Truth? or Lie?
Scripture reading for April 16: John 8
“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of My own accord, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear My Word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because no truth is in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”” John 8:42-44
Jesus confronted those religious leaders who were seeking to trap Him and kill Him. As God does nothing by judgment without first warning those in danger, so Jesus spoke plainly and explained to them their deception through Satan’s lies. (Amos 3:7) He plainly told them they were under their father the devil and doing his will. He warned them that the devil was a murderer from the beginning, as Cain killed Abel after the fall of man. They were blind to the light of Jesus and God’s Word because they were under the devil’s fatherhood and lying nature. Their deception was turning them into murderers because of the lie they believed. Only the truth would make them free! (John 8:32, 36)
Jesus taught that when God is our Father, we love Jesus! Jesus came from God as His only Son as One sent on a mission to reveal the Father and His amazing love for mankind. Jesus was sent to the Jews first, descendants of Abraham, but they could not bear to hear Jesus’ Words. They would need to humble themselves and repent of their murderous ways and their pride in clinging to the devil’s lies. They would have to confess and repent to receive God’s Fatherhood. Jesus laid out the Father’s world view to lead them to freedom from the devil’s lies.
Have you ever believed something so strongly that you hated anyone who would threaten that belief? Why was it hard for these religious people to hear Jesus’ plain but convicting truth? In what way was the devil behind the deception? Is this still the case in our modern culture?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Jesus as the ‘Light of the World’ to illuminate my heart through the truth of His Word. Thank you for drawing me to true repentance from the lies of the devil. Deliver me from the evil one today for Yours is the Kingdom and glory for ever and ever! Amen!
Clash of the world-views!
Scripture reading for April 15: John 7
“The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this Man!” The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Him before, and who was one of them, said, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”” John 7:45-52
Many of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were a proud and judgmental bunch. They were jealous of Jesus and the crowds that followed Him. They plotted to trap Him and kill him. They mocked the guards that were in awe of Jesus’ teaching. They resented that He was not part of their click. They accused any of their own number who questioned their accusations as being deceived by Him. They accused the crowds of being under a curse. When our world view sees Jesus as a threat and His followers as deceived, what we accuse others of is most often what we are doing ourselves. We are deceived and under a curse from the evil one. Our soul is in danger and we blame Jesus and His followers!
This controversy is alive and well in our time and culture. Those that are under deception mock Jesus and seek to block Him and His Word from their lives. And if this is not sufficient, they seek to remove His influence from our culture and government, making un-godly laws and waging warfare against God and His people. If anyone disagrees or stands up for Jesus, they are mocked, persecuted and cancelled. If only they would listen to Jesus and consider His Word. If they could look in the mirror and see their own spirit of murder and lies, they could repent and escape the curse of true deception and eternal hell.
Have you experienced some of the same treatment in our time and culture? What are some ways that you have avoided deception and judging those who accuse or mistreat Christians and Jews? Do you take time to give those who oppose you a hearing and seek to peaceable share the Good News?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing patience with me in my early years of opposition to You and Your people. Help me today to love my enemies and do good to those who would oppose me. Give me grace to love them and pray for their salvation. Amen.
The Father’s Will!
Scripture reading for April 14: John 6
“Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him Who sent Me. And this is the will of Him Who sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”” John 6:35-40
Sin gives each person a sense of guilt and a deeper and often hidden fear of standing judgment. We often seek to suppress this fear through religion or good works or adopting lifestyles of self indulgence. But when we use good works, we can never be sure when we have done enough. Jesus told His followers several interesting things about His own will and that of His Father concerning rejection and God’s will and care. These are truths that set us free if we will believe them and act in obedience.
First of all, Jesus declared, after feeding five thousand from the loaves and fish, that He was the true ‘Bread of Life.” If anyone will come to Jesus, they will never hunger or thirst again. Whoever comes to Jesus will never be cast out or rejected. The Father gives this promise to those who believe in His Son. God’s will is that none of these will be lost, even though all but those raptured will die, they will be resurrected. Jesus assured His followers that He would raise them up on that last day. Sadly, many of those who saw Jesus and heard His Word and saw the miracles and signs never believed in Him.
When you read these amazing promises about eternal life and satisfaction of hunger and thirst, are they comforting to you or troubling? If the Father desires that all who come to Jesus, His Son, have eternal life, are you living in that assurance today? Do you fear death or look forward to the promised resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your divine and precious promises revealing Your will and love for us. I believe and rest in assurance that Your Word is eternal truth. I trust You to keep me safe, even from myself, and the schemes of Satan. You are the Bread of Life and satisfy my soul completely! Amen.
Escaping death and judgment
Scripture reading for April 11: John 5
““Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My Word and believes Him Who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here 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 also to have life in Himself. And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.”” John 5:24-29
Our world view concerning death and the after-life is determined by many things. We all have eternity in our hearts, given by God. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) We have a conscience that gives us basic knowledge of God’s laws, acting like a stop light inside of our souls. Various religions teach different ideas about the afterlife and judgment and like a consumer, we can pick and choose what we think is best for us. So the prevailing world view is that there are many paths all leading to the same goal–peace and joy in the afterlife. If that is true, there is no need to repent of any belief we currently hold.
Jesus came to proclaim the Good News of eternal life through faith in Himself. He boldly proclaimed the Father’s Word that whoever would hear His Word and believe in the Father Who sent Him, would not come into judgment but have eternal life. They would actually pass from death through God’s wrath under His righteous judgment to eternal life. They would participate in the resurrection of life in that final hour when in their graves, they would hear God’s voice and arise to eternal life. This offer was to ‘whoever’ would hear His voice now and believe in the Father! Those who refused Jesus’ call now would be judged by Him and hear His voice calling them forth from the grave to stand judgment.
Have you heard the voice of the Son of God calling you to repentance and eternal life? When would you prefer to hear the voice of Jesus: Now or at the hour of His judgment? Does it shock you to learn that the One Who offers you salvation through His Word will also be your judge if you don’t listen to Him?
Prayer: Thank You Father, for sending Your Son and giving Him as a sacrifice for our sins. I have heard His voice through God’s Word and believed Him receiving eternal life. I look forward to hearing His voice call me into His eternal kingdom when He comes again. Use me to encourage others to believe. Amen.
Knowing Jesus for ourselves!
Scripture reading for April 10: John 4
“Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His Word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42
Jesus had purposely gone to Samaria to reach lost people there. The Samaritans were Jews who had intermarried with the people of Canaan in disobedience to God’s Word and were shunned by the rest of the Jewish world. The Samaritans had set up their own alternate place of worship. Jesus encountered a woman at a Jacob’s well in Samaria that He initiated a conversation by asking for water. She was shocked that Jesus, a Jew, would ask her for a drink! During this encounter, Jesus revealed to her that He knew her marriage failures. He challenged her religious knowledge about worship, revealing her need to worship God in Spirit and Truth, not just in a ‘right’ location. She ran to her village and invited others to come and hear Jesus themselves.
People often respond to other’s testimony or spiritual experiences. We are all wired with a deep but hidden desire to know truth about ourselves, God, and eternity. The Jews of Jesus’ day were stirred with reports from those who had encountered Jesus, heard His teachings with authority, or received His miracles. In this Samaritan village, the woman who encountered Jesus, shared her exciting testimony of Jesus’ prophetic ability in knowing her intimately. This caused many to come to see for themselves and receive prophetic words. Jesus stayed two more days ministering there and the people’s testimony was solidified: We now know for ourselves that this is the Savior of the world! Second hand testimony is good, but no one can talk you out of a personal encounter!
Have you heard testimonies of those who have encountered Jesus today? How have you responded to what others have said about Jesus? What could you do today to seek out Jesus for a personal encounter that solidifies your faith?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for those You have sent to me with testimonies of what Jesus did for them. Thank You that You have now revealed Yourself to me personally so that I know Jesus as my Savior and the Savior of the world! Use me like this Samaritan woman to call others to Jesus today! Amen!
World view from above!
Scripture reading for April 9: John 3
“He Who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what He has seen and heard, yet no one receives His testimony. Whoever receives His testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For He Whom God has sent utters the Words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:31-36
John’s Gospel describes Jesus as the Son of God Who came from above. Jesus came to bear witness of the Father and God’s Word. He is the ‘Word made flesh” (John 1:14) Who came to dwell among His people. Jesus, as God’s Son, was loved by His Father and given authority and dominion over all things. He was given the Father’s Gift, the Holy Spirit, without measure! Therefore, it is imperative that anyone wanting to understand God the Father and His truth would come to Jesus Christ. Those that are of the earth can only speak and know in an earthly way from earth’s low view point.
In this passage, John declares that believing in the Son, Jesus, brings eternal life. Believing involves obeying the Son and His Word which is the definition of faith. Anyone who refuses to believe the Son of God and obey His Word will never see eternal life. Not only that, but that person will remain under God’s wrath that is eternally set against sin and those clinging to it. All born of woman on this earth, except the Son of God, are born in sin and under God’s wrath. This world view is very simple and very clear, enabling all to understand God’s truth and declaration of how to obtain eternal life. Repentance is a choice to exchange our earthly world view for heaven’s eternal truth.
Have you come to consider Jesus’ world view from above and chosen to believe? Do you have the assurance of eternal life promised to those who believe? Have you considered that to do nothing with Jesus is to be under the wrath (eternal anger) of God?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing to us Your great love through Your Son. Thank You for bearing witness to me that I might repent and be saved from Your eternal wrath. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I might declare this Good News with power from above! Amen!
The ultimate ‘sign’!
Scripture reading for April 8: John 2
“So the Jews said to Him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” But He was speaking about the temple of His body. When therefore He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the Word that Jesus had spoken.” John 2:18-22
Jesus had just come into the temple during Passover week, and found traders and money changers at work selling sacrificial animals to those coming to the temple for that holy week. Jesus made a whip and drove out those selling sacrifices and the money changers. He declared that His Father’s House was not to be a house of trade, but a house of prayer. This prompted the religious leaders to ask Jesus for a ‘sign’ to justify His actions. Jesus made a startling statement that challenged their world view. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” caused great controversy. The Jews knew that it had taken forty-six years to rebuild the temple. They were thinking naturally and mocked Jesus’ declaration.
However, Jesus was not speaking about the building, but rather about His own body. Jesus knew what the Jews and Romans would soon do to Him. He knew the plan of His Father and was in full agreement with the Father to give His life. His ‘temple’ would be the ultimate intercession given on the altar of the cross for the sins of the world. Jesus knew that He would be vindicated and raised from the dead on the third day. He gave this prophetic sign at least a year in advance, and would not be fully understood by His disciples until after it had been fulfilled on resurrection morning! Jesus’ world view and this sign helped and is helping disciples to believe to eternal life!
Have you ever been told something about Jesus or life that did not make sense? Does this ‘sign’ given by Jesus to His people and disciples cause you to grow in faith? Are you sharing this ‘Gospel’ sign with those in your life needing an expanded world view of life?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that Your Son Jesus Christ used His body as Your temple and our perfect sacrifice. Thank You for the amazing ‘sign’ of the resurrection that helps us believe Jesus is God’s Son. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to empower me to pray for the lost and share this ‘sign’ with them. Amen.
The Lamb of God
Scripture reading for April 7: John 1
“And the next day He saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of Whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man Who ranks before me, because He was before me.’ I myself did not know Him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him. I myself did not know Him, but He Who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on Whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit,‘ and I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” John 1:29-34
John the Baptist was a cousin of Jesus Christ and leaped in his mother’s womb when Mary, the pregnant mother of Jesus visited his mother Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-42) John and Jesus grew up very close in age and in the same family tree. John was called to the ministry of a prophet and spent years in the wilderness of Judea. At the right time, he began to preach repentance to the people of Israel who would come to hear him. Religious leaders came to question him, asking who he was. John denied being the ‘Christ’ or being the prophet Elijah. He quoted Isaiah 40:3 and claimed to be the ‘voice’ crying in the wilderness calling people to repentance. When asked why he was baptizing, John told them of a coming One, Who was greater. He was preparing Israel to receive Him.
The next day, Jesus came to where John was and John announced, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!” John proclaimed Jesus as the One Who was greater and would baptize with the Holy Spirit. John twice said that He did not know Him! He stated that the One Who sent him to baptize revealed that when he saw the Spirit descend and remain on the One baptized, that was the Son of God. John had known Jesus as his cousin, but did not know Jesus fully as God’s Son until God Himself revealed this truth to him. So it is with each person even now!
In what way do you know Jesus Christ yourself today? How did God reveal Jesus Christ to you as the Son of God? Have you been baptized in water? Has Jesus baptized you with the Holy Spirit?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing Jesus Christ to each person who You draw to salvation. Through the Gospel, I have received forgiveness and salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. By You grace, use me to share the Gospel of Your Son that others may know Him as their Lamb of God! Amen.
Resurrection world view!
Scripture reading for April 4: Luke 24
“As they were talking about these things, Jesus Himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts: See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Touch Me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave Him a piece of boiled fish, and He took it and ate it before them.” Luke 24:36-43
After seeing Jesus suffer and die on the cross, though from a distance, these disciples were still locked into their natural world view. Jesus had told them many times about His resurrection on the third day, but His death was too real. Now His grave was empty and these men were in hiding discussing what two of them experienced as the had walked the Emmaus road. As they talked, Jesus appeared before them, greeting them with ‘shalom!’ They were frightened and thought they saw a spirit. Jesus resolved their fears by inviting them to touch His hands and feet. To further dispel their doubts, Jesus asked for food and ate the fish that they gave Him.
When we believe in Jesus, our inner life is totally changed! We are given a new heart and the Holy Spirit as our down payment of eternal life. But we must continue to renew our minds and follow Jesus’ invitation to follow Him and know Him and learn a new world view that includes resurrection and eternal life. Jesus understands our human weaknesses and doubts and patiently works with us as we commit to follow. He wants to sit at table with us and allow us to know the reality of resurrection life. These disciples who began with fright, except for John, ended their earthly journeys by becoming martyrs rather than deny Christ and His resurrection.
As you read about Jesus’ resurrection and these eye-witnesses of that truth, are these accounts of the doubts and fears encouraging for you? How has Jesus revealed Himself to you personally to help you in your faith? How has understanding of resurrection life helped you to share your faith?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the truth of the resurrection of Jesus. I want to know Him and the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3;10-11) You alone are the Resurrection and Eternal Life! Amen.
“Away with this Man!”
Scripture reading for April 3: Luke 23
“Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this Man as One Who was misleading the people. And after examining Him before you, behold, I did not find this Man guilty of any of your charges against Him. Neither did Herod, for he sent Him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by Him. I will therefore punish and release Him.” But they all cried out together, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”–a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify Him!” Luke 23:13-21
Pilate, the Roman governor, and Herod the Tetrarch had found common ground in examining Jesus. They looked at the charges but found nothing deserving death. Pilate wanted to release Jesus and made that decision. But he was also a politician who feared the people and had no moral character of his own. As he announced his verdict, the people, spurred on by their religious leaders, demanded Jesus be crucified in spite of the facts. “Away with Him!” they cried! Pilate pleaded with them three times before he caved to crowd pressure. He released to them an insurrectionist and murderer instead of the innocent Jesus, King of the Jews. It appeared that justice was not done and Satan won.
But it was God’s plan and will that came together that day. The final Passover Lamb was examined and found to be spotless, ready for sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, Jew and Gentile. Both parties had a part as all have sinned. Jesus willingly laid down His life for the sins of His accusers and betrayers and those unable to see God’s plan. Jesus was falsely accused, mocked, spit on, whipped, and finally nailed to a cross. He prayed for those who did this to Him as He bore their sins, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 He pardoned the repentant thief who hung there with Him. He committed His Spirit to His Father and breathed His last. (Luke 23:43-46) The guards declared: “This man was innocent!”
As you listen to this story of Jesus’ trial and death, what part is most meaningful to you personally? What judgment have you made about Jesus and how does your life reflect that choice? If you haven’t asked Jesus for mercy, can you follow the thief’s example of asking for mercy now?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the greatest story of redemption ever told! I am so thankful for Your mercy and plan of salvation for Jew and Gentile. Use me to share this amazing and powerful message of Your great love with this lost world. Amen.