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.

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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. 

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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.     

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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.  

Comment and discuss this post

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.