that God's thoughts and ways are not ours (Isaiah 55:8) and that God works all things for good and for His purpose (Romans 8:28).   We exist to glorify God.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should avoid frustration in God's timing as this is a form of a complaint.  We should claim the promise that Jesus gives us life now (abundantly or to the full) and for eternity - He saves.  We should follow the example of Martha who sees the err of her ways and quickly turns to Jesus - this can be seen as true repentance.  We should believe.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You work all things for good and for Your purpose.  Thank You Jesus for Your love and for revealing Yourself to me.  I am not deserving of how You love, bless, and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

 John 11:5-16

Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” John 11:14-15

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 11:5-16, where we continue the story of Lazarus, whom we know from the larger story arc is ill and dies, and that Jesus raises him from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus loves His followers and here in v5 the text shares how Jesus loves Martha, Mary and Lazarus.  Yet in the very next verse we encounter what - from an earthly perspective - is not considered loving.  V6 shares that upon learning that Lazarus is ill, Jesus does not go to Lazarus but instead stays where he was for two more days.  At first glance, v5 and v6 seem incongruent - Jesus loves....it seems...but does he really is the question.  Jesus loves and seeks to save all and even when people doubt He seeks for us to have mercy on them as God might work through this to soften their hearts towards Him - see Jude 22-23.  However, we must understand that God's mercy is not unlimited in the sense that if you don't accept and believe in Him you are eternally condemned.  Text elsewhere - specifically in Malachi 3:6 help us see that God still loves Lazarus because once God loves someone (v5) He does not change.  Plus in John 10, based on text where Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd and His followers as sheep that He loves and cares for, we should not doubt that God loves Lazarus.  See also Romans 8:31-37. In vv7-10 we then see Jesus' exchange with the disciples after He shares that he wants to go to Judea and the disciples are concerned with His safety knowing that the Pharisees and others in Jewish leadership seek to arrest and kill Him.  Jesus response specifically in vv9-10 seems to encourage the disciples (and us) to see that they should be more concerned about not walking with Jesus (darkness and eternal condemnation) than going to Judea where there is no doubt that Jesus' life is at stake. The exchange with the disciples continues in vv11-15 where Jesus shares once again that Lazarus is not dead (see also v4) but asleep, and the disciples are confused.  Jesus clarifies in v14 by sharing that Lazarus is indeed dead, but by going back to v4 we can rest in Jesus' promise that Lazarus' illness will not lead to death. Vv14-15 are a reprise of v4 where Jesus shares that there is a purpose for Lazarus' illness and death and a purpose why Jesus was not present when Lazarus died.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Jesus' exchange with the disciples shows how people often don't understand Jesus' Word - yet this is not reason to stop believing nor is it a reason to stop engaging with Jesus.  Instead we must stick with it and ask Jesus to help us understand much like the father of the child with an unclean spirit in Mark 9:24 cries out to Jesus for help with his unbelief. See also post here and reference to Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestles with God. Thomas - not likely knowing what he was saying but instead guided by the Holy Spirit who gave him the words to say - seeks to share in the suffering of Lazarus much in the way that Jesus tells us that we share in the sufferings of Christ so that others can see Jesus (The Light) working through us. See also 1 Peter 4:13. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid walking away from God and His Word when you don't understand - instead dig in and continue to abide in Him and claim the promise that if you abide in Him you will bear fruit (John 15). Walk in the day - with Jesus who is the Light of the World.  Also claim the promise that if we share in His sufferings we will also share in His power as it works through us as Jesus grace is sufficient for us as when we are weak He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). Follow the example of Thomas on this one.

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  You are the Light of the World who is control and in everything...and You have already defeated sin and death....giving salvation to me and anyone who calls on You as Lord Savior.  I am not deserving...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

 John 11:1-4

But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4

I continue my study of John and today I focus on  John 11:1-4, where we see the beginning of the story of Lazarus, whom we know from the larger story arc is ill and dies, and that Jesus raises him from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In response to Mary and Martha seeking His help to heal - their brother - Lazarus who is ill (v3), Jesus shares that "[t]his illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (v4)[.]  Jesus is all knowing and His ways are perfect.  He knows that Lazarus will die but that He will raise Lazarus from the dead.  Since the Fall, when sin entered the world, as a result, we experience brokenness in many forms including sickness, pain, suffering, death, etc.  God is in control (Colossians 1:15-17) and this is all part of God's plan and He uses all of this for His purpose and glory (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).  God wants us to bring our cares and concerns to Him - to cast our worries and cares at His feet (1 Peter 5:7).              
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We learn in v2 that Mary loves Jesus because she anointed Jesus' feet with expensive ointment (see also Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8).  None of us want to experience sickness, pain, suffering, death, etc., nor do we want any of our loved ones to experience these things.  So of course Mary and Martha naturally seek the help of Jesus because they have seen Him heal others and now they seek His help for their brother.        
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that Jesus knows everything about us, loves us, heals us (now or for eternity), and saves us.  Also claim the promise that God is in control, perfect and that all that we experience serves to bring Him glory - even brokenness.  Follow Mary and Martha's initial example to lay our cares and concerns at Jesus' feet. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God, Creator of all, in all, perfect in all ways, and You love us and want to save as many as possible.  Thank You Jesus for listening to our cries and for saving us.  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:22-42

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 10:22:42, where we see the Jewish leadership confront Jesus as He was in the temple in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In His defense, Jesus share that (1) His works (miracles such as healing of the blind man), are done on behalf of the Father who sent Him, and these works bear witness about who Jesus is, (2) the Jewish leadership, despite their supposed knowledge of the law do not see Jesus is fulfilling all prophecy that pointed to Him - they are not among Jesus' sheep (He is the Good Shepherd - see vv1-19) because they don't know His voice otherwise they would recognize Jesus as the Good Shepherd/Christ and follow Him (vv26-27).  Jesus gives His followers eternal life and this blessing cannot be taken from them (v28).  The Father gave Jesus His sheep and The Father is greater than all (all creation, all heavenly bodies, etc.), so none of Jesus' sheep can be taken out of the Father's hand (v29).  Because all authority has been given from the Father to Jesus, Jesus should be seen as one with the Father (v30).  In v31, as the Jewish leadership prepared to stone Jesus, Jesus shares that He is innocent based on how He is performing good works from the Father.  Jesus also shares that He is doing only what the Old Testament shared (see Psalm 82:6 as referenced in v34) and playing the same role as those who taught the Word of God in OT law.  In His closing argument with this confrontation, Jesus challenges the Jewish leadership to at least believe that His works are real and that the Father is in Jesus and He is in the Father (another way of saying that Father and Son are united). Because it was not the appointed time, Jesus escapes arrest and goes to where John the Baptist had first been baptizing and many came to Him and believed because they now see that John the Baptist's prophecy about Jesus was true - vv39-42). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Just as the Jewish leadership gathered around Jesus to confront Him - seeking to arrest and kill Him - believers can expect to be persecuted (ranging from rejection/scorn to physical imprisonment-death) in some form (vv22-24).  The Jewish leadership (with some exceptions - see vv19-21) does not believe Jesus is the Christ (Promised Messiah).  There will always be many who reject Jesus as Lord and Savior - that there is a God and Jesus is God. The Jewish leadership reject Jesus as God outright (v33) based on Jesus' statement in v30 that He and the Father are one.       
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid rejecting Jesus because You don't know Jesus.  Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says is - Lord and Savior.  Follow the example of those who are drawn to Jesus and believe - who know His voice and see Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  Do what the Good Shepherd commands because He loves and cares for us and leads us to provision and eternal rest.     

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, cares and saves those who follow You - You are the Good Shepherd.  I am not deserving of how You love, care, and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:7-18

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 10:7-18, where Jesus patiently teaches those listening to Him as He refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd and those who follow Him - His sheep.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus once again reinforces His authority by sharing "[t]ruly, truly" in v7.  Those listening did not understand what Jesus was saying in vv1-6, so Jesus has to reinforce that despite how some may not understand, He is sharing Truth because He is Lord of All and all scripture is God-breathed and perfect (2 Timothy 3:16).  Building on what I posted a couple of days ago, no one is saved (and find pasture or provision, including rest) except through Jesus as He is the door to salvation (vv7, 9).   In contrast to Jewish leadership and Satan, Jesus comes to give life and to give it abundantly both now (freedom from sin) and for eternity in Heaven through salvation (v10). Jesus is Good at being our leader v11 because He sacrifices Himself for His people.  Those who follow the Good Shepherd know Him and He knows them just as the Father and the Son know each other (v15).  Vv17-18 shares how the Father loves the Son because He not only sacrifices His life for God's people but also is able to rise again (Easter).  Jesus does those of His own accord (ability) and authority because He has been granted authority by the Father.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: God's people in Israel are the sheep but the Jewish leadership who led have not led well and are referred to as thieves and robbers (v8), serving only themselves and not following God's instructions for how to lead.  In particular, the thief (Satan) is a false god and following him leads to eternal condemnation (v10).  There are many who claim to lead or claim be a or are seen as a deity, but there is only One True God and Good Shepherd (vv12-13). V16 shares how there are others in His fold but not in "this fold" (v16).  This refers to how the believing Jews are of this fold but soon Jesus will be sending out the disciples to the Gentiles and to all parts of the world as part of the Great Commission and these that are not of this fold will listen to Him.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd over all who believe and follow Him - one flock and one shepherd. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid following false gods and evil influences.  Claim the promise of abundant (and eternal life) through Jesus.  Follow the example of the sheep who know the Good Shepherd and His voice.  Follow and please Jesus as Your #1 priority.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You ARE the Good Shepherd!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of a God that cares and provides in such a way.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?["]

 Exodus 7:8-11:10

So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?["] Exodus 10:3

I pause my study of John and focus on preparation for leading small group time as we unpack Exodus 7:8-11:10 as Moses and Aaron are sent by God to confront Pharaoh to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The Lord worked through Moses and Aaron, doing what He said He would do - giving them the words to say and working miracles through them.  The Lord also shared in advance (7:3-4) that despite God's miracles, Pharaoh's heart would remain hardened - God is faithful. God also works through Pharaoh's magicians (7:22, 8:7) to produce the same miracles - God has providence over false gods and evil influences - including Satan. God responds to prayers (8:30, 9:27-33).  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Moses and Aaron did as God directed them - obedience.  Miracles are not enough for some to believe in God and to put their faith in Him - their own desires and needs are put above those of God.  This is so even after plague 3 (gnats) where even Pharaoh's magicians share that "this is the finger of God" (8:19). Even after allowing the Israelites to go into the wilderness (not far) to sacrifice to God (as he recognizes some role of God in these miracles at this point) and the flies (fourth plague) are removed after Moses prayer, Pharaoh's heart is still hardened.  This pattern repeats through the first nine plagues.  Hardness of heart grows progressively worse for those who resist Him.  Often it takes a significant humbling experience to bring someone to their knees to acknowledge and believe in God.      
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid hardness of heart and take the time to know God through study of His Word and prayer.  Claim the promise that God reigns over all - including Satan -  and still cares and loves each one of us individually and seeks to save us.  Follow the example of Moses and Aaron and their obedience and service to God.  Humble yourself before the Lord (10:3). 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves and saves!  Thank You for softening my heart and saving me.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.

John 10:1-6

The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. John 10:3-5

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 10:1-6, Jesus continues to teach - here His focus is on His role between Himself (the Good Shepherd) and those who follow Him - His sheep.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus emphasizes His authority as He begins to teach, starting with "[t]ruly, truly."  He then starts to describe His role with those who follow Him - He is both the sheepfold door and the Good Shepherd (v1-3a) who serves as the only way to God - this is similarly described in John 14:6 where Jesus shares that "no one comes to the Father except through me."  One cannot be saved unless they believe in Jesus.  Matthew 7:13-14 also shares how this path to salvation through Jesus is a narrow gate - if we seek an easier path, either through the wide gate or by climbing in "by another way" as described in v1, one cannot be saved but instead will be eternally condemned. Followers of the Good Shepherd/Jesus know Jesus' voice (v3-4) - which implies that we seek Him and then listen to Him as He reveals Himself to us. Jesus knows His followers (He is Our Creator), He leads them (lamp onto our feet - Psalm 119:105), and they follow Him (v4). Jesus' followers are able to distinguish between Him and false gods who claim to be truth (v5).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Everyone is led by something/someone and from a spiritual perspective - they are led either through a wide gate that leads to destruction or through a narrow gate that leads to life to the full now and for eternity.  Those listening to Jesus (including His disciples but also others such as the Jews/Pharisees per v19), did not understand.  There is often text that we don't understand from scripture - this is why we need to continue to listen to Jesus (and His appointed messengers such as pastors) and it is OK to struggle/wrestle with God and ask Him to reveal Himself to us and bless us (Genesis 32:22-32 - see this post). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not seek the wide gate or to climb into the sheepfold by going around the door.  Do not follow strangers' voices or false gods - only Jesus.  Claim the promise that Jesus knows you, loves you, and leads you into green pastures (Psalm 23), cares for you, and ultimately saves you.  Follow the example of those who enter the sheepfold through Jesus-the narrow gate and door of the sheepfold. Follow Jesus out of the sheepfold - listen to Him by doing daily to scripture for His care and feeding.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are the narrow gate, the Way, Truth, and the Life.  I know that no one comes to You except through Jesus!  I know that Jesus knows me, loves me, and saves me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.

John 9:13-41

He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. John 9:25

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 9:13-41, as we see the astonishing back and forth between the healed blind man and the Pharisees (including with the man's parents), and then between Jesus and the healed blind man.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V14 shares that Jesus healed the blind man on the Sabbath.  Jesus reenters in v35-41 and His first interaction is with the healed blind man and on this interaction, the healed blind man believes in Jesus (vv35-38).  Jesus then shares how his mission is to heal (both physically and spiritually) and to judge those who do not believe in Him (referred to as those who see who may become blind) - v39.  Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees at this point is one of judgement as He shares how the Pharisees guilt remains despite their claim that "[they] see" (vv40-41). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We see the Pharisees struggling to understand how this healing occurred and who performed this miracle.  Some of the Pharisees view Jesus' healing of /the blind man as a sinful act (v16) based on their interpretation of God's command to rest (see Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11) on the Sabbath.  They were divided on the question of whether Jesus was sinful or not - vv16-17.  The healed blind man refers to Jesus as a prophet and upon hearing this the Pharisees did not believe the miracle occurred at all.  They then seek to find his parents who confirm that their son was born blind (vv20-21) and that he can now see.  They have no explanation for how this occurred and because they feared the Pharisees they deflected further questioning and referred the Pharisees to their son who should speak for himself (as he is of age) - vv21-23.  In v24, the Pharisees rightly give glory to God for the man's healing (v24) but in the same sentence once again refer to Jesus as a sinner.  The blind man comes to Jesus' defense - questioning whether He is a sinner and standing on his testimony that he was once blind but can now see (now famous due to the hymn Amazing Grace).  Upon further questioning from the Pharisees, the man is so inspired by what Jesus has done for him, that he then teaches - authoritatively no less (vv30-33) those listening to him, including the Pharisees.  The Pharisees of course are not pleased at all that a former blind beggar dare "lecture" them and they "cast" him out (v34).        
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid using an inaccurate understanding of God's Word to judge and accuse others of sin - we are not to judge and our understanding of God's Word must be as accurate as possible (this side of Heaven).  Claim the promise that Jesus gives us the ability to see Him for who He really is - Lord and Savior.  Follow the example of the healed blind man to feel compelled to speak truth to others (including power) based on what we have experienced with our own lives.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saves and gave me the ability to see - to see that You are my Lord and Savior!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for revealing Yourself to me and softening my heart so that I know that I am utterly dependent on You.  I am undeserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

John 9:8-12

So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” John 9:10-12

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 9:8-12, as neighbors of the blind man healed by Jesus in vv1-7 question the man about how and who healed him.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is referred to in the text as healing the blind man - He is the One who heals both physically and spiritually.  We can rest assured that He will heal us spiritually in this life and physically for eternity. In Heaven, there will be no more sickness (Revelation 21:4).  If we are healed physically in this life, we know that it is God's work in us and His Light shining in and through us to draw others to Him.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We can see the power of the blind man's testimony as he recounts his healing exactly as Jesus performs it in vv1-7.  He is unafraid to share his testimony.  All believers have a powerful testimony and God gives us the words to say when we allow Him to work in and through us.  The blind man's testimony causes his neighbors to seek Him - see v12.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that Jesus heals - both spiritually and physically.  Follow the example of the blind man and be unashamed to share your testimony with others and allow Him to work in and through you as He gives You the words to share.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are the Great Physician - healing me both spiritually and physically!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for the unbreakable promise that I will be healed physically for eternity and be in Heaven with You and all of the other saints.  I am undeserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 9:1-7

“It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John  9:3-5

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 9:1-7, where Jesus heals a man blind from birth (vv6-7).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Sin and death entered the world after the Fall in Genesis 3  - see Romans 5:12. In John 16:33, Jesus shares that believers will have tribulation (troubles). This is part of God's plan since the Fall.  Also part of God's plan is how Jesus is the Light of the World (v5) and how it is through our weakness and brokenness that God's Light shines most bright (v3).  V4 shares a deep insight about how believers should approach difficult circumstances and tribulation - we must "work the works of him."  We are all God's work and He does not make any mistakes - when we are sick, broken, sinful, etc. this is part of God's plan to shine His Light through us.  We just need to submit and surrender to Him, and abide in Him so that we bear fruit by allowing Him to work through us.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The text reveals a question that many ask -believers and non-believers alike - do difficult circumstances result from sin?  We have trouble understanding difficult circumstances, particularly when we perceive ourselves as undeserving of such tribulation.  The problem then becomes a false believe that we are good and we cannot make this claim.  See Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8 where all sin and fall short of the glory of God - not some people, but everyone. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that God works through us in our weakness.  Follow the example of Jesus who worked the works of the Father by submitting to His Will and allowing the Father to work through Him - ultimately by raising Jesus from the dead after His death on the cross. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and is the Light of the World who works in and through our weakness.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-8:59

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 8:31-8:59, where Jesus responds to the Jews who who had believed in Him and also to the Jewish leadership who did not - the latter interaction being quite an astonishing confrontation as Jesus sharply rebukes the Jewish leadership whose hardened hearts are revealed in their questioning as they seek to trap Jesus (vs learn).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Faith in Jesus gives us power to defeat sin in this life and for eternity as the victory over sin and death is already won (vv31-32, 34-36).  V33 reveals the hardened hearts of the Jewish leaders who do not believe in Jesus and seek to trip Him in sin so that they can arrest and kill Him. V37 shares how Jesus knows their intent, and in v38, Jesus refers to the Father as a proper noun - as part of the Triune God - as the Father of those who believe, and in contrast, He refers to to the father of those who do not believe with lower case "f" as Satan (v44). In v39, the Jewish leadership bases much of their claims about themselves on being children of Abraham but Jesus shares that Abraham sought to honor and please God and they do not. In v45, Jesus continues His sharp rebuke of the Jewish leadership who seek to arrest and kill Him as He shares that "[they] are not of God." After the Jewish leadership accuse Jesus of having a demon (vv48,52), Jesus then shares that they "dishonor" Him (v49) and that they are liars, and do not know God (v55).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jewish leadership claim to know God and to be children of Abraham but they have hardened hearts, and reveal themselves as liars and as people who dishonor Abraham and in contrast please Satan.  They attempt to kill Him but are unsuccessful
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid dishonoring God and following Satan. Claim the promise that if we abide in Jesus (including daily study of His Word and prayer), we will experience freedom from sin in this life and for eternity. Follow the example of those who believe by abiding in Him daily.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.

John 8:21-8:30

And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him. John 8:29

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 8:21-8:30, where Jesus continues to teach in the temple in Jerusalem after the Feast of Booths, and now He describes how He is from Heaven and from the Father, and this gives Him the authority to judge and condemn those who do not believe in Him.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus once again refers to soon His to be ascension to Heaven following His death on the cross and that if you don't believe in Him (as the Jews do not) they will "die in [their] sin) - v21.  In response to the Jews who think He is going to kill Himself (v22), Jesus shares that He is from above - Heaven - clarifying where He is going (to be seated at the right hand of God), and that He is not of this world (v23).  Jesus repeats the promise that if you don't believe in Him, You will die in your sins (v24) - emphasizing an important Gospel (negative) promise and warning.  In response to the Jews' continued confusion about what Jesus is saying (vv25, 27) and their questioning, Jesus shares that His message has been consistent "from the beginning" (v25).  He then goes on to share that He has much to say about the Jews and much to judge (v26) and what He has declared about them He learned from the Father, who is He is true. In v28, Jesus reinforces the point that upon His resurrection, they will know that He is from the Father and the Father has granted Him authority to share what He has been sharing (and for these words to be true). Vv29-30 pivots to a hopeful message how the Father is always with Jesus and how Jesus seeks to please the Father, and how upon Jesus saying these things "many believed in Him."             
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jewish leaders and Pharisees don't really want to earnestly learn about Jesus, as their questions are motivated by anger and spite as they seek to do harm to Jesus (arrest and kill).  This questioning is more to trap Jesus into heresy or sin so that the Jews have a basis to condemn Jesus - which of course we know they will never have. We should strive to understand people's questions and have mercy on those who doubt (Jude 22-23). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid judging others as this is for God alone to do.  Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says is and that He is Lord and Savior.  Follow Jesus' example to please the Father. Obey the command to bring glory to Him in all that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.

John 8:12-8:20

You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. John 8:15-16

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 8:12-8:20, where Jesus continues to teach in the temple in Jerusalem after the Feast of Booths, and he is once again challenged by the Pharisees.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is the light of the world - v12.  Light allows one to find what they are looking for, and in contrast without light (darkness), we are limited in our ability to find what we seek, and we are trapped. Light is also hope.  When challenged by the Pharisees (that His testimony is false), Jesus issues His own challenge to them by sharing that He was sent by the Father so both He and the Father bear witness to Him (vv17-18), and by standards set in the Old Testament (see Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:15, and Numbers 35:30), Jesus is who He says He is. Jesus also challenges the Pharisees that they judge by the flesh and He does not judge by Himself, but with the Father and their judgement is true (of course because they are all knowing).  We also know that from scripture elsewhere that Jesus judges the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).  In v20 Jesus responds to the Pharisees - who ask Him where His Father is (v19) - by challenging them about their lack of knowledge of both Him and the Father - which is quite damning (literally) because if they truly knew the law they would see Him as the Promised Messiah. Once again, we see how nothing can stop God's plan because even though He is in the temple and the chief priests, scribes and Pharisees sought to arrest and kill Jesus, they were unsuccessful because "his hour had not yet come" (v20). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Pharisees do what people often do, they judge without taking the time to understand - this is in contrast to Nicodemus (who was one of them) - see also John 7:50-51.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid judging - this is God's role - seek to understand one's heart condition.  Claim the promise that if we seek Him with all of our heart, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).  Follow Nicodemus' example to get to know God - go to God daily in study and prayer.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  You are the light of the world and Your Word is lamp to my feet - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and for the light You provide. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."

John 7:53-8:11

And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 7:53-8:11, which is text that many New Testament scholars argue should not be in the Bible as it was added later after John's original writing.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. My observations do not account for whether this text should be in the Bible or not - on this question please see this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: While others went to their own house (7:53), Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives for the evening (8:1). Once again early in the morning He goes to the temple to teach the people - proclaiming the Word of God is a priority for all believers.  The scribes and the Pharisees put God to the test (sin) - seeking for Him to condemn an adulterous woman and to stone her to death (the judgement/sentence per Deuteronomy 22:22 Leviticus 20:10) - and Jesus responds by turning the tables exposing the scribes and the Pharisees as equally sinful, as we know from scripture elsewhere that since the Fall (Genesis 3), all humanity is sinful and in need of a savior (Old Testament, New Testament). After Jesus challenges the scribes and the Pharisees (v9), He is alone with the adulterous woman and forgives her, saves her from eternal condemnation, and commands her to "sin no more" (v11).  Know we know that because she is still human of course she will still sin but what Jesus has done is freed her from her sin and given her the power to defeat sin in her life, including her sin of adultery. This path of freedom is not linear progression - as there will be setbacks and dips in this process of sanctification.  But we should go back to John 7:37-39 where Jesus shares that "[w]hoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’"  Once God enters our heart and life and we continue to abide in Him (John 15:1-17) through daily study of God's Word and prayer, He will renew our mind and make us more like Him.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The scribes and the Pharisees bring an adulterous woman to Him to test Him (8:3-6) - we know that it is a sin to put God to the test (see also Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7).  The sin here is that the scribes and the Pharisees sought to manipulate Jesus so that they could expose Him as a fraud - of course He is not a fraud and their efforts exposed them as frauds for their lack of faith and incomplete knowledge of God based on Old Testament prophecies of Jesus.  After Jesus challenges the scribes and the Pharisees and exposes their hypocrisy and own sin, "they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones" (v9). We are also reminded that all sin and need a savior. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid putting God to the test and judging/condemning others, claim the promise that Jesus forgives and saves just as He did for the adulterous woman.  Follow Jesus' example to show mercy to those who doubt and for others and their sin.  Love God and love others, including forgiving others as God forgives us.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for how You loved me while still hostile and an enemy to You.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!”....Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?

John 7:40-52

The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!”....Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does? John 7:46,51

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 7:40-52, where we see the reactions of people, including from Jewish leadership, to Jesus' teaching on the last day (the great day) of the Feast of Booths.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Nothing can stop God's plan - although the Jewish leadership sent temple guards/officers to arrest Jesus, "no one laid hands on him" (v44).  Once again, although Jesus did go to Judea from Galilee after initially indicating He would not, His statement that His time had not yet come (for His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection) remains true (as all of His statements are true as He is Truth) - see also vv6,8.  There are no contradictions here just God accomplishing His same plan in a different way.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: There will always be people that do not believe that Jesus is who He says He is.  Here, it is the Jewish leadership and some in the crowd that heard Jesus speak - see vv40-43,47-49,52.  The temple guard/officers clearly see that Jesus is different than other men - see v46.  So does Nicodemus (vv50-51) - see John 3:1-15 where Jesus clearly left a mark.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeking your own glory as the Jewish leadership does when they sought to arrest Jesus.  Follow the example of the temple guards/officers and Nicodemus to truly examine and learn about Jesus (and ultimately believe). Claim the promise that Jesus is the Bread of Life, Living Water and that if we believe in Him that Living Water will flow from our heart.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who loves and saves! You are the Bread of Life, the Living Water and You give the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts so that this Living Water flows from our hearts....incredible!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to Your Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

John 7:37-39

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 7:37-39, where we see Jesus stand up and cry out for people to believe in Him to be saved and to receive the power of the Holy Spirit (which had yet to come).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus really wants to save as many as possible - hence we see His plea in v37.  That is why He came - to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).  The promise Jesus makes here is truly astonishing - we will not only not hunger nor will we not thirst again (spiritually) because He is the Bread of Life and the Living Water, we (those that believe) will also - ourselves - have rivers of living water flowing from our hearts. The text lays out that this will be through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts and lives as He makes us more like Him - sanctification. The text also ensures we are aware that chronologically in the Gospel narrative here in John 7, this has yet to happen because Jesus must die on the cross first, then rise from the grave, followed by Pentecost (Acts 2).      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Since the Fall (Genesis 3) we have been separated from God - with Jesus we (believers) are reconciled to God and He is in our hearts - this is how He will never leave or forsake us.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise of having Living Water flow from your heart! Abide in Him to bear fruit (John 15). 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and gives the Holy Spirit - Living Waters that flow from my heart.  Thank You Jesus!  Incredible!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues....daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.