Category: Gospels
Who sinned?
Scripture reading for May 17th: John 9:1-41
The entire ninth chapter of John’s Gospel is dedicated to the story of a man blind from birth who was healed by Jesus. This man’s condition initially brought a question from the disciples, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:2-5)
Jesus said that in this instance, that the sins of this man and the parents did not enter into the cause of his condition. The common thinking of that day was that deformity or disability was caused by sin somehow and that God was punishing that person through that infirmity. Jesus simply stated that this condition was not to be judged, but that it was an opportunity to display God’s work of healing and restoration in his life. Every day we have here on earth should be an opportunity to glorify Jesus and do the work of reaching hurting people before darkness stopped the work!
Jesus proceeded to spit on the ground and made some mud and put it on the man’s eyes. Some feel that this was a creative miracle in that Jesus here modeled the creation account. (Genesis 2:7) The man was told to go and wash in the pool of Siloam and he came back seeing!
This miracle caused much discussion in the community and the Temple with the religious leaders. They couldn’t believe that this was the man who sat and begged for years. The man recounted how Jesus did the miracle but the religious leaders were upset because it was a Sabbath when the healing took place. They insisted that Jesus could not be from God because of this! (John 9:16) Still others insisted that this Jesus must be a prophet, because no sinner could do these miracles.
Reasoning and argument will not solve the dilemma! “One thing I do know, I was blind but now I see.” (John 9:25) This man quit arguing and placed his trust in Jesus! (John 9:38) Isn’t it time for you to do the same?
The Devil’s native language!
Scripture reading for May 16th: John 8:31-59
“To the Jews who had believed in Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32-33) This simple statement by Jesus brought the discussion of who He was and who they were to a new level. To truly be a disciple of Jesus, each follower must hold to Jesus’ teaching. This teaching is ultimate truth that frees a person from sin and false religion. Every man is bound in his soul by lies and Jesus understood what was needed to be truly free. These Jews would need to face their own condition and come to grips with who they were really following.
The Jews who believed were offended that Jesus told them that they were slaves of sin. (John 8:34-35) They had believed that with Abraham as their father, they had an “in” with God. Jesus told them that their slavery to sin would keep them out of God’s family. It was only through a relationship with the Son that they could have adoption into God’s family. Jesus pointed out that they were trying to kill Him, something Abraham would never do. (John 8:37,40, 59)
“Why is My language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:43-44) Jesus plainly told them the truth about their inability to hear and their desire to kill Him. They were acting under the influence of the devil, who was their father!
This startling statement caused them to accuse Jesus of being demon possessed. Jesus told them He was not under the influence of a demon, but spoke truth to them that if they believed they would never die. (John 8:51) This again brought the crowd to the place where they wanted to stone Jesus. Jesus slipped away for it was not yet His time. Take a moment and examine your own heart. Are you believing in Jesus? That’s the only way to eternal life!
Believe or die in your sins!
Scripture reading for May 15th: John 8:21-31
Jesus had plainly told the crowd at the temple that He was the light of the world and that anyone who would follow Him would never walk in darkness but would have the light of life. (John 8:12) He also told them that He was going away and that where He was going, they could not follow. He was speaking of returning to His Father and the glory of heaven and they were unable to understand. Some Jews in the crowd even speculated that Jesus was going to kill himself. (John 8:22)
Jesus is the Light of this dark world and faith in Him comes from hearing and believing His word. (Romans 10:17) The greatest darkness does not come from a lack of natural light, but from sin’s darkness in our soul. The light of life shines in this darkness in the person of Jesus Christ and we must settle the question of who this Man is!
“But He (Jesus) continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am [the one I claim to be], you will indeed die in your sins.” (John 8:23-24) Jesus plainly stated that He was from above and all other men were from below. He told them that sin would bring death unless they believed that He was who He claimed to be. In the Greek, Jesus had told them He was “I AM”, claiming to be God!
This brought another questioning of Jesus. Who was He? Jesus told them that He was just what He had claimed to be all along. He was the Son of the Father who had sent Him. He was their true judge, who was trustworthy and reliable because He was the Son of God. He was the Light of the world that was available for men in the darkness of sin to follow.
They did not understand or would not understand. “So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am [the one I claim to be], and that I do nothing on My own but speak just what the Father has taught me.” (John 8:28-30) The crucifixion and resurrection would bring revelation! Have you received the Light?
Just judgments: Jesus and the Father!
Scripture reading for May 14th: John 8:1-20
When we think of going before a judge to face charges, our hearts race knowing that our future and fate is bound up in the decision of one in authority. We have no control over how they will rule and often we doubt that they will be fair. We all will have to face judgment as believers and a different judgment if we are not a believer. Jesus Christ will be the judge, but we do not have to fear any injustice!
As Jesus was again teaching in the Temple, the Pharisees brought a woman to Him who had been caught in the very act of adultery. “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do You say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing Him.” (John 8:4-5) These men were intent on tripping up Jesus, but Jesus took his finger and began to write in the dust of the ground. After being pressed for an answer, Jesus replied, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)
As Jesus continued to write in the dust, all the accusers left and the woman was there with Jesus. Finally, Jesus stood up and addressed the woman. “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Sir,” she replied. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11)
Jesus skillfully turned the tables on these religious Jews who were trying to trap Him. Jesus is a capable judge and knows everything about each person. His judgments are just and true because they come from the Father who also knows everything. These two witnesses, Jesus and the Father, are always trustworthy and perfect. (John 8:14-18) Jesus would rather show mercy on one who was humble and repentant than to judge. He came to pay the penalty for sin and open the door to mercy for everyone who believes.
As believers, we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive reward for the deeds done in our body. (2nd Corinthians 5:10) Unbelievers will stand before the Great White Throne and be justly judged. (Revelation 20:11-14) Each judgment will be just and true!
The Feast of Tabernacles
Scripture reading for May 13th: John 7:31-53
After delaying His appearance at the Feast of Tabernacles, halfway through the celebration Jesus appeared in the Temple and began to teach there. His teaching amazed many and caused much discussion about who Jesus was. Some tried to seize Him and others put their faith in Him. (John 7:30-31)
It was during this last day of the Feast, that Jesus came to the Temple. “On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If any one is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to later receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” (John 7:37-39)
On the last day of this feast of Tabernacles, it was the custom to draw large jars of water from the Pool of Siloam and to pour them out before the Lord, celebrating how Moses brought water from the rock in the wilderness to refresh God’s people. This was done in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, who would take them to their ‘Promised Land” and provide food and eternal refreshing. In this context, the Jews who heard Jesus would have paid attention. Some thought that they had heard a great prophet, and others thought the He was the Christ. (John 7:40-41)
As we look at this prophetic word from Jesus, we now know that Jesus was speaking of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those who would put their faith in Him as the Messiah. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the church and each believer received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-4) Out of their mouths flowed a new language of praise to God and power to be witnesses to all the world. This gift empowered the Church to live fruitfully and to be ready for the coming of Jesus Christ at any time.
We are all just passing through this life, the world is not our home! We have been given rivers of living water to bring refreshing to those who will hear! The King is coming soon! Let those waters flow here in this wilderness!
The Importance of Doing God’s Will
Scripture reading for May 12th: John 7:1-30
Timing is everything in God’s economy. Solomon said that there was a time for everything under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Jesus was a man who knew the proper timing for each part of His life because He was committed to do God’s will. If we will learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and commit to do God’s will, we will learn that Jesus’ teaching is God’s will.
All Jewish males were to appear before God in Jerusalem at the temple three times a year. This was God’s instructions through the Law of Moses. One of these times was for the Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration of Israel’s time in the wilderness when they lived in tents awaiting entry into the ‘promised land’. Jesus’ brothers tried to get Him to go up with them to Jerusalem, but Jesus told them that His time had not yet come to go up. (John 7:4) These brothers did not yet believe in Jesus. Jesus timing was always a part of God’s plan and will.
Later, Jesus went to the required celebration. Everyone was looking for Him and there was much debate about who He might be. Halfway through the feast, Jesus went to the temple and began to teach. His words of wisdom amazed those who heard Him, especially the Jews. They asked each other where He got such learning.
“Jesus answered, “My teaching is not My own. It comes from Him who sent Me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether My teaching comes from God or whether I speak on My own.” (John 7:16) Jesus plainly told them before that He spoke for the Father. Here He told them that a choice on their part to do God’s will would open their understanding about whether or not His teaching was from God. This is a key to faith! We must choose willingly to truly want to do God’s will, not just know about it! When we make this choice from our heart, we come to know that Jesus’ teaching is from God the Father!
Today is the best time to choose to do God’s will and then listen to Jesus’ teaching. It comes from God the Father, as He did. Simple child-like faith will open a new world of eternal life and knowing God’s will and timing.
This is a hard teaching!
Scripture reading for May 11th: John 6:47-71
“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” (John 6:53-58)
Jesus followed the feeding of the 5000 with some hard teaching. He spoke to them of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This was not an option, but mandatory to have eternal life. Jesus knew that many of these that were following Him were not placing their trust in Him as the Son of God and did not really believe that He came from the Father. They ate the physical bread that had been miraculously multiplied and were satisfied, but were not yet ready to feed on Jesus as the true Bread from heaven. As their forefathers had eaten the manna and died, they needed to feed on Jesus’ flesh and blood to live.
“On hearing this, many of His disciples said, “This is a hard teaching, who can practice it.” (John 6:60) Jesus asked these grumblers if His teaching offended them. They would see something even more offensive to the carnal mind: His ascension to heaven! “The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are Life. Yet some of you do not believe.” Jesus knew that some would not believe and one would betray Him! He was actually a devil! (John 6:70)
In this spiritual teaching, Jesus was referring to the Last Supper, the meal where He would give them the bread and cup as remembrance of His death and a reminder of His coming again. The true followers would be willing to eat the bread (representing His body) and drink the cup (representing His blood.) This teaching is Spirit and Life! Have you placed your trust in Him?
The Bread of Life!
Scripture reading for May 10th: John 6:22-46
Jesus’ miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish caused the crowd to search for Him the next morning. After spending time alone in prayer late into the night, Jesus had walked on the lake and joined the disciples in their boat. The crowd was mystified about how Jesus got across the lake. Upon finding Jesus in Capernaum, they asked Him when He got there . Jesus told them they were not looking for Him because of the miraculous signs, but because they ate the bread and were satisfied. He told them not to work for food that spoils, but to seek the food that endured to eternal life which the Son of Man would give them.
Jesus’ instructions stirred a question in those who heard. “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work God requires is this: to believe on the One He has sent.” (John 6:28-29) Jesus was emphasizing that man cannot do any ‘works’ to purchase salvation. God the Father was only looking for humble faith, a trust in the One He sent, His Son Jesus Christ. This was true then and remains the same today! It is only by grace through faith that we please God. (Ephesians 2:8-10) We do good works that God prepares for us after receiving that grace through faith.
Some from the crowd asked Jesus for another miracle to prove He was the One to believe in. They cited Moses and the manna from heaven that God provided for the children of Israel in the desert. Jesus told them that Moses had not given them bread, but His Father who would give them true bread from heaven. “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:33-35)
Jesus Christ is the true Bread of Life! In Him we have eternal sustenance. We can commune with Him each day and truly satisfy our inner hunger and thirst for righteousness, peace and joy. We must come humbly to Him and simply believe that He is the Son of God. Have you found the Bread of Life?
Where’s the bread?
Scripture reading for May 9th: John 6:1-21
“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do. Philip answered Him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite.” (John 6:5-7) Jesus liked to ask questions that provoked His followers to think. In this setting, they were away from town on a hill near the Sea of Galilee and had a large crowd of people who had followed Jesus there because they had seen His miracles of healing and were hungry for more. Jesus was not only interested in their souls, but also realized that they needed food. He challenged His disciples with the question about where they could get bread, knowing in His heart what He intended to do.
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, found a young boy with five small barley loaves of bread and two small fish. He brought them to Jesus, wondering how this small amount might help in feeding so many. Jesus had them set the people down on the grassy slope and took the bread, giving thanks, breaking it and giving it to the disciples to distribute. He did the same with the fish. (John 6:10-11) When all had eaten all they wanted, the disciples gathered up twelve baskets full of leftovers! This so excited the crowd that they were speculating on who Jesus might be and Jesus knew that they wanted to make Him king by force! He withdrew to a mountain alone, probably to pray and resist temptation.
As we think about this miracle and Jesus question, we are reminded of several things. First, God knows and cares about our physical needs. Jesus taught His followers to seek first His kingdom, and what they had needed (physically) would be added to their lives. (Matthew 6:31-34) God cares for the birds and animals, and we are much more valuable than them! Second, if we are willing to give what we have to the Lord, He can multiply that money or food and use it to fulfill a greater purpose! God is a life-giver and loves to do more than we expect! The left-overs will be more than what we gave originally! Jesus is the bread-maker and multiplier!
The Son as Judge!
Scripture reading for May 8th: John 5:24-47
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. And He has given Him authority to judge because He is the Son of Man.” (John 5:24-27)
Jesus plainly told the Jews who were persecuting Him for healing on the Sabbath that He came from the Father and all His miracles were a result of seeing the Father at work. He further instructed them in today’s reading that whoever would hear His word and believe in the Father would have eternal life. Those who did not believe would be condemned and remain in death. God is a life-giver and now God’s Son, Jesus Christ was given the ability to speak life to those who would hear Him. Life was a characteristic of Jesus and the Father. This word for life is “zoe’, life eternal and complete.
Jesus went on to tell these people about a time coming in the future. “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out–those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By Myself I can do nothing, I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is just for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me.” (John 5:28-30) Like God, Jesus will have the power to give life to the dead. At a specific time in the future, all the dead will hear Jesus voice calling them to life. Some will rise in sin and be condemned. (Revelation 20:11-14) Some will rise and be rewarded with eternal life. (Daniel 12:2-3) (John 5:28) The Son will judge as He hears the Father declare the truth concerning each one.
These glimpses of the eternal role of Jesus Christ should bring reverence and a desire to be found doing good. We should honor the Father and the Son! Today might be the day of resurrection!