They shall be mine: I am the LORD.

Numbers 3:11-13

They shall be mine: I am the LORD. Numbers 3:13

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:11-13, where the Lord speaks to Moses and shares how the Levites are His.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The text describes how the Levites, among all the tribes in Israel, were taken by God to be His representatives to Him and they were His possession (vv12-13).  As with all scripture, this text points to Jesus and how with His shed blood, all believers (all of Creation) are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).  God wants us to draw near to Him, personally, and not let anything or anyone stand in our way - He is our #1 priority.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Levites, and ultimately all believers, were chosen from among the people to serve in the priesthood and they belong to God.  When you belong to God, you are designed to serve His will, for His glory.  
• 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 thinking that you exist to serve self or anything/anyone above God.  Claim the promise that, as a believer, you were purchased by His blood for a price, and you are a royal priesthood called out of darkness into His marvelous light.  Follow the example of the Levites and proclaim the excellencies of Him.  

Comment and discuss this post

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

They shall keep guard over him and over the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, as they minister at the tabernacle. They shall guard all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and keep guard over the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:5-10

They shall keep guard over him and over the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, as they minister at the tabernacle. They shall guard all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and keep guard over the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle.  Numbers 3:7-8

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:5-10, the Lord speaks to Moses and describes the duties of the Levites.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In describing the duties of the Levites, the Lord first tells Moses to bring the Levites near, before Aaron, so that they can minister to Aaron.  In today's church, the lead pastor needs care and protection in his role - encouragement, wisdom, protection from sinful influences, etc. - pastoral staff and the elders typically serve and provide for this care and protection.  The Lord then further describes the role of Levites more akin to how deacons serve in today's church, by keeping guard over the whole congregation. First and foremost, the Levites are emphasized as servants, "given to Aaron and his sons" (v9).  V10 describes a limit, similarly described in text from a post a few days ago, and with the new covenant based on Jesus' shed blood, no such limit exists for believers.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Everyone has a role in the church and those in the church need care and support, including leadership.  All of God's gifts work together in the body of the church supporting one another and the church as a whole. See also 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
• 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 selfish desires.  Claim the promise that God gives each member of the church worth, value and an important role to play.  Follow the example of the Levites who serve and watch over the whole congregation.  Love and serve others.  

Comment and discuss this post

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

But Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children.

 Numbers 3:1-4

But Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Numbers 3:4a

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:1-4, the sons of Aaron as the Lord prepares to describe their duties as part of the priesthood.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text God?: God ordains specific people into the priesthood, and while in the New Testament, Jesus serves as the Great High Priest (see Hebrews 4:14-16) and believers can approach Him with confidence and go directly to God, specific individuals are called to serve in the priesthood as part of the church.  1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 describe the attributes of those in the priesthood. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The text repeats Leviticus 10:1-2 where Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire when not commanded to by the Lord.  "[F]ire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD."  Nadab and Abihu are described as having no children in v4, so the remain sons of Aaron served in the priesthood.  In the Old Testament, ceremonial law was carefully followed.  What is interesting here is that Nadab and Abihu are far from the only ones who did not carefully follow ceremonial law by either commission or omission.  During Jesus' ministry, Jewish leadership accused Jesus of breaking laws based on what they added to the law, With the new covenant with Jesus, through His shed blood, Jesus fulfilled the law and did away with ceremonial law.  The moral law remains and first and foremost God requires our heart as the most important commandments (see Matthew 22:37-40) to love Him, then to love others.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not add to or subtract to the law neither for your own benefit or for the benefit or harm (judgement) of someone else.  Claim the promise that God cares about your heart - He desires mercy not sacrifice and that Jesus fulfilled the law so that we can approach Him confidently and directly without the need for a priest (or a sacrifice) on our behalf.  Obey the moral law - most importantly to love God and love others.   

Comment and discuss this post

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

Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so shall they set out, each in position, standard by standard.

 Numbers 2:1-34

Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so shall they set out, each in position, standard by standard. Numbers 2:17

I return to my study of Numbers, and in the text today 2:1-34, we see organizing the tribes of Israel in the wilderness as they camp and set out. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks organization and order in the church as He seeks to optimize the efforts of His people - He has a plan and it is a good and perfect plan with each unit of His people having unique gifts and each playing a specific role - see also 1 Corinthians 12.  Of course, here in Numbers the tabernacle (God's house) is in the midst of the camps.  Building on my posts already for Numbers, where we see God setting limits on how He is approached (through the Levites), here we see God (accessed through the Levites) "in the midst" of all the camps.  This is a reminder that God is always with us and always at work.  For believers, Jesus - through the Holy Spirit - is in our hearts and lives and we bear fruit if we abide in Him (John 15:1-10). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In v34, we see the people of Israel did "[a]ccording to all that the LORD commanded Moses[.]"  They camped and set out around the tabernacle and church. 
• 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 leaning on Your own desires for Your life but instead seek His will and design for Your life.  Claim the promise that God is in your midst and you will bear fruit if you abide in Him.  Follow the example of Israel that put God and His house in the center of your life. Abide in Him and seek His will for your life.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You 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.

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

 Philippians 4:1-9

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

I pause my study of Numbers to park for this morning in Philippians 4:1-9, as this is the text discussed with my Friday AM Brothers in Christ small group.  Here in text, Paul, from prison, writes to the persecuted church and Christians in Philippi, to encourage them and exhort them to lean on Christ.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God wants unity in the church.  He is saddened when brothers and sisters in Christ take disagreement to the point of sin where it causes harm and conflict.  God wants us to experience peace - always - and during periods of stress, anxiety, etc., He offers us a supernatural peace.  We gain this by renewing our mind through study, meditation, reflection on Him, and through prayer.  Paul is provided as an example for us to model as God works through Him.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: While Paul is in captivity in Rome (see Philippians 1:13), he is nonetheless thinking not of himself but others and in particular the church in Philippi.  Paul first asks the church to encourage reconciliation between Euodia and Syntyche, as unity is a key theme in scripture as lack of it undermines the mission of the church.  We are to work hard to be in harmony regardless of our disagreements.  Paul then pivots to encourage the church to (1) rejoice always, (2) be reasonable - of course using Jesus' standard here which is counter culture, (3) to pray and to be at peace - a peace "which surpasses all understanding", (4) to think of being "true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence [or] anything worthy of praise[.]"  He then encourages them to model what they have "learned and received and heard and seen" in him....[as] the God of peace will be with you."
• 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 taking disagreements with others in the church to the point of conflict.  Claim the promise that if we practice what we have "learned and received and heard and seen in [Paul]...the God of peace will be with you."  Follow the example of Paul, that, despite his imprisonment, continued to practice what He saw in Jesus and other early leaders of the church.  Be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) - reading and study of God's Word - to think of "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, [and] if there is anything worthy of praise."

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that offers a peace that surpasses understanding.  You save!  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. 

But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle....Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

 Numbers 1:47-54

But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle....Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 1:44-46

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 1:47-54, we see God speaking to Moses, sharing with him how the Levites are not part of the census and how they have a special role with regard to the tabernacle.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The Levites were given three commands with regards to the tabernacle (and all of its furnishings and all that belongs to it per v50) (1) to carry it, (2) to take care of it, and (3) to camp around the tabernacle.  The role of the Levites is expanded with commands to setup and take down the tabernacle and to protect Israel from coming too close to the tabernacle lest they suffer the wrath of God.  Outsiders are not allowed near the tabernacle lest they are put to death.  This passage broadly speaks of restrictions God placed on Israel about how the people were to worship Him - see also this sermon on Exodus 19 for similar text. Here in Numbers 1, God places the Levites between Himself and the people of Israel.  Ultimately, as my pastor's sermon lays out, Jesus removes these restrictions for anyone to go to Jesus directly.  See also Hebrews 4:16.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people of Israel were obedient and they did all that the Lord commanded Moses - v54.  Believers, those who love God (per most important commandment), as a natural response to their love for Him, do not see obedience to Him as a burden (see also 1 John 5:3).    
• 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 placing anything in front of or above God - go to Him first and above anything else - God is our number one priority.  Claim the promise that we can approach Him directly with confidence. Follow the example of those who understand that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."  See obedience as not burdensome. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and there are no restrictions on how and when I can approach You...thank You Jesus that I can approach You in confidence. I am not deserving of how You save and how I can come to You.  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.

These are those who were listed, whom Moses and Aaron listed with the help of the chiefs of Israel, twelve men, each representing his fathers’ house. So all those listed of the people of Israel, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war in Israel— all those listed were 603,550.

 Numbers 1:20-46

These are those who were listed, whom Moses and Aaron listed with the help of the chiefs of Israel, twelve men, each representing his fathers’ house. So all those listed of the people of Israel, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war in Israel— all those listed were 603,550. Numbers 1:44-46

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 1:20-46, we see the results of the census by tribe.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God cares about the details...yes, He is a big God who is both our Creator and is in and before all things and He holds all things together (Colossians 1:16-17), but He cares about each person individually, and each of us are not just numbers - we are His creation and He loves each one of us.  See also Matthew 10:30, and Luke 12:7 where the text shares how God numbers all the hairs on your head. Text from the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12–14, Luke 15:3–7) shares how God leaves the rest of His sheep (99) and goes to find the one lost sheep.  You matter to God. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Each person has a a role to play in God's plan. See my post yesterday.
• 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 yourself as unnamed and not worthy of love.  Claim the promise that God loves all of His creation and seeks to save as many as possible. Follow the example of those who have confessed their sin to Jesus and surrendered their life to Him as Lord and Savior.  Obey God and His call as the tribes did in Numbers to play a role in journey He sets before you in your journey to the promised land (Heaven).  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are indeed a great God...a big God that cares about all the details and who knows everything about us individually and He cares about each one of us.  Thank You Jesus for Your love and for my salvation.  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.

Moses and Aaron took these men who had been named, and on the first day of the second month, they assembled the whole congregation together, who registered themselves by clans, by fathers’ houses, according to the number of names from twenty years old and upward, head by head, as the LORD commanded Moses. So he listed them in the wilderness of Sinai.

 Numbers 1:1-19

Moses and Aaron took these men who had been named, and on the first day of the second month, they assembled the whole congregation together, who registered themselves by clans, by fathers’ houses, according to the number of names from twenty years old and upward, head by head, as the LORD commanded Moses. So he listed them in the wilderness of Sinai. Numbers 1:17-19

I've completed my study of John and start a study of Numbers, as I alternate between Old and New Testament studies.  In the text today, God organizes the people of Israel according to tribes, taking a census, and establishing leaders among the tribes as they set off from Mt Sinai into the wilderness with the promised land as their destination.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God takes a census, as He organizes the men of Israel to lead the people to the promised land.  Leaders (to assist Moses and Aaron) are named as God sets apart specific people for the roles they will play in the journey He sets before them.  Similar to Israel, all of us (speaking to believers) are on a journey heading to the promised land, and this is Heaven.  This is where our citizenship and allegiance lies and it is the home God gives us.  Earth is temporary and it and us will fade away as God's kingdom in Heaven is permanent. God puts people over us to lead us on this journey and we must faithfully follow God and the leaders He appoints over us.  This organization and unity is key if we are to function as God intends.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Each of us as believers is set apart for a specific role, whether we are a leader or not we have a function.  No one is left out nor is anyone less worthy.  See also 1 Corinthians 12 where the text describes how the church is organized of members with different spiritual gifts and how they all work together - even when one is weaker than the other. Moses, Aaron, the tribal leaders, and all of Israel has a role on our collective journey to the promised land. The leaders did as the Lord commanded (v19) so we must do as well. 
• 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 focusing on self on your journey to the promised land (Heaven) but instead seek God's will and be humble to follow those set above you to lead you. Claim the promise that God is saving a place for us in Heaven - our home.  Follow the example of those who followed leaders set above the people in Israel in the Sinai wilderness - be humble and and follow according to the role God gives you.  As we go on our journey support, encourage, pray for, and be unified with other believers.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for the leaders who faithfully serve our church and me as they lead me in my journey to the promised land.  I am not deserving of how You save and provide leaders to guide and serve me.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me understand, 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 there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

 John 21:20-25

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 21:20-25, where we see Jesus rebuke Peter for his apparent envy of John.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is not concerned about petty conflicts among believers - He knows that unity is very important among believers and we should not allow ourselves to be envious (it is a sin) nor should we allow minor disagreements to divide us.  Jesus rebukes Peter for his concern and exhorts him to focus on the command given him - to follow Jesus.  Jesus' plan for Peter (see vv18-19) was to be a martyr and we know that His plan for John was for him to be exiled to Patmos where he received God's vision and inspiration for the book of Revelation.  V25 could be referred to as the greatest understatement in history - Jesus, nor His works cannot be contained or measured.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: John does not have any higher place than Peter as Jesus and scripture make it clear that whoever seeks to be first shall become last - emphasizing humility (Mark 9:35). 
• 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 envy.  Follow the example of Jesus who in humility took on flesh so that many could be saved.  Don't be concerned with the task given someone else, follow Jesus and His will for Your life. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

 John 21:15-19

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

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

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

Comment and discuss this post

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

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

 John 21:1-14

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

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

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

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My Prayer: Father God, You are Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and my personal Lord and Savior.  I have no doubt who You are as You loved while I was still an enemy and hostile to You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as thier Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

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

Luke 7:1-10

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

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

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

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My Prayer: Father God, You alone are worthy of all praise, honor and glory.  Thank You for saving me and giving me the gift of salvation.  I am not deserving - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

 John 20:30-31

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

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

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

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

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

 John 20:24-29

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

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

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

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are my personal Lord and Savior and I know I can never be separated from Your love.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

 John 20:19-23

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

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

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

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  I am not deserving of how You save and provide peace - and I know that I can never be separated from Your love.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

 John 20:11-18

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

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

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

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and never leaves or forsakes me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my hearts, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

 John 20:1-10

Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. John 20:8-9

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:1-10, where we see the initial details of Jesus' resurrection.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus rose from the tomb (later starting in v14) - just as prophecy described and Jesus shared He would (see John 2:18-22). Jesus fulfills the law and is faithful to His promises. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Mary Magdalene, Peter and the other disciple seek Jesus, and we see the other disciple believe after entering the tomb and not seeing Jesus but only the burial clothes.  The other disciple had not yet "underst[ood] the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead, but he did now.  Also part of the text is how both Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb (v4) with the other disciple outrunning Peter to the tomb.  God wants us to run after Him - to seek Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind.  This is the most important commandment.  Here we see that the other disciple ran after and sought Jesus and Jesus' promise came true as do all of His promises - that if we seek Him with all of our heart, soul and mind we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid lack of trust in God.  Claim the promises that if we seek Him with all of our heart, we will find Him, and that all of the promises of God find their yes in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20). Follow the example of Peter and the other example who ran after God.  Trust in Him as He is faithful.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of how You save and are so faithful and bless...abundantly.  Thank You Jesus!  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 message for me today and every day.

So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.

 John 19:38-42

So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. John 19:40

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:38-42, where Jesus is buried by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is at work, even in death as Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus demonstrate love, care, and respect for Jesus with his burial.  They love, care and seek to honor God. All of this happened according to plan as Jesus fulfilled scripture and the law (ceremonial) - see Matthew 5:17. Ultimately, Jesus cares about our heart condition however - moral law. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: While the text is clear that Joseph of Arimathea is a follower of Jesus, we are not certain about Nicodemus.  It is clear that Nicodemus' heart has been softened by Jesus through his earlier encounter (John 3), as he now brings expensive spices and oils for Jesus' burial, and then helps with the burial. More on Nicodemus here.  Both Joseph and Nicodemus felt respect for Jewish custom and law, per vv40 and 42, as they bound Jesus and laid Jesus in the tomb per custom.
• 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 ceremonial law or obedience via external behaviors - we cannot earn God's favor.  Claim the promise that Jesus fulfills scripture and the (ceremonial) law.  Follow the example of Jesus by knowing God and through knowledge and love of God seek to honor and please God as a natural response to understanding Him.  In everything we do, do it all for the glory of God. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for giving me a heart of flesh and 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 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 these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

 John 19:31-37

For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”  And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” John 19:36-37

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:31-37, where Jesus is now dead but still hanging from the cross.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv33-34 describe how the soldiers broke the legs of the two crucified with Jesus but did not break Jesus' legs, and they also pierced Jesus' side.  Vv36-37 shares how "these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled," specifically in Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Zechariah 12:10, and Psalm 34:20.  It's once again important to Jesus in all scripture, it points to Jesus, and how Jesus fulfills scripture.  I am led to John 1:1 where scripture says: "[i]n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  Our church is currently doing a sermon series on Exodus and I've been blessed how each time our pastor sermons on the text - he directly and explicitly connects Exodus to Jesus.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: It's quite interesting to see how the Jewish leadership knew Jesus was not guilty of any crime (and Pilate knew this also), yet He was murdered by them.  In v31 the Jewish leaders did want to leave the bodies on the cross on the Sabbath, as they were concerned about violating the law, yet they had no problem killing an innocent man in violation of the command to "not murder" (Exodus 20:13)....hypocrisy. 
• 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 hypocrisy as this undermines you not just personally, but if a believer, the entire church.  Claim the promise that the Word is God and that if you seek Him in the Word you fill find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).  Follow the example of Jesus who knew the law and knew the Father (as He was sent by the Father) - get to know God.  Seek Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and You provide Your Word so that we can see You in the Word and come to know, understand, and please You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and give me Your Word, the church, and the Holy Spirit to equip me for the mission You give me.  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

 John 19:28-30

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:28-30, where we see Jesus' death on the cross.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is all knowing and He has a perfect plan.  Jesus knew all that had occurred, what was occurring (Jesus' death) and what was yet to come....He also was in all the details as He was sent from God the Father, equal to God the Father, and part of the Triune God that includes the Holy Spirit.   The death of Jesus finished and completed the need for a perfect spotless lamb as the final atonement for all sin. This act, including the drinking of the sour wine, occurred just as written in scripture, fulfilling prophecy - see Psalm 69:21.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Jesus drank the sour wine intended for all of us - His entire experience from His arrest, flogging, and death on the cross was meant for us but He took our place.
• 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 Jesus' death on the cross (and His resurrection) gives us victory over sin and death.  It is already won!  Follow the example of Jesus who willingly laid down His life promise that for others - us.  Deny oneself and surrender to Jesus as the Way, Truth and the Life. 

Comment and discuss this post

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