John 12
The remainder of John 12 (v12-50) covers Jesus' entrance to Jerusalem during the Passover festival (v12-20). Jesus addresses the crowd (Greeks and others) and tells them that the hour is soon for Him to die and be glorified, and He encourages them to find life in Him vs in others and the world (v23-25). Jesus calls out to God and God responds (v27-29). Jesus also encourages the crowd to focus on what He is saying about the Kingdom of Heaven, the light, etc. vs Satan/this world (v30-36).
We then come upon v37-50 where Jesus addresses the lack of faith among some of the Jews with v42-43 underscoring where many of us fall down in our faith - it is out of fear of what others may say about us. Research shows (see Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs) that "belongingness and love needs" are important for our survival - yet believers also should recognize that people CANNOT substitute a relationship for God. God must come first! Jesus will fill our hearts in ways that people cannot.
Jesus is living water and our daily bread.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is living water and daily bread - I cannot survive without You. Thank You Jesus for adopting me into Your family, for saving me, and for providing for me. I am not worth such blessings. I worry and I gossip. 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.
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God. v42-43
The remainder of John 12 (v12-50) covers Jesus' entrance to Jerusalem during the Passover festival (v12-20). Jesus addresses the crowd (Greeks and others) and tells them that the hour is soon for Him to die and be glorified, and He encourages them to find life in Him vs in others and the world (v23-25). Jesus calls out to God and God responds (v27-29). Jesus also encourages the crowd to focus on what He is saying about the Kingdom of Heaven, the light, etc. vs Satan/this world (v30-36).
We then come upon v37-50 where Jesus addresses the lack of faith among some of the Jews with v42-43 underscoring where many of us fall down in our faith - it is out of fear of what others may say about us. Research shows (see Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs) that "belongingness and love needs" are important for our survival - yet believers also should recognize that people CANNOT substitute a relationship for God. God must come first! Jesus will fill our hearts in ways that people cannot.
Jesus is living water and our daily bread.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is living water and daily bread - I cannot survive without You. Thank You Jesus for adopting me into Your family, for saving me, and for providing for me. I am not worth such blessings. I worry and I gossip. 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.
