Jesus prays to the Father about his death.
Click here for an online Bible John 17:1-5
Jesus prays for the Father’s glory and his own glory. Sometimes we get a little uncomfortable talking about God pursuing his own glory. It sounds selfish and conceited. If we ask, “What is the purpose of people?”, we are OK with the answer, “The purpose of people is to glorify God.” But, then if we ask, “Why did God create people?”, the answer, “God created people for his own glory” makes some of us uncomfortable. That doesn’t sound very humble.
God is perfect. God is loving. The greatest thing in the world is to know God. There could be nothing greater than God’s glory. So, it is not a matter of conceit for God to seek his own glory. It is a good thing. Jesus makes the point in his prayer that lost people coming to salvation brings God glory.
Our prayers should be that God will receive the glory that he deserves. We should pray that our lives will bring glory to God. We should pray for the salvation of others so that God will be glorified.
Glory to God.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday John 16:25-33
Jesus continues to talk about his impending death.
Click here for an online Bible John 16:25-33
Jesus tells his disciples that soon they will understand what he is talking about. They think that the time is now and that now they understand. They tell Jesus that they get it. Jesus asks, “Do you now believe?” He is not asking for information. They just said that he knows everything, and they were right. He knows the reality of their belief. He is being ironic here. He asks about their belief, then tells them that they will be scattered as they abandon him.
Another part of the irony here is that they were concerned about Jesus leaving them, but the reality is that they will abandon him. Then Jesus tells them that his plan does not depend on them because the Father will not abandon him.
God has a plan. It was put in place before creation. God has been making his plan happen and will continue to make it happen. He loved us first. Jesus coming to the world to conquer sin was an expression of his love. It wasn’t up to the disciples back then to make it happen, they were called to follow in faith.
There was a dramatic change after the resurrection of Jesus. The Holy Spirit changes things in how we operate and relate to God. But moving his plan forward is still up to God. He uses us and invites us to participate in his plan. First, we must become disciples. We must follow Jesus in faith and repentance. Then, we must put God’s concerns first.
Click here for an online Bible John 16:25-33
Jesus tells his disciples that soon they will understand what he is talking about. They think that the time is now and that now they understand. They tell Jesus that they get it. Jesus asks, “Do you now believe?” He is not asking for information. They just said that he knows everything, and they were right. He knows the reality of their belief. He is being ironic here. He asks about their belief, then tells them that they will be scattered as they abandon him.
Another part of the irony here is that they were concerned about Jesus leaving them, but the reality is that they will abandon him. Then Jesus tells them that his plan does not depend on them because the Father will not abandon him.
God has a plan. It was put in place before creation. God has been making his plan happen and will continue to make it happen. He loved us first. Jesus coming to the world to conquer sin was an expression of his love. It wasn’t up to the disciples back then to make it happen, they were called to follow in faith.
There was a dramatic change after the resurrection of Jesus. The Holy Spirit changes things in how we operate and relate to God. But moving his plan forward is still up to God. He uses us and invites us to participate in his plan. First, we must become disciples. We must follow Jesus in faith and repentance. Then, we must put God’s concerns first.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thursday John 16:16-24
Jesus predicted his death and resurrection.
Click here for an online Bible John 16:16-24
Jesus said that soon the disciples would not see him anymore, but then in a little while they would see him again. He is predicting his death and resurrection. The disciples did not understand, but instead of asking Jesus, they asked each other. I suspect that they were afraid to ask Jesus because it seems like every time they asked him something, he gave them an answer that was impossible to understand. However, Jesus knew what they were thinking and answers for them. He used the same kind of language though. He said that they would be sad, but then sadness would turn to joy.
Jesus predicted a new kind of relationship with him. Up till now they had asked him for things. They had not asked God in the name of Jesus. Soon they would ask God directly, but they would do so in the name of Jesus. He promised that God would respond to their prayers.
This is a picture of how prayer interacts with the Trinitarian nature of God. We pray to God the Father. We pray in the name of Jesus - God the Son. The only reason we have the authority to approach God is because Jesus has given us access. We pray in the power of God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us in our prayers.
Remember that prayer is more than just telling God what we want. Prayer is communication within a relationship. We should be transformed by prayer.
Click here for an online Bible John 16:16-24
Jesus said that soon the disciples would not see him anymore, but then in a little while they would see him again. He is predicting his death and resurrection. The disciples did not understand, but instead of asking Jesus, they asked each other. I suspect that they were afraid to ask Jesus because it seems like every time they asked him something, he gave them an answer that was impossible to understand. However, Jesus knew what they were thinking and answers for them. He used the same kind of language though. He said that they would be sad, but then sadness would turn to joy.
Jesus predicted a new kind of relationship with him. Up till now they had asked him for things. They had not asked God in the name of Jesus. Soon they would ask God directly, but they would do so in the name of Jesus. He promised that God would respond to their prayers.
This is a picture of how prayer interacts with the Trinitarian nature of God. We pray to God the Father. We pray in the name of Jesus - God the Son. The only reason we have the authority to approach God is because Jesus has given us access. We pray in the power of God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us in our prayers.
Remember that prayer is more than just telling God what we want. Prayer is communication within a relationship. We should be transformed by prayer.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wednesday John 15:26-16:15
Jesus promised his followers both persecution and the Holy Spirit.
Click here for an online Bible John 15:26-16:15
Notice is verses 26 and 27 that the Holy Spirit will testify about Jesus and so will his disciples. This is also on the heels of the discussion of unity. Jesus is unified with the Father. We are unified with Jesus. Now we see that we are also unified with the Holy Spirit. Part of that unity is purpose. We testify about Jesus along with the Holy Spirit. In chapter 16 verse 13, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will guide us in our testimony. In this unity with the Holy Spirit, he guides us as we witness to the world about Jesus. In verses 8-11, Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit convicting of sin. He shows people their sinfulness and prompts us to tell the person how they can be forgiven of their sin.
In 16:5, Jesus said that nobody has asked him where he is going. My first thought was, “Wait a minute, Peter asked him back in 13:36.” We don’t know how much time has elapsed since chapter 13. It may have been a few minutes or a couple of hours. Jesus began his statement with “now”. Peter, Thomas, and Judas were asking questions then, but they seem to be silent now. I think their mouths are hanging open and they have blank looks on their faces and they are saying to themselves, “I don’t get it.” In fact, later in this chapter they start saying to each other that they don’t get it. I think that Jesus is showing them how much they don’t get it, so this shows how much they need the Holy Spirit.
This section shows our responsibility in God’s plan. We are to be witnesses for Jesus. But we do this with the Holy Spirit. Only he can show people that they are sinners. He uses us to share the gospel.
Click here for an online Bible John 15:26-16:15
Notice is verses 26 and 27 that the Holy Spirit will testify about Jesus and so will his disciples. This is also on the heels of the discussion of unity. Jesus is unified with the Father. We are unified with Jesus. Now we see that we are also unified with the Holy Spirit. Part of that unity is purpose. We testify about Jesus along with the Holy Spirit. In chapter 16 verse 13, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will guide us in our testimony. In this unity with the Holy Spirit, he guides us as we witness to the world about Jesus. In verses 8-11, Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit convicting of sin. He shows people their sinfulness and prompts us to tell the person how they can be forgiven of their sin.
In 16:5, Jesus said that nobody has asked him where he is going. My first thought was, “Wait a minute, Peter asked him back in 13:36.” We don’t know how much time has elapsed since chapter 13. It may have been a few minutes or a couple of hours. Jesus began his statement with “now”. Peter, Thomas, and Judas were asking questions then, but they seem to be silent now. I think their mouths are hanging open and they have blank looks on their faces and they are saying to themselves, “I don’t get it.” In fact, later in this chapter they start saying to each other that they don’t get it. I think that Jesus is showing them how much they don’t get it, so this shows how much they need the Holy Spirit.
This section shows our responsibility in God’s plan. We are to be witnesses for Jesus. But we do this with the Holy Spirit. Only he can show people that they are sinners. He uses us to share the gospel.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tuesday John 15:18-25
Jesus predicted that his followers would face persecution.
Click here for an online Bible John 15:18-25
Jesus told his disciples that they should expect the world to hate them. This follows the unity discussion that he has just had with them. He is one with the Father and one with his followers. So, those who hate him hate the Father and also hate his followers.
Jesus said that they were guilty because he had proved himself before them and they refused to believe. He said that if he had not come they would not be guilty. We have to be careful that we don’t take this verse and try to make it say that anyone who has not had the chance to hear the gospel is not guilty before God.
Paul makes it clear in Romans that everybody can deduce from creation that they are guilty of sin. Jesus said that they would not be guilty of rejecting him if he had not come. But he has come. That is why there is an urgency to the missionary mandate. Those who do not know Christ are perishing.
John made the statement in chapter 1 of his gospel that the light had come into the world, but the world did not recognize him. He came to his own (the Jews), but they did not receive him. But to those who did receive him, those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
The world is separated from God because of sin. That is why the world hates the Father and the Son and the followers of the Son. Jesus is the mediator.
This passage troubles me. I feel pretty comfortable in the world and I think the world is pretty comfortable with me. The challenge to be in the world but not of the world is difficult. I have to check my thinking continually. Am I living by the standards of the world or living by the standard of God as revealed in his word? The closer I get to God, the more I realize how far I have to go. But the good news is that it can happen by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Click here for an online Bible John 15:18-25
Jesus told his disciples that they should expect the world to hate them. This follows the unity discussion that he has just had with them. He is one with the Father and one with his followers. So, those who hate him hate the Father and also hate his followers.
Jesus said that they were guilty because he had proved himself before them and they refused to believe. He said that if he had not come they would not be guilty. We have to be careful that we don’t take this verse and try to make it say that anyone who has not had the chance to hear the gospel is not guilty before God.
Paul makes it clear in Romans that everybody can deduce from creation that they are guilty of sin. Jesus said that they would not be guilty of rejecting him if he had not come. But he has come. That is why there is an urgency to the missionary mandate. Those who do not know Christ are perishing.
John made the statement in chapter 1 of his gospel that the light had come into the world, but the world did not recognize him. He came to his own (the Jews), but they did not receive him. But to those who did receive him, those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
The world is separated from God because of sin. That is why the world hates the Father and the Son and the followers of the Son. Jesus is the mediator.
This passage troubles me. I feel pretty comfortable in the world and I think the world is pretty comfortable with me. The challenge to be in the world but not of the world is difficult. I have to check my thinking continually. Am I living by the standards of the world or living by the standard of God as revealed in his word? The closer I get to God, the more I realize how far I have to go. But the good news is that it can happen by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Monday John 15:9-17
Jesus calls us to be unified.
Click here for an online Bible John 15:9-17
Jesus has spoken much about his unity with the Father. He and the Father are one. He does want the Father does. He says what the Father says. He is obedient to the Father.
He spoke about our unity with him. The story of the vine was all about our connection with him. He wants us to do what he does. He wants us to obey him. He wants us to love him.
He now speaks about our unity with one another. Twice (verse 12 and verse 17) he commands that we love one another. These commands are mixed in with his admonition that we obey him and love him.
Some conclusions:
The evidence that we love Jesus is that we obey him. If we refuse to obey him, the claim that we love him is pretty hollow.
Another evidence that we love Jesus is that we love other Christians.
For most of us, it is pretty easy to love Jesus. He died on the cross for us and we are grateful. However, obedience is another story. Sometimes it is hard to do the things he said to do. Similarly, it is hard to love others at times.
Why is it hard to obey Jesus and love others? It is selfishness. I don’t want to obey when I put my own selfish desires ahead of the desires of God. I don’t love others when I am being selfish. As Jesus pointed out, true love is self-sacrificing. Selfishness and love don’t go together well.
So how do I work on this obedience thing? Begin with knowing what Jesus has said. That means we must spend time in his word and try to understand what he is telling us. I need to strengthen my relationship with him and put his desires ahead of my own. As I get closer to him, I find that his desires are my own.
Loving others can be hard. We are fallen imperfect people. Love seeks the best for others. Love means that I really desire the best for others. Don’t confuse love with being nice. Sometimes love requires discipline and correction. However it is done with their best interests at heart. Rather than getting my way, I should desire God’s way. True unity with others comes when we are working together for the Kingdom of God.
Click here for an online Bible John 15:9-17
Jesus has spoken much about his unity with the Father. He and the Father are one. He does want the Father does. He says what the Father says. He is obedient to the Father.
He spoke about our unity with him. The story of the vine was all about our connection with him. He wants us to do what he does. He wants us to obey him. He wants us to love him.
He now speaks about our unity with one another. Twice (verse 12 and verse 17) he commands that we love one another. These commands are mixed in with his admonition that we obey him and love him.
Some conclusions:
The evidence that we love Jesus is that we obey him. If we refuse to obey him, the claim that we love him is pretty hollow.
Another evidence that we love Jesus is that we love other Christians.
For most of us, it is pretty easy to love Jesus. He died on the cross for us and we are grateful. However, obedience is another story. Sometimes it is hard to do the things he said to do. Similarly, it is hard to love others at times.
Why is it hard to obey Jesus and love others? It is selfishness. I don’t want to obey when I put my own selfish desires ahead of the desires of God. I don’t love others when I am being selfish. As Jesus pointed out, true love is self-sacrificing. Selfishness and love don’t go together well.
So how do I work on this obedience thing? Begin with knowing what Jesus has said. That means we must spend time in his word and try to understand what he is telling us. I need to strengthen my relationship with him and put his desires ahead of my own. As I get closer to him, I find that his desires are my own.
Loving others can be hard. We are fallen imperfect people. Love seeks the best for others. Love means that I really desire the best for others. Don’t confuse love with being nice. Sometimes love requires discipline and correction. However it is done with their best interests at heart. Rather than getting my way, I should desire God’s way. True unity with others comes when we are working together for the Kingdom of God.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Sunday John 15:1-8
Jesus explains unity with the picture of a grape vine.
Click here for an online Bible John 15:1-8
The vine is used as a symbol for Israel in the Old Testament. Jesus said that he was the true vine. The true people of God are not the descendants of Jacob, but the followers of Jesus. He said that the Father is the gardener. As the gardener, he has authority over the vine and the fruit belongs to him.
Jesus said that people are the branches of the vine. The only branches that are worthwhile to the gardener are those that are connected to the vine. Only those branches that are connected can produce fruit. Disconnected branches will be cast into the fire.
Our bearing fruit brings glory to the Father and shows that we are Jesus’ disciples. So, what does it mean to bear fruit? Remember that the purpose of a grapevine is to produce grapes. Grapes are the fruit.
Our purpose is to glorify God. We bear fruit by becoming a disciple of Jesus, growing as a disciple, and living a life dedicated to God’s glory. It doesn’t just happen. It takes effort and discipline.
Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.
Click here for an online Bible John 15:1-8
The vine is used as a symbol for Israel in the Old Testament. Jesus said that he was the true vine. The true people of God are not the descendants of Jacob, but the followers of Jesus. He said that the Father is the gardener. As the gardener, he has authority over the vine and the fruit belongs to him.
Jesus said that people are the branches of the vine. The only branches that are worthwhile to the gardener are those that are connected to the vine. Only those branches that are connected can produce fruit. Disconnected branches will be cast into the fire.
Our bearing fruit brings glory to the Father and shows that we are Jesus’ disciples. So, what does it mean to bear fruit? Remember that the purpose of a grapevine is to produce grapes. Grapes are the fruit.
Our purpose is to glorify God. We bear fruit by becoming a disciple of Jesus, growing as a disciple, and living a life dedicated to God’s glory. It doesn’t just happen. It takes effort and discipline.
Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.
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