But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.

John 3:1-21

But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. John 3:21

I continue my study of John, reviewing John 3:1-21 using the Sword Bible Study Method, where I started yesterday at vv1-15, and today my focus is vv16-21.   

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Nicodemus continues his evening discussion with Jesus, with Jesus building on v15 where He shares that "whoever believes in him may have eternal life."  Next we have the very oft-quoted v16 (and v17 which really should be read and spoken together with v16) that is the core gospel message: (1) God loved us SO MUCH that He gave His only Son Jesus to save the world for a full life now reborn through Christ, and for eternity with Jesus in Heaven with all the saints (other believers); (2) we should be be clear that the gospel is a HOPEFUL message, not one of judgment - yes, all will be judged, but this is NOT WHY Jesus came to earth as the Incarnate Son of God.  The gospel is a SAVING message, not one of CONDEMNATION.  Yes, there will be condemnation but that is because they are rejecting the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  God knows why people reject Him....it is because people don't want to come to terms that everyone is a sinner and that accepting Jesus means you have to confess sin and turn to Him as Your Lord and Savior.      
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Fear and shame grip people into holding onto their sin as a secret - vv19-20.  In contrast, believers are no longer slaves to their sin, and as we bear fruit from our faith, believers become a light onto others where we reflect the light of Jesus as we become image-bearers and ambassadors of God - v21.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Scripture is clear that believers should not judge those who don't believe - it is NOT our role to judge.  Jude 22-23 is instructive here - we are to show mercy not judge. Claim your free gift of salvation - confess sin, repent and believe!             

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for giving me the greatest gift of all time....I am not deserving of such a gift.  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.

Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

John 3:1-21

Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? John 3:11-12

I continue my study of John, and today, I start to unpack John 3:1-21 using the Sword Bible Study Method, looking at vv1-15, and tomorrow I will look at vv16-21.   

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: As Nicodemus questions Him, Jesus prefaces His response with "truly, truly" (3x - vv3,5,11).  He does this to emphasize that what He is saying is absolutely true because He is the King of Kings and source of God's Word (see John 1:1).  Jesus then focuses on the important doctrine of regeneration - that believers must be born again to have faith.  See also Ezekiel 36:26 where God alone gives His people a new heart, replacing the heart of stone with a heart of flesh.  There should be no mystery about how one comes to faith - although it works like the wind (v8) in the sense that the timing or circumstances are not known, faith comes from God alone via the Spirit living in our hearts (Ephesians 2:8).  God wants us to have faith - even when we cannot see or comprehend everything.  It is true that many aspects of faith are hard to understand (more accurately not fully understood on this side of Heaven) but there are aspects of faith that should be absolutely clear from both the OT and NT - we all sin, need a Savior, and Jesus is that Savior (see also Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, Romans 3:10, Psalms 14:2-3, 53:2-3).           
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People want answers for everything yet people will find it futile because we cannot understand all there is to understand - see Ecclesiastes 1:1-10. Israel (and any other non believer) did not believe even with both earthly and heavenly signs - see also Romans 1:20. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid leaning on own understanding (Proverbs 3:5); but instead acknowledge, trust and follow God; belief in Jesus will give new/transformed life and eternal life; we should follow Nicodemus' example and earnestly seek Him and Truth because God promises that if seek Him with all of our heart we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  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 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 when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

John 2:23-25

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:23-25

I continue my study of John, and today, I further unpack John 2:23-25 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and I summarize my thoughts from both today and yesterday by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

Main point: Jesus is the Promised Messiah, is self-sufficient, and He wants a relationship with us.  

1. Jesus is the Son of God, and King of Kings - all knowing, all powerful and ever present from the beginning to the end (Alpha and Omega). 
2. God knows what is in the hearts and minds of all of humanity - He sees everything. 
3. Belief in Jesus must be based on an understanding of who He is and that He exists to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God is all knowing, all powerful and ever present from the beginning to the end (Alpha and Omega).  God knows what is in the hearts in men - nothing can be hidden from Him.  God will not commit Himself to nor save those whose faith is paper thin.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People try and hide their motives, beliefs and motives, yet Jesus sees it all.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  Avoid superficial faith - Know and love Him with all of your, heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:36).  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (Jeremiah 29:13, James 4:8). 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  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 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 when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

John 2:23-25

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:23-25

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 2:23-25 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and tomorrow I will take another pass at the text and summarize my thoughts from both today and tomorrow by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Passover Feast and performing signs.  He did not entrust Himself to those believing in His name because He did not need them.  Jesus, while fully man, is also fully God, so He does not need anything from anyone - including anyone to bear witness to Him.  He is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and in control of all matters in the universe (see also Colossians 1:15-20).  Jesus knows what is in people's hearts and He alone reveals Himself to people.   
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The text implies that the people believing in His name were more interested in the signs He was performing than they were about who Jesus really is - the Promised Messiah and the Son of God.  Note the contrast here to chapter one where  Andrew, Peter, Philip and Nathanael's respond to Jesus based on a more true understanding of Jesus' identity.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Know God and believe in His name based on who He actually is.  Understand that God alone hardens and softens hearts, we should share the gospel with others, and pray to Him to soften the hearts of those to whom we do share.  We should support and disciple those who do believe in Jesus based on a right understanding of Him.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor my faith as I know that is from You alone not of anything I have done.  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 the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body.

John 2:13-22

So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. John 2:18-21

I continue my study of John, and today, I take another pass at unpacking John 2:13-22 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and I summarize my thoughts from both yesterday and today by providing an outline and main point for the text.  

Main point: God wants us to be consumed by zeal for Jesus and both each believer and the church exist to glorify God through zeal for Him. 

1. God wants us to have zeal for Jesus - He is the temple of God.
2. Jesus lives in believers' hearts and bodies - we are also the temple of God.
3. The church (as a collection of believers both via the local and global organization) is also the body of Christ and therefore also the temple of God.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God seeks for us to be consumed by zeal for Himself.  V17 shares how the disciples remembered David's words from Psalm 69:9, yet later in the text (v21) Jesus refers to Himself as the temple.  God is not seeking zeal for a building.  Instead He is seeking zeal for God through His Son Jesus and through people who are created in His image and in whom the Holy Spirit lives in hearts and bodies - animating us to live for His glory.     
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Jesus' reference to Himself as the temple is further amplified by text elsewhere - see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 3:16 where believers are described as the temple given that the Holy Spirit and God reside in our hearts (and therefore our bodies).  We can extend this thought by looking at how scripture shares how the church is the body of Christ - see 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Romans 12:4-5, Ephesians 1:23.     
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): God wants us to be consumed by zeal for Jesus and both each believer and the church exist to glorify God through zeal for Him. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God that lives in me to bring You glory.  You are worthy of all glory, honor and praise as You save and bless beyond comprehension.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and bless.  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.

His disciples remembered that it was written,“Zeal for your house will consume me.”

John 2:13-22

His disciples remembered that it was written,“Zeal for your house will consume me.” John 2:17

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 2:13-22 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and tomorrow I will take another pass at the text and summarize my thoughts from both today and tomorrow by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: It's not that Jesus despises trade or people making money, instead Jesus does not like it when people exploit a prominent Jewish holiday to serve their own interests.  We must remember that we exist to glorify God - not the other way around.  Passover served as a time of remembrance for what God did during the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.  The text shares that the disciples remembered Psalm 69:9 where David writes how he was consumed with "zeal for [God's] house."  This zeal is what God seeks from us - we should be consumed for zeal and love for God.  God chooses those to whom He reveals Himself.  He reveals Himself to His disciples but not the Jewish leadership (with exception to Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea).  God alone hardens and softens hearts. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The disciples understood what Jesus was doing with His righteous anger over what was happening in the temple courtyard - v17; the Jewish leadership should not have allowed such activities in the temple but they did and unlike the disciples they were not consumed with "zeal for [God's] house."  Instead they were consumed with zeal for their own interests - status, power, etc.  Both the the Jewish leadership and the disciples (at the time) did not understand what Jesus was referring to when Jesus said that the temple will be destroyed and rebuilt in 3 days - v19; the disciples ultimately understood what Jesus was referring to - v21 - after Jesus crucifixion and resurrection, and this furthered their understanding and conviction in God's Word as Truth and as God (John 1:1, 2 Timothy 3:16).  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should not seek our own glory above God's.  We should claim God's Word as Truth, that "no word from God will ever fail (Luke 1:37 NIV)," and that scripture is perfect and God breathed.  We should follow David and Jesus' examples to be consumed with zeal for both God and His house.  We should bring glory to God in all that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).     

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who saves!  I am not deserving of how You choose who to save and who not to save - that You chose me.  Thank You Jesus!  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.

When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

John 2:1-12

When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” John 2:9-10

I continue my study of John, and today, I take another pass at unpacking John 2:1-12 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and today I summarize my thoughts from both yesterday and today by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

Main point: Jesus responds to prayers but we must understand that His plan will not be thwarted.

1. Jesus acts with intent and a plan.
2. Jesus does respond to the cares and concerns of His people.
3. Jesus' response to our prayers and concerns does not conflict with nor deter His will.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: As I posted yesterday, Jesus does respond to our prayers while still sticking to His plan - in this case, you can see how Jesus made a point to His mother that His "hour [had] not yet come" - v4.  While the text is not clear, Jesus does accede to His mother's request and Jesus gives instructions to the servants and once the servants follow these instructions, water is turned into wine - v9. Because it was not Jesus' hour, He did not want His true identity to be more widely known, so His power was used in such a way that He revealed only a glimpse of His true identity to only a limited number of people.
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: While the servants did know that Jesus turned the water into wine - the text implies that this miracle was not well known among the wedding guests as even the master of the feast did not know - v9; those in the know included Jesus, the servants, Jesus' mother, and the disciples - v11.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Jesus responds to prayers but we must understand that His plan will not be thwarted (see also Job 42:2, Isaiah 14:27).      

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You acted with intent and a plan to save me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You continue to work in me.  My sin is great and it continues.  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 the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”

John 2:1-12

When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” John 2:3-4

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 2:1-12 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and tomorrow I will take another pass at the text and summarize my thoughts from both today and tomorrow by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Once again, as I posted yesterday, Jesus acts with intent and purpose - He has a plan; see v4 where He rebukes His mother for asking Him to make more wine by sharing "My hour has not yet come"; yet while Jesus does act with intent and He does have a plan, He responds to the cares and concerns of His people and in this case His own mother;  clearly this was not a need that reached the same level as other requests for healing, etc. but Jesus will respond to the cares and concerns of His people and STILL make His plan work; here Jesus produces wine from water - the first of His miracles that "manifested His glory" - v10.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Jesus' mother's request can be seen as a petty use of Jesus' power as the King of Kings; people often make petty requests of God - He is not a vending machine - vv3-4. Upon Jesus' turning of the water into wine, Jesus' disciples believed 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should bring our cares and concerns to Jesus (1 Peter 5:7) and He wants to hear them - however, we should be mindful that Jesus is not a vending machine and we should seek His will not our own with our requests (see also Luke 22:42).    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who is full of compassion and grace - You want to hear our cares and concerns and You respond.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love, grace and mercy - my salvation - 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.

Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”

John 1:43-51

Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” John 1:48-50

I continue my study of John, and today, I take another pass at unpacking John 1:43-51 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and I summarize my thoughts from both yesterday and today on the text by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

Main point: Jesus is Father/Son/Holy Spirit who saves, and we must share the Good News with others. 

1. Jesus' acts with intent to seek and save the lost - vv43, 47-50, 51
2. Believers should have a right and true understanding of who Jesus is - vv45, 49 
3. Believers should act with intent to share the gospel with others - v46 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus found Philip and called Philip to follow Him; Jesus acts with intent and singular purpose to seek and save the lost, as He is not aimless and did not just "find" Philip; He was directed to go to Galilee to find Philip specifically as He was calling The Twelve (Luke 19:10, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27) - v43; same story with Nathanael.
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Philip shares the gospel - even before He has a more complete understanding of what the gospel is - with Nathanael; he invites Nathanael to "come and see" this Jesus and experience Him as Philip did; God gave him the words to use to describe who he met (the Promised Messiah) and prompted him to invite Nathanael to see for himself - v45-46.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should be clear who Jesus is, and we should study scripture and know God to equip ourselves to share the gospel with others.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who saves and gives life now to the full and for eternity in Heaven.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings He pours out for me daily.  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. 

Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”

 John 1:43-51

Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” John 1:46-47

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 1:43-51 using the Sword Bible Study Method. Tomorrow, I will follow up and outline the text and provide a main point. 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Although Nathanael insults Him, Jesus shows compassion and mercy to Nathanael - praising Him instead of being revengeful - v47; Jesus is all knowing as He sees and knows everything about us - vv46-48; Jesus offers more than just miracles - He offers salvation and a relationship with the Triune God - vv50-51.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Philip is "found" by Jesus and he becomes a follower/disciple of Jesus; Philip is from the same town as Andrew and Peter (Bethsaida) - vv43-44; Philip correctly identifies Jesus as the Promised Messiah - v45; Nathanael is initially a naysayer and does not believe Philip that Jesus is the Promised Messiah and Philip seeks to change his mind - v46; upon meeting Jesus and seeing that Jesus knows him without meeting him, Nathanael also correctly identifies who Jesus is - but with another attribute of the Triune God - the Son - vv48-49.   
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should not doubt who Jesus is - He is the Promised Messiah, King of Kings, Son of God, and sent by God; we should know with God, while He offers life to the full now to those who believe Him, He also offers "greater things" - eternal life in Heaven with Him - v51. We should follow Jesus as Philip and Nathanael did. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for life to the full now and for eternity in Heaven with You and all the other saints.  I am not deserving of my salvation - 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 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 first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).

 John 1:35-42

He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). John 1:41

I continue my study of John, and today, I outline and unpack John 1:35-42 using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

Main point: Jesus is the Messiah, He takes away sin, and for those who follow Him, He offers eternal fellowship and Truth.   

1. Jesus takes away sin - v35
2. Jesus is Truth - v38
3. Jesus offers eternal fellowship - v39
4. Jesus is the Messiah - v41 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus is once again called by John - accurately - the Lamb of God.  Jesus is the perfect spotless lamb - the final sacrifice who will atone for (take away) the sins of the world - v36 (see also v29); Jesus gains His first disciples - two who followers of Jesus now followed Him - v37; Jesus is interested in what people seek - He wants people to seek Truth (Him) - v38; the two new disciples refer to Jesus as Rabbi (Teacher) - v38; Jesus invites the two new disciples to stay with Him for the day as Jesus seeks fellowship with us - v39; Jesus is referred to as the Messiah (Christ) by Andrew - v41; Jesus calls Simon Peter (Andrew's brother) Peter - v42.
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Two of Jesus' first disciples are former disciples of John the Baptist but now follow Jesus - vv35-37 - reinforcing that Jesus is more important (ranking before) than John (see also v30); the two new disciples of Jesus seek teaching from Jesus - v38; they stay with Jesus at His invitation, they seek fellowship with Him - v39; one of the new disciples was Andrew - who was Simon Peter's brother - v40; Andrew correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah (Christ) - v41; Andrew brings Simon Peter to Jesus and Jesus tells him that going forward he will be called Peter - v42. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should correctly identify Jesus as the Messiah - Christ; He is also our Teacher as He is the Word (John 1:1) and Truth. We should follow Jesus and seek fellowship with Him.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are the Promised Messiah who loves, saves, teaches, and stays with me until the end of the age.  Thank You Jesus!  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.

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

 John 1:29-34

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

I continue my study of John, and today, I outline and unpack John 1:29-34 using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

Main point: Jesus is the Triune God who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and gives new and eternal life.   

1. Jesus is the final and perfect atonement for the sins of the world - vv29-30
2. Jesus is revealed as one of the Triune God's identities - along with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - v31-34 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus approaches and makes Himself known to John (who continues to baptize those who repent in the Jordan), and John describes Jesus as the Lamb of God (the perfect and final sacrifice), who takes away the sin of the world" - v29; John continues, describing Jesus the as the one he kept referring to as coming after John but also the one who was before me (existed since the beginning - see v2) and as the one ranking before (higher than) John, because He existed before John - v30; all persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (descending from Heaven like a dove and remaining with Jesus) - of the Triune God appear together as sent by God - vv31-33; God the Father spoke to John and shared that Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit - v33; John once again in this chapter (see also vv14, 18) testifies regarding the identity of Jesus as the Son of God - v34.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: John fulfills his role to prepare the way for Jesus as he announces Jesus' arrival - v29; John wants everyone to be clear than he is less than Jesus - v30; John both performs and bears witness to Jesus' baptism, and also experiences the Father, Son and Holy Spirit during the baptism as he sees the Holy Spirit descend from Heaven like a dove and God talking to John sharing how the Holy Spirit remains with Jesus and Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit - vv32-33; John previously did not know Jesus but now understands more fully His identity as the Triune God - vv31, 34.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): See Jesus as the Promised Messiah who takes away the sin of the world; follow the example of others who repent and believe in Jesus to experience forgiveness and salvation, and to experience baptism by the Holy Spirit as you will then be reborn as a new creation into the family of God. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves and baptizes with the Holy Spirit, giving new and eternal life.  Thank You Jesus for my rebirth and salvation.  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 they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

John 1:19-23

And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” John 1:21

I continue my study of John, and today, I outline John 1:19-28 and unpack the text using the Sword Bible Study Method: 

Main point: John points to Jesus as fulfillment of prophecy and infinite worth.  

1. John the Baptist and men baptize with water - vv19-23
2. Jesus will baptize with Holy Spirit - vv24-28   

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: At this point in the text, Jesus has yet to start His ministry so He is not known - v26; Jesus fulfills prophecy from Isaiah and John - v23, vv26-27; Jesus has worth more than John - v27; Jesus will baptize with something more and better than water - vv26-27 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The Jewish leaders are concerned about and question John re: who he is and what he is doing imploring people to repent as he baptizes people in Bethany (in the Jordan River) - vv19-28; upon questioning John shares that while he is not Elijah (v21), and He is not Jesus (note the use of lower case "p" as John is not The Prophet as a proper noun as this is assigned to Jesus - v21), he does fulfill prophecy from Isaiah 40:3 as coming before Jesus - v23; John baptizes with water - v26; John is less than Jesus - v27. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Although John the Baptist can be seen as a biblical hero he is not God nor is anyone else, including pastors, etc. - we should avoid idolizing church figures but worship God alone; we should follow John's example to see Jesus is of great worth and value - our ultimate treasure; we should follow the example of those who received baptism from John and pursue baptism as a public statement of our faith and receive baptism through the Holy Spirit. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who is my ultimate treasure - You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings...my sin is great and it continues....daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome 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 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.

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:14-18

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17-18

I continue my study of John and this morning, I focus on on vv14-18. 

Observations of the vv14-18 based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God (the Word) became flesh (doctrine of incarnation), He lived among humankind for a period, His glory (as the only Son of God) was seen by humankind, the Son of God was sent by God, and He is full of grace and truth - v14; John the Baptist bore witness of Jesus, and Jesus existed before John the Baptist - v15; Jesus gives us grace upon grace - which implies a continuous flow of grace, one that never ceases (see also Lamentations 3:23-23) - v16; Jesus gives us freedom from the law (grace and truth), a New Covenant based on His shed blood and death on the cross; we must still obey the law (the moral law not the ceremonial law), but our obedience comes through a relationship in Jesus and the Holy Spirit as obedience is not something we can attain on our own - v17; no one has even seen God (Moses came close), yet Jesus (who is currently seated at the right hand of God in Heaven) made Him known to us, that we can know Him more and have an intimate personal relationship with Him as our Lord and Savior - v18.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Though Jesus took on flesh and become human as the incarnate Son of God, humankind cannot claim that we are equal to Jesus.
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid focus on the law, on achieving God's favor through works and our own strength, and instead focus on knowing and loving Jesus more and more each day. Claim the promise of how Jesus' provides a never ending fountain of grace, one that provides mercies every day - ponder this and rejoice in what God has done to provide this for you. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, what an awesome God You are that saves and provides grace upon grace in an inexhaustible supply...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of salvation nor such grace.  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 to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 1:11-13

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,  who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13

I continue my study of John and this morning, I focus on on vv11-13. 

Observations of the vv1-13 based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: The OT prophesied about the coming Messiah as Jewish prophets gave hope to the Jews who over its history had experienced both captivity/exile and the destruction/plundering of their temple.  Jesus came first to the Jews during His ministry - He wanted to save the Jewish people (so did Paul - see also Romans 9:1-5) - v11.  To those who believed in Jesus, He gave new birth, regeneration and adoption into His family - vv12-13.     
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Although He is the Messiah promised in OT, Jesus was not seen by the Jewish leaders as fulfillment of prophecy but instead as blasphemous - v11. However, there were many Jews, including Jewish leaders such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea who at the very least showed interest in learning more about Jesus.  Those who do believe in Jesus became a new creation (with Jesus and the Holy Spirit living/working in their hearts) and received a new identity (child of God) - v13.  As children of God, believers experience new birth through God - this is the doctrine of regeneration - see also John 3:1-7.   
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Believers should fully comprehend and appreciate our new identity as members of God's family - set apart and saved.  We should tell others about this new identity and family, the inheritance that comes with this identity and family, and that anyone can join this family and also have this rich inheritance - see also Romans 8:16-17. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that gave me new birth, saved me and gave me faith, and through this I became a member of Your family and a fellow heir with You of the riches of Christ. Truly astounding!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and riches.  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 true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.

John 1:6-10

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. John 1:9-10

I continue my study of John and this morning, I focus on on vv6-10. 

Observations of the vv6-10 based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God sent John ahead of Jesus to prepare the way - v6; Jesus is the Light referred to in vv4-5 that gives light to and helps everyone overcome darkness (sin and death) - He is coming into the world (as incarnate Son of God) - v9.  Although Jesus existed in the beginning and is the author of creation, the world did not know Him (including His purpose - (to seek and save the lost, to serve and not be served - Luke 19:10, Mark 10:45) because He had yet to start His ministry on earth as the incarnate Son of God - v10.     
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: John was sent from God - v6; John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus and His purpose - v7; John is not Jesus, his purpose was to "bear witness" about Jesus, His ministry, and purpose - the gospel - v8.  John's role was prophesied in the OT (see also Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1), so John's appearance fulfills prophecy.
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should not worship any man who is sent by God, worship only God. We are to see how Jesus gives light and life to everyone - power to overcome darkness - which is sin and death.  We should follow John's example to share the Good News about Jesus. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves and saves, giving me power to overcome sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless in such ways.  My sin is great and it continues....daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and 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 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.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5

I started a study of John and this morning, I outline John 1:1-18 but focus on vv1-5 what I see as the first division. 

Main point: Jesus is the Son of God and the basis of all existing life and of life reborn through faith.  

1. Both Jesus and the Word are eternal and the basis for creation and all life - vv1-5. 
2. John the Baptist was sent from God to prepare the world for Jesus - vv6-10.
3. Believers in Jesus will become children of God, reborn through the Holy Spirit - vv11-13.
4. Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, full of grace and truth - vv14-18.   

Observations of the vv1-5 based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God's Word is eternal - v1; God's word IS God - v1. Jesus is eternal and with God - v2.  Jesus is the basis for all creation, all life, and life is in Him - vv3-4; Jesus is light in men - Holy Spirit - that shines in darkness and overcomes it - vv4-5.     
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The light people have is a reflection of Jesus and this light gives people power to overcome darkness and sin - v5. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to claim the promise of Jesus' identity as God, Son of God and Holy Spirit.  We are also to claim the promise and truths that Jesus is eternal, the basis of all creation and life, and the Holy Spirit that lives in believers and gives power to overcome darkness, sin, and death. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves and saves - You are the author of all creation and life, You save and give new life through You, and You saved me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love 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 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, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil.

Luke 4:1-13

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness  for forty days, being tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1-2a

As I have finished my study of Mark, pending a decision for what to study next, as a stop gap I am doing teacher training homework assigned from my church, which is to - without the use of a commentary - form a main idea and outline from a text.  The homework's text is Luke 4:1-13

Main point: Believers can defend against sin and temptation, just as Jesus did through faith, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.   

1. Jesus, is full of and led by the Holy Spirit to encounter Satan - v1
2. Jesus is tempted by Satan - vv2-3, 5-7, 9-11
3. Jesus defends Himself against Satan - vv4, 8, 12, 13

Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus is full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit - we are reminded of the role the Holy Spirit plays in not just Jesus' life but also believers lives to be fed (spiritually and physically), led, and protected from temptation - vv1, 4, 8, 12.  In the text we see Jesus led by the Holy Spirit to encounter Satan in the wilderness for forty days and be tempted - vv1-2 - using hunger (v2), earthly power (v7), refuge from physical harm (vv9-11), and ultimately "every temptation" (v13).  Jesus has a perfect understanding of scripture and leans on this understanding (see also Proverbs 3:5-6) to defend against temptation- we understand from John 1:1 that in the beginning Jesus was the Word (still is as God does not change) and the Word was with God.  We understand from the beginning of the text that Jesus is full of the Holy Spirit.  Given He is led by the Holy Spirit in the wilderness, we can infer that Jesus ordained an appointment with Satan to prepare Himself for ministry and ultimately for His crucifixion, as He knew the Father's will for His life.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Satan is very powerful - and Jesus is unable to protect Himself from the temptations (every temptation - v13) of Satan without power from the Holy Spirit - v1. Satan was unable to draw Jesus into sin - using "every temptation" - and departed Him - v13.     
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Just as it was for Jesus, temptation is real and all around us (see also 1 Peter 5:8) - we must avoid becoming a friend of the world to avoid sinful influences. We must not live on bread alone but also feed ourselves daily/spiritually with scripture.  We must not put God to the test. We should love God and worship God above self or others/idols. We must follow Jesus' example and put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:1-18), which includes scripture (which we must study and put it in our hearts), prayer, and the Holy Spirit.     

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves, and equips us with the whole armor of God so that we can also have victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...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 they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Mark 16:14-20

And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs. Mark 16:20

At the urging of pastors at my church and my wife Lisa, I continue my study of Mark - without assistance of a commentary.  Today, I explore Mark 16:14-20 which primarily focuses on the Great Commission:

Main point: While Jesus forgives temporary unbelief, eternal condemnation awaits those who reject the gospel message.

1. Disciples rebuked for temporary unbelief (v14)
2. Disciples charged to share the gospel to whole creation (v15)
3. Believers of gospel saved, while eternal condemnation awaits unbelievers (v16)
4. Salvation is a miracle (vv17-18)
5. Holy Spirit and miraculous signs will help disciples confirm gospel (vv19-20) 

Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: After appearing to Mary M and Mary (mother of Jesus), Jesus then appears to the "eleven" disciples (everyone except Judas who had yet to be replaced see Acts 1) - v14a. Jesus then rebukes the disciples for their initial unbelief and hardness of heart regarding news of the resurrection as shared by Mary M, Mary, Cleopas, and his traveling companion - v14b.  Jesus charges His disciples to share the gospel globally and to the whole of creation - v16.  Jesus will provide miraculous signs to accompany salvation and those who believe - confirming that salvation is a work of God - vv17-18, 20 (see also Ephesians 2:8-9).  After the resurrection, Jesus ascends into Heaven to be seated at the right hand of God - v19 - but He will remain (Holy Spirit) with the disciples as they embark on the mission given to them to share the gospel globally - v20.
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: There will be periods when our faith will be tested and weakened, yet Jesus wants us to maintain faith so as to not fall away.  We can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world - John 16:33.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): While the disciples temporary unbelief and lack of trust in God is sinful, it is forgiven.  Scripture shares that there is unforgivable sin - see Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-30. God wants us to believe and to share the gospel globally - all true belief and salvation is accompanied by miraculous signs as believers bear spiritual fruit for abiding in God as directed in John 15:1-10.  We must obey the charge to share the gospel - locally and globally.      

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, what an awesome God You are that You save and work in me to bear fruit - without You I am nothing, certainly not saved.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You work in my heart and 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.

But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it....And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

Mark 16:9-13

But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it....And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Mark 16:11, 13

I continue my study of Mark, focusing on Mark 16:9-13 as we read about the disciples unbelief in Jesus' resurrection.

Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: After His resurrection, Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, who had been healed by Jesus as He had cast out from her seven demons - v9.  While the motive to appear to Mary first vs others may be difficult to discern from this text, we do know that Jesus recognizes the great generosity of Mary and other women "healed of evil spirits and infirmities" as they provided for Jesus and His ministry "out of their [great] means" (see Luke 8:2 and this Bible encyclopedia entry for Mary Magdalene).  Jesus then appears "in another form" to two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus- v12.  We know from Luke 24:18 that one of these is Cleopas.
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Mary M goes to tell the disciples of Jesus' resurrection as they had been in mourning over His death - v10 - but they would not belief Mary M - v11. Cleopas and his traveling companion also share with the disciples that they saw the resurrected Jesus, but, again, even though the disciples had then been told this news now twice, they still did not believe the it- v13.  The disciples' unbelief reveals an incomplete understanding of and lack of faith in what Jesus had shared with them that He will rise after death (see John 2:19-21).    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Belief in the resurrection is core to the gospel - without it we are not saved.  We must claim the promise that the victory over sin and death is already won and that our faith and salvation provides eternal life with Jesus in Heaven. We must trust in God that He is faithful - that all the promises of God find their yes in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that is faithful - we can trust in You.  Thank You for my salvation and for the rest You provide based on Your faithfulness.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  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 said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”

Mark 16:1-8

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” Mark 16:6-7

I continue my study of Mark, focusing on Mark 16:1-8.  

Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus inspires devotion, love and service as Mary Magdalene and Mary - Jesus' mother - go to the tomb where Jesus is buried to anoint Him with spices - vv1-2.  The angel in the tomb shares to Mary Magdalene and Mary that Jesus has risen - He is no longer in the tomb - vv6-7.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Mary Magdalene and Mary are alarmed at the scene they encounter both at the tomb entrance and in the tomb as the very large stone sealing the tomb had been rolled away - vv3-4 - and in the tomb Jesus was not there but an angel instead sharing that Jesus had risen - vv5-6.  While one may appreciate that this is alarming, we should also remember that Mary Magdalene and Mary had seen Jesus perform many miracles during His ministry time, and almost certainly had at least heard of Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11).  Mary Magdalene and Mary understood that Jesus had the power to raise Himself from the dead, but at this point fail to make the connection that Jesus had earlier that same week (Passion Week/Holy Week) shared that He would rise (see John 2:19-21). Although the angel tells Mary Magdalene and Mary to not be alarmed and that they will find Jesus "going before Peter and the disciples to Galilee" (v7), they are still trembling, astonished, afraid, and fled the tomb (v8).     
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): God does not want us to fear - do not fear.  This is a tough one because of course, although Jesus tells us that with Him we will overcome the world (John 16:33)- the temptation to fear is great. We should claim this promise that the victory over sin and death is already won.  We should obey God to abide in Him so that we can stand firm in the faith (John 15) and avoid fear...trust God (and His messengers such as the angel in the text).      

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves....You rose from the grave just as You promised You would and You are faithful to Your Word.  I am not deserving of what You did on the cross for me, for how You reveal Yourself to me in the Word, and for Your faithfulness.  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.

Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

Mark 15:42-47

Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Mark 15:43

I continue my study of Mark, focusing on Mark 15:42-47.  

Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus has died and yet He continues to inspire a following - vv43, 47.  Through Him, in death there is life. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: While it may have been custom to ensure people receive a "proper burial" upon death, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, indeed demonstrates extraordinary courage - fighting for Jesus more openly even after Jesus' death.  Clearly, Joseph cared for Jesus and John 19:38-40 shares how he was a secret disciple and John's account provides additional details of how Nicodemus - also a member of the Sanhedrin - joins Joseph to bury Jesus (see also John chapters 3 and 7 for earlier encounters of Nicodemus with Jesus).   
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should claim the promise that through Jesus' sacrifice (and ultimate resurrection) we have new life in Him.  We should follow the example of  Joseph of Arimathea and be courageous with our faith.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  You loved and saved me while I was still an enemy and hostile to You...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome 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 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 when the centurion, who stood facing [Jesus], saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Mark 15:33-41

And when the centurion, who stood facing [Jesus], saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39

I continue my study of Mark, focusing on Mark 15:33-41.  

Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: In the midst of darkness that covered the whole land, Jesus cries out to the Father, asking why has He forsaken the Son -vv33-34. This feeling of being forsaken is understandable, yet we would expect this to be a temporary state of mind of course because we know that Jesus will rise and ascend to Heaven (see also Acts 1:9-11 and Luke 24:51). Jesus continues to be mocked right up until He dies - v36 - He does not save Himself although He has the power to do so, He faithfully submits to the Father's will - v37. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: There will always be those who mock Jesus as done in v36.  Based upon the darkness that befell the whole land and the tearing of the temple curtain vv33, 38, and what we know from the other gospels (Matthew 27:51-54) - earthquake, raising of dead, etc., the centurion accurately states that Jesus is the Son of God - v39. It is implied this centurion becomes a believer. Mary Magdelene, Mary mother of Jesus, and other women - those who loved and ministered to Jesus during His time in ministry observe the crucifixion - v40-41.  These women were certainly devastated by Jesus' death on the cross.  They followed and served (and were at His feet literally as He hung from the cross) Jesus through what they thought was the end, yet we know that this was not the end.
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  We should not question who Jesus is nor mock Him.  Today, many question and mock Jesus and even threaten harm (sometimes physical) - yet we must remain steadfast in our faith and continue to share the gospel.  We should follow Jesus without fear of reprisal - run the race until the end (our physical death) (Hebrews 12:1-2).  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  You loved and saved me while I was still an enemy and hostile to You...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome 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 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 also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself."

Mark 15:21-32

So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself." Mark 15:31

I continue my study of Mark, focusing on Mark 15:21-32.  

Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: v21 - it appears that Jesus was beaten so severely and scourged so harshly that Simon of Cyrene must help carry the cross where Jesus will be crucified; v21 - Jesus is offered wine with myrrh (one of its uses is as as an analgesic) but He refuses - suggesting that He did not want to "dull" the pain or otherwise not completely accept the will of the Father which was for Him to be the final sacrifice for all sin; vv23, 25 - the soldiers crucified Jesus and fulfilled prophecy from Psalm 22:18 (of David) which describes David's agony as Saul hunts him down - this Psalm more broadly mirrors many aspects of the gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion; v24, 26, 29-32 - Jesus is mocked, taunted, derided, and reviled by those crucifying Him, including the soldiers and the chief priests with the scribes, even by those who passed by; v32 - the two robbers crucified with Jesus also reviled Jesus.   
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: v31 - the chief priests with the scribes all but admit that Jesus has saving power and that He "saved others," yet their envy drives them to murder Him.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Envy is a destructive sin that we should avoid - do not covet is one of the Ten Commandments. We should see that Jesus IS King but that His Kingdom is eternal.  He is King of Kings. We should endure suffering as Jesus did and allow others to see how God works through our suffering to give us strength to endure. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - thank You for saving me while still hostile and an enemy to You.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor of the mercies You pour out for me daily that never cease.  My sin is great and it continues...please forgive me Jesus - for impatience, anger, etc.  Help me turn from and overcome 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 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.