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   

Comment and discuss this post

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.  

Comment and discuss this post

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. 

Comment and discuss this post

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. 

Comment and discuss this post

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.  

Comment and discuss this post

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. 

Comment and discuss this post

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.  

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

 John 15:1-11

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:2-5

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 15:1-11, where Jesus seeks for believers to abide in Him as He is the vine, the Father is the vinedresser, and believers are the branches - ultimately God seeks for us to bear fruit in His Name. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God wants believers to bear fruit, so if we don't He will take us away (eternal condemnation) (see also v6).  Even if we do bear fruit, God prunes us and this process may not be enjoyable from an earthly perspective but He does this so that can be a healthy vine for His purpose. We need to abide in Him to bear fruit as "apart from Him we can do nothing" (v5).  We have this incredible promise that if we abide in Him, and His Words in us, whatever [we] wish, and it will be done for [us]" (v7).  However, we should be careful to misinterpret this text to think that anything we ask God will give us - without conditions.  The conditions are important.  We must abide in Him and His Words in us - this means that we seek what He seeks - there is alignment to His will.  If we know His voice we follow Him as He is the Good Shepherd. We then glorify the Father by doing His will - Jesus provides the example of how this is done - by keeping His commandments (v10) and abiding in His love just as He abides in the Father's love. Jesus shares these words with us so that His joy - which is incredible - will be in us and that this joy be full (v11).    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People either bear fruit (believers) or they don't (non-believers), and if they don't there is eternal condemnation.  If you do, you are a believer, and you will have both eternal life and God's joy. 
• 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 abiding in God's Words - be in the Word daily.  Claim the promise that if we abide in Him, God's joy will be in us and it will be full - incredible. Follow the example that Jesus did to abide in the Father's commandments by following Jesus' commandments.  Abide in Him.       

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You prune me and keep me bearing fruit. Thank You for Your patience as I know there is more pruning to do in me!  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.   

"Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."

 Matthew 6:9

"Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." Matthew 6:9

Today, I take a short break from my study of John to look at DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion for today, which explores Matthew 6:9. The devotion opens with a finding in scripture that many times (dozens per the devotion) scripture emphasizes "for his name's sake:"

• He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3)
• For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt. (Psalm 25:11)
• He saved them for his name’s sake. (Psalm 106:8)
• For my name’s sake I defer my anger. (Isaiah 48:9)
• Your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. (1 John 2:12)

 The reference to this phrase in scripture begs the question "why," and the devotion posits: "God delights in having his name known and honored."  We are encouraged not to see this as a declarative or statement but instead as a petition, almost going as far as to say "an imperative or command."  In teaching the disciples how to pray, Jesus' very first "how-to" and His most paramount prayer is to bring glory to the Father. The devotion begins to wind down by sharing that Jesus offers this petition "[b]ecause this is the first and great passion of the Father."

 Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and never leaves or forsakes me - giving me the Holy Spirit to teach me all things and to bring about obedience to You - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me 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 the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

 John 14:15-31

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 14:15-31, where Jesus shares how He will be providing the Holy Spirit to help believers perform the mission God puts in front of them.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V15 (see also vv21, 23) shares that God sees obedience to His commandments as a demonstration of love for Him. This squares with 1 John 5:2-3 where the text says the same thing and goes further by describing His commandments as "not burdensome."  In Vv16-17, Jesus shares that He is providing "another Helper, to be with you forever."  The Holy Spirit (explicitly called as such in v26) "dwells with you and will be in you."  In v18, Jesus emphasizes how this offers believers great encouragement as we are "not [left] as orphans and [He] will come to us."  God's love for us is promised for faithful believers in v21.  The Holy Spirit is of course not available to those who do not believe - see Judas' questioning and Jesus' response in vv22-23.  In v25, the Holy Spirit promises to teach us "all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."  Jesus also promises peace in v27.  Jesus will soon be arrested and go to the cross but Jesus does not want the disciples to be anxious or fearful as He is returning to the Father - v28.  He prophecies His "going away" and how the Holy Spirit will come so that the disciples believe - v29.  In vv30-31 Jesus shares that Satan is soon to arrest and kill Him, but that "[Satan] has no claim on Him" and that Jesus is doing what the Father sent Him to do...so that the "world may know that [He] love[s] the Father."
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People who love and believe in Him will have the Holy Spirit and God's love with them.  Those who do not, including Judas, are eternally condemned. 
• 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 trust of the world above God and disbelief.  Claim the promise of how God will be with believers and how He loves them.  Follow the example of the disciples who believed.  Obey God's commandments as a response to His love for us.     

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and never leaves or forsakes me - giving me the Holy Spirit to teach me all things and to bring about obedience to You - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me 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.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

 John 14:1-14

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 14:1-14, where Jesus once again emphasizes that Jesus and God the Father are One.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God does not want believers to be troubled - where He is going He is saving a place for us (in Heaven) and when He returns for second time He will take us there.  We should rest in this promise - see vv1-4.  In response to Thomas and Philip, Jesus shares in v6 that "I am the way, and the truth, and the life," and "no one comes to the Father except me," and that He and Father are One (vv7, 10-11) so if we know Jesus, we know the Father.  Jesus encourages us to believe (questions are OK but don't stop believing) - see vv11-12.  Jesus also shares that He wants believers to do the works that Jesus does - v12 - and "greater works than these [a believer] will do, because [Jesus] going to the Father."  Here Jesus reveals that the Holy Spirit will be with them and He will share more on this in vv15-31. Finally, in vv13-14, Jesus shares oft misinterpreted text on prayer - we should not view Jesus as a vending machine with our prayer.  Focus on understanding God's will for our lives as He transforms our heart and mind to think more like Him.  Then our prayers will be for His purpose - not our own.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples are troubled because Jesus is sharing that He is leaving them (soon to be crucified) and they cannot join Him where He is going (at least not yet). Again, this is God revealing Himself to the disciples but there is still mystery to what and how this will occur.  Mystery is not reason to doubt God but to question Him and remain in Him, leaning on what you know is true and that He is faithful.  Thomas and Philip seek to understand but Jesus appears a bit frustrated with them because He feels by know they should know the answers to their questions (Thomas - how can we know the way - v5, Philip - show us the Father - v8).  
• 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 doubting God or disbelief because we do not fully understand what He is saying in scripture.  Claim the promise that Jesus is saving a place for us in Heaven.  Follow the example of Jesus who is faithful.  Believe.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - and You are saving a place for me in Heaven.  Thank You!  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.   

Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.”

 John 13:36-38

Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.” John 13:38

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 13:36-38, where Jesus prophecies Peter's denial.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V36 shares Jesus' response to Peter who seeks to understand Jesus and where He is going in reference to v33.  Believers know that Jesus - at this point in John - is soon going to be arrested and then tried and crucified.  Jesus shares with Peter that not only can Peter not go (not yet) with Jesus (to die on the cross), but also that Peter will die as Jesus did (see here) - but not yet as Jesus is not done with Peter, as Peter will be foundational to the new church (Matthew 16:18).  In v38, we see Jesus slapping down Peter's arrogance as Jesus prophecies Peter's denial of Jesus upon Jesus' arrest. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Also in v36, we see Peter rightly trying to understand what Jesus said in v33.  This is a good and right motivation.  For believers, the primary objective of daily study of God's Word is to know God, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that God can continue (sanctification) and finish (upon death and glorification) the process of making our thoughts and desires more like His - see Romans 12:2.  In v37, Peter confidently asserts that he can handle what Jesus is going to experience - of course not knowing what is going to occur - even sharing how he will lay down his life for Jesus.  We should be very careful with such arrogant and confident assertions of our own ability - instead we should be humble in our own abilities and be confident in Jesus' abilities. 
• 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 arrogant and confident assertions of your own abilities. Claim the promise that apart from Jesus we can do nothing - John 15:5 and the corollary with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Follow the example of Jesus who humbly takes on human form and DOES lay down His life as the price for all humanity's sin - be humble and serve.     

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that laid down Your life....for me and all of humanity as the price for all of our sin....so that we could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life - 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.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

 John 13:31-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 13:31-35, where Jesus shares with the disciples (except Judas who has left them) a new commandment to love one another as He has love them.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In v31, Jesus shares that He is glorified and the Father is glorified in Him...echoing earlier text that Jesus and the Father are One - part of the Triune God.  In v32, Jesus further clarifies v31 by sharing that if the Father is glorified in Jesus (as Jesus reflects the Father and bears His image), then the Father will also glorify Jesus in himself and him at once - seemingly implying that the Father and Jesus are one and glorify each other as different but equal parts of the Triune God. In v33, Jesus shows His love for the disciples (and all who follow Him) by referring to them as little children - implying that there is maturity that is lacking but to follow later as they grow in walk with Him.  He tells the disciples He is leaving them (to die on the cross) and that they cannot go to where He is going...at least not now. In vv34-35, Jesus gives the disciples a new commandment to love one another as He has loved them - and this love will be a light for others to see and be used to draw others to Him.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Judas has "gone out" both physically and spiritually - apostasy - vv30-31.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): New or less mature believers with weak faith should avoid sinful influences that allow Satan to enter them, lest they will fall away as Judas did.  Claim the promise that Jesus lays down His life for us (and resurrection) and this gives us certainty of victory over sin and death.  Follow the example of the disciples to seek, understand, and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd. Love God, and love others as Jesus loved us.    

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 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, apply, and be obedient to Your Word today and every day.

Now no one at the table knew why [Jesus] said this to [Judas].

 John 13:21-30

Now no one at the table knew why [Jesus] said this to [Judas]. John 13:28

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 13:21-30, where Jesus shares how Judas will betray Him.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus loves all of His creation and it troubles Him when someone does not believe, follow Him, and surrender his life to Him be saved. V21 shares (emphasizing His authority via the words "[t]ruly, truly" at the same time) how Jesus was troubled as He prophecies that one of the disciples will betray Him.  When asked by one of the disciples who will betray Him, Jesus does not specifically name Judas as His betrayer, but in vv26-27, He gives them an obvious clue tipping off the disciples that His betrayer will be Judas.  Then, in v27, the text shares that "Satan entered into [Judas]", and Jesus tells Judas "[w]hat you are going to do, do quickly."  Jesus does not stop Judas from what He was going to do and He allows or orchestrates Satan influence and actions.      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples at first do not know who will betray Jesus, but even though Jesus helps them understand that it will be Judas, their understanding of how this betrayal should work is incomplete - see vv28-29.  Believers should know that God is in everything, including allowing sin and brokenness' existence.  Judas was part of God's plan - but not in a positive way.  This is the mystery of God - why some are saved and why some are not - all in control by God (Ephesians 2:8).  What is not a mystery is that (1) God uses sinful and broken people as part of His plan, (2) every single one of us, believer or not, are sinful and broken, and (3) God knows all and we can trust that what He says will come to pass - He is faithful and He is Truth.  We don't know how God works (Isaiah 55:8) but we do know He is control of all details and nothing can stop His promises or plan.
• 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 sinful influences (and Satan entering you) in your life by understanding sin (read scripture).  Claim the promise that God is in everything, His Word is Truth, He is faithful, and what He says will come to pass.  Follow the example of Jesus to save as many as possible (all the disciples except Judas) and use a troubled spirit to urge you into action (Jude 22-23). Know and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd (vs Satan who is real). 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for saving me - I know this is not of my own doing.  Thank You for also protecting me from sinful influences.  I am not deserving of how You save and provide refuge.  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 I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

 John 13:12-20

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:14-16

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 13:12-20, where Jesus has just washed the disciples' feet and He then shares why He did.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  Jesus understood that the disciples did not know why He washed their feet (see v7), so being a patient and caring God, He teaches and guides them - telling Him why he performed this act of service.  He first identifies Himself as Lord (first) and Teacher (second) - v13.  In vv14-15, Jesus then shares how He gave the disciples an example to follow - believers should serve as He served.  This ties back to the two greatest commandments from Matthew 22:34-40 - to first love God, then to love others.  We don't exist to glorify ourselves but instead to glorify God.  This requires us to surrender to Him and allow others to see God in us as we bear and demonstrate fruit - the love of God manifesting itself in the love of (and service to) others.  V16 emphasizes a truth (spoken by Jesus with emphasis in His authority) that we are to serve Him as He is our Master and sent by God the Father.  V17 shares a promise that we will be blessed if we love, serve and glorify Jesus.  In v18, Jesus refers to whom He has chosen to love, serve and glorify Him - leaving out Judas as Jesus refers to Psalm 41:9 in His description of Judas as He shares the betrayal will fulfill prophecy.  In vv19-20 Jesus shares that He tells the disciples these things so that when they do occur, they will have a more complete understanding of who Jesus is and how came to fulfill prophecy and all of His Words are Truth - we can have faith and believe in Him.       
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The twelve are described by Jesus - both in the present and in the future - as serving Him - with exception to Judas who loves Himself more than God and betrays 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 should avoid sin as all sin is a betrayal of God.  Claim the promise that we will be blessed if love, serve, and glorify God.  Follow the example - and commandment - of Jesus to love and serve others (see also Mark 10:45).  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves and saves - You laid down Your life in the ultimate act of serve - so that I could have forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  Thank You Jesus!  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.

Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

 John 13:1-11

Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” John 13:10-11

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 13:1-11, where just prior to the Passover feast, Jesus shares a  meal with the disciples, and during the meal, He washes their feet.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus has a plan and He does not depart from it as everything He does for the disciples is out of love for them.  V1 shares how Jesus knew He would soon go to the cross how He loved the disciples "to the end" - despite their sin and brokenness as they were "in the world."  This included love for Judas who in v2 will betray Jesus as the devil enters Judas' heart.  Jesus then proceeds to wash the disciples feet - starting in v4 - this includes Judas who knows will betray Him (v11).  Peter resists but Jesus rebukes Peter in v8 sharing that He must wash Peter because He cannot leave him in sin/darkness.  Upon this rebuke and response from Jesus, Peter then accepts Jesus' cleansing, exclaiming that he seeks not just his feet but his hands and head as well to be cleansed (v9). Jesus then shares in vv10-11 and how those who have bathed - implying a cleansing/forgiveness of sin from Jesus based on faith and belief in Him - are clean (except the feet). Judas is not clean because he persists in sin and darkness and this has hardened his heart, preventing faith and belief in Jesus.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples do not understand why Jesus is washing their feet - v7 - but the text also shares that "afterward [they] will understand."  Jesus is always doing something in our lives and we often do not understand.  We can take comfort that Jesus is in all things, and for believers all things work together for good - Colossians 1:15-17 and Romans 8:28. Our understanding will come afterward - either in this life beyond and passed current circumstances or in Heaven when our understanding of Jesus will be complete. We also learn that our heart condition is most important - not actions or external behaviors.  If we allow sin and darkness to enter our heart like Judas did then we are likely to stay in darkness and face eternal condemnation.
• 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 sinful influences that are "in the world."  Claim the promise that Jesus cleanses us of our sins and gives us a new heart, a heart of flesh that allows us to hear Jesus, learn about Him, love Him, and follow Him - this is new life.  Follow the example of Peter who did not understand but sought understanding.  We are to forgive others as Jesus forgives us.    

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, forgives, and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such 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 I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

 John 12:44-50

For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” John 12:49-50

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 12:44-50, where Jesus cries out (apparently from hiding - see v36 - as the text does not share how circumstances have changed), that people should believe because He has authority, a message, and a mission given to Him from the Father.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus was sent by God the Father and He reflects the Father - vv44-45.  Earlier text in John shares how Jesus and the Father are One - see John 10:30.  Jesus is the Light of the World, giving Light to those who live in sin/darkness - v46 (see also John 9:5).  Jesus once again shares how His mission is not to judge but to save (v47) - see also John 3:17.  While Jesus' mission as the Incarnate Son of God is to save, He does share that on the last day, when Jesus returns after ascending to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God, that His Words will judge (and by implication eternally condemn) those who do not receive His Words and believe in Him. Jesus ends the text for today in vv49-50 by sharing that God the Father has given Him authority and a commandment - "what to say and what to speak." The commandment given to Jesus is eternal life - see also Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33, and John 1:1-2 where the text shares that Jesus' words will not pass away (eternal), how Jesus and the Word existed in the beginning with the Father, and how the Word was Jesus and 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?): Avoid rejecting Jesus' words.  Claim the promise that if you believe Jesus' words and believe in Him, you will be saved and have victory over sin and death as it is already won.  Love God as the most important commandment.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who saves!  I am not deserving of how You 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.

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

 John 12:37-43

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. John 12:42-43

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 12:37-43, where Jesus has just spoken and performed many signs, the people still don't believe.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Here we see that Jesus moves on by hiding from the crowd (v36) to whom He has spoken as they still did not believe (v37).  Their unbelief fulfills prophecy from Isaiah 53:1 and 6:10 - reinforcing how God alone saves, He chooses whose heart is hardened and whose is softened such that they believe, and how all of scripture points to Jesus.  God revealed Himself to Isaiah and in turn shared God's message to Israel (one of both judgement and hope) - v41.  Pharaoh's heart from Exodus was also hardened by God to fulfill the words God spoke.
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Hardened hearts manifest not just in disbelief, but also in a failure to trust the Lord to protect and save.  V42 shares how some of the authorities believed in Jesus but only partially gave their hearts to the Lord and held back some of their heart as they feared persecution from the Pharisees (v43).      
• 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 partial faith such as the authorities in the text today and the rich young ruler who loved His wealth more than Jesus.  Follow the example of how Jesus laid down His life for the Father....and for all who believe. Claim the promise that the victory over sin and death is already won - particularly on this day (Easter) - so we can trust in Jesus as He gives us the same power that raised Him (Romans 8:11).  Trust Jesus and fully surrender to God and give Him all of Your heart and life.  Treasure Jesus as Your Lord and Savior.  Love God as the most important commandment. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for saving me and giving me the same power that raised You from the grave.  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 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, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

 John 12:27-36

Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:30-32

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 12:27-36, where we Jesus talking and teaching a crowd in Jerusalem during Passover.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: As the Incarnate Son of God, both fully God and fully human, Jesus experiences what all people experience, including pain and suffering - see v27 where Jesus is "troubled" as He knows the hour for His crucifixion is near.  As God, He can stop this but He does not as He shares that "for this purpose I have come to this hour."  Jesus asks God to glorify the Father's name in v28 and the Father responds yes I have and yes I will again.  Jesus was sent by the Father and we must recall from John 10:30 that God and the Father are One.  Jesus shares in v30 that the voice from Heaven was come for the sake of those listening to Him so that they can believe.  Vv31-32 shares how judgement is coming to the world and that Jesus will die and rise to Heaven and save others through their faith in Him.  We must understand Jesus' plan to seek and save the lost - that is why He came (Luke 19:10) - this believers' purpose also.  Jesus wants to save as many as possible - see vv35-36 where Jesus warns people that He will not be around very much longer (He will die, rise and be seated on right hand of the Father) and if they do not believe, they will face eternal damnation and darkness.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Those in the crowd listening to Jesus heard the Father speak to Jesus and believed it was thunder or an angel - v29.  This was indeed a divine moment yet most (except perhaps the disciples who were nearly always with Jesus) in attendance did not see it as the Father speaking to the Son and we will see later how the people did not believe in Him (v37). V34 demonstrates this unbelief due to their questioning of what He is teaching.    
• 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 should avoid trusting in our own understanding but instead in wisdom and understanding that comes from God alone (Proverbs 3:5). We should claim the promise that faith in God will give us eternal life.  We should follow the example of Jesus who obeyed the will of the Father to die on the cross - we too must deny our earthly desires and instead do His will.  We should believe and walk in the light - Jesus Christ.  

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.

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,   Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God has a purpose and a plan for His Son Jesus and the Son is obedient to the plan, including the timing.  V23 reveals Jesus' obedience to the plan and the timing.  The plan itself is for Jesus to be glorified and on this Good Friday (April 3, 2026) this includes Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection three days later on Easter Sunday. The world does not see death as glory, so Jesus has to clarify v23 and vv24-26 do that by sharing that for those who believe in Him, their lives belong to Jesus and they must reflect the Light of the Son of God and must bring glory to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). V24 first includes a warning a warning that if we don't die to self (see also Luke 9:23, Galatians 5:24), we remain alone - implying separation from God, including eternal damnation. But, if we do die to self and live for Christ, we bear much fruit for Him.  We must lose and hate our earthly life but live for Him as citizens of Heaven and His Kingdom - and we have this promise of eternal life. We must follow the example of Jesus losing His life and gaining glory for Himself...and we will be honored by the Father.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People may not express it as the Greeks did in v20 but all have needs and seek what only Jesus can provide - victory from sin and death in this world (forgiveness) and for eternity - salvation.  We should connect people to Jesus just as Philip and Andrew did with the Greeks in vv20-23.      
• 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 living for ourselves.  We should claim the promises of how faith and dying to self bears fruit for Him, provides eternal life, and honor from the Father.  We should follow the example of Philip and Andrew to connect others to Jesus.  We should follow Jesus - where ever He tells us to go.  We must live for Him.   

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 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.

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

 John 12:12-19

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:13

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 12:12-19, where Jesus makes His triumphal entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday riding on a donkey.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus' entry fulfilled prophecy per vv14-15 - see Zechariah 9:9.      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv12-13 shares how the people felt about Jesus as they shouted "hosanna" - with most scholars agreeing that at the least the people praised Jesus, with many scholars going further that the word and its use as a prayer to be saved.  Those shouting hosanna seemed to rightly recognized Jesus as the Promised Messiah.  Yet, the disciples did not at first (compared to the crowds shouting hosanna) see how Jesus fulfilled scriptures to the same extent - see vv16.  This implies that God reveals Himself differently to each person as a means to equip him/her for unique roles and missions He designs.  The disciples seemed to need a different equipping/training - see also Ephesians 2:10.  Vv17-18 shares how those who witnessed Lazarus' resurrection bore witness to Jesus and sought to meet Him when they heard (v12) He was coming to Jerusalem.  In v19, the Pharisees fail to see Jesus for who He is, and continue to be concerned about themselves vs following the most important commandment which is to love 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 not recognizing Jesus for who He is.  Claim the promise that Jesus is Lord and Savior and all scripture points to Him.  Follow the example to praise Him and seek Him as this represents another promise from Jeremiah 29:13.

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that 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.