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John 14:15-31 (NKJV) ​Promise of the Holy Spirit

5/27/2020

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15  "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16  And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17  the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18  I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19  "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20  At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21  He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." 22  Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?" 23  Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24  He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me. 25  "These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26  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 things that I said to you. 27  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28  You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I. 29  And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30  I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31  But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
​Questions to Consider:
  1. Why do you think that Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as a "Helper?"
  2. ​What was the definitive difference that the coming of the Holy Spirit made in the disciples? 
  3. Why would it have been in Satan's best interest for Jesus not to die on the cross?  (Do you think that Satan understood the ramifications that were associated with Jesus' death on a cross?  Why or why not?)
The Key verse in this portion of scripture has to be v.18.  "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."  Jesus has made it abundantly clear that He is leaving His disciples.  They are apprehensive about His imminent departure from their company; and they have good reason to be apprehensive.  Without Jesus, they are vulnerable, leaderless and powerless.  However, Jesus was not going to leave them to tough it out on their own.  He was going to "pray the Father" to send another Helper.  (The Holy Spirit)  Through the person of the Holy Spirit Jesus said, "I will come to you."
The coming of the Holy Spirit meant that rather than having God with them, they would experience God in them.  Rather than being powerless, they would be filled with the power to be witnesses.  (Acts 1:8)
The other important theme in these verses deals with obedience.  Jesus ties the concept of walking in obedience to that of loving Christ.  Jesus repeats this idea a number of times. v.15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments.  v.21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me."  v.23 "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word."  v.24 "He who does not love Me does not keep My words..."
What Jesus is doing by tying obedience and love together is defining what authentic Christianity should look like.  "Real" Christianity does not claim one thing and live another.  Jesus vilified the Pharisees for their toxic hypocrisy and He was making sure that His followers would follow Him both in word and in deed.   Note: This is not a call to perfection, but it defines Christianity as something more than a philosophical concept; it is in fact a life that is transformed and being transformed by the power of God.
v. 26 Jesus identifies the "Helper" as the Holy Spirit.  This verse also identifies a specific function of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is our "teacher."
v.27-29 Jesus is referring to His resurrection.  Jesus is telling His disciples, ahead of time, what is going to happen to Him, so that after He overcomes death, they will finally and conclusively believe in Him.
v. 30 This is an interesting verse, where Jesus refers to the "ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me."  I believe that Jesus is referring to Satan; that Satan is bringing his "A" game against Jesus, but Satan had nothing to offer and no power to dissuade Jesus from drinking from the cup that the Father had prepared for Him.
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John 14:1-14 (NKJV) Preparing a Place

5/26/2020

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1  "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4  And where I go you know, and the way you know." 5  Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" 6  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7  "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." 8  Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." 9  Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10  Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11  Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. 12  "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13  And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
​Questions to Consider:
  1. What emotions do you think the disciples would have been wrestling with when Jesus told them that He was going to be leaving them?
  2. How would you describe Jesus in terms of "being" the way, the truth and the life?"
  3. ​What are some of the "greater works" that have been accomplished through the work of the Church?
It is impossible to fully understand the intent of Jesus' words to His disciples if we do not consider the circumstances.  Jesus utters the words: v.1 "Let not your heart be troubled..."  Jesus was speaking words of comfort to His disciples because of all the activity that was swirling around them.  1) Judas had left the group.  2) Jesus had given a sober prophetic word to Peter.  3) Jesus was sharing that the time of His ministry with the disciples had come to an end.  All this information was overwhelming and confusing.  Throughout the last evening Jesus shared with His disciples He continued to encourage them.  (John 16:33)  "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world."
Jesus assured His disciples that although He was leaving, His departure from them was temporary.  Jesus was going to prepare a place for them and He was going to come back for them.  v.2,3.  
Most people want to know the details of "the plan."  Thomas was no exception: v.5 "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?"  It seems that Thomas is not operating on the same wave length as Jesus.  Jesus is talking about mansions in His Father's house and Thomas is looking for a road map to get there.
Jesus tells Thomas about the way to get the place that He is preparing: v.6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life, No one comes to the Father except through Me."  Jesus make it clear that He is the only way to the Father, the Father's house, and the place He is preparing for His disciples.  "The Way" is a personal relationship with Jesus, not something that is plotted on a map or stumbled upon with carnal effort.
Philip follows Thomas' question with an outrageous request: v.8 "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us."  (You Think?)  If Jesus had fulfilled Philip's request and revealed the Father in His full glory the disciples would have all died.  Jesus gently chastised Philip with the following truth: Jesus taught and did miracles in the authority of the Father.  v.11 Jesus was God in the flesh and if for no other reason, they should believe in Him on the basis of the works (miracles) themselves.
​v.12 Jesus declares that those that believe in Him will do the works that Jesus did and even greater works.
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John 13:31-38 (NKJV) The New Commandment

5/25/2020

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31  So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32  If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33  Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,' so now I say to you. 34  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." 36  Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward." 37  Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake." 38  Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.
​Question to Consider:
  1. What are some of the characteristics associated with the love Christ has for us?
  2. What do you think the impact would be from a church who fulfilled the new commandment of loving one another with the love of Christ? 
  3. Why do you think Jesus would choose "love" as the sign that identifies us as His disciples?
Judas left the Last Supper to fulfill his "deal" with the leaders of the Jews.  Knowing that Judas has betrayed Him, Jesus lets His disciples know that the time of His journey with them on earth has come to an end.
In light of what is about to happen Jesus gives them a significant commandment to follow.  Jesus demonstrated this new commandment by washing the feet of the disciples; now He fortified His actions with a clear directive.  v.34,35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you...by this all will know that you are My disciples."
We must never forget the significance that Jesus gave to this new commandment.  It is the "sign" that tells the world that we are disciples that belong to Jesus. 
Peter blew right past the significance of the new commandment and asked Jesus, "Lord, where are You going?"  Jesus tells Peter that where He is going Peter cannot follow Him.  Obviously, God had other plans for Peter to fulfill and dying with Jesus was not in-line with God's purposes.
Peter declares his intention of following Jesus, even if it means his own death.  It was a brave thought, and when the temple guard came to arrest Jesus, Peter did defend Jesus with a sword; but, later Peter would deny any relational connection to Jesus, just as Jesus prophesied. v.38.
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John 13:18-30 (NKJV) The Tragic Story of Judas​

5/23/2020

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18  I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.' 19  Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. 20  Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me." 21  When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." 22  Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. 23  Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24  Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. 25  Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" 26  Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27  Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." 28  But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29  For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy those things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. 30  Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night. ​
​Questions to Consider:
  1. How would you feel about serving with or working beside a person who does not have your best interests in mind?
  2. Have you ever been betrayed by someone who posed as a friend?  (How did you cope with it?)
  3. We know that ultimately Judas was filled with remorse over his actions of betrayal.  In the final analysis, was Judas doomed from the beginning, or could he have repented and been restored, even after betraying Jesus?
​In the time of Jesus' public ministry, the name of "Judas" was a popular name.  Judas is a Greek variation of Judah, and it means "praised."  No less than two of the original disciples were named Judas.  The actions of betrayal by one Judas Iscariot has forever left a dark stain on this name.  Unless a person is either ignorant or has some animus towards Christianity, they generally avoid giving this name to their children.The disciples are sharing what is popularly known as the "Last Supper" with Jesus.  v.18 Jesus makes it known that one of the disciples He chose will come against Him; but Jesus also acknowledges that He chose this particular disciple to fulfill a prophetic word found in Scripture.  What this means is that the behavior of Judas did not blind-side Jesus.  Jesus, from the very beginning of including Judas in the circle of the 12 disciples was aware of Judas' duplicitous heart.  
v.21 Jesus tells His disciples: "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me."  This had to be a troubling revelation.  If Jesus was to be believed it meant that one of their number was a traitor.  "Who is it?"  They all wanted to know.
It must have been a chaotic scene, because even after Jesus told them that the guilty party was the one to whom He would give a piece of bread that He had dipped, and then gave it to Judas Iscariot; the disciples thought that Judas left the room to buy something for the group.
In terms of timing, when taking in to account the story of Judas' betrayal of Jesus found in Luke 22, it is possible that Judas had already struck a deal with the leaders of the Jews to betray Jesus before the "Last Supper."  When Judas left  Jesus and the disciples during supper that night it was to complete his part of the dubious bargain.  Judas knew where Jesus was going after the super was completed and he was going to bring the temple guard to that place to arrest Jesus.
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John 13:1-17 (NKJV) Jesus Washes Feet

5/22/2020

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1  Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2  And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him, 3  Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4  rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5  After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6  Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?" 7  Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this." 8  Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." 9  Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" 10  Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." 11  For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not all clean." 12  So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13  You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14  If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15  For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16  Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17  If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
​Questions to Consider:
  1. There was a stench that smelled as if something died, the smell filled the entire room.  It was a gathering of around 50 youth and we discovered that the smell was coming from Mark's old sneakers.  Washing feet is not a high status job.  How about the job of cleaning up the mess created by sin--what do you imagine Jesus felt when He washed away the sins of the world?
  2. Why do you think Jesus treated Judas with graciousness all the way up to the point of betrayal?
  3. How does the idea of serving the needs of others go against the natural inclination of human nature?
Jesus washing the feet of His disciples is a picture of God bowing before humans doing the work of a servant.  This confirms something that we should know; Jesus has not called us to do works that He was not willing to do.  As Jesus washed the disciples feet He was demonstrating what a servant's heart looks like.  It was a living example of His teaching.  Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.   Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.  And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Jesus washed the feet of the one who would betray Him.  (The washing of the disciples' feet happens just prior to Judas leaving to sell Jesus out)  Jesus washed the feet of the one who would deny knowing Him.  In fact, Peter made a big scene when Jesus prepared to wash his feet.  v.8 "You shall never wash my feet!" Peter declared.  Jesus corrected Peter, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me."  Once again we have a foreshadowing of things to come.  The old Hymn asks the question, "What can wash away my sin?"  And then the answer responds, "Nothing but the blood of Jesus!"  We all need Jesus to wash us.  It is the job of a servant, but became the mission of the King.  According to the Apostle Paul, (Philippians 2:7,8) Jesus made Himself of no reputation, took the form of a bondservant, came in the likeness of man, and humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 
When Jesus completed the task of washing the feet of His disciples, He asked them if they understood the implication of what He had done.  No-one ventured an answer.  Jesus filled the void of silence.  v.14 "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 should do as I have done to you."
What does this mean for us today?  It means that we serve the needs of other people.  We are not busybodies, but when we see a need or hear a call for help, we respond.  In the words of Jesus, "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them!"
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John 12:31-50 (NKJV) ​Jesus, Light of the World

5/21/2020

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​31  Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32  And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." 33  This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 34  The people answered Him, "We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?" 35  Then Jesus said to them, "A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36  While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. 37  But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38  that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: "Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?" 39  Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 40  "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them." 41  These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. 42  Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43  for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44  Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45  And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46  I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47  And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48  He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49  For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50  And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak."
​Questions to Consider:
  1. How has the power of Satan to rule this earth been limited by the atoning work of Christ?
  2. How is the atoning work of Christ critical to the plan of God to "save" the world?
  3. Why do you think that people choose to remain in the darkness even when they have had glimpses of the light?
Jesus refers to Himself a the light of the world.  v.35,36,46.  Before Jesus arrived the world was shrouded in darkness, and although God had a plan, the Savior had not yet come into the world.  Jesus was sent on a specific mission by God.  He was light; He was the Christ; He was the Savior; He was the Atonement for sins of mankind.
v.32 Once again Jesus refers to being "lifted up."  This is an obvious prophetic word that is referring to the cross.
There are times, as you read about Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees and even with His disciples, where His answers seem somewhat obtuse.  The question must be answered: "Why were Jesus' answers to questions so veiled and difficult to understand?  Jesus gives us the answer in v.49. "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak."  What this means is the Jesus was somewhat obtuse by design.
Even among the rulers of the Jews v.42, there were those who believed in Him.  Had Jesus been more open about who He was, done miracles on demand, and played to the crowds, there is a very real chance that the people would have fully embraced Jesus as the Messiah and made Him the King of Israel.  If Jesus had desired power and position, even the Roman Legions would have fallen before Him.  This was not the Father's plan for Jesus.  God's plan for Jesus did not settle for being the King of a small oppressed country; rather it was the grandest of plans to bring salvation to the world.
v.31 "The ruler of this world will be cast out."  The atoning work of Christ was the beginning of the end for Satan (the ruler of this world).  Was Satan aware that the death and resurrection of Jesus would ultimately result in his defeat?  That is a good theological question.  It seems to me that Satan was always trying to prevent the atoning work from taking place.  Through Herod, Satan tried to kill Jesus while He was yet a young child.  During the temptation of Christ in the wilderness, Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of earth.  Satan spoke through Peter and told Jesus that He did not have to go the death and pain of the Father's plan.  Even on the cross satanic voices said that they would worship Jesus as the Messiah if He would come down off the cross.  Jesus was resolute in following the Father's plan, it showed in His actions and in His words.
This was Jesus' last public interaction with people other than His disciples before His arrest.  He pleads with His audience one last time.  v.36 "Believe in the light that you might become sons of light."  v.46 "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness."  Those words are as relevant today as when Jesus spoke them 2,000 years ago.   ​
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John 12:12-30 (NKJV) Jesus Enters Jerusalem

5/19/2020

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12  The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13  took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' The King of Israel!" 14  Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15  "Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey's colt." 16  His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17  Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18  For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19  The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!" 20  Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21  Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." 22  Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23  But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24  Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25  He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26  If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. 27  "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28  Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." 29  Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to Him." 30  Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.
​Questions to Consider:
  1. What are some of the ways that people "hang on" to their lives too tightly in this life?  (Any other thoughts on verse 25?)​
  2. Jesus lived a sinless life; that said, He was God in the flesh and the human side of His being had to feel terribly conflicted as He moved forward with the Father's plan.  What are some of the human emotions that Jesus would have been feeling?​
  3. All ideas accepted: What do you think the Father meant when He spoke from heaven in response to Jesus saying, "Father, glorify Your name"?  (The Father spoke: "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again")
It was always going to come down to this--it was the beginning of the final showdown between Jesus and the religious leaders of the Jews.  Jesus had given them ample opportunities to recognize Him as the Christ.  He had performed great miracles that finally culminated in raising Lazarus from the dead.  There were no more credible excuses that the Pharisees could offer for rejecting Jesus as the Messiah.
Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem riding on the back of a young donkey.  This event is often referred to as the "Triumphal Entry."  It is recorded in all four of the Gospels.  Word travels quickly when a multitude of witnesses testify to someone being raised from the dead; especially after they had been sealed away in a tomb for four days.  The people rushed into the streets to greet the miracle working Rabbi!  
v.19 The Pharisees were disgusted by the reaction of the people praising Jesus.  They also realized that all their efforts to discredit Jesus had failed.  With a bit of hyperbole they said, "Look, the world has gone after Him!"  It this juncture the enemies of Jesus needed to act quickly before it was too late. 
v.20 At the time of Passover there were Greek Jews from the diasopra.  (This refers to Jews who had been dispersed and scattered among the nations through the centuries of conflict)  These Jews would have been new to hearing the news about the miracle-working Rabbi, and they were anxious to meet Jesus. v.23 For the first time Jesus acknowledges that His time is at hand.  (Time to fulfill the Father's plan of atoning for the sins of the world) 
On hearing about the group of "Greeks" that wanted to "see" Jesus, He began to prophesy about the events that were about to unfold.  v.24 Jesus compares Himself to a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies; but in the end produces much grain. v.25 Is kind of cryptic.  "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."  (Meaning?  We should not live life as if this world is our home and final destiny; instead, we should live for the purposes of God) I would imagine that having the foreknowledge concerning one's death, would be taxing. That was true for Jesus.  v.27 "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say?  'Father, glorify Your name.'"
A voice spoke from heaven. v.28 "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again."  The people heard the voice as if it was thunder; and some suggested that "An angel has spoken to Him."
Jesus told the crowd that the voice spoke to Him, not for His sake, but for the sake of those who were gathered with Him.  One of the things that Jesus established among His followers was overwhelming proof that He was the Messiah.  In order for them to soldier on without Jesus; to even remain in Jerusalem for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the disciples needed to be absolutely convinced that He was the Christ.  Seeing Lazarus raised from the dead was proof.  Hearing a voice speaking from heaven was more evidence.  Of course, the greatest proof was yet to come.  An empty tomb.  ​
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John 12:1-11 (NKJV) A Grateful Sister

5/18/2020

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1  Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2  There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3  Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4  Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 5  "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" 6  This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7  But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8  For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." 9  Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10  But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11  because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.
​Question to Consider:
  1. ​Mary's act was a humble act that reflected her deep gratitude towards Jesus; how is your own personal gratitude towards Jesus being lived out in your life?
  2. Why do you think Jesus allowed Judas to be counted as one of the 12 disciples?
  3. The chief priests are the poster children for the end justifying the means.  How does this mindset often create moral compromises?
Jesus returns to Bethany, the town where Lazarus and his family were from, and the site of His greatest miracle.  The family rolled out their hospitality and fixed supper for their guests.  As the supper proceeded, Mary took a pound of spikenard, which was a very expensive oil and poured it over Jesus' feet and then wiped it off with her own hair.  The house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
Judas Iscariot reacted to this extravagant act of worship with a thinly veiled criticism.  "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"  v.6 Reveals that not only would Judas betray Jesus, he was also a thief.
There are a number of reasons why the oil was not sold and given to the poor: 1) It was Mary's gift to do with what she had determined; furthermore, she had already set it aside for Jesus.  2) Mary was demonstrating the attitude that you would expect from a sister who is grateful to have her brother back from the dead.  Jesus rebukes the outburst from Judas knowing what was in his heart.
A great many Jews gathered at this event of celebration.  They came to see Jesus and Lazarus.  Lazarus was living, breathing proof of Jesus' power.  v.10 This verse tells us that the chief priests were also plotting to put Lazarus to death.  They wanted to destroy any evidence that verified Jesus standing as the Christ.  What I find incredible about this plot against both Jesus and (now) Lazarus is how far humans are willing to sacrifice their own integrity to hold on to power or to maintain a false narrative.  It really speaks of the worst in human nature and reminds me of the politics of today.
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John 11:39-57 (NKJV) Story of Lazarus, Part 3

5/18/2020

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39  Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days." 40  Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" 41  Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42  And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me." 43  Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" 44  And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go." 45  Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46  But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47  Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48  If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation." 49  And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50  nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish." 51  Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52  and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53  Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54  Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. 55  And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56  Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, "What do you think--that He will not come to the feast?" 57  Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
​Questions to Consider: 
  1. I'm reminded of ​John Adam's low opinion of politicians: "In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress."  What are some of the parallels that you have observed between the leaders of the Jews and modern-day politicians?
  2. How does raising Lazarus from the dead reveal the glory of God?
  3. What are some of your thoughts concerning the incredible prophecy of Caiaphas?
The moment of truth has arrived.  Lazarus has been dead for four days; the eye-witnesses are gathered; and the miracle-working Rabbi is at hand.  "Take away the stone," Jesus commands.  The people are alarmed,  This amounts to desecrating the body of a dead person, and the body is already in the process of decay.  Martha reminds Jesus that the body will create a stench at this point.
v.40 Jesus replies, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"  What Jesus is stating has a direct bearing on the family and friends of Lazarus, but it also is a foreshadowing of what people, who believe in Jesus, can expect.  Overcoming death reveals both the power and the good-will of God towards those that put their faith in Jesus.  It is an amazing revelation of God's glory.
v.41,42 Jesus prays a very straight-to-the-point prayer.  A perfect example of the kind of prayer that communicates the petition clearly without the showmanship of the religious or the repetition of the heathen.  Jesus thanks the Father for already hearing Him and that He is praying for the sake of the onlookers.
v.43 "Lazarus, come forth!"  Jesus commanded in a loud voice.  There was movement in the tomb, and Lazarus stepped out, still bound in his graveclothes.  It was a miracle that indeed revealed the glory of God.  
There were two immediate reactions to this amazing event.  There was the crowd that rejoiced and believed that Jesus was the Christ; and the cowardly tattle-tales who immediately ran with the news to the chief priests and Pharisees.
As the chief priests and Pharisees gathered to discuss their "Jesus" problem, there was a change in the narrative.  They no longer wrote Jesus off as a blasphemer, demon possessed, or a false prophet.  His miracles were proof that Jesus was a legitimate force to be reckoned with.  They expressed their true concern: v.48 "If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation."
If you follow contemporary politics for any length of time, it is amazing how unchanged the general attitude of politicians have remained down through the centuries.  Politicians are always concerned about their "place" of power.  There are some exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, politicians are far more concerned about protecting their place than they are about the good of the citizens.
There is an interesting prophetic word that came from Caiaphas the high priest.  v.51,52.  He prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation of Israel, but that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered around the world.  Indeed, Jesus build His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!
v.53 From that day on the leadership of the Jews plotted to put Jesus to death, and Jesus left for the wilderness.
As the time for Passover was drawing close, the people of Jerusalem starting speculating about Jesus.  At the same time the chief priests and Pharisees started to gather intelligence that they might arrest Jesus if He showed up in Jerusalem.  The stage was set.
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John 11:17-38 (NKJV) Story of Lazarus, Part 2

5/15/2020

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17  So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18  Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19  And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20  Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21  Then Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22  But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." 23  Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24  Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25  Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27  She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." 28  And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, "The Teacher has come and is calling for you." 29  As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30  Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31  Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, "She is going to the tomb to weep there." 32  Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." 33  Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34  And He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." 35  Jesus wept. 36  Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!" 37  And some of them said, "Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?" 
​Questions to Consider:
  1. Have you had someone close to you pass away?  (What did you feel at the time?  Has time brought some healing to your emotions?)
  2. Death is a hard subject to talk about, and even more difficult to deal with when death knocks on the door of someone that we love.  Do you think that Martha and Mary were feeling a bit of anger towards Jesus for not arriving earlier?  (Have you ever been perplexed by God's timing in your own life?)
  3. By the earlier remarks that Jesus made, it is clear that He knew that He would be raising Lazarus from the dead.  So, why do you think Jesus wept?
When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.  This means that Lazarus was certifiably dead by any measure.  According to Jewish laws and customs, when a person dies they are buried before the sun goes down on the same day with the exception of the Sabbath, in which case they are buried on the following day.  The burial is then followed by seven days of mourning.  Which means that Jesus and the disciples arrived in the time period dedicated to mourning over the death of Lazarus.
Martha left the mourners gathered at her house and met with Jesus before He arrived at the house.  Martha engages Jesus in a passionate discussion which revealed Martha's faith in Jesus.  Martha has three declarations of faith. 1) "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died."  2) "Even now I know whatever You ask of God, God will give You."  3) "I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, Who is come into the world."
I do not believe that Jesus waited until after Lazarus died in order to test Martha's faith.  Even after Lazarus had been dead for 4 days, Martha still believed that Jesus had the power to raise him from the dead.  However, many of the Jews that gathered at Martha and Mary's house were skeptical of Jesus.  I believe that Jesus waited for 3 reasons: 1) v.4 For the Glory of God.  2) v.15 That the disciples would believe.  3) So that the Jews would have no excuse for rejecting Jesus.  
Martha went back to her home to tell Mary that Jesus had arrived.  Mary immediately left to go see Jesus and the Jews followed her.  So, there was a procession that made their way to Jesus who was waiting on the outskirts of the town.  Mary fell at the feet of Jesus, and through the tears she reiterated the words of her sister, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died."
Jesus emotionally responded to Mary and wept with her.  Then Jesus took the first step towards arguably, outside His own resurrection, the greatest miracle of His public ministry.  He asked the crowd that had gathered, "Where have you laid him?"  And they responded, "Lord, come and see."
On the way to the tomb of Lazarus, the Jews tossed around some ideas concerning Jesus.  v.36 "See how He loved him!"  v.37 "Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?"  Of course the answer to their veiled accusation is that Jesus could have kept Lazarus from dying and better yet, after four days of being in the tomb, Jesus could raise him from the dead.
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    RJ Dugone

    Lead Teaching Elder:
    ​Believers Church Leander

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    John 10:19-42
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