JOHN STUDY

Expository Study of the Gospel of John

Introduction to John

Most Bible scholars agree that the Gospel of John was written by Jesus' youngest disciple. Although there is speculation that it might have been written by another person by the name of John, it makes more sense that it was John the brother of James. The Gospel is written from the perspective of a person who was not only there as an eye-witness, but a person who was observing Christ's ministry as an insider. The three disciples who had the closest friendships with Jesus were Peter, James and John.

John was the youngest of Jesus' disciples. He refers to himself as the disciple that Jesus loved. In the distorted view of the modern pop culture, love between men is often sexualized, which makes it difficult to comprehend the powerful bounds of the friendships between men who love each other. Please note: Sex and Love are not synonymous. On a personal note, I have sexual relationships with one person; my wife. On the other hand, I have an intense, non-sexual, agape love for a very large number of friends and family members. How deep is that love? I would die to save them; and there is not one sexual thought that I associate with those relationships. Sorry to start out this study with such a taboo conversation, but the sensual nature of our culture needs to be exposed. The Bottom-line: John wrote the Gospel of John from the perspective of a person who loved his dear friend, Jesus.

The Purpose for which the Gospel of John was written: There is no guess work when it comes to John's purpose for writing the Gospel of John. He clearly states his purpose in John 20:29-31 (NKJV) "Jesus said to him, 'Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." John wrote his Gospel so that people; people who were not around during the time of Jesus' ministry on earth, would read John's account and come to believe in Jesus.

One of the themes found in John's coverage of Jesus' ministry on earth is the idea of good verses evil portrayed as an analogy of light verses darkness. The earth is a picture of darkness, weighted down under the curse of sin and under the influence of Satan. Jesus is portrayed as the light that shatters the darkness and passes on the lighted torch to the Church to carry on.

Questions to Consider:

What caused you to Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God?
In what way(s) has your life been blessed by your belief in Christ?
How are your allowing your light (your witness) to "shine" and be an influence in your world?

Watch the Short Video from the Bible Project: The Gospel of John

Bible Text

RJ's Running Commentary

John 1:1-14 (NKJV) The Deity of Jesus Christ

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John starts in by putting the biggest rock in the jar. Jesus was and is God. He was God and with God before the creation. He was a part of the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) that created all that is. John emphatically enforces this idea, "without Him nothing was made that was made!" (v.3)
Without going into the details of the fall of man and the ensuing curse of sin; John simply notes that there is darkness. It is the state of mankind and planet earth. Jesus represents the antidote for darkness. He is the light. Jesus stated it well, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no-one comes to the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
The most famous prophet in the land of Israel, just before Jesus launches His public ministry, was John the Baptist. Like Jesus, John the Baptist was sent by God; and like Jesus, John the Baptist was martyred. John the Baptist was sent specifically to pave the way for Jesus. His endorsement of Jesus gave Jesus instant credibility with those who were wanting to see a time of spiritual renewal in their own lives and in the life of their nation.
John talks about the light (Jesus) that came to Israel. The nation that was longing for the coming of the Messiah; and when the Messiah (Jesus) came, they did not know Him and they did not receive Him. What a tragedy.
In spite of the general rejection of Jesus by the Jewish people; by the goodness and grace of God, "as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave the right to become the children of God." That explains "us." Removed by thousands of miles; removed by thousands of years; removed by our lack of genetic connection to God's chosen people--we have become the children of God!
Jesus is the perfect representation of God. He was God in the flesh, full of grace and truth.

Questions to Consider:

Why is believing in the deity of Jesus Christ so important?
Spiritual discernment allows us to "sense" the difference between good and evil. Do you believe in the idea of good and evil and why is it important to have discernment?
Did your life change significantly when you came to faith in Jesus? What are some of the more profound changes?

John 1:15-28 (NKJV) Ministry of John the Baptist

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' " 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. 19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." 21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." 22 Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the LORD," ' as the prophet Isaiah said." 24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose." 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Everyone has an ego. We are self-serving creatures by the nature of our existence which takes in data through the senses and then evaluates and stores the data in the over 100 trillion synopsis of the brain. This little self-contained world (the brain) in which we all live often makes it difficult to "see" the value in others. To submit to another person takes "real" humility.
John the Baptist was either incredibly humble or through his prophetic gifts understood who Jesus was. (Perhaps both) As the most powerful and well-known prophet of His time, John deferred to Jesus.
Since many of the Jews were looking for the Messiah, they naturally thought that perhaps John the Baptist was the "one." John made it clear, "I am not the Christ." "Well, then who are you?" They asked. As John responded to the bombardment of questioning, he laid out the purpose of his ministry and calling. v.23 "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord," 'as the prophet Isaiah said."
The Pharisees pointed out that John was baptizing people, and they questioned his authority to do so--since he was not the Christ. John did not answer their criticism. A wise choice. Trying to convince people concerning your motivations generally has two effects: 1) It comes across as defensive. 2) It does nothing to change their opinion.
John the Baptist then lived out his purpose by telling the Pharisees that the "One" they were looking for would be coming; and that John was not even worthy to help Him take His shoes off. Talk about humility. (Jesus demonstrated the same kind of humility as He washed the disciples' feet)
Bethabara is towards the south end of the Jordan River. This small, murky-looking water hole is where John Baptized Jesus.

Questions to Consider:

Do I consider and submit to the purpose(s) for which God created me or am I pursuing my own goals in life? (Which comes first?)
Am I willing to take a role (in terms of my ministry) that seems to support and promote others more than myself?
How can I become a more humble person without losing who I am? (Or is losing myself in Christ the objective?)

John 1:29-36 (NKJV) Jesus is Baptized in Water

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.' 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water." 32 And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God." 35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

This is a theologically significant even in the ministry of Christ. We have one of the clearest pictures of the Holy Trinity. (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching to be baptized, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Notice the inclusive nature of John's statement. Jesus was the Messiah that was spoken of by the prophets of the Old Testament, but Jesus was not limited to saving Israel, He was the savior for the entire world. This was essentially the same message that the Angel of the Lord declared to the shepherds at Christ's birth. "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." (Luke 2:10)
All four of the Gospels have an account of Jesus' Baptism. Here is Matthew's account: Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV) 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
John the Baptist refers to Jesus as "The Lamb of God." This is a direct reference to the Prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 53:7) John was obviously aware of Jesus' role in fulfilling the Father's ultimate plan of salvation.

Questions to Consider:

What do you think was the significance of the Holy Spirit descending and remaining on Jesus?
Do you think that Jesus did miracles on the basis of His divinity or by the power of the Holy Spirit?
Do you think that John the Baptist was comfortable with the idea that Jesus' calling and purpose was of greater importance than his own?

John 1:37-51 (NKJV) The First Disciples

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone). 43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." 51 And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

Two of John the Baptist's disciples heard John call Jesus the "Lamb of God." They must have had some understanding of what that meant or thought that the title sounded impressive because they immediately started to follow Jesus. Jesus responded to them exactly like we would respond to people who are suddenly in our shadow; He asked them, "What do you want?"
They called Jesus, "Rabbi." This meant that they viewed Jesus as a spiritual teacher, someone worth listening to, someone worth learning from, perhaps someone worth following. Rather than try to convince these two men to follow Him by giving them a sales pitch, Jesus simply invites them with, "Come and see."
One of the two men was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. Andrew found Peter and shared a significant word with him. "We have found the Messiah." (Side note: Peter declares to Jesus (Matt 16:16) "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." However, Andrew had come to that same conclusion the day he decided to become one of Jesus' disciples)
Jesus calls Simon Peter "Cephas" which means stone or rock. Some Christian traditions believe that this means that Peter was "The Rock" that the church would be built on. They base this on Jesus' response to Peter's declaration that Jesus was the Christ. ""And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." In my opinion that is quite the extrapolation. Firstly, Jesus said the church would be built on "this" rock and He used the word "Petra" not "Cephas." Most Bible scholars believe that the "Petra" the church is built on is the revelation that Jesus was and is the Christ.
The next day, Jesus called Philip to follow Him. Philip immediately found Nathanael as spread the good news. "We have found Him..." When Nathanael found out the Jesus was from Nazareth, he was less than impressed: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"
How did Jesus win this skeptic over? He spoke to Nathanael with prophetic insight: 1) "Behold, an Israelite in whom is no deceit!" 2) "Before Philip called you, you were resting under a fig tree." Both of these insights grabbed Nathanael's attention because they were true.
Nathanael makes a declaration: "Rabbi, You are the Son of God!" The point is this: Andrew, Peter, Philip and now Nathanael did not follow Jesus because of His charisma or charm; they believed that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah.
Jesus tells Nathanael, (Let me paraphrase) "If you believe in me based on a couple of prophetic insights, just wait, you have not seen anything yet!"

Questions to Consider:

What is your reason for being a follower of Christ?
Why is the question of "who" Jesus is so crucial to our faith?
Take yourself back into the time of Christ, do you think that you would have been inclined to be a disciple of Christ or a part of the opposition to Christ?

John 2:1-11 (NKJV) Jesus Turns Water into Wine

1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." 6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!" 11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

This is the story of Jesus turning water into wine. It serves as the first recorded miracle that Jesus performed, and it proved Jesus' mastery over the elements of creation. Once again pointing to the fact that Jesus, "Was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:2,3)
Jesus is at a wedding in Cana and at some point in this human celebration, they ran out of wine. Jesus' mother (Mary) informs Jesus of this problem. What does this tell us about Mary? It tells us that she knew that Jesus had the ability to remedy the situation. You already know why my mother would never inform me a such a problem; because my mother knows that there is nothing that I could do about it. This was not true in the case of Mary. She was confident that her son could perform a miracle and fix the problem.
The human side of Jesus shows through in his typical "son" reaction to a mother who wants to "show off" her son. I can see Jesus rolling His eyes as He declares, "What does your concern have to do with Me?" In typical mom form, Mary just bulldozes through Jesus' objections and instructed the servants to do as He instructed.
Jesus submitted to His mother. (Did you catch that?) Jesus submitted to the wishes of His mother. This tells us a great deal about Christ's attitude of humility. He is not even convinced that it is time for His ministry to be unveiled; and still He submits to His mother.
Jesus gave instructions to the servants. They filled six waterpots with water and Jesus changed the molecular structure of the elements involved. The best wine of the celebration was now served.

Questions to Consider:

How would you define the idea of "submission" and why is it important to "submit one to another?"
Pure speculation: "Why do you think Mary was so confident that Jesus could pull off this miracle?"
What does Jesus human reaction to Mary's prodding tell us about His humanity? (My answer: Having the wrong attitude or reaction is not a sin. How we ultimately respond is what moves us into the arena of sin. Example: You can be angry and not sin in your anger. Jesus ultimately submitted graciously to His mother)

John 2:12-25 (NKJV) Jesus Takes on the Moneychangers.

12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. 13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up." 18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?" 19 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. 23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

This story represents Jesus' first trip to Jerusalem since embarking on His public ministry. It is the time of Passover, which meant that there would an overwhelming wave of animal sacrifices to be made in the temple. The time of Passover was an annual event that commemorated the original Passover, which occurred the night the death angel crossed over the homes of the Egyptians and took the first-born males. (Although I am a grandfather, I am still the oldest son in my family, which means I would have died at the hands of the death angel) The only homes who were spared from the work of the death angel, had sacrificed a one year old goat or lamb that was blemish free, and had marked their doors with the blood of the animal.
The first question that comes to mind when people read this story is usually; "Why was Jesus so angry with the moneychangers?" It is widely speculated that the moneychangers were taking advantage (financial advantage) of the Jewish pilgrims that had come from around the world to the temple to sacrifice for Passover. Using religion to take advantage of pilgrims was anathema to Jesus.
Although, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that those that labor in the work of the ministry; especially those that teach (1 Timothy 5:17, 18), the Gospel is not to be "used" as a vehicle to take financial advantage of other believers. Jesus overturned the tables of the moneychanger, scattered their money and chased them off of the temple grounds with a whip.
The disciples recalled the prophetic word: "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up." The temple was God's house, which means it was also Jesus' house.
Everyone wanted to know what gave Jesus the "right" to take such an action. At this point, although they did not understand what Jesus was saying at the time, Jesus refers to the sign of the resurrection. "Destroy this temple (body), and in three days I will raise it up!" It was not until after Jesus' death and resurrection that the disciples of Jesus finally understood what He was talking about.
v. 23 tells us that many of the people in Jerusalem started believing in Jesus, because they saw He performing "signs." Most likely Jesus was healing people. The signs that Jesus performed should have been all the proof needed that Jesus was special. He was either a great prophet, the Messiah or the devil Himself.
v.24,25 tells us that Jesus did not trust people. He could see what is "in" man.

Questions to Consider:

Do you think that there is something such as righteous anger? (What would cause you to be righteously angry?)
What do you think is the difference between anger and righteous anger?
Many of the things that Jesus did and said did not make sense to the disciples at the time they occurred; what is it about people that cause us to fall short in discerning the workings of God?

John 3:1-12 (NKJV) Encounter with Nicodemus - "Born Again"

1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

Nicodemus was taking a chance. If he was discovered visiting Jesus, the young controversial Rabbi, he could lose his reputation with the other Pharisees. Never-the-less, Nicodemus wanted to have a face-to-face conversation with Jesus. He secretly visited Jesus by night.
Nicodemus came to Jesus with an understanding that Jesus was out of the ordinary. He rightfully stated: "No one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Miracles in and of themselves do not prove that someone is from God; but, there has to be a supernatural power source from somewhere. (Just go out and start performing signs and wonders--impossible without a power source) This is what intrigued Nicodemus and he wanted to know more about this young miracle-working Rabbi.
Jesus jumped ship in the direction of the conversation. He responds to Nicodemus' line of reasoning by turning the conversation to something that He (Jesus) cared about. "Salvation." In this case, I think that Jesus was interested in Nicodemus' salvation. Jesus turned the conversation with this statement: "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus took the bait, "How can a man be born (again) when he is old?"
The obvious answer is that a man cannot be born again in the natural order of the universe; however, Jesus was speaking of a spiritual birthing.
Jesus stated that a spiritual birthing requires two elements in order to proceed. One must be born of 1) Water and the 2) Spirit. This is one of those verses that Bible scholars struggle and disagree as to the meaning. I think that Jesus makes the meaning pretty clear in v.6. He correlates 1) Water to "flesh is flesh;" and 2) Spirit to "Spirit is spirit." So what does that mean? My opinion: One must be born of the flesh (must exist), and then to achieve salvation they must be born of the Spirit.(Where the Holy Spirit breathes spiritual life into an individual)
I am guessing that Nicodemus had a blank look on his face, because Jesus then further explains the work of the Spirit. Jesus compared the work of the Spirit to the wind. The wind is a strong force that is invisible and difficult to define or explain. Although we cannot see the Holy Spirit, we see the supernatural results of the Spirit's working in the lives of those that have been born again. Those destined for the Kingdom of God.

Questions to Consider:

Are you saved? (Sounds like a simple question, "right?") How do you know that you are saved?
How would you explain the concept of being "born-again" to a non-believer?
What are some of the characteristics of wind that correlate to the characteristics of the Holy Spirit?

John 3:13-22 (NKJV) God's Plan Revealed

13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." 22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.

In the rest of Jesus' time with Nicodemus He talks about God's plan to rescue humanity from sin. He starts by drawing a parallel between the bronze serpent that Moses lifted up to save the Israelites that had been bitten by deadly snakes. to Jesus (the Son of Man) who would be lifted up on a cross. If an Israelite was bitten, all they needed to do was look upon the bronze serpent to be healed. In the same way, when people "look" and believe on the Christ, He is able to save them.
God's motivation for sending Jesus to earth was for "love." If you read the description of love (Agape) in 1 Corinthians, it is a love that is persistent and unilateral. The Apostle Paul also gives us this insight to God's love: Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 is arguably the most well-known verse in the New Testament. It reveals the simplicity of the Gospel. A person believes in Jesus and they are rewarded with everlasting life. It is surprising how complicated we "try" to make the issue of salvation. It comes down to one thing, "believing in Jesus." John 1:12 "To as many as believed." v.16 "Whoever believes." v.18 "He who believes." The narrative of "believing in Jesus for salvation" is a theme that is restated time and time again throughout the Gospels.
When Jesus arrived, the earth was already under the curse of sin. The earth was already condemned. Mankind was already guilty, and the price for our sin was death. Jesus represents God's alternative to death and judgment. The Father sent Jesus on a mission to rescue us from our sins, so that "we" would have an opportunity to be saved.
v.19 Answers a question that is often asked. Why don't people accept the gift of salvation. The answer: "Men loved darkness rather than light." Hard to imagine that salvation is available, but some people would rather remain cursed.

Question to Consider:

Why do you think that theologians and religious organizations tend to make salvation complicated?
What do you think it means to believe in Jesus? (How much do we need to "believe" in order to be saved?_
How is what we believe reflected in our daily behavior?

John 3:23-36 (NKJV) John the Baptist Endorses Jesus

23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. 24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison. 25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified--behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!" 27 John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

It seems that some of John the Baptist's disciples were perturbed by the rising popularity of the young Rabbi, named Jesus. Jesus (according to them) was baptizing people and furthermore, it seemed that "all" the people were flocking to Him. This would indeed have been a huge problem if people were gathering around a false prophet, which would have been a legitimate concern. John belays his disciples' concerns with a very strong endorsement of Jesus.
John the Baptist was armed with something that his disciples seemed to lack; he had a prophetic understanding of who Jesus was and the personal mission that God had purposed for him. This certain knowledge made John self-actualized. John knew who he was and knew what he was called to do. He had no regrets!
John compared himself to a groomsman who is happy for the groom and the bride, while making it clear that he was not the Christ or the groom of the bride. There are a number of instances in the New Testament where Jesus is pictured as the groom and the church His bride. Jesus, Himself makes this analogy. (Matthew 9:15)
Finally, John tells his followers that "He" (Jesus) must increase, as "I" (John) must decrease. It is quite possible that John was aware that the end of his ministry and life was nearing an end, while Jesus public ministry was just beginning. John closes by acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God.

Questions to Consider:

What is your attitude towards other people who seem to be more successful in life than you are? Do you find joy in their success or do you struggle with feelings of inadequacy and maybe envy?
Do you struggle with feelings of envy or jealousy? (What can you do to "deal" with those unwanted feelings?)
In your own life, do you agree with the idea that Jesus should increase and that "you" should decrease?

John 4:1-15 (NKJV) The Woman at the Well, Part 1

1 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria. 5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." 11 The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?" 13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." 15 The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."

From the early beginnings of Jesus' public ministry the Pharisees were keeping track of Jesus' activities and location. Jesus was obviously aware of the unwanted scrutiny. Although the Pharisees were a religious sect they welded a lot of political clout in Israel. Their desire to hang on to power blinded them to the fact that Jesus was the Messiah. ("Their Messiah")
The journey from Judea to Galilee meant a trip through Samaria. As a people group, the Samaritans were "looked down on" by the Jews. The Samaritans were a conquered group of people who had intermarried with the enemy. Jews marrying Gentiles was viewed with great prejudice.
The Samaritan woman was shocked when she was addressed by a Jewish man. One of the effects of prejudice is that the object of disdain has been dehumanized. (In the capturing and selling of West-Africans into slavery, the slaves were viewed and treated as something less than human. The same is true in the abortion debate. An unborn baby is dehumanized so that killing might become a legal remedy) By a clear example of both acknowledging and caring for the Samaritan woman, Jesus demonstrated that such prejudice is not acceptable in His Kingdom.
Jesus asked the woman for a drink from the nearby well. The woman replies to the request with some backbone, reminding Jesus of the prejudice of the Jews towards the Samaritans. Jesus plowed right through her defenses: "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." Wow!!! Jesus is offering this Samaritan woman salvation. (If the Pharisees had been there, they would have been calling for a stoning of both Jesus and the woman in question)
This plucky woman questions Jesus ability to give her living water. After-all, Jesus does not have a utensil to draw any water from the well. The woman is still thinking of physical water and Jesus is referring to a "water" that is spiritual in nature.
Jesus begins to steer the conversation away from the mundane and into the spiritual realm. Jesus tells her that whoever (the whoever includes, Jews, Gentiles and Samaritans) drinks of the water that He administers, "Will Never Thirst!" Out of the person who drinks of what Jesus offers, the water will burst forth like a fountain of eternal life.
The woman wants this. This is her chance at a better future. This is her chance to break free of her mundane life. "Sir, give me this water!" She still doesn't understand the full implication of what Jesus is offering.

Questions to Consider:

Jesus is demonstratively "free" from the common prejudices that existed in His time, how can we demonstrate the same "Spirit" in the way that we interact with people of different cultural backgrounds?
How would you define the idea of tolerance? (What should we tolerate and what should we resist?)
Notice that Jesus is tying the Message of the Gospel to an act of social justice. Why does it seem that social justice without the anchor of the Gospel Message seems to fall flat or get sidetracked?

John 4:16-29 (NKJV) The Woman at the Well, Part 2

16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." 17 The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband,' 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly." 19 The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship." 21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." 25 The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things." 26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He." 27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, "What do You seek?" or, "Why are You talking with her?" 28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"

Jesus goes supernatural in the conversation with the Samaritan woman. Let's define "supernatural." Supernatural refers to an event or a manifestation that happens outside the boundaries of the laws of nature and/or physics. Jesus, through a supernatural understanding, begins to tell the woman about her own life. "You have had five husbands and the one you are living with is not your husband."
That had to be shocking to the woman; but it opened her understanding of who she was talking to. This was not the average Jewish Rabbi. Firstly, He took the time to talk to her. Then He took it to the next level and talked about her life with knowledge and information that no ordinary person could have.
The woman perceives that Jesus must be a prophet. She deflects the conversation away from the territory of her own personal life. (Which was a wreck and probably not something she wanted to talk about with a "religious" person) She steers the conversation to a religious controversy that existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. It dealt with the "right" place to worship God.
Once again, Jesus pushes through the woman's defensiveness, but He does take the time to expand her understanding concerning the right place to worship God. Should God be worshiped on the sacred mountain, or should God be worshiped in the Temple in Jerusalem?
Often times in the formation of theology we think the answer to our theological question must be A or B. Then the Holy Spirit comes along and reveals that the answer is actually "C." This is exactly what Jesus did in His explanation concerning the "right" place to worship. Essentially, Jesus told her that "true worship" is not associated with a specific physical location; it is associated with a "spiritual connection" that worshipers have with God. The "place" of worship is in the heart of those worshiping. The "connection" for worship is the Spirit of God.
The conversation with the Samaritan woman ends with an earth-shattering revelation. She begins to talk about the Messiah that is to come and Jesus told her, "I who speak to you am He." Before the conversation could escalate any further, the disciples returned from their food seeking mission. The first thing they wanted to know is why Jesus would be talking to a Samaritan. (The prejudice of the disciples was revealed)
The woman promptly left her waterpot, went into the city, and began to tell everyone about this "Man" who might be the Christ.

Questions to Consider:

Have you ever made the mistake of thinking of the "Church" as a building? (Not only are you the church--you are the temple of the Lord, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit)
What do you think motivated Jesus to reveal Himself as the Messiah to this Samaritan woman?
What does it mean to "worship God in spirit and in truth?"

John 4:29-42 (NKJV) The Woman at the Well, Part 3

29 "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him. 31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." 32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?" 34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did." 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His own word. 42 Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

Often times, when it comes to evangelism, entire families or groups of people come to believe in Jesus as a unit. This is generally caused when a person, who has an existing relationship with the people in question, comes to believe in Jesus and uses their sphere of influence to "tell" others. They generally share three things: 1) They share what they have come to believe. 2) They share about the life changes they have experienced since believing. 3) They have an unspoken change in their character which undeniable.
The Samaritan woman, after leaving her conversation with Jesus, immediately began to share her experience. "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" This communication was compelling.
v.31-38. The disciples turn their concerns to the matter of food. "We went into town to buy food; did anyone save any for Jesus?" Jesus uses the opportunity to talk about a spiritual harvest. (Which was already brewing in the city where the Samaritan woman was sharing) The disciples were focusing their attention on food; which is necessary in order to sustain life; but, Jesus was focused in on the spiritual seeds that were being planted in Samaria.
In the 8th chapter of Acts, there was a great revival that broke out in Samaria. Philip "preached Jesus" and the Samaritans believed and were baptized. Peter and John joined the revival and the Samaritans were baptized in the Holy Spirit. This was an example of what Jesus was talking about when He said, "One sows and another reaps." In this particular case, Jesus planted the seeds and Philip reaped the harvest.
As the Samaritan woman continued to share her encounter with Jesus many believed in Him after hearing her testimony. They wanted to hear more from Jesus and urged Him to stay. As Jesus began to teach this group (That the Jews viewed as social outcasts) many started believing in Jesus based on what He shared.
After spending two days with Jesus, listening to His teaching, the Samaritans came to the place where they believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Savior of the world. There is no question that later, as recorded in Acts, Philip's teaching about Jesus put a spark to the spiritual kindling that had been established by Jesus. That kindling ignited into a full-blown revival. The harvest came in!

Questions to Consider:

What are you currently doing to reach your sphere of influence with the Gospel Message? (How can you expand your sphere of influence with people who are not believers in Christ?)
Although theological understanding can be helpful--the Samaritan woman simply shared her personal testimony. In terms of evangelism, why is a personal testimony so compelling?
What are some effective methods for planting seeds of the Gospel?

John 4:43-54 (NKJV) The Second Sign

43 Now after the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to the feast. 46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe." 49 The nobleman said to Him, "Sir, come down before my child dies!" 50 Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your son lives." So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, "Your son lives!" 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives." And he himself believed, and his whole household. 54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.

Jesus went back home. He said something to His disciples which is tragic and true. He said, "A prophet has no honor in his own country." This runs along the same philosophical idea that "familiarity breeds contempt." This tells us a lot about the sin nature that is a part of the human makeup. We tend to be ungrateful and unappreciative of the "things" that bless our lives. We take a lot for granted!
As Jesus headed for His hometown, the news concerning the things Jesus had done in Jerusalem preceded Him. Translated: "It does not take a lot of miracles to gain the attention of others."
As Jesus came into Cana, where He had turned the water into wine at a wedding. A nobleman approached Jesus. The nobleman recognized that Jesus had the power to "be" the solution to a problem that he had. The nobleman "implored" Jesus to come and heal his son, who was sick unto death. This was a desperate man.
It is common for people, who are in desperate situations, to reach out to God. They may never have shown an interest in spiritual things until they have a problem that has no obvious natural solution. As a bona fide miracle-worker, Jesus was about to become a magnet for people who were desperate for a miracle.
Jesus made a second observation concerning people's conduct: v.48 "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe." Let's be truthful, it is difficult to believe when there is no proof of "something." Jesus' miracles gave the people "something" to work with.
The Gospel of John reports the healing of the nobleman's son as the second sign that Jesus did in Galilee. Jesus did not go with the nobleman to initiate a miracle, He simply told the nobleman that his son would live. The nobleman believed what Jesus said. It was later confirmed that the son was healed at the very same time that Jesus declared the son to be alive. The net result: The nobleman and his whole household believed in Jesus.

Question to Consider:

What is the basis for the belief and faith that you have in Jesus?
Have you seen or experienced something that you consider a miracle in your own life?
Why do you think that prophets have honor except in their own land?

John 5:1-13 (NKJV) Miracle at the Pool

1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" 7 The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." 8 Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed." 11 He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, 'Take up your bed and walk.'" 12 Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'?" 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place.

This is an interesting story. We have a magical pool of water. It is really not magical, but it is supernatural. At a certain time an angel would stir up the water in the pool and the first person who entered the pool after the water was stirred up would be healed. Can you imagine?
It would not take long for this information to become well-known throughout the land of Israel and the multitude of people waiting to be the first person in the pool would have been quite the crowd. In situations, such as what John describes, the people would probably not have been well-behaved. I imagine people pushed and shoved and fought for every square inch around the perimeter of the pool.
There was a man there who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years. Thirty-eight years is a long time when the life expectancy of someone living in Christ's time was about 35 years. Out of all the people crowding the edge of the pool, it was this man that caught Jesus' attention. Jesus engaged him by asking "THE" relevant question.
"Do you want to be made well?" The man answered, "I have no one to help me and so it is impossible for me to be the first person in the pool." The implied answer to Jesus' question was a resounding, "Yes!" Then Jesus, who always seemed to be compassionate, told the man, ""Rise, take up your bed and walk." The man was instantly healed.
There was one problem with this whole scenario. The man obeyed Jesus, he picked up his bed and started to walk...but...it...was...on...the Sabbath. What would we do in a world without religious people? This is what I know about religious people in general; they pick and chose which rules they want to obey and when they want to obey them. (It is called hypocrisy) The Jews said to the man who was healed, "It is against the law for you to carry your bed on the Sabbath.
This is the straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel that Jesus was talking about when speaking of the Jewish leaders. A man who has been sick and disabled for 38 years has just been miraculously healed and they are concerned about the man in question carrying his bed.
The Jews dug in deeper when they found out that the man who "healed" him gave him instructions to carry his bed. Double whammy. Someone was "healing" (working) on the Sabbath; and that same someone caused another to break the rules of the Sabbath.

Questions to Consider:

Is it possible for God in the flesh to violate the rules of the Sabbath? (Was healing on the Sabbath an actual breach of the law?)
How would you describe the difference between the spirit and the letter of the law? (Are you a letter of the law or a spirit of the law person--it is important for you to know this about yourself)
What would you say is the biggest difference between most of the major religions of the world and authentic Christianity?

John 5:14-30 (NKJV) Jesus Makes a Defense

14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." 15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." 18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

John does not tell us what motivated the man who had been healed to point out Jesus to the Jews, but that is exactly what he did. According to the Jews, Jesus had violated the Sabbath by healing on the Sabbath and needed to be held accountable for His actions. How extreme were they in their efforts to rein Jesus in? They tried to kill him.
Jesus answered the Jews accusations. Side note: The miracle that Jesus performed should have caused the Jews to give pause. A miracle-working Rabbi might be the Messiah. Instead, they obsessed on the possibility that Jesus broke the rules concerning Sabbath rest. They were so buried in the rules of their religion that they wanted to persecute their own Messiah.
Jesus started by answering the question of healing on the Sabbath. He simply pointed out the fact that the healing was a work of both the Father and the Son. (The logic here is that it is impossible for the Lord of the Sabbath to violate the Sabbath)
This is where the question of "Belief" becomes important. The disciples were following Jesus, because they believed in Him. The Samaritans believed in Jesus and their hearts prepared for a revival that would come later. A growing group of people throughout Israel were starting to believe in Jesus. The unbelief of this group of Jews made them spiritually blind to the Christ.
Jesus speaks to them as if He believes that He is the Christ. v. 19 The Son does what the Father directs Him to do. v.20 The Father will work miracles through the Son. v.21 Both the Father and the Son have the power over death. v.22 The Son will act as the judge. v.23 The Son is worthy of honor. v.24 Those who believe in Jesus and the Father who sent Him will be given eternal life. v.25 The Son of God will raise the dead. v.26 There is life in the Son. v.27 The son will execute judgment. v.28 Even the dead will hear the voice of the Son. v.29 The Son will judge the deeds of man. v.30 The Son does the will of the Father.
If a person made all the claims that Jesus made; and if said person was not the Son of God; then the Jews would have been justified in claiming that blasphemy had been committed. If Jesus wasn't the Son of God, then He was indeed a blasphemer. This is where C.S. Lewis' "Liar, Lord or Lunatic" argument has merit. Jesus' defense against the attacks of the Jews is outlandish if He isn't who He claims to be.
Jesus is insanely proud or He is the Messiah. Jesus is a masterful deceiver or He is the Christ. Jesus is absolutely crazy or He is the Son of God. The Jews would have been correct in challenging Jesus' blasphemous words but for "one thing" that stood as a logical roadblock to their erroneous conclusion. Jesus performed a miracle.
Try this one for size: Go out somewhere, find someone in need of a visible miracle, and then...perform a miracle in front of a large group of witnesses. Are you feeling up to taking on the challenge? Not one of Jesus' critics could refute what Jesus was saying, because the miracle boldly stated otherwise.

Question to Consider:

Since most people believed in Jesus on the basis of the miracles they saw Him perform, what made the Jews so cynical?
How can a religious mindset blind us from seeing what the Holy Spirit might be doing?
What do you think of C.S. Lewis' "Liar, Lord or Lunatic" argument?

John 5:31-47 (NKJV) Jesus calls on Witnesses

31 "If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish--the very works that I do--bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you--Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

Questions to Consider:

To say that the Jews have suffered through the last 2,000 years is unquestioned. How do you think the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah has historically impacted the Jews?
Considering your own character, if you had lived during the time of Jesus’ public ministry, which group do you think you would have been a part of, Jesus’ critics or His followers?
Remember, the Jews wanted to kill Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Why is this brand of legalism dangerous, even in the church today?

In Jesus’ second line of defense He calls on three witnesses. He wants his critics to know that He is not a self-proclaimed Messiah. He does not want the issue of who He to only be based on His own testimony. Although we know that Jesus’ testimony is true, He wanted His detractors to hear the proof of who He was from other sources.
The first witness that Jesus called on was the most popular prophet of Israel; one John the Baptist. The Gospel of John covered John the Baptist’s testimony concerning Jesus in John 1:15-34. When John the Baptist saw Jesus making His way to be baptized, he made the following proclamation: "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
The second witness that Jesus calls on is God, the Father. There are some very specific actions that the Father sent Jesus to accomplish during His time of public ministry. Many of these actions, such as miracles, healings, and deliverance, could only be accomplished through the power of God. Jesus also points out the Father had given the Jewish nation Scriptures which gave testimony of Jesus.
I realize that hindsight is 20/20. However, it is almost impossible to read some of the prophetic writings concerning the Messiah (writings such as Isaiah 53) and not make absolute connections with Jesus. How can a group of people be so blind as to miss the very thing that they are (in theory) looking for?
Jesus tells His critics that if they did not receive Him, one who was sent by the Father, what made them think that they would receive another sent from the Father in the future? Jesus is calling on them to examine the evidence. (Think of all the evidence that declared that Jesus was the Christ) 1) The Testimony of John the Baptist. 2) The Signs and Wonders. 3) The Prophesies of the Prophets. 4) The Virgin Birth. 5) The Declaration of the Angels. 6) The Teaching of Jesus. 7) The Linage of Jesus… The evidence is conclusive.
Finally, Jesus calls His last witness. Moses. Moses was the human author of the Jewish Law. Moses was the one voice that carried weight with the Pharisees, who worked at “separating” themselves from all the actions and objects that would cause them to be unclean. Jesus tells them plainly, “If you (actually) believed Moses, you would believe (in) Me; for he wrote about Me.”

John 6:1-13 (NKJV) Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little." 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" 10 Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost." 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.

Jesus, once again performs a miracle where He proves His mastery over creation. He turns five barley loaves and two small fish into a meal for five thousand men. Incredible!
By this point in time, on the basis of the miracles that Jesus was performing, He was being followed by a very large crowd of people. It is estimated that the city of Jerusalem had a population of around 40,000 people in the time of Christ, so a crowd of 5,000 would not go unnoticed. I am sure that to the religious leaders of the Jews they were indeed terrified by Jesus' popularity.
In this case, Jesus had crossed over the Sea of Galilee and was secluded on a mountain with His disciples; and still the crowd "found" Jesus. (Just the logistics of 5,000 men hiking around the Sea of Galilee would have been disruptive to normal life in the towns and villages along the coastline)
Jesus handed the question of how to feed the gathering throng to His disciples. He was testing their faith. This opens up another theological discussion: Does God test our faith? How does He go about testing our faith? Have you felt like your faith has been tested?
Philip pointed out that "they" did not have enough revenue to feed the crowd. Andrew found a lad with five barley loaves and two fish. Andrew exhibited faith by bringing this resource to Jesus, but exhibited doubt by pointing out that the resource was inadequate.
Without digging too deep into the well of symbolism, Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. (Symbol of the blood of Christ) In this miracle Jesus multiplies the bread. (Symbol of His broken body) Jesus continued to multiply the bread as the disciples distributed it among the crowd.
When everyone had been "filled," they gathered by the leftovers. Twelve baskets remained. Obviously the math does not work out: Five barley loaves feeds 5,000 men and twelve baskets of leftovers remain. Amazing!

Questions to Consider:

Is there a difference between a temptation and a test of your faith? How would you describe the difference?
How are some of the ways in which God continues to reveal His miraculous powers in our time?
How did the working of miracles help Jesus establish spiritual credentials?

John 6:14-21 (NKJV) Jesus Walks on the Water

14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world." 15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. 16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

This same incident, of Jesus walking on the water, is also recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark. The most complete retelling of this event comes from Matthew 14:22-34 (NKJV).
After Jesus fed the five thousand, the people who were now full and who had witnessed this amazing supernatural event were convinced that Jesus was the "Prophet." (Deuteronomy 18:15, one of the first prophetic words concerning the Messiah)
They believed this about Jesus so strongly that they wanted to force Him to become the King of Israel. Jesus knew two things: 1) It was not His destiny to become the King of Israel. 2) That Jesus was not tempted to take what Satan had already offered Him. To become the ruler of rulers on earth paled in comparison to the Father's plan to be the Savior of the world.
The disciples left Jesus alone and took a boat to get back to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. A great storm developed that threatened to sink the boat. In John's narrative, the disciples were more afraid of the person walking on the water than the storm that threatened to swamp their boat.
Jesus let the disciples know that it was Him. Who else could it be some 3 or 4 miles out in the sea? Jesus joined the disciples in the boat and they arrived at their destination. (You really need to read the Matthew account of this story)

Questions to Consider:

Have you ever tried walking on the water? (The laws of physics makes it "naturally" impossible) What would have to change in the laws of physics to make this feat possible?
We think of the Day of Pentecost of 3,000 people being added to the church. This makes sense, because the seeds to believe that Jesus was the Messiah were already planted by the miracles, such as feeding the 5,000. Why do you think Jesus was so resistant to the idea of becoming the King of Israel?
Have you ever experienced being on the ocean or a large mass of water in the midst of a bad storm? (Were you apprehensive or enjoyed the adventure of it all?)

John 6:22-35 (NKJV) Bread of Life, Part 1

22 On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone-- 23 however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks-- 24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, "Rabbi, when did You come here?" 26 Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." 28 Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." 30 Therefore they said to Him, "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' " 32 Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always." 35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Jesus was beginning to pile up an impressive list of miracles. He turned water into wine. He healed the nobleman's son. He healed a man who had some kind of infirmity for 38 years. He feed five thousand men, along with their families, by multiplying a few loaves of bread. He walked on water and calmed a storm.
Just imagine how it would be if Jesus was producing signs and wonders in our culture. Our culture is enamored with celebrities. We have celebrities whose only claim for being a celebrity is that they were or are presently on a reality television show. Jesus would be a one-of-a-kind, never-seen-before celebrity.
Based on the miracles alone, Jesus was quickly becoming the most well-known person in all of Israel. People were actively trying to be anywhere Jesus was going to be. However; Jesus was not always where the crowds expected Him to be. The crowds saw the disciples leave in their boat to travel to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, without Jesus. When they finally caught up with the disciples, Jesus was there with His disciples as if He had been on the boat. They asked Jesus, "How did you get here?"
This gave Jesus an opportunity to talk and to teach. He started by addressing the elephant in the room. "You are following me, because I fed you. but no bread lasts forever. I will give you food which will endure forever!"
The response by the crowd reveals that they did not understand what Jesus was offering. They wanted to do what Jesus had done; they wanted to do a mighty miracle...say like, feeding people. How cool would that be?
Jesus challenged them to do an even greater work. (Refer to John 14:12) v. 29. "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him (Jesus) whom He sent." Perhaps the greatest sign, and without question the greatest gift is that of faith. You believe, because God graced you with faith. (Miracles appreciated but not necessary for faith)
What does a crowd seek when they do not have the gift of faith? They seek signs and wonders that they might believe. They were following after Jesus on the basis of expectation, but they still wanted Him to perform miracles in order to believe. The crowd was expressing the same kind of doubt that Thomas expressed after the resurrection. "I'll believe Jesus is alive when I see the proof." After Jesus appeared to Thomas, and Thomas was convinced by the evidence standing in front of him, Jesus said, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)
Jesus was impressing upon them that the Father is a greater gift than manna and the Son is a greater gift than miracles. Jesus was and is the "Bread of Life."

Questions to Consider:

Why is the giver of a gift generally thought to be greater than the gift itself?
What are you more interested in--to use spiritual gifts or to have a relationship with the giver of spiritual gifts? (This is kind of a getting the horse before the cart proposition. A relationship with Jesus and the use of spiritual gifts are not mutually exclusive. Spiritual gifts generally flow from people with a strong relationship with Jesus)
How would you define the gift of faith?

John 6:36-51 (NKJV) Bread of Life, Part 2

36 But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." 41 The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, "I am the bread which came down from heaven." 42 And they said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, 'I have come down from heaven'?" 43 Jesus therefore answered and said to them, "Do not murmur among yourselves. 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. 47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

It is exceedingly difficult to communicate with people who are not sharing the same wave length. That would totally describe many of the exchanges between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. Jesus was so far outside their expectations of what the Messiah would be like, that they could not relate to Him or "see" who He was. The dialogue in these verses is another prime example of this ongoing struggle.
Jesus continues to pound the same theme over and over. "I have been sent from heaven by My Father. I am on a mission for My Father. I am here to do the will of the Father." Jesus' words were falling on ears that were spiritually dead.
Jesus said, v.36 "You have seen Me and yet do not believe." That is a powerful accusation, because they had either heard of or witnessed Jesus performing miracles. This reminds me of trying to witness to someone who is in a cult group. They have so bought into the thinking of the cult group that they cannot perceive, much less accept the truth. The Jewish leaders were absolutely blind when it came to Jesus.
Rather than considering the possibility that Jesus was telling them the truth, they complained about the audacity of Jesus. v.41 "How dare He call Himself the bread which comes down from heaven." THE PROBLEM: Jesus was the bread which came from heaven. They acted as if Jesus was a poser. v.42 "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?" And they murmured among themselves.
We all know of the virgin birth; I can only imagine how that conversation would have gone over with this crowd. They did know that Jesus came from a Jewish family. Can you imagine the uproar if Jesus had come from a Samaritan or a Gentile family? Where did they expect their Messiah to come from?
Jesus continued to press the point of who He was. v.48 "I am the bread of life." He continued to point out to them that everyone who ate the manna in the wilderness was dead. Why did Jesus go there? He needed to impress upon them that they needed something that was superior to manna in order to live. He then went on to tell them that He was the "living bread" and that those that ate of this bread would live forever. Jesus ended with a prophetic word concerning His atoning work; that He would give His flesh to bring life to the world.

Questions to Consider:

What more could Jesus have done to convince His critics that He was the Messiah? (What advice would you have given Jesus if you had been one of His disciples?)
If Jesus was not the Messiah, His claims would have amounted to blasphemy; but, the miracles themselves should have been reason enough to consider His claims. Why do you think the Jews were so blind?
What was the "best" a person, who was born and died before Christ arrived, could hope for after death?

John 6:52-59 (NKJV) Bread of Life, Part 3

52 The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?" 53 Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven--not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." 59 These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.

Jesus clearly understood and was talking about His atoning work early on in His time of public ministry. He is saying approximately the same things that He will later restate in the "Last Supper." What this tells us is that Jesus was completely aware of how His time on earth would come to an end.
Although the Jews were experts when it came to the law, they were unable to connect Jesus to the atoning work of the Messiah. (And Jesus rightly pointed out, that even if the Father sent another they would still miss the connection. John 5:43) Jesus was the fulfillment of Psalms 118:22. The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone.
Jesus speaks of Himself as the atonement directly v.54. "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life." We think of the broken body and the spilled blood of Christ in retrospect. We take communion remembering His sacrifice.
Neither the Jews, nor the disciples had this perspective. They did not understand what Jesus was trying to communicate until after His death and resurrection. Viewing the Messiah as "The" sacrificial lamb did not faintly enter into their understanding.

Questions to Consider:

Do you think that the Jews not understanding the atoning work of the Messiah was a part of God design? (If so, how so?)
Why was and is the atoning work of Christ necessary for salvation?
God's ways are not man's ways; how do you see this truth revealed in the story of the Messiah?

John 6:60-71 (NKJV) A Falling Away

60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 70 Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

There is a theological debate of whether or not apostasy is possible. The question generally comes down to this: "Can a saved person lose their salvation?" It is the wrong question to ask. Since the goats are not separated from the sheep until the day of judgment, we don't actually know who has their name written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Judas is a prime example of apostasy. He was one of the 12 disciples and he betrayed Jesus. Jesus called Judas "a devil." By definition, apostasy is the abandonment or renunciation of a religious belief. So, Judas abandoned his position as one of the 12 disciples and renounced Jesus.
Jesus' words concerning His atoning work offended many of those that were following Him. Even the disciples said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" v.66 Many of Jesus disciples stopped following Him. This is an expanded view of who were considered "disciples" of Jesus. The twelve did not leave Jesus, but many of "disciples" walked away.
Jesus asked the 12 disciples. v.67 "Do you also want to go away?" Peter immediately responds by sharing what He believed concerning Jesus. vs.68,69 "To whom shall we go; We have come to believe and know that You are the Christ."
The contrast between Peter and Judas is striking. They are both of the twelve. They are both observing and hearing Jesus. One has come to a place of belief and the other is on the road to betrayal.

Questions to Consider:

Have you ever known someone who renounced their faith in Christ? (What are some of the common reasons given?)
How should the church respond to people who wander away from the truth?
At what point do we give up pursuing people who leave our fellowship?

John 7:1-13 (NKJV) Jesus and His Brothers

1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." 5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him. 6 Then Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come." 9 When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee. 10 But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, "Where is He?" 12 And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, "He is good"; others said, "No, on the contrary, He deceives the people." 13 However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.

How would you feel if your family did not believe in you, did not support you, and did not understand you? In a perfect world you should be able to count on your family, but at times family relationships are both difficult and hurtful. v.5 Tells us that Jesus' brothers did not believe in Him.
Although Jesus' fame was growing across the land of Israel, it was becoming increasingly dangerous for Jesus to travel in Judea, because the Jews were already trying to kill Him.
Jesus' brothers did not believe in Him, but had observed enough to know that Jesus had a shot at becoming famous. They encouraged Him to show Himself openly to the world even though it was risky with the Jewish threat. Jesus let His brothers know that His time had not yet arrived. When Jesus' time arrived, Jesus surrendered Himself peacefully.
Eventually Jesus went to Judea with His brothers who were going to the feast. He went incognito. It was a good thing, because the Jews showed up in force looking for Him. At the feast Jesus became the topic of discussion and debate. Some of the people claimed that He was good, while other accused Him of being a deceiver. It reminds me of contemporary politics where the facts are often ignored for political gain.
The political climate was similar to what we are experiencing in the times in which we live. Even the conversations were being suppressed for fear of the repercussions. Our universities used to be bastions of free speech and an honest exchange of idea; not if you do not walk to tune of what is acceptable to the police of political correctness you will face certain rejection and possible physical harm.

Questions to Consider:

What is the problem with the selective tolerance of political correctness?
Why is rejection from family members so emotionally damaging?
Are you willing to speak the truth--even when it is not popular?

John 7:14-30 (NKJV) A Logical Argument

14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?" 16 Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?" 20 The people answered and said, "You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?" 21 Jesus answered and said to them, "I did one work, and you all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." 25 Now some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is this not He whom they seek to kill? 26 But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? 27 However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from." 28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, "You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me." 30 Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.

Jesus left the feast and began to teach at the Temple. This is like a man willingly walking into a lion's den. This was the seat of power that was arrayed against Jesus. It is hard to imagine how convoluted the circumstances that surrounded Jesus had become. The core of the organization that should have been in the center of supporting the Messiah was the very devise used to eventually cause Christ's death.
As Jesus began to teach the Jews were astonished by His intellect and knowledge. v.15 "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?" Jesus answers their question by making a brilliant defense of his actions. Note: The Jews decided to oppose Jesus because He performed a healing on the Sabbath. (John 5:1-13)
Jesus' defense answers the question of why Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. Follow the logic: 1) Jesus came from the Father to teach the doctrine and to do the works of the Father. 2) Moses performed circumcision (a work) on the Sabbath under the direction of the Father. 3) Jesus who was sent by the Father healed a man (a work) on the Sabbath under the direction of the Father.
Did Jesus violate the sanctity of the Sabbath? Not if He was from the Father doing the bidding of the Father. If Jesus was who He claimed to be the Jews did not have a valid case against Him. Jesus voiced the obvious question: "Why do you seek to kill Me?" v.19. He followed that question by giving them some very sound advice. v.24. "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." Jesus is calling them to lay their misguided passion aside and examine His defense with intellectual integrity.
Intellectual integrity is difficult to achieve when a group is already convinced and has an established agenda that they are trying to achieve. What is logic, truth and integrity when it stands in the way of the ends? This is an obvious flaw that did not allow the Jews to arrive at a "righteous judgment."
The Jews claimed that no one would know where the Messiah would come from, so Jesus could not be the Messiah because everyone knew that He came from Nazareth. The Jews should have considered the fact that they only thought they knew where Jesus came from. The origins of Jesus actually start in heaven, born in Bethlehem, lived in Egypt, and was finally raised in Nazareth. They never clearly understood that Jesus was indeed sent from the Father as the only begotten Son.

Questions to Consider:

If Jesus healed on the Sabbath as directed by the Father, did He violate the Sabbath? (Why do you think the Jews would have included "healing" on their "do not do on the Sabbath" list?)
If you examine the Law of Moses, there is nothing that prohibits either the exercise of spiritual gifts or the fruit of the Spirit on the Sabbath. (Why do "we" tend to codify against activities that are clearly outside the guidelines of scripture?) Note: I grew up in a church tradition that taught against dancing, going to movies, drinking alcohol, jewelry, make-up, etc.
What are some of the dangers inherent in legalism?

John 7:31-39 (NKJV) Rivers of Living Water

31 And many of the people believed in Him, and said, "When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?" 32 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. 33 Then Jesus said to them, "I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. 34 You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come." 35 Then the Jews said among themselves, "Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this thing that He said, 'You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come'?" 37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

If you ever want to get an honest evaluation of what is happening in a local church, listen to the people who are not in leadership. They may not "lead" the church, but they have an insiders understanding of what the church experience is like for the average attender. The non-leaders of the Jews had a very different view of Jesus than the Pharisees and chief priests. The people viewed Jesus as a miracle worker, and they reasoned that the Christ would not produce more signs and wonders than what Jesus was producing. They came to the conclusion that Jesus must be the Messiah. v.31 "Many of the people believed in Him."
When the Pharisees and chief priests heard what the people were saying, they sent officers to "take" Jesus.
Jesus gives a prophetic word: v.33,34 "I shall be with you a little while longer...you will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come." This is very similar to what Jesus shared with His disciples in the "Last Supper Discourse." (John 13:36,37)
On the final day of the feast, Jesus spoke of the work of the Holy Spirit. (This is the greater baptism that John the Baptist stated that Jesus would bring with Him) The Holy Spirit would be like "Rivers of living water flowing from the heart of the Believer."
There is a logical tie between the two words that Jesus was sharing. 1) He would be leaving, to ascend to a place at the right hand of God. 2) His leaving would signal the coming of the Holy Spirit who would empower the Church.

Questions to Consider:

Why do you think that the common people could perceive the truth concerning Jesus while at the same time the leaders were blind to who Jesus was?
What do you think Jesus was referring to when He talked about "rivers of living water" flowing out of a Believer's life?
Why didn't the idea of Jesus leaving go over well with Jesus' followers?

John 7:40-53 (NKJV) The Galilee Question

40 Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, "Truly this is the Prophet." 41 Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" 43 So there was a division among the people because of Him. 44 Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him. 45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?" 46 The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!" 47 Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed." 50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" 52 They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee." 53 And everyone went to his own house.

The people of Israel were divided as to who Jesus was. It reminds me of how polarized politics can become. That is true in our time and it was true in the time of Jesus' public ministry. As in many political struggles for power, truth takes a back seat to objectives and goals.
Many people were convinced that Jesus was the Christ. Jesus being the Christ did not meet the political goals of the Pharisees and chief priests. They wanted to maintain the status quo that gave them some power to rule. They decided to sow seeds that would undermine Jesus' reputation. And so they lied.
Their narrative went something like this: "Jesus is from Galilee. No prophet has ever come out of Galilee. And the Messiah most certainly will not come from Galilee." They repeated this narrative over and over again. Of course, the narrative was not true. The Truth: Jesus came from the seed of David and was born in Bethlehem. He fulfilled the prophetic word concerning the birth of the Christ.
The officers sent to arrest Jesus came back to the chief priests empty handed. The officers were impressed with Jesus and the Pharisees accused them of being deceived.
Nicodemus took a public stand for Jesus, which would have been very unpopular with his fellow Pharisees. He argued with logic: v.51 "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" They fired back at Nicodemus and stuck to their patently false narrative.

Questions to Consider:

When it comes to politics, does the truth matter to you?
If someone were to ask you where you are from--how would your respond? (Birthplace? Where you were raised? Both?)
Who is the most honest politician in American History? (A totally subjective answer is expected)

John 8:1-11 (NKJV) Lady Caught in Adultery

1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. 7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" 11 She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."

The story of the lady caught in adultery happens to be a story that is not found in the earliest manuscripts of the Gospel of John. (It did not show up until about 400 A.D.) It is a very celebrated story--a rather great story--and yet many scholars are of an opinion that it should not be included in the Bible.
There are, as expected, counter arguments that would suggest that it was a widely circulated story in the early church and was inserted into the John narrative. The obvious question is this: "Did it actually happen?" We will not know the answer to that question until we are with Jesus.
The second question is also important: "Does this story fit in with the theology of Jesus?" On this question, I would affirm that the theology indeed fits the things that Jesus both taught and demonstrated in His life. Jesus ate with publicans and sinners. Jesus cleansed lepers. Jesus talked to a Samaritan woman. Jesus ate at the house of a tax collector. Finally, Jesus understood the difference between the letter and the spirit of the law.
In this story, Jesus demonstrates grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. The scribes and Pharisees were correct in their assessment of the Law. v.5 Under the Law of Moses the punishment for adultery was stoning. But, Jesus extended grace.
What the Pharisees failed to understand. Matthew 5:20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
A righteousness that exceeds the righteousness of the Pharisees can only be accomplished through the imputed righteousness of Christ. We are not saved by the merit of our own righteousness, we are saved by the grace of God.

Questions to Consider:

My personal sin issues are generally associated with wrong attitudes rather than outright wrong actions. What did Jesus say about the following attitudes? (Lust towards a woman. Anger towards a brother)
Why did Jesus seem to show more grace towards the down and out as opposed to the religious leaders?
What are some of the differences between living under the Law of Moses versus living under grace?

John 8:12-24 (NKJV) Die in Your Sins

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." 13 The Pharisees therefore said to Him, "You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true." 14 Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. 17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me." 19 Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also." 20 These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come. 21 Then Jesus said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come." 22 So the Jews said, "Will He kill Himself, because He says, 'Where I go you cannot come'?" 23 And He said to them, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

"You can't have your cake and eat it too," is an English idiom. It means that a person cannot have two incompatible things at the same time. This idiom first appears in a letter from Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, to Thomas Cromwell, rendered as "A man can not have his cake and eat his cake."
This is the point that Jesus was trying to convey to the Pharisees. The two ideas that were incompatible were: 1) You cannot reject me as the Messiah and 2) Have salvation.
Salvation is impossible to achieve without the Savior. Salvation is impossible to achieve by following the Law of Moses. Salvation requires the one sent by the Father.
As Jesus explained this truth to the Pharisees they rejected His claim based on a technicality found in the Law. That any claim must be verified by outside witnesses. At least one outside witness. Jesus referred to God the Father as His witness.
No doubt that the Father is the ultimate witness to have on your side; but convincing the Pharisees of this is like trying to convince a nonbeliever that God (whom they cannot see) is real. In this particular case, the Pharisees would have rejected any witness or series of witness that Jesus would have mentioned. (John the Baptist verified who Jesus was, the 5,000 that Jesus fed believed in who Jesus was, the disciples believed in who Jesus was. The list of human witnesses was a mile long)
Jesus was not willing to "play" the Pharisees game. On the other hand Jesus made very clear what was at stake. v.12 "He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." v. 21 "I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. v. 24 "If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."
Jesus was not being hard on the Pharisees, He was simply telling them the truth. Jesus even shared this truth with His own disciples: (John 14:6) Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Questions to Consider:

Do you think that you have a close enough relationship with God that you can discern when a person is from God? (Does this require a gift of discernment)
Why do you think that the Pharisees were so blind to who Jesus was?
Can you think of anything more that Jesus could have done to convince the Pharisees that He was truly the Messiah?

John 8:25-36 (NKJV) The Truth Shall Make You Free

25 Then they said to Him, "Who are You?" And Jesus said to them, "Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him." 27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. 28 Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." 30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33 They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Generally, when I teach in a church setting, most of the crowd are believers in Christ; and even those who do not profess faith in Christ do not engage in arguments or heckling. When Jesus taught in a public setting, He was generally speaking to a crowd of people that were split into those who believed in Him and those that were opposed to Him. (I'm sure there were a bunch on the fence as well) This is why Jesus alternated between defending Himself and pro-actively declaring the good news.
Jesus was asked the crucial question. v.25 "Who are You?" Jesus answers by connecting two important concepts. 1) Truth v.26; v.32; and 2) Freedom v. 32; v. 33; v. 36. When you tie these concepts together it equals the grand idea that if a person believes in Jesus (who is the Christ and is God the Son) they have in fact, embraced the most important truth in the known universe; and this truth has the power to break the bondage of sin and set people free. Jesus lays out a very sophisticated line of reasoning:
v.26 God the Father is true.
v.26 I was sent from the Father.
v.28 I speak the words of the Father.
v.31 If you accept my words you are my disciples.
v.33 My words are true and the truth will set you free.
v.36 If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.
Perhaps the most comforting words in this whole discussion comes from v.35. "A slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever."
The good--no, make that the great news: Those who put their trust in Jesus are the sons and daughters of God. In the words of King David. "And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever!"

Questions to Consider:

Who do you think Jesus was and is? (Who is Jesus to you personally?)
Are you a person who loves the truth or do you prefer false advertising? (Can you think of a product that you purchased that did not measure up to the advertisements?)
How would you explain the difference between freedom to sin and freedom from sin?

John 8:37-59 (NKJV) Jesus and the Pharisees Discuss Abraham

37 "I know that you are Abraham's descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father." 39 They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father." Then they said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father--God." 42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." 48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?" 49 Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." 52 Then the Jews said to Him, "Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, 'If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.' 53 Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom do You make Yourself out to be?" 54 Jesus answered, "If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. 55 Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, 'I do not know Him,' I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." 57 Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" 58 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." 59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

It is difficult to correct a person who is convinced that they are right. Where do you even begin? This was the daunting task that Jesus faced. The Pharisees were convinced of their own goodness; and acted as the self-appointed voice of God. Their self-righteousness made them spiritually deaf.
At this point in Jesus' public ministry, He still engaged the Pharisees in conversation and debate. But one thing is clear, the Pharisees never gave Jesus a chance. They continually tested Him, argued with Him, accused Him, plotted against Him and maintained an adversarial relationship that eventually led to Christ's death.
Jesus begins this discussion by acknowledging the Pharisees as descendants of Abraham, but let them know that they were being unreasonable. To kill the messenger that was sent by the God of Abraham did not make any sense.
Even though they were the descendants of Abraham they were acting as if they were the children of the devil. v.44 Jesus reasoned with them that if they were in step with God they would love and accept Jesus as the Christ. Instead, they plotted, schemed and even lied about Jesus. This means that every Pharisee was headed towards the breaking of the 9th Commandment. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor."
The Pharisees remind me of the political climate of today. Where politicians will do and say anything to stay in power. If the truth does not support their narrative or agenda, they will reject it. (I am incredulous at the plain truth that is rejected and traded for an obvious lie) This is the type of self-deception that the Pharisees were practicing.
Christians need to place a higher value on truth. We should believe the truth. Stand for the truth. Speak the truth. Live by the truth. Hold on the the truth. That is the gist of 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
The Pharisees descended to the level of adolescent insults as they rejected Jesus. v.48 "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?" Talk about true blasphemy. They are insulting Jesus' heritage and accusing Him of being possessed by a demon. Attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to demonic powers is entering dangerous territory.
Jesus talked about Abraham as if He knew Him personally. Which is true. Even Abraham's journey to sacrifice Isaac, was a foreshadowing of God giving His only begotten Son. Jesus mentioned that Abraham saw the day when Jesus would came and act as the ultimate atonement for the sins of the world, and that Abraham rejoiced! The Pharisees called Jesus a liar, because it would have been impossible for Jesus to know Abraham.
Impossible...unless Jesus was God. Jesus let them know who He was. v.58 "I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."
The Pharisees wanted to stone Jesus.

Question to Consider:

Have you ever believed a lie? (What was the turning point for you?)
How does self-deception happen?
How do you turn someone around when they are convinced that a lie is the truth?

John 9:1-14 (NKJV) Jesus Heals a Blind Man

1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. 8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, "Is not this he who sat and begged?" 9 Some said, "This is he." Others said, "He is like him." He said, "I am he." 10 Therefore they said to him, "How were your eyes opened?" 11 He answered and said, "A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and I received sight." 12 Then they said to him, "Where is He?" He said, "I do not know." 13 They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees. 14 Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.

This particular miracle that Jesus performed starts with a question from the disciples: "Who sinned, this man or his parents?" In other words--"who is to blame?"
A woman was lying on her death bed in the hospital. Her body was ravaged by cancer and she had only a few days before death would arrive. Her mother looked down on her with disgust and said, "If you had faith, you would confess that you are healed, get up out of that bed and live." In other words: "You are to blame for your demise." It was bad theology and a total lack of compassion wrapped up in hubris. (I'll just leave out the part of what I wanted to say and do)
Often, there is no-one to blame for the happenings of life. We live in a world that is under a curse and sometimes bad things happen to good people. Under the worst of circumstances and in all circumstances, it is always an opportunity for the grace of God to be released. Sometimes as an answer to the issue at hand and always as a comfort that brings peace.
Jesus had compassion on the blind man and healed him. Jesus used an unorthodox approach. He spat on the ground, mixed it with the dirt and rubbed it into the eyes of the blind man. (This was never meant to become a normative way of approaching healing) Jesus then commanded the blind man to go and wash his eyes in the pool of Siloam. The blind man did as he was instructed and was healed.
It created quite a ruckus when the miracle was revealed. A blind man--who was blind from birth--is healed. The neighbors and friends immediately took the blind man to the Pharisees.

Questions to Consider:

Why do you think that some people are healed and others are not?
Is God under an obligation to heal us? (How about to save us or love us?)
How would you explain to a non-believer as to why bad things happen to good people?

John 9:15-41 (NKJV) Witness of a Blind Man

15 Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see." 16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" And there was a division among them. 17 They said to the blind man again, "What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet." 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" 20 His parents answered them and said, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself." 22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him." 24 So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, "Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner." 25 He answered and said, "Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see." 26 Then they said to him again, "What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?" 27 He answered them, "I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?" 28 Then they reviled him and said, "You are His disciple, but we are Moses' disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from." 30 The man answered and said to them, "Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! 31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. 32 Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing." 34 They answered and said to him, "You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?" And they cast him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, "Do you believe in the Son of God?" 36 He answered and said, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" 37 And Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you." 38 Then he said, "Lord, I believe!" And he worshiped Him. 39 And Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind." 40 Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, "Are we blind also?" 41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.

The Pharisees acted like a team of prosecutors who did not have the slightest interest in the truth, they only wanted evidence that would help them condemn Jesus. They had a predetermined narrative that viewed Jesus as a friend of the devil and an enemy of the Jewish religion. If they could not dig up any evidence to support their narrative, they were determined to manufacture said evidence.
The Pharisees asked the blind man how he had received his sight. The formerly blind man gave them the facts: v.15 "He (Jesus) put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see." This was not what the Pharisees wanted to hear.
This answer was also cause for some division among the Pharisees: Some said, "He cannot be from God because He broke the Sabbath." Others argued, "How can a sinner do such miracles?"
The Pharisees decided that the blind man probably was never blind. (Once again looking for evidence to debunk the miracle and discredit Jesus) They asked the parents about their son who had been blind. The parents also gave the Pharisees facts that they were not seeking. v.20,21. "We know that this is our son; we know that he was born blind; we do not know how or why he can now see."
The parents were intimidated by the Pharisees. The Pharisees had already made the decision to throw out of the synagogue anyone who believed that Jesus was the Christ. If a group is serious about discerning the truth, prosecuting anyone who does not answer your questions the way you want them answered is not a good way to proceed. The Pharisees were clearly not in search of the truth, they were only interested in carrying out their agenda of destroying Jesus.
The Pharisees, realizing that the man in question had actually been blind, went to him again and asked the same question. v.26 "What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?" This is a usual devise used by prosecutors. Keep asking the same question until you get a different answer and then go with the answer that best fits your narrative.
I love the formerly blind man's answer: v.27 "I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples?" This is not what the Pharisees wanted to hear. They immediately attacked the key witness and accused him of being a disciple of Christ. (He was not yet a disciple of Christ at this point in time)
I think that the blind man was losing patience with the Pharisees, because he launched into a powerful defense of Jesus. v.30-33. He essentially schools the Pharisees in some very basic theology and closes with this argument: "Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing."
Once again, this was not the answer the Pharisees were looking for and so they threw the man who was healed out of the synagogue. This was to serve as reminder to anyone who was inclined to follow Jesus to understand that there would be severe consequences.
Jesus found the miracle man who was now thrown out of the only religious community he had ever been a part of. Jesus asked him v.35 "Do you believe in the Son of God?" Throughout the Gospels Jesus refers to Himself as "The Son of God" and "The Son of Man." Both of these describe different aspects of Jesus. 1) Son of God refers to Jesus as God the Son; 2nd person of the Trinity; born of the Holy Spirit; sent on a mission by God the Father. 2) Son of Man refers to Jesus as God in the flesh; born of the virgin Mary; who experienced life as a human. (Refer to Hebrews 4:14-16)
The man, who had been blind, came to faith when Jesus revealed who He was. v.38 "Lord, I believe!" And he worshiped Him.
Jesus ends this story by pointing out the fact that the Pharisees are without excuse for their behavior, because they are not blind. Indeed, the Pharisees were not blind to the truth; they simply rejected it because it did not fit their narrative.

Questions to Consider:

Do you know the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning? (Explain the difference) Deductive reasoning starts with a hypothesis and then sets out to prove it through observation. Inductive reasoning starts with observations and moves backward towards a possible hypothesis.
The danger of deductive reasoning was on full display with the behavior of the Pharisees. They started with a hypothesis (a faulty hypothesis) concerning Jesus and tried to prove it. People who came to faith in Jesus, observed His life, miracles and teaching and came to the conclusion that He was the Christ. (What was the basis of the blind man's faith?)
In your view of Jesus Christ--do you view Him more often as the Son of Man or the Son of God? (How would you explain the difference?)

John 10:1-18 (NKJV) Jesus, the Good Shepherd

1 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. 7 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. 17 Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

To understand what Jesus is trying to communicate in His teaching on the sheep, you need to put it in the context of Jesus trying to reason with the Jews. Generally speakers will come to v.10 and identify the thief as the devil. (It is true that the devil is a thief and a liar, however, Jesus is still addressing the Jewish leadership in this passage)
Jesus has been telling the Jews that He has been sent by the Father. Now He contrasts His motives with the motives of those that are not from the Father. V.1 Those who do not enter by the door are thieves and robbers. So, who is the door? Just in case they missed the point, Jesus tells the Jews straight out v.7 "I am the door of the sheep."
What this means is that the Pharisees and Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus, who did not enter by the door, were the thieves and robbers that Jesus was referring to. Jesus goes on to say that anyone who enters through Him (the door) will be saved.
The "thief" could ultimately refer to anyone, any institution or any argument that rejects Jesus. The rejection of Jesus has dire consequences. Whereas Jesus brings life, the thief brings death and destruction.
V.11 Jesus now calls Himself the good shepherd and contrasts His standing with that of a hireling. The good shepherd will put His life at risk to save the sheep. A hireling runs at the first sign of danger. The good shepherd knows His sheep and His sheep know Him.
V.16 Many theologians believe that Jesus is referring to the future inclusion of the Gentiles into the family of God. The Gentiles are possibly the "other sheep which are not of this fold." Ultimately, there will be one flock and one shepherd as the Gentiles are converted to Christ.
Jesus concludes by referring to the atoning work that is in the near future for Him. v.17,18.
One thing that becomes apparent in both verses 17 and 18, Jesus fully understands the mission and the ultimate conclusion where He is resurrected from the dead. He will lay down His life as a ransom. (Matthew 20:28) He will conquer death, hell and the grave. He understands that He has the power to take back His life. We continue to celebrate His great victory to this day.

Questions to Consider:

We often blame the devil for being the thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy; but what are some of the "other" things that are not of Christ that can prove destructive in the life of an individual?
Is Jesus the exclusive "door" to God? (Why do you believe that He is or is not?)
The Gentile nations were a part of the "joy" that helped Jesus endure the cross; how did Jesus follow through with the mission to reach the Gentiles? (He appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus and called him to be an Apostle to the Gentiles)

John 10:19-42 (NKJV) Tell Us Plainly

19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, "He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?" 21 Others said, "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" 22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. 30 I and My Father are one." 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, "Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?" 33 The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God." 34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods" '? 35 If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? 37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him." 39 Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand. 40 And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. 41 Then many came to Him and said, "John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true." 42 And many believed in Him there.

v.19 The Jews were continuing to debate among themselves concerning the identity of Jesus. v.20 Some accused Jesus of being deranged and possessed by a demon. v.21 Others defended Him with logic. "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
Jesus visited the temple and He was immediately surrounded by the Jews. They said to Him, "If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." The question that is often asked is this: "Why didn't Jesus just answer them by affirming that He was indeed the Christ?" I am sure that you have all heard of Miranda Rights. These are the rights of a criminal, and as they are being arrested these rights are read to them: "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?"
Jesus knew what was in the heart of the Jews who were questioning them. He knew that they were rejecting Him in spite of the miracles. He also knew that any word from Him that affirmed that He was the Christ would be held against Him. His time had not yet arrived, so He could not afford to give His antagonists anything that could be held against Him in the Jewish courts.
Jesus answered them with great intellectual dexterity. v.25 "The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me." Jesus then takes it a step further. v.26 "You do not believe, because you are not of My sheep." Unlike the sheep that belonged to Jesus, there were those among the Jews who could not hear Jesus' voice. Which means that they could not discern the truth that was staring them in the face. They were spiritually blind.
Jesus affirms a number of truths concerning His relationship to His sheep. 1) The sheep hear His voice. 2) The sheep follow Him. 3) The sheep are given eternal life. 4) No one can steal the sheep from His hand. 5) The Father gave the sheep to the Son and no one can snatch them from the Father's hand.
Jesus ends with this declaration: v.30 "I and My Father are one." The Jews took up stones to stone Him. Jesus caused them to stand down by asking them: v.32 "For which of the good works do you stone Me?"
The Jews were not stoning Jesus for His good works, but for Jesus' words which they translated to be blasphemy. Jesus' words indeed amounted to blasphemy in their eyes; and it would have been blasphemy if Jesus had not been telling the truth.
Jesus tried to help them see the error in their logic. v.37 "If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; v.38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him."
This chapter ends with no unified conclusion among the Jews. Some believed Jesus to be a blasphemer, others believed that the words of John the Baptist concerning Jesus were true. He was the Christ!

Questions to Consider:

Would the miracles of Christ been enough to convince you of who Jesus was?
The Jews (as a whole) still reject Jesus as the Christ; how has this proven historically to be a tragedy of epic proportions?
How does a "Jesus" sheep know and hear His voice?

John 11:1-16 (NKJV) Story of Lazarus, Part 1

1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." 8 The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?" 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." 12 Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well." 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him." 16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."

The story concerning Lazarus puts Jesus at the beginning of the home-stretch of His public ministry. Events are going to quickly move towards the fulfillment of the Father's plan for Jesus to become the atonement for the sins of mankind. In the story of raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus strips away all the excuses and misguided arguments against Jesus being recognized as the Messiah. Anyone who has the power to raise someone from the dead, after they have been dead for four days, needs to be taken seriously.
A message came to Jesus from Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, that Lazarus was seriously sick. They asked Jesus to come so that He could heal Lazarus. v.5 Makes it clear that Jesus was a close friend to Lazarus and his sisters. He loved them. In spite of this close relationship, Jesus did not respond quickly to the report. He waited for two days.
Finally, Jesus told His disciples that it was time to go to Judea. The disciples were somewhat alarmed because the last time Jesus was in Judea the Jews had tried to stone Him. Jesus answers the disciples concerns with a cryptic response. v.9,10 "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." I believe that Jesus is telling His disciples that He has not yet come to the end of His ministry; that it is still day. It sounds similar to what Jesus shared in John 9:4,5. "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
Jesus makes it clear to His disciples that Lazarus is dead. He then tells them something that is a foreshadowing of what is yet to come. v.15 "I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, (to heal Lazarus), that you may believe." (Believe in me as I raise Lazarus from the dead)
The ever pessimistic Thomas speaks up, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."

Question to Consider:

This story points to the fact that God's timing and purposes are not always clear to the humans that are involved. Do you trust God? (Do you trust God's timing? Why or why not?)
What do you think motivated Jesus to wait so long before responding to Mary and Martha's call for help?
What kind of power would it take to raise someone back to life after they had been dead for four days?

John 11:17-38 (NKJV) Story of Lazarus, Part 2

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?"

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."
Jesus did not wait to arrive 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. She 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.

Questions to Consider:

Have you had someone close to you pass away? (What did you feel at the time? Has time brought some healing to your emotions?)
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?)
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?

John 11:39-57 (NKJV) Story of Lazarus, Part 3

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.

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 legitimize 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.

Questions to Consider:

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 between the leaders of the Jews and modern-day politicians?
How does raising Lazarus from the dead reveal the glory of God?
What are some of your thoughts concerning the incredible prophecy of Caiaphas?

John 12:1-11 (NKJV) A Grateful Sister

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.

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.

Question to Consider:

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?
Why do you think Jesus allowed Judas to be counted as one of the 12 disciples?
The chief priests are the poster children for the end justifying the means. How does this mindset often create moral compromises?

John 12:12-30 (NKJV) Jesus Enters Jerusalem

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.

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 Geek 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 remaining 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.

Questions to Consider:

What are some of the ways that people "hang on" to their lives too tightly in this life? (Any other thoughts on verse 25?)
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?
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")

John 12:31-50 (NKJV) Jesus, Light of the World

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."

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.

Questions to Consider:

How has the power of Satan to rule this earth been limited by the atoning work of Christ?
How is the atoning work of Christ critical to the plan of God to "save" the world?
Why do you think that people choose to remain in the darkness even when they have had glimpses of the light?

John 13:1-17 (NKJV) Jesus Washes Feet

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.

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!"

Questions to Consider:

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?
Why do you think Jesus treated Judas with graciousness all the way up to the point of betrayal?
How does the idea of serving the needs of others go against the natural inclination of human nature?

John 13:18-30 (NKJV) The Tragic Story of Judas

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.

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.

Questions to Consider:

How would you feel about serving with or working beside a person who does not have your best interests in mind?
Have you ever been betrayed by someone who posed as a friend? (How did you cope with it?)
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?

John 13:31-38 (NKJV) The New Commandment

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.

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.

Question to Consider:

What are some of the characteristics associated with the love Christ has for us?
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?
Why do you think Jesus would choose "love" as the sign that identifies us as His disciples?

John 14:1-14 (NKJV) Preparing a Place

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.

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.

Questions to Consider:

What emotions do you think the disciples would have been wrestling with when Jesus told them that He was going to be leaving them?
How would you describe Jesus in terms of "being" the way, the truth and the life?"
What are some of the "greater works" that have been accomplished through the work of the Church?

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

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.

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.

Questions to Consider:

Why do you think that Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as a "Helper?"
What was the definitive difference that the coming of the Holy Spirit made in the disciples?
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?)

John 15:1-17 (NKJV) The True Vine

1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 9 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

I believe we live in a time of appeasement. What I mean by that is that too often Bible teachers have a tendency to water-down some of the harsher teaching in the Bible to make it more appealing to both those we are trying to reach with the Gospel message and those who are critics of the Church. This happens to be one of those passages that gets manipulated so that it does not offend. Note: When we manipulate God's Word by either adding, subtracting or changing it; it is no longer God's Word; it is a man's opinion.
Let's take an honest look at this analogy. v.1 Jesus is the true vine (John 14:6) and the Father oversees the vineyard. v.2 Every branch that does not bear fruit, the Father takes away. Every branch that is fruitful, the Father prunes.
v.3 Scholars are not sure which "word" Jesus was referring to that made the disciples clean. Some believe it is the totality of His teaching. It might be Jesus' emphasis on obeying His commandments in Chapter 14. Most likely He is referring to the idea that He further explores in v.4. "Abide in Me, and I in you." Certainly, post the atoning work of Christ, it is in Christ that we find the forgiveness of sin and are clothed in His righteousness.
v.5 If we do not abide in Christ we will not be able to bear fruit. Jesus makes this clear with His declaration: "Without Me you can do nothing." v.6 Those who do not abide in Christ, wither, die and are gathered together and burned. (Now you know why there is a temptation to water-down this teaching)
The word "abide" is the key to understanding what Jesus is communicating. Jesus uses the word "abide" or the plural "abides" nine times in the first 10 verses of chapter 15. What comes from abiding in Christ? (Fruit, Answers to Prayer, Love, Joy and ultimately, Salvation)
v. 12 Jesus reemphasizes the need for His disciples to love one another. This is a continuing theme from John 13:34,35.
Jesus talks about the great love that would cause someone to lay down their life for friends; and then He calls the disciples His friends. This had to be a somber moment. Jesus is about give this teaching a real life example. In a matter of hours Jesus will indeed be giving His life in order to "save" His friends.

Questions to Consider:

What does it take on our part to abide in Christ?
As you examine your life do you feel that you are producing spiritual fruit? (What does it mean to produce fruit?)
Do you consider yourself a friend of Jesus? (Why or why not?)

John 15:18-27 (NKJV) Hated Without a Cause

18 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.' 26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

The key to understanding this passage is captured in v.25 where Jesus quotes the law: 'They hated Me without a cause.' As the persecution of the Church accelerates around the world, this short sentence encapsulates the hubris that is headed our direction. It is hatred without reason or cause.
In Nazi Germany, the Jews experienced this kind of evil insanity. Hitler blamed the Jews for Germany's defeat in World War I, which was a ludicrous accusation, and proceeded to commit genocide against a whole group of people without a "true" or "real" cause. It simply was an act of extreme hubris that made no sense whatsoever.
Jesus was trying to impress upon His disciples that if the "world" hated Him; if the world killed Him; the people of the same mind-set would turn on Christ's followers. The world would not be relying on any evidence that those who follow Christ pose any threat. They would persecute without a true reason to do so. Blinded by hatred (the same demonic inspired mindset that crucified Jesus) they would come after the disciples as well.
Life without persecution should be the exception for followers of Christ. We should not be caught unaware or surprised as the Church comes under fire for teaching the truth of the Bible and for standing up for the rights of unborn children. The same spiritual forces of evil that came against Jesus will indeed come against the people of God in our time. Matthew 5:10-12 (NKJV) 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Questions to Consider:

Have you personally faced much persecution as a believer in Christ? (Do you feel that you are prepared to face increased persecution, which may include a threat against your life?)
There were carnal reasons that Jesus was hated by the religious leaders of the Jews, but the hatred had no logical basis. Jesus was the Messiah and it would have made more sense to embrace the Messiah rather than kill Him and face the consequences. Would you consider evil misguided or insane to hate without cause, and why?
Severe persecution of the early church drove them to extreme fellowship and cloistering. Do you think that history might repeat itself in our time or the time of our children and grandchildren?

John 16:1-15 (NKJV) The Spirit of Truth

1 "These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. 4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. 5 "But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 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 depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Jesus was headed to the cross and He was preparing His disciples for what was to come. When Jesus was gone the disciples would become the focal point for persecution. v.2 Predicts the exact thing that would happen to Stephen. (Acts 7) Stephen was stoned by the Jews and a man by the name of Saul (who was later was converted and became known as the Apostle Paul) watched over the outer garments of those who did the stoning.
v.7 Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, but made it clear that He would need to go away before the Holy Spirit could come. The theological question is why was this so? In my opinion there are three reasons: 1) It was the Father's plan. 2) At this point in time Jesus had not died, been resurrected or ascended to heaven to make intercession for the saints. All of these things were prerequisites for the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. 3) The work of Jesus in us through the Holy Spirit is of greater importance in establishing the Church than Jesus being with us in the flesh. This is why Jesus referred to this as being to the "advantage" of the disciples.
The ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the world is 1) To convict of sin. 2) To establish an understanding of right and wrong in humanity. 3) To make humanity aware of God's judgment of sin. The little "g" god of this world (Satan) would have people believe that there is no right or wrong and that there are no consequences to our actions. The Holy Spirit refutes this wrong notion.
v.13 Jesus calls the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit is not a separate god. He is God, the third person of the Holy Trinity. As such, He does not speak or act on His own authority, but with the full authority of the Father and Son.
v.14 The Holy Spirit glorifies the Son. He glorifies the Son by continuing the work of the Son through the followers of Christ. The Holy Spirit acts as the administrator of the Church, establishing the Church through the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23) and through Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor. 12)

Question to Consider:

How does the Holy Spirit bring conviction of sin to people? (Is it a brain function; an emotional response; a supernatural work?)
What is Jesus doing at the right hand of the Father? (Why is this role essential?)
Can you explain the idea of God being "in us" by the Holy Spirit?