Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

 John 21:15-19

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” John 21:18-19

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 21:15-19, where we see Jesus restore Peter from the sin of his denial.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves Him - in contrast to Peter's denial of Jesus three times before the rooster crows (see Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 18) as Peter responds yes three times - text recognized as Jesus restoring Peter. Jesus offers second (and third, etc.) chances as He forgives.  Jesus is also reinforcing His role of Good Shepherd (see John 10:1-18) and charging Peter with taking on this same role, to feed young (lamb) and old (sheep) believers. Jesus then shares - emphasizing His authority to make such statements prophecy of how Peter will die, encouraging Peter to follow Him.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Jesus offers Peter a second opportunity to follow Him and most scholars recognize that Peter did indeed die on the cross - but he insisted that he hang on the cross by his feet as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus (see this Bible dictionary post).  There is a cost to following Jesus.  He wants us to proclaim the Gospel, and Truth - to all corners of the world, and in many of these places this will be costly, even to the point of physical harm or death.  
• 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 not following Jesus in the mission He gives you.  Claim the promise that He is with is - always.  Follow Jesus (and Peter's) example to do the will of the Father.  Follow Jesus.  

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of how You save, forgive, restore. Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of how You love me.  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.    

Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

 John 21:1-14

Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12b

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 21:1-14, where we see Jesus appear to the disciples after the resurrection - this time by the Sea of Tiberias.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is in all the details of our lives.  Here the text does not say disciples were desperate or particularly hungry - it is an ordinary moment in their lives.  Jesus wants to remind us that He is always with us - always at work.  He provides - including strength for the net so that it does not break, and a fire with bread.  We should never worry about how He provides.  He shares hospitality with the disciples - a theme God reinforces throughout scripture that takes an ordinary moment and is used to bring glory to Him through Godly fellowship among believers and among believers seeking to share the Good News with others.  Jesus has now appeared to the disciples three times after the resurrection - He wants them to be certain that He has defeated sin and death.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples were together - seven of them.   Believers should be in each others' lives - this is how God designed us - for fellowship so that we can support and encourage one another and act with unity.  
• 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 missing Jesus and doubting that He is there (no one should dare ask who are You?) - He is always with us and He is always at work.  Claim the promise that we can never be separated from His love.  Follow the example of Jesus who spent time with other believers and encouraged fellowship and hospitality.  Love, encourage and support one another as believers.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and my personal Lord and Savior.  I have no doubt who You are as You loved while I was still an enemy and hostile to You.  Thank You Jesus!  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 thier 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. 

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.

Luke 7:1-10

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Luke 7:6

This morning, I take a short side trip to Luke 7:1-10, text for my Friday AM study with three other guys.  Here a centurion's servant is healed by Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The centurion sees Jesus as someone with authority, whose words and commands have power to make things happen - in this case to heal his servant. Jesus is also seen as higher "worth" or status than the centurion.  What's amazing is that Jesus humbled himself by taking on flesh to be the incarnate Son of God and the centurion sees himself as less worthy than Jesus - in contrast to how the world saw the centurion.  Here we see two amazing portraits of humility.  Humility is one of the most important attributes we should have in our journey with Christ.  We must have humility to acknowledge our need for salvation and for Jesus, and then we must every day go to Him for our daily bread to provide all things - most importantly our spiritual needs.  Jesus marvels at the centurion.  Just as God was well please with Jesus at His baptism, we seek for God to be pleased with us.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jewish elders (v3) are used in this story by Jesus to bring glory to God and Jesus rightly shares in v9 that the centurion has more faith than the Jews even though the Jews should have seen Jesus as fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as the promised Messiah.        
• 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 not seeing Jesus for who He is and placing ourselves or an earthly idol above or in place of Jesus.  Claim the promise that Jesus is King of Kings whose Word is God (John 1:1) and how He is in all and over all things, and that He alone saves (even though we are not worthy).  Follow the example of the centurion who saw Jesus as more worthy and that we are not worthy...but that Jesus alone is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.  Understand and act with intent that we exist for His glory.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You alone are worthy of all praise, honor and glory.  Thank You for saving me and giving me the gift of salvation.  I am not deserving - the greatest gift of all time.  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.

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 John 20:30-31

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:30-31, where John closes this chapter by sharing his heart that people read his letter and believe.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Building on my post yesterday, God wants to save as many as possible, so He reveals Himself through Creation (general revelation) and specifically in His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and through others (church, other believers, etc.) - this is referred to as special revelation.  John, as Christ's ambassador, was given a mission to share the gospel through His books (including 1-3 John, Revelation) and the general theme is to save through faith in Christ. Salvation gives us life both now to the full (John 10:10), and for eternity. Read the Bible and encounter God. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All people seek purpose, but often seek purpose in earthly pursuits as these become idols in place of God.  Believers are tasked with sharing the gospel and by demonstrating God in them through love of others.  God's Word plays a key role in this mission, and God also commands us to love others and to be a light so that others are drawn to Him as a contrast to the darkness of this world (without God). Be a light to others.     
• 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 purpose above God - we exist to bring glory to Him.  Claim the promise that Jesus gives us life now and for eternity.  Follow the example of John to share the gospel and by being a light to others.  Read the Bible, know and love God and in response love others to be a light.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You Jesus for Your Word so that I can know You, love You and love others.  I am not deserving of these 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.

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 John 20:24-29

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:24-29, where, after the resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples again - this time with Thomas, who did not believe that Jesus had rose from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God does not mind that we doubt - see also Jude 22-23 where we are encouraged to have mercy on those who doubt.  In this case, Jesus overcomes locked doors (not a difficult feat for God) to bring Thomas to faith.  Jesus uses this as a teaching moment to encourage belief in Jesus without full evidence - this is faith.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All of us, like Thomas, have sufficient evidence to know that God exists - without excuse (general revelation) - see Romans 1:20. Yet many continue to doubt - if this is you, I would encourage you to lean into God because if You seek Him with all of your heart, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13) (special revelation).
• 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 testing God - see the latter remarks of this post. Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says He is - King of Kings, the Good Shepherd, and your personal Lord and Savior who has already defeated sin and death and rose again giving believers life now to the full and for eternity.  Follow the example of those who have not seen everything but believe - have faith.  Trust God's promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are my personal Lord and Savior and I know I can never be separated from Your love.  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.

Peace be with you....Peace be with you....And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

 John 20:19-23

Peace be with you....Peace be with you....And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:19,20,22

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:19-23, where Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks to bring peace of mind (vv19, 21) to the disciples, first that it is truly Him, so He shows them (v20) the wounds to His hands and side (which was pierced) as He hung on the cross.  Peace of mind was important as well because of persecution of the those identified to be followers of Jesus - if Jesus could be put to death so could anyone associated with Him.  Jesus gives us peace - even in the darkest moments.  He is Light (see also John 1:4, 8:12). Jesus sought to give this peace of mind certainly through His physical presence, but also through the Holy Spirit which He gave to the disciples by breathing on them (v22). Jesus then shares that forgiveness can be given or withheld in v23 although multiple reads of this verse give me pause to discern whether the "it" being withheld is forgiveness or the Holy Spirit from v22. See also this John Piper message for more on this verse. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Following Jesus does have a cost as persecution comes in many forms.  The disciples face imprisonment, physical harm, and even death - as such they locked the doors (v19).  
• 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 fear and worry as this will cascade into other sins.  Claim the promise that Jesus provides us the Holy Spirit and we can never be separated from His love.  Follow the example of those who followed Jesus at great cost - pick up your cross daily and follow Him.  Trust Him as He is the Good Shepherd who loves, cares, and saves.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  I am not deserving of how You save and provide peace - and I know that I can never be separated from Your love.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and my salvation.  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.

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

 John 20:11-18

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. John 20:17-18

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:11-18, where we see Jesus appear to Mary Magdalene after the resurrection.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus cares for His disciples as He consoles Mary.  Yet, even as Mary seeks to ensure Jesus' body is cared for (v15), Jesus reminds us that He will be ascending to the Father and this is His mission and the Father's will - it must happen according to plan. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Mary is distraught that Jesus' body is apparently gone but encounters two angels inside the tomb, and then Jesus appears behind her.  She is initially not aware that it is Jesus with whom she is talking - vv13-14 and "clings" to Jesus by seeking to take possession of His body.  Jesus reassures her that He must ascend to the Father and she should tell the other disciples of this plan - which she does.  Mary does not fully grasp Jesus' plan to go away and leave His followers with the Holy Spirit (see John 14-16), but nonetheless follows Jesus' command to inform the other disciples.
• 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 "clinging" to our own version of Jesus.  Claim the promise that we can never be separated from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).  Follow the example of Mary who obeyed Jesus even though she was likely concerned she would not see Him again.  Often, obedience is not comfortable but we should follow the will of God.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and never leaves or forsakes me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and my salvation.  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 hearts, 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.