Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

 John 19:17-27

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” John 19:19-22

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:17-27, where we see Jesus led out to be crucified.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is crucified to fulfill scripture - see Isaiah 53 and here in the text today v24 refers to Psalm 22:18.  All scripture points to Jesus and Jesus fulfills all scripture. In vv26-27 Jesus says - while hanging on the cross - to his mother "behold your son" and to Peter "behold your mother."  V27 ends with Peter taking Jesus' mother into his own home and caring for her.  Now Jesus' mother is not Peter's mother by birth but Jesus wants us to care for one another.  Here, in particular, Jesus calls for Peter to care for another believer as one would care for someone in his/her own family.  See also Matthew 12:50.  Support, care, and encouragement for other believers is emphasized elsewhere - see also 1 Corinthians 12:14-26.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Pilate continues to see Jesus as King of the Jews - v21 (an incomplete understanding of Jesus) and the Jews do not see Jesus as a king of anything.  Yet believers must see Jesus for who He is - Lord of All.  Read and study scripture to know 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 an incomplete understanding of Jesus.  Claim the promise that Jesus is Lord of All and He was sent by the Father with all authority to seek and save the lost - He willingly went to the cross so that believers in Him would have victory over sin and death. Follow the example of Jesus to follow the will of God - even at great cost.  Deny oneself and bring glory to God.  Love God and love others - in particular other believers.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves and saves...thank You Jesus for giving me my salvation - 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.  

[Pilate] said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

 John 19:12-16

[Pilate] said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. John 19:14-16

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:12-16, where we see Pilate's efforts to release Jesus, yet the Jews presented Pilate with a conundrum that he could not avoid, and ultimately he caved to their desire to crucify Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Nothing stops God's plan.  Pilate, the leading earthly authority in Jerusalem - could not find fault or guilt in Jesus - yet Jesus proceeded with the Father's plan to send His Son to be the final (and perfect) sacrifice and atonement for all of humanity's sin. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Pilate's heart is softened to the extent that He sees Jesus as not guilty and he wants to learn more about Jesus, but the Jews present Pilate with a conundrum.  The Jews claim that Pilate should be concerned about a threat to Caesar's rule and they make an incredible claim that they see Caesar as their king - vv12, 14-16.  Unfortunately, they did not see Jesus for who He really is - their Promised Messiah.  Pilate must have felt he had no choice to agree with the Jews and put Jesus to death because he feared an uprising or disturbance from the Jews that might have reached Caesar back in Rome.  
• 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 seeing Jesus as anything but King of Kings and as the One True God who saves.  Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says He is - sent from God to seek and save the lost and that all are lost without Jesus. Follow the example of Jesus who willingly lost His life in service to the Father and to all who follow Him.  Love and worship God above all others.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves...You willingly laid down Your life so that I could have victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus for my 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 for Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

 John 19:1-11

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” John 19:11

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:1-11, where we see Pilate flogging Jesus, showing the beaten Jesus to the Jews, once again questioning Jesus, and then asking the Jews what he is to do with Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus willingly submits to His flogging, and the shame (and pain) of Pilates' soldiers striking Him and putting on Him a crown of thorns - vv1-3.  Pilate further shames Jesus by making putting Him on display (to the Jews) wearing a purple robe (typically reserved by earthly royalty) - vv4-5.  Although Jesus is not guilty in Pilates' eyes, the Jews do see Him as guilty of blasphemy - vv6-7.  Jesus at first does not answer Pilate's question  - v9 - but in vv10-11 Jesus responds to Pilate's arrogant claim of authority by sharing that authority is given from the Father, and that He sees the Jews as guilty of a greater sin for delivering Him over to Pilate.       
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jews should have known better by seeing Jesus as the Promised Messiah but their arrogance, pride, etc. blinded them to the gospel message and they would not repent so they stand guilty and condemned.  Pilate is guilty of a lesser sin and perhaps on par with Peter who out of fear did not question the crowd that arrested Jesus.  Yet Peter of course has repented of His sin (including His denial of Jesus) and Jesus restores Him (see John 21:15-19). 
• 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 twisting scripture as the Jewish elders did to focus on your own view of God's Word.  Claim the promise that Jesus is King of Kings and has authority and providence over all.  Follow the example of Jesus who willingly submitted to a brutal, shameful, beating and ultimate crucifixion - so that others would have life to the full now and for eternity.  Pick up your cross, deny oneself and follow Jesus.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that willingly submitted to a gruesome and painful torture and death - so that I could have freedom from sin and death.  Thank You Jesus - 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.

And God spoke all these words, saying,“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.“You shall have no other gods before me.

 Exodus 20:1-3

And God spoke all these words, saying,“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.“You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:1-3

This morning I continue my short side trip from my study of John to look at Exodus 20:1-3 to prepare for leading small group time this morning at church.   I've pulled off and parked again to dig deeper in the text where we see God giving Israel the 10 Commandments starting with most important commandment - to love God and to not have any other gods before Him.  Here are my observations of the text using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In chapter 19, we God setting limits on how Israel should approach Him.  In chapter 20, God expands on how Israel should live - giving Israel 10 commandments.  In the chapters following chapter 20, God gives more details on rules for worship, including how the worship space should look and be equipped.  But before we even get to these rules, God gave us the 10 commandments and the first of which is that we should not have any God's before Him.  Before He gave us this commandment, God wanted to set our hearts right by exhorting us to see what He has done for us - He delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt and He delivered all believers from bondage to sin (spiritual death).    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Unfortunately, we know that the Jewish leadership ultimately worshiped their own abilities to understand the law and their claim to obedience to the law as an idol.  Yet they failed to grasp how God alone grants understanding and God seeks humility.   
• 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 seeing your own understanding of scripture or Jesus as an idol.  Claim the promise that Jesus delivers us from spiritual death.  Follow the example of Jesus who humbled Himself in obedience to the Father.  Know that all comes from God.  Love God as He who saves and provides all things.     

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  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 God spoke all these words, saying,“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.“You shall have no other gods before me.

 Exodus 20:1-3

And God spoke all these words, saying,“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.“You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:1-3

This morning I am taking a short side trip from my study of John to look at Exodus 20:1-3 to prepare for leading small group time tomorrow morning at church.   Here we see God giving Israel the 10 Commandments starting with most important commandment - to love God and to not have any other gods before Him.  Here are my observations of the text using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God speaks.  He speaks to us through His Word, the Holy Spirit, through appointed church leaders, etc. We should know God's voice - see also John 10:3-5 where we see Jesus describing Himself as the Good Shepherd and the church as His sheep who know His voice and follow Him.  We get to know God primarily through His Word but also through other spiritual disciplines such as corporate church worship, prayer, and small group time. God is not nameless - He is our God and for believers of Jesus, He is our personal Lord and Savior.  He delivers us from bondage and sin - we are no longer slave to sin but instead slave to God (see Romans 6:18-22).  As a slave to God, we serve Him in all that we do (even though He sets other people in our lives where we serve them by serving and glorifying God in what we do).      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: There are other people that God places in our lives but they are not to change how God is the priority - if there is ever any question about who comes first, it is always 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 other gods or placing someone or something above our relationship with God.  Claim the promise that God delivers us from bondage and brings us to Himself and we can never be separated from His love.  Follow the example of Jesus who loved the Father and humanity (the world) so much that He suffered and died for us.  Follow God's will for your life.  Love God as your priority - your #1 relationship.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God the delivered me from bondage to sin and reconciled me to You and I can never be separated from Your love.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation!  I am not deserving of such a gift - 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.

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

 Mark 9:14-29

 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

This morning I am taking a short side trip from my study of John to look at Mark 9:14-29 in support of my Friday morning men's Bible study group. Here the text looks at Jesus' healing of a boy with an unclean spirit (whom the disciples could not heal). Here are my observations of the text using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is once again sought by crowds as He has been teaching and performing miracles - including healing a deaf man, a blind man (chapter 7,8) and feeding the four thousand (chapter 8).  Here, Jesus is among a crowd after the Transfiguration (vv2-13) and a father seeks to heal his son whom the disciples were not able to heal (despite how Jesus sent them out in Mark 6:7-12 and gave them authority over the unclean spirits) - see vv17-18. Jesus rebuked the crowd generally (including the disciples and the father) for their lack of faith - v19.  Jesus then specifically rebukes the boy's father who was not fully convinced Jesus could heal his son - vv22-23.  Then, Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit and the boy is healed.  In response to the disciples who questioned Jesus why they could not heal the boy,  Jesus shares that "[t]his kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer" (v29).  It seems that Jesus wants His disciples to be clear that it is not their power that is doing these miracles but the Triune God who works through them.  Yes, Jesus did give the disciples authority over unclean spirits, but that does not make them God, and they remain 100% dependent on God - we are reminded of this and in why we need to pray.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: This is humbling and v29 reminds us to pray and always act in utter dependence on Him.  Contrast the father of the boy with the disciples as the father "cries out "I believe, help my unbelief."  This is the kind of posture and prayer Jesus seeks from us - He gives us the power of the Holy Spirit but at the same time we must "pray ceaselessly" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that heals and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving - there are many times where my faith is weak - please help me with my unbelief.  And my sin is great...daily.  Please forgive me for my sin and help me turn from and repent of my 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 this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.

 John 18:33-40

For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice. John 18:37b-c

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 18:33-40, where we Pilates' final questioning of Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is questioned by Pilate and the dialogue can be summarized as follows: (1) Pilate asks Jesus whether He is King of the Jews and Jesus responds with a question in return whether Pilate truly wants to know this or whether Pilate asks this because the Jewish elders think this of Jesus and of course want to trap into guilt for blasphemy. (2) In v35, Pilate seeks to assess Jesus' guilt - what is the crime of which Israel (His own nation) accuses Him.  Jesus then seeks to clarify that He and His Kingdom are unlike Israel which are of the world - He is not from the world. (3) Pilate than asks if Jesus is a king and Jesus does not respond directly but instead clarifies that His purpose is to "bear witness to the truth." 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Pilate asks an interesting question in v38 that in the next two verses - vv39-40 demonstrates that the Jewish leadership is not interested in the truth because if they were they would seek it and believe in Jesus.  But instead they see Jesus as a threat to their status and power and seek to kill Him.  
• 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 listening and falling for Satan's lies. Claim the promise that Jesus is King of an everlasting Kingdom and He is saving a place in Heaven for us.  Follow the example of Jesus to bear witness to the Truth.  Know Jesus's voice and His truth (v37c) - the Bible (study it!) - then share it!.

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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 give me Truth and reveal Truth/Yourself to me...and save me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  

This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

 John 18:25-32

 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. John 18:32

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 18:25-32, where we see the final details of Peter's denial of Jesus, and the initial details of Jesus brought before Pilate.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Other than v28, Jesus is not explicitly acting in the text - yet we must remember from John 1:1 that "[i]n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  All scripture points to Him and He fulfills all prophecy.  He is also always at work.  See also Colossians 1:15-17 where Jesus is Creator of all things and He holds all things together - either allowing or orchestrating the details.  V32 is key as Jesus' death by crucifixion at the hands of local Roman rule fulfills prophecy - see Matthew 20:19, Luke 18:32-33 as well as this Bible dictionary entry which discusses how this manner of death was not likely one used by the Jews. God is faithful and no word from Him will ever fail (Luke 1:37 NIV).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In contrast to Jesus, Peter in this instance - and all of humanity - cannot be counted on 100% of the time (John 13:37-38) based on the claim that he would lay down his life for Jesus which of course Peter did not do upon Jesus' arrest and trial - his comfort was more important as he was "warming" himself.  The text also describes the Jewish leaders seeking to put Jesus to death - an innocent man who was threatening their status and power - they were not concerned about their heart condition - full of envy, rage, anger, etc. They were only concerned about their external behaviors - not to be defiled (v28) and to avoid "put[ting] anyone to death" (v31).         
• 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 focus on external behaviors.  Claim the promise that Jesus is faithful 100% of the time.  Follow Jesus' example to surrender to God's will for your life.  Focus on heart condition by allowing Jesus to change you from the inside out.

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  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. 

Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”

 John 18:19-24

Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” John 18:23

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 18:19-24, where Jesus - now arrested and in custody - is questioned by Annas, the father in law of Caiaphas.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus does not hide anything about the Truth and seeks to expose those who mean him harm for no other reason than He threatens their power.  He is asked about His disciples and teaching - v19 - and Jesus rightly asks his accuser(s) why they ask about these things when He has been very open about His teaching and about what He is doing with His disciples.  This is a valid question as they could have just as easily done their own homework and "investigation" to more fully understand Jesus' teaching and His work with the disciples. Jesus asks the right questions to expose people's heart condition.  This scene echoes scripture where Paul writes in Romans 7:7-13 how "if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin." Jesus is then struck in v22 for being "confrontational" yet Jesus is really challenging each of us to understand (and confess and repent from) our own sin. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Those who arrested and question Jesus do not seek truth - instead they seek their own selfish gain (and self-preservation).     
• 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 glory of self - love God then love others.  Claim the promise that Jesus is the way, truth, and the life.  No Word from God will ever fail - Luke 1:37 (NIV).  Follow the example of Jesus to speak the Word of God boldly.  Put on the whole armor of God.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You are the way, the truth and the life and no Word from You will ever fail - God's Word is faithful and inerrant.  Thank You for my salvation and Your Word so that I can know, love and be transformed by You into more of Your image.  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.  Help me turn towards You.  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 servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

 John 18:12-18

The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. John 18:17-18

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 18:12-18, where Jesus is arrested and brought before the high priests.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus could have stopped His arrest but He did not - go back to v11 (post yesterday) where Jesus understands and knows all that is to happen to Him, and it must happen according to God's will.  Jesus is now bound and led to Annas - the father in law of Caiaphas who was led by God to prophecy that Jesus should die for the people - v14 (see also John 11:49-52). All that is happening is to fulfill prophecy and scripture. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Peter and another unnamed disciple follow the the soldiers and officers of the Jews who arrested Jesus - v15 - and this other disciple was known to the high priest so he is let inside the courtyard of the high priest.  Peter does not go in initially but the other disciple secures Peter's entrance.  The servant girl at the door questions Peter about his association with Jesus and he denies knowing Jesus - v17.  Additional details and accounts of Peter's denial are found in vv25-27 and in Matthew 26:69–75, Mark 14:66–72, Luke 22:55–62.  Note the contrast of Jesus being bound and in custody vs Peter who is comfortable (warming himself) in his denial of Jesus.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid discomfort in our faith by hiding it or denying it - Peter's comfort is clearly a case of loving self vs God - which we must avoid.  Claim the promise that Jesus fulfills prophecy and scripture and the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and perfect.  Follow the example of Jesus who willingly followed God's will despite the harm He knew He would face.  Deny oneself.  Share in Christ's sufferings.  Love God and love others.     

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that willingly surrendered Your life so that I could life to the full now and for eternity in Heaven. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a sacrifice.  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.

This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”

 John 18:1-11

This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” John 18:9

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 18:1-11, where Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested in the garden at Gethsemane.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus goes to a place he and the disciples know well - v2.  He knew all details of what would happen to Him - v4, including the betrayal by Judas, His arrest, and Peter's reaction.  Jesus then asks the soldiers and temple officers (and Judas) twice the same question - vv4,7 - "whom do you seek?"  Contrast this with how Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and how many during Jesus' ministry sought Jesus - for His healing power. V8 shares how Jesus sought to fulfill scripture spoken by Him in John 17:12. Jesus does not lose any of those He adopts into His family of believers - a great promise to claim.  We also see in v11 that - again - nothing can stop God's plan to die on the cross as He stuck to the plan and willingly laid down His life as the final atonement for all sin across redemptive history.  Jesus' response to Peter's defensive act again shows how He stuck to the plan - His own death on the cross. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Judas' betrayal is described in more detail as he "procured" the band of soldiers and officers to arrest Jesus and stood with them - vv3,5.  This group is described as acting as a unit when Jesus identifies Himself in v6 as "they drew back and fell to the ground" in response.  This is curious because on one hand they arresting Jesus and on the other we see an apparent act of worship.  Perhaps this was the Holy Spirit drawing them back and knocking them to the ground getting them to understand the gravity of what they are doing - arresting the Son of God as a precursor to killing Him.  Peter on the other hand does not draw back but moves to prevent the arrest.  We see from Luke 22:50-51 how Jesus then heals the servant struck in the ear - an act of great forgiveness and mercy to one who was seeking harm to Jesus.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): All sin is a betrayal of Jesus - seek forgiveness and reconciliation to God.  Claim the promise that Jesus does not lose those He adopts into His family of believers - eternal life. Follow the example of Jesus to understand and follow God's will for your life.  Do not attempt to thwart God's will.   

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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.

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

 John 17:20-26

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 17:20-26, where Jesus completes the High Priestly Prayer and in the text for today, Jesus prays for all believers who will believe in Him through the disciples and through the church to follow.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus wraps the High Priestly Prayer (before He is arrested and crucified) with a prayer for those attending future church(es) and the resulting future believers who will hear the gospel through the disciples and subsequent church leaders.  Jesus hammers home the importance of church unity - as He prays for this three times in vv21-23, including for "perfect unity."  Of course unity is important as Jesus explains "so that (emphasis added) the world may know that you sent me (also important see v21) and loved them even as you loved me."  Hence, unity serves a greater purpose - that the world knows Jesus was sent by the Father and loved the world ("even as the Father loved [Jesus]").  This is key because the mission God gives all believers - the Great Commission - can only succeed through unity.  If believers are unified in God's will and purpose, we will accomplish the Great Commission.  Jesus' then moves in v24 to pray for future churches and future believers that they "be with [Him], to see [His] glory."   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Jesus knows that all people, including believers, are prone to sin such as pride, envy, etc. and these sins lead to conflict and disagreement within the church.  Hence Jesus prays for unity and previously for sanctification in truth (vv17,19) such that hearts and minds are renewed and transformed to align with His desires and will (Romans 12:2). 
• 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 pride, envy, and other sins that result in church conflict and disagreement.  Claim the promise that all believers will see God's glory face to face.  Follow Jesus' example to pray for unity and to deny oneself such that God gets the glory for all that we do.  Share the gospel and in all that we do do it for the glory of God so that the world knows about Jesus, that He was sent by the Father, and that He loves the world (His creation). 

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My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and gives me Your Word, the church, the Holy Spirit, prayer, etc. so that I can be in unity with You and believers.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation, 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 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 do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

 John 17:6-19

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. John 17:15-18

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 17:6-19, where Jesus continues with the High Priestly Prayer and the text for today, Jesus prays for the disciples.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God loves the disciples, as He loves all those who have been adopted into His family through faith, and here we see Jesus praying for the disciples.  Jesus prays for the disciples to be "[kept] in [the Father's] name" (v11), "that they may be one, even as [He and the Father] are one" (v11), "that they may have joy fulfilled in themselves" (v13), that "[the Father] keep them from the evil one" (v15), and that "they also may be sanctified in truth" (vv17,19).  These themes are critical.  Jesus emphasizes and prays for them to abide in Him (John 15:1-17), for unity among the disciples and believers, joy (in service of God and others, regardless of circumstances, including persecution - 1 Thessalonians 5:8, James 1:2-4), to be protected from Satan, and to submit to God's pruning and sanctification (John 15) as He makes us more like Him.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Believers are in the world, but not of the world (vv11,14,16).  As citizens of Heaven and God's Kingdom, our allegiance is first and foremost to Him.  We are also ambassadors sent by Him into the world (v18) to seek and save the lost just as He did.   
• 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 being a friend of the world and falling prey to the dark forces of this world.  Claim the promise that we belong to Jesus (v6) and we can never be separated from His love.  Follow the example of Jesus to abide in the Word and Him just as He followed the will of the Father and fulfilled scripture.  Love God, love others, and seek and save the lost.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - You give me Your Word and arm me to have refuge from the evil one and You sanctify me - 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.

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

 John 12:20-26

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:25-26

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 12:20-26, where Jesus has made has made his (Triumphal) entry to Jerusalem at the start of Passion (Holy) Week, there are Greeks who are seeking Jesus, and here we see Philip and Andrew approach Jesus to entreaty Him on behalf of the Greeks.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus knows that many want to spend time with Him, and scripture documents how He carefully manages to His mission and timeline.  V23 is telling in that He does not respond directly to the request made by Andrew and Philip (on behalf of the Greeks) but instead shares how it is time for Him "to be glorified."  While Jesus' arrest and crucifixion is not imminent based on John's account of the gospel, Jesus does have to ensure that He will be arrested and crucified.  Jesus then uses the account to speak in parables so that people can begin to understand what is about to happen.  In vv24-25, He uses the analogy of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying but in turn producing more wheat and a greater harvest.  So....for believers of today reading this gospel, we can say that Jesus is talking about Himself laying down His life for others to be saved.  Vv25-26, Jesus pivots away from the parable to bring home the point that believers in Him must be prepared to lose their life by surrendering it in love and service to Him and others...for the sake of the gospel and saving as many as possible.  Jesus then makes both a negative and a positive promise first by sharing that if you love your life, you will lose it - implying eternal condemnation while at the same time, if you "hate" your life or deny yourself, you keep your life by gaining honor and favor from Him and eternal life. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: At this point in the gospel Jesus is sought after in John's gospel, He has just raised Lazarus from the dead (see John 11), and the Pharisees are very concerned (John 12:9-11, 17-19) about the attention Jesus was getting based on this miracle. Vv20-22 describe how there were Greeks who were coming up to worship for the Passover, they sought Jesus (by telling Philip), and Andrew and Philip approach Jesus. Other than this, it is difficult to infer or discern an application from vv20-26 other than Jesus wants those who seek to believe and follow Him to understand that there is a cost to following Him.  It is reasonable to assume that many wanted to spend time with Jesus if for anything else because He has performed these miracles that are now hard to ignore if you have spent anytime in Jerusalem - the city is buzzing with conversations about Him and who He might be.   
• 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 loving your life or the world.  Claim the promise that hating your life or denying oneself and surrendering it to Jesus in love and service to Him will result in eternal life. Follow the example of Jesus who laid down His life (hating His own life) in service of the Father.  Love God and love others.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for Your obedience to the Father and for accomplishing the work the Father gave You.  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 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 accept 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 glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

 John 17:1-5

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. John 17:4-5

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 17:1-5, where Jesus pauses speaking to the disciples to pray what is referred to as the High Priestly Prayer.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus sticks to His mission and plan given to Him by the Father - to seek and save the lost through His ministry on earth then to die on the cross and to rise again claiming victory over sin and death as the perfect sacrifice for all sin throughout redemptive history.  Jesus shares how the "hour has come" given He has completed what He was sent to do on earth (vv1, 4) and He is now ready for His arrest and crucifixion which we see comes next in John 18-19.  Jesus prays that He and the Father are glorified - v1.  In v2, He supports His prayer in v1 by sharing that He is worthy of glory Himself and worthy of bringing glory to the Father because the Father has given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom the Father has given Him (adopted into His family). V3 is not a prayer per se but a definition and set of conditions of eternal life for those that will receive it - you must know God the Father and Jesus (and of course that they are One - both persons of the Triune God).  In v5, Jesus repeats His prayer that He be glorified - in the Father's presence (similar to Jesus' baptism) - with the glory Jesus shared with the Father since the beginning.  The Triune God has existed since the beginning and will exist through the end - Alpha and Omega.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People exist for the glory of God just as Jesus existed for the glory of God the Father.      
• 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 is the Alpha and Omega and that for those that believe He gives them eternal life.  Follow the example of Jesus to know the will of God and to follow it - accomplish the work given to you.  Bring glory to God in all that you do.  We exist to   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for Your obedience to the Father and for accomplishing the work the Father gave You.  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 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 accept 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 have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

 John 16:25-33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 16:25-33, where Jesus continues to help the disciples prepare themselves for the crucifixion and how they will be persecuted just as He was.   Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God loves the disciples and by extension all believers and wants us to know and love Him.  He knows they will have sorrow when He goes to the cross, and how they will be scattered (going into hiding for a period to avoid persecution).  As Jesus prepares the disciples, He recognizes their growing spiritual maturity and understanding of Him and He addresses them according to this maturity ("no longer speaking in figures of speech" per v25) - this is similar to text in Luke 12:48 where Jesus shares how much more will be expected from those to whom He has given more in terms of leadership, responsibility, etc.  God also wants us to grow and make full use of the spiritual gifts He gives us so we should recognize what God is doing in our lives to make more use of our spiritual gifts - see also Hebrews 5:11-6:2. We should all know that God the Father sent Jesus, that He loves us, that Jesus and the Father are One, and that we have access to the Father through Jesus (John 14:6).  In v31, Jesus assures the disciples that even though He is going away, He is not alone but will be with the Father - just as He loves us, the disciples love Him and can take comfort in His Word.  In vv32-33, Jesus provides both a warning and an additional encouragement that persecution and tribulation are part of the Christian life but that with and through Jesus we have assurance that either in this life or in Heaven we will overcome.         
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples not only have faith but growing faith and spiritual maturity.The disciples in v29 appreciate that God equips and trains them up - driving spiritual maturity.  As one grows, we seek to be treated based on who we are (and as who Jesus expects us to be) not as who we were (spiritually dead).   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid not growing in Christ and not worrying.  Claim the promise that with and through Him we will overcome the world just as He did.  Follow Jesus' example to do the will of God.  Take heart and trust in Him and rest in His promises.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  You give me assurance that the victory over sin and death is already won!  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.

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

 John 16:16-24

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 16:16-24, where Jesus continues to help the disciples prepare themselves for both the crucifixion (sorrow) and Pentecost.   Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus continues to reveal Himself as one person of the Triune God that are all equal.  In the text today, the focus is how the Son (in a little while) will no longer be with the disciples and Jesus shares how this will be sorrowful for the disciples, and how (a little while later) the Holy Spirit will be with the disciples, and this will be joyful.  Jesus knows that the disciples do not understand what He is saying, so He is patient with them, using the analogy of a mother giving birth (labor), which when the baby arrives is a joyful moment. In v22, Jesus promises that the joy given in that moment (Pentecost) will not be taken from us, and "in that day you will ask nothing of me" (v23). Also in v23, we see an apparent contradiction in the same verse where at first Jesus says on Pentecost the disciples will ask nothing of Him, then (emphasizing the authority of His statement), Jesus shares that "whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you."  The apparent contradictory statements can be reconciled by seeing how the first statement emphasizes the disciple asking, while the second statement emphasizes the disciple asking in Jesus' name - two entirely different asks.  The latter statement is an ask with an intention to bring glory to God (vs ourself) and to align our prayers with His will.  V24 is an encouragement from Jesus to ask for things in His name, with a promise that our joy will be full in doing so....this seems to align with John Piper's Christian Hedonism.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Once again, we see how the disciples do not understand, even as Jesus is patient and He continues to reveal Himself in ways to help the disciples understand.  We may not understand everything that Jesus says, yet we can always rest in what we DO know about Jesus and ask Him to reveal Himself to us so that we can more fully understand Him, His will, etc.  This is the essence of Romans 12:2 where Paul encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind so that we can understand and follow His will...so that He is glorified.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeking our own will vs that of God.  Claim the promise that asking for things in Jesus' name and His will will give us joy as we seek to please and glorify Him. This joy cannot be taken from us - what a great promise.  Follow the example of Jesus as seeks the will of the Father.  Be transformed by the renewing of the mind to align desires, thoughts, etc. with that of Jesus. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You provide the Holy Spirit that will guide us into all the truth.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save, and guide me into all the truth.  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.

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

 John 16:1-15

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 16:1-15, where the text returns to the Holy Spirit as Jesus seeks to prepare the disciples for His pending crucifixion and their persecution as they follow in His footsteps to share the gospel.  This preparation is simultaneously unsettling and comforting.   Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V1 is a transitional statement as Jesus knows that while the disciples will face momentary lapses of faith (we all do), He knows the remaining ones (all but Judas) will remain faithful to the mission He lays out before them.  There will be persecution and difficult times ahead, but if they remain in Him, and Him in them (John 15:1-10), if they love one another and remain unified (John 15:12-13, 17), and if they know the Holy Spirit (the Helper) will be with them (John 15:26), they will not fall away.  V2-4, 12 lays the groundwork for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and how the disciples’ will share in His suffering.  The disciples are more equipped to hear some of this difficult message now at this point in the gospel.  Yet, even now, God does not fully reveal Himself, as He only reveals Himself to us in ways that are intentional – God has a plan, His own timing, and both are perfect. V5-11, 13-15 expands on the coming of the Holy Spirit (the Helper) and by describing it as an encouragement and equal to God and the Father.
  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In v1, we must see how people fall away – this of course does not mean if you truly abide in Him and Him in you that you can lose your salvation.  However, it does mean that if you were never truly in Him and Him in you then you can fall away.  This is both a warning and encouragement to know God and to build a relationship with Him.  In vv5-7, Jesus states to the disciples that He is going back to the Father (the disciples don’t fully understand this, but they can grasp how He is leaving them), and then because He knows that this will be discouraging, and because He knows this will weaken their faith as they will be more prone to sinful behavior, He offers them the Helper as an “advantage” for them.  In vv8-11 we see how those who do not believe in Jesus will face eternal condemnation.  V12 emphasizes how God’s ways and thoughts are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8), so He only reveals to us based on His timing and how He seeks to equip us.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid falling away – abide in Him, and Him in you. Claim the promise of the Holy Spirit as the Helper that He provides to guide us into all the truth (v13).  Follow the example of those who believe in Him and see the Helper as an equal person of the Triune God.  Remember the Word of God – v4 – so that when we face persecution we can take comfort knowing that Jesus told us we would and that He provides the Helper to reassure us that He is still with us. 

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

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

 John 15:18-27

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 15:18-27, where Jesus shares (and warns) with the disciples that the world will hate (and by definition and implication persecute) them on account of Him.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God's kingdom is not of this world and He opposes friends of the world, including Satan, the father of lies and deception. The world hates Jesus. Jesus fulfills scripture in the text today as He references Psalm 35:19.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: God chose us and gave us faith and adopted us into His family and kingdom.  This means our (primary) allegiance is to Him, and not to those in this world. Because believers are part of God's family, and His kingdom, we also should expect to be hated/persecuted. Those who persecute and hate Jesus and believers had an opportunity to believe because they heard and saw Jesus (either directly or through us who are image bearers of Christ) and have no excuse for their unbelief.  The Holy Spirit will help us bear witness to Jesus, even in persecution. 
• 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 becoming too comfortable with the world and worldly influences.  Claim the promise that Jesus will provide the Holy Spirit to enable us to withstand the dark forces of this world and overcome.  Follow His example of doing the Father's will despite temptations of this world to do otherwise. Share in His sufferings.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves, and give us the Holy Spirit to withstand hate and persecution.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  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.

These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

 John 15:12-17

These things I command you, so that you will love one another. John 15:17

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 15:12-17, where Jesus emphasizes (by stating twice) that believers are to love one another - as church unity is very important to achieving the mission God gives to us to spread the gospel.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Speaking to believers, God wants us to love one another - by laying down our lives just as He does (including via the crucifixion) for us.  Our love for one another cannot get any greater than this.  Jesus then amazingly refers to believers as equal in status to Him by sharing that He has shared everything the Father told him with the disciples. Jesus chose us to bear fruit for His glory - and similarly with v7, this should occur such that "whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Our sin separates ourselves not only from God but also from one another and this weakens church unity.  Abide in Him and He in us such that we can remain united as a church in our love for Him.  
• 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 church conflict on matters that are insignificant. Claim the promise that if we abide in Him, we will bear fruit.  Follow the example of Jesus who laid down His life for believers (and all of humanity).  Love one another. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves! Thank You for the pruning You do, and for the tender care You provide to help me remain spiritually healthy (v3).  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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 Word for me today and every day.