Jesus continues to reassure his disciples about his impending death.
Click here for an online Bible John 14:27:31
Jesus’ disciples were upset because he told them that he was leaving them soon. He has been reassuring them that the Holy Spirit would guide them after he left. He promised them peace. He contrasted the peace that he would give with the peace that the world gives.
So, what peace does the world give? From the world’s perspective, peace is the absence of problems. The key to peace is to not have problems. However, we know that everybody has problems. We often pursue the accumulation of wealth because we think that money can solve our problems, but we know that many problems can’t be solved with money. Some medical problems can not be fixed with any amount of money. Relationship problems can not be solved with money. Death can not be bought-off.
God is bigger than any of our problems. The peace from God is about our biggest problem – our separation from God. Jesus is the mediator who establishes peace between us and God. True peace means that we can face any problems in life because we are walking with God in his power.
If I can have the peace that God offers, why is my life so crazy? It is because I take my eyes off of God and stop seeing things from his perspective and see things from the world’s perspective. I focus on problems and how to avoid them or solve them rather than living for God and letting him guide me through the problems.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Friday John 14:12-26
Jesus spoke about the unity between him and the Father and between him and his followers.
Click here for an online Bible John 14:12-26
Jesus made the case for his unity with the Father. If you want to see the Father, look at Jesus. Jesus only knows what the Father reveals. He only does what the Father does. He is going to the Father.
He also makes the case for the unity between himself and his followers. “Do what I do.” “Believe what I say.” “I prepare a place for you.” “Love me and obey me.”
This background of unity must be understood in order to understand some of his comments. He said that his followers will do greater things. We look at that and remember Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Does the fact that I don’t seem to be performing many miracles mean that I am not truly a follower of Jesus? What did Jesus mean? I think he is talking about the magnitude of his ministry to people. During his three years of ministry, he encountered several thousand people. After his resurrection and ascension to heaven, his followers received the Holy Spirit and the gospel began to spread. Billions have been impacted.
The other comment was about his granting whatever his followers ask. Read this in light of the view of unity. If we are unified with Jesus and the Father, then our requests are in line with the will of God.
Judas asked why Jesus was not revealing himself to the world. Jesus didn’t seem to really answer the question. I think he did. Jesus reveals himself to the world through his people. That’s us.
I have to ask myself, is my will submitted to God. Do I want the things that He wants? Do I reveal Christ to others?
Click here for an online Bible John 14:12-26
Jesus made the case for his unity with the Father. If you want to see the Father, look at Jesus. Jesus only knows what the Father reveals. He only does what the Father does. He is going to the Father.
He also makes the case for the unity between himself and his followers. “Do what I do.” “Believe what I say.” “I prepare a place for you.” “Love me and obey me.”
This background of unity must be understood in order to understand some of his comments. He said that his followers will do greater things. We look at that and remember Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Does the fact that I don’t seem to be performing many miracles mean that I am not truly a follower of Jesus? What did Jesus mean? I think he is talking about the magnitude of his ministry to people. During his three years of ministry, he encountered several thousand people. After his resurrection and ascension to heaven, his followers received the Holy Spirit and the gospel began to spread. Billions have been impacted.
The other comment was about his granting whatever his followers ask. Read this in light of the view of unity. If we are unified with Jesus and the Father, then our requests are in line with the will of God.
Judas asked why Jesus was not revealing himself to the world. Jesus didn’t seem to really answer the question. I think he did. Jesus reveals himself to the world through his people. That’s us.
I have to ask myself, is my will submitted to God. Do I want the things that He wants? Do I reveal Christ to others?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Thursday John 14:1-11
Jesus continues with his last night with his disciples.
Click here for an online Bible John 14:1-11
Jesus told them in chapter 13 that he was leaving and they couldn’t follow him. Apparently that caused them some distress because he begins chapter 14 with the assurance that they can trust him and the Father. He told them that he was going to prepare a place for them.
Thomas repeats Peter’s concern, “We don’t know the way.” Jesus says, “I am the way.” Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus said, “If you want to see the Father, look at me.”
If you want to find God, look to Jesus. If you want to know the truth, look to Jesus. If you want to have life, look to Jesus. We just need to make sure we actually look to Jesus, and not some made-up Jesus. The question, “What would Jesus do?” was popular a few years back. Too often we answered the question more of a, “What would I do if I were Jesus?” The real question is not “What would Jesus do?”, but “What did Jesus do?” and “What did Jesus really say?”
We need to know the Bible.
Click here for an online Bible John 14:1-11
Jesus told them in chapter 13 that he was leaving and they couldn’t follow him. Apparently that caused them some distress because he begins chapter 14 with the assurance that they can trust him and the Father. He told them that he was going to prepare a place for them.
Thomas repeats Peter’s concern, “We don’t know the way.” Jesus says, “I am the way.” Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus said, “If you want to see the Father, look at me.”
If you want to find God, look to Jesus. If you want to know the truth, look to Jesus. If you want to have life, look to Jesus. We just need to make sure we actually look to Jesus, and not some made-up Jesus. The question, “What would Jesus do?” was popular a few years back. Too often we answered the question more of a, “What would I do if I were Jesus?” The real question is not “What would Jesus do?”, but “What did Jesus do?” and “What did Jesus really say?”
We need to know the Bible.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wednesday John 13:31-38
After Judas left, Jesus continued to teach his disciples.
Click here for an online Bible John 13:31-38
Jesus told his disciples that it was time for his glorification. They didn’t understand that he was talking about his death. He told them that he was going somewhere and they couldn’t follow. Peter said that he would follow Jesus even to the point of death. Jesus said that Peter would disown him three times that night.
Jesus also put the finishing touch on his teaching about love. He demonstrated his love for them by washing their feet. He told them to follow his example. Then he made it a command that they love one another as he loved them. He said that people would know that they were his disciples by how they loved one another.
There are two challenges here. The first challenge is, how will we follow Jesus? Will we give up when the going gets rough? Will we take risks? Will we fare better than Peter? If Peter was doomed to failure, how could we hope to do any better? The difference is that this incident was prior to the giving of the Holy Spirit. We are filled with the Holy Spirit who empowers us to do what Jesus has called us to do.
The second challenge is about how we love one another. Jesus said the evidence of being his disciple is our love. Sometimes it’s hard to love each other. We are sinful fallen people, so our ability to love is somewhat compromised. Also, it is hard to love other sinful fallen people. The answer is the same as the first challenge. The solution to be able to love is the Holy Spirit. We can only love as Jesus loves when guided by the Holy Spirit.
So, how do we follow Jesus and love like Jesus? We must cultivate our relationship with God. We must be growing as disciples. It takes discipline. Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.
Click here for an online Bible John 13:31-38
Jesus told his disciples that it was time for his glorification. They didn’t understand that he was talking about his death. He told them that he was going somewhere and they couldn’t follow. Peter said that he would follow Jesus even to the point of death. Jesus said that Peter would disown him three times that night.
Jesus also put the finishing touch on his teaching about love. He demonstrated his love for them by washing their feet. He told them to follow his example. Then he made it a command that they love one another as he loved them. He said that people would know that they were his disciples by how they loved one another.
There are two challenges here. The first challenge is, how will we follow Jesus? Will we give up when the going gets rough? Will we take risks? Will we fare better than Peter? If Peter was doomed to failure, how could we hope to do any better? The difference is that this incident was prior to the giving of the Holy Spirit. We are filled with the Holy Spirit who empowers us to do what Jesus has called us to do.
The second challenge is about how we love one another. Jesus said the evidence of being his disciple is our love. Sometimes it’s hard to love each other. We are sinful fallen people, so our ability to love is somewhat compromised. Also, it is hard to love other sinful fallen people. The answer is the same as the first challenge. The solution to be able to love is the Holy Spirit. We can only love as Jesus loves when guided by the Holy Spirit.
So, how do we follow Jesus and love like Jesus? We must cultivate our relationship with God. We must be growing as disciples. It takes discipline. Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Tuesday John 13:12-30
Jesus washed his disciples’ feet then predicted his betrayal.
Click here for an online Bible John 13:12-30
Jesus put the washing of their feet into perspective. He was demonstrating his love for them. He told them that they should emulate his actions. Some people take this as a command to practice foot washing ceremonies. The act of washing feet does not have the same meaning for us as it did for them. His command is to demonstrate love for one another in tangible ways.
After showing this incredibly humble love, he told them that one of them was going to betray him. The disciples were amazed. In the gospels of Matthew and Mark, they ask, “Is it I?” All heads did not automatically snap toward Judas. John tells us that Peter wanted John to ask Jesus who it would be. It is interesting that each one questioned if he would be the betrayer. We are all capable of incredible sin. If we think we are not, we don’t really understand sin or ourselves.
Jesus said that his betrayer was the one he gave the piece of bread to. He gave the bread to Judas and at that point Satan entered Judas. So, what is going on here? Jesus told Judas to go and do what he was going to do quickly. The others thought that Jesus was sending him out on some errand. Didn’t they just see and hear Jesus identify Judas as the betrayer?
We can’t say too much for certain since we don’t have a video of the scene. John asked Jesus who it was. Jesus responded with the comment about the bread. Here is how it plays out in my mind. Jesus said that one of the disciples would betray him. There is much buzz about who it might be. Peter just got embarrassed over the footwashing episode, so he’s not going to ask Jesus. So, Peter catches John’s eye and prods John to ask Jesus. John asks Jesus who it is. Jesus says it is the one to whom he gives the bread. He only says this loud enough to be heard by John and Judas. He is confronting Judas who has already met with the religious leaders about betraying Jesus. He is basically forcing Judas to make up his mind – either repent or take the bread. Judas made his decision and then turned himself over to Satan. He took the bread and Jesus told him to do it quickly. Judas left and the others thought that Jesus had sent him somewhere. It is not clear how much John knew at the time.
I think about how often I let Jesus down. He trusts me with responsibilities and has given me gifts and opportunities, yet I still fail him. But he still loves me and wants me. I can not understand his faithfulness and forgiveness, but I am so thankful.
Click here for an online Bible John 13:12-30
Jesus put the washing of their feet into perspective. He was demonstrating his love for them. He told them that they should emulate his actions. Some people take this as a command to practice foot washing ceremonies. The act of washing feet does not have the same meaning for us as it did for them. His command is to demonstrate love for one another in tangible ways.
After showing this incredibly humble love, he told them that one of them was going to betray him. The disciples were amazed. In the gospels of Matthew and Mark, they ask, “Is it I?” All heads did not automatically snap toward Judas. John tells us that Peter wanted John to ask Jesus who it would be. It is interesting that each one questioned if he would be the betrayer. We are all capable of incredible sin. If we think we are not, we don’t really understand sin or ourselves.
Jesus said that his betrayer was the one he gave the piece of bread to. He gave the bread to Judas and at that point Satan entered Judas. So, what is going on here? Jesus told Judas to go and do what he was going to do quickly. The others thought that Jesus was sending him out on some errand. Didn’t they just see and hear Jesus identify Judas as the betrayer?
We can’t say too much for certain since we don’t have a video of the scene. John asked Jesus who it was. Jesus responded with the comment about the bread. Here is how it plays out in my mind. Jesus said that one of the disciples would betray him. There is much buzz about who it might be. Peter just got embarrassed over the footwashing episode, so he’s not going to ask Jesus. So, Peter catches John’s eye and prods John to ask Jesus. John asks Jesus who it is. Jesus says it is the one to whom he gives the bread. He only says this loud enough to be heard by John and Judas. He is confronting Judas who has already met with the religious leaders about betraying Jesus. He is basically forcing Judas to make up his mind – either repent or take the bread. Judas made his decision and then turned himself over to Satan. He took the bread and Jesus told him to do it quickly. Judas left and the others thought that Jesus had sent him somewhere. It is not clear how much John knew at the time.
I think about how often I let Jesus down. He trusts me with responsibilities and has given me gifts and opportunities, yet I still fail him. But he still loves me and wants me. I can not understand his faithfulness and forgiveness, but I am so thankful.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Monday John 13:1-11
Before celebrating the Passover meal with his followers, Jesus washed their feet.
Click here for an online Bible John 13:1-11
Feet got dirty back then. Streets were dirt and people wore sandals. A good host would have a slave wash the feet of his guests. So when Jesus started to wash his disciples’ feet they were shocked. I suppose it would be like having your boss (whom you have the utmost respect for) come to your house for a meal. He says to you, “Before we eat, I’ll go clean your toilets.” You would feel really odd having him clean your toilets.
Peter refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet. It seems like humility on Peter’s part. He feels unworthy to allow Jesus to wash his feet. But is it really pride? Regardless, it is wrong. When the Son of God says, “I want to wash your feet,” you say, “Lord I am humbled, but not my will, but yours.” Peter recognized that he was out of line so he offered his whole body. Jesus told him that if he had wanted to wash his whole body then he would have said so.
Jesus had said that he only does what the Father does. Verse 1 says that Jesus was displaying the extent of his love. This is the picture of the love of God. He even washed the feet of the one who he knew was going to betray him. God has offered eternal life to all. The Bible says that Christ died for us even while we were enemies of God.
Taking on humanity was an act of humility for Christ. Dying on the cross was the supreme display of love. Peter didn’t get it. He saw things from a worldly point of view rather than a spiritual point of view. We have the Bible now, but we have to try hard to see things from a spiritual point of view and not fall into the same error as Peter by taking a worldly perspective.
Click here for an online Bible John 13:1-11
Feet got dirty back then. Streets were dirt and people wore sandals. A good host would have a slave wash the feet of his guests. So when Jesus started to wash his disciples’ feet they were shocked. I suppose it would be like having your boss (whom you have the utmost respect for) come to your house for a meal. He says to you, “Before we eat, I’ll go clean your toilets.” You would feel really odd having him clean your toilets.
Peter refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet. It seems like humility on Peter’s part. He feels unworthy to allow Jesus to wash his feet. But is it really pride? Regardless, it is wrong. When the Son of God says, “I want to wash your feet,” you say, “Lord I am humbled, but not my will, but yours.” Peter recognized that he was out of line so he offered his whole body. Jesus told him that if he had wanted to wash his whole body then he would have said so.
Jesus had said that he only does what the Father does. Verse 1 says that Jesus was displaying the extent of his love. This is the picture of the love of God. He even washed the feet of the one who he knew was going to betray him. God has offered eternal life to all. The Bible says that Christ died for us even while we were enemies of God.
Taking on humanity was an act of humility for Christ. Dying on the cross was the supreme display of love. Peter didn’t get it. He saw things from a worldly point of view rather than a spiritual point of view. We have the Bible now, but we have to try hard to see things from a spiritual point of view and not fall into the same error as Peter by taking a worldly perspective.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sunday John 12:37-50
Jesus was a stumbling block back then and is a stumbling block today.
Click here for an online Bible John 12:37-50
Even though Jesus performed miracles that proved the truth about him, many would not believe. Many did believe however. Even some of the leaders believed but they would not publicly admit it for fear of those who opposed Jesus. If you professed faith in Jesus, you would be expelled from the synagogue.
John says that all of this happened in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah. He quotes from Isaiah’s fourth servant song (Isaiah 52 & 53). John quotes from Isaiah chapter 6 about their hearts being hardened and their eyes blinded. John explains that Isaiah said this prophetically about Jesus.
So, what are we to make of God hardening hearts and binding eyes to the truth? Doesn’t God want people to come to the truth? Isn’t Jesus looking for believers? This is hard to understand. I believe that the leaders who are rejecting Jesus have already have hard hearts. They have already refused to see the truth. Origin describes this with the thought, “The same sun that melts wax hardens clay.” People who have a heart for God are melted by exposure to the truth of God while those who are hardened to God and only further hardened to his truth.
The sad thing is that I know people like this. They are hard and any exposure to truth only hardens them more. Jesus said, “If you reject me, you are rejecting God.”
I want to have a wax heart, one that will mold to fit God. I need to stay close to Him. I need to be in His word and in prayer with Him. I need the feedback of other Christians who have a heart for Him. I know that I am in danger when I read His word and it doesn’t affect me. My heart should be broken when I read His word. My heart should be broken in prayer. It should be broken because I see how far short I fall and I see those who are lost. But there is joy in knowing Him and hope in His plan.
Click here for an online Bible John 12:37-50
Even though Jesus performed miracles that proved the truth about him, many would not believe. Many did believe however. Even some of the leaders believed but they would not publicly admit it for fear of those who opposed Jesus. If you professed faith in Jesus, you would be expelled from the synagogue.
John says that all of this happened in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah. He quotes from Isaiah’s fourth servant song (Isaiah 52 & 53). John quotes from Isaiah chapter 6 about their hearts being hardened and their eyes blinded. John explains that Isaiah said this prophetically about Jesus.
So, what are we to make of God hardening hearts and binding eyes to the truth? Doesn’t God want people to come to the truth? Isn’t Jesus looking for believers? This is hard to understand. I believe that the leaders who are rejecting Jesus have already have hard hearts. They have already refused to see the truth. Origin describes this with the thought, “The same sun that melts wax hardens clay.” People who have a heart for God are melted by exposure to the truth of God while those who are hardened to God and only further hardened to his truth.
The sad thing is that I know people like this. They are hard and any exposure to truth only hardens them more. Jesus said, “If you reject me, you are rejecting God.”
I want to have a wax heart, one that will mold to fit God. I need to stay close to Him. I need to be in His word and in prayer with Him. I need the feedback of other Christians who have a heart for Him. I know that I am in danger when I read His word and it doesn’t affect me. My heart should be broken when I read His word. My heart should be broken in prayer. It should be broken because I see how far short I fall and I see those who are lost. But there is joy in knowing Him and hope in His plan.
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