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Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
What is next?
Is this working for you? Later today or tomorrow, you will recieve an invitation to our next daily blog that we will discuss from the book of Acts. It will be the same format: one chapter a day until we are done with the book.
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This has been fun! Thanks for taking the challenge to go through the book of John one chapter a day! Now, let's turn the page to Acts
Marc Lucenius
For most of you, if you want to keep your subscription, you will not need to anything. For those of you who use a rss feed, you may need to resubscribe. If you would like to unsubscribe, go ahead--no feelings hurt, we don't know who you are. :)
However, if there are friends that you would like to invite to join this, there will be convenient ways at the end of each posting and email for you to link this to your facebook account, email it to a friends and invite others into the journey.
This has been fun! Thanks for taking the challenge to go through the book of John one chapter a day! Now, let's turn the page to Acts
Marc Lucenius
Day 21, John 21
Blogger: Aaron Martin
Chapter 20 ends with the words, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you might have life through His name.” This is the logical summation of a written work. But chapter 21 follows, so chapter 21 appears to be a post script to a first draft. The writer was compelled to record yet one more event.
The dramatic restoration of Peter, along with Jesus’ great charge to him to pastor his flock, really could not have gone unrecorded. How much forgiveness is taught in this chapter? The Lord had been denied, not once, not twice, but three times by this man whom he had declared the rock upon which his church would be built! Even when Jesus was facing crucifixion, Peter would not come to his aid—not even so much as to acknowledge that he knew the man.
Now Jesus extends forgiveness to Peter. But it is not without cost—cost to Peter’s pride. Jesus demands three times from this man if he truly loves him. Three times—the same number of times that Peter denied him. It must have been painful to hear this conversation, knowing the background, much less to be Peter on the receiving end of this rebuke!
But we have here a picture of what Jesus will do for us. We must submit ourselves in repentance before the Lord if we hope to have his blessing upon us and upon any ministry for him. With an abasement of self comes the rise to glory. Peter, of course, went on to become the greatest church leader in the apostolic era. And while there was no concept of an authoritarian papacy in those days (see e.g., Acts 15:4-31), Peter might be rightly viewed as the first among equals. He indeed had been personally commissioned by Jesus to oversee the sheep that Jesus left behind. (The symbolism of the great catch of fish cannot be overlooked—Jesus had told his disciples that they would become fishers of men. No animal fish were caught in this story until the disciples followed the Lord’s instruction to cast their net in the right direction. A lesson to us: do evangelism God’s way and not our way.)
Thus we come to the exasperated summation of the writer/editor of this gospel (see verse 24 for a clue that an amanuensis—writer/helper—may have taken dictation from John): “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” It is as though he says, “I’ve given it my best shot. I’ve described all I can. I could go on writing forever, but at some point this book has to be closed. I tried to end at chapter 20, but I had to go on. But this is it folks. Take what you can learn from the rest of this book and go do God’s work.”
Even so, Amen.
Study Notes:
Nathanael – of Cana – in Galilee – he reappears! After Jesus revealed himself to this man in chapter one, the gospel writer was largely quiet on what had happened to the one in whom there was “no guile” (Jn. 1:47). Now he is back for the post script to this amazing book that amplifies the life of the Christ in ways that we could not possibly gather from the “Synoptics” (Matthew, Mark and Luke – so called because they relate the life of Jesus largely from the same perspective.). So Nathanael was a faithful servant. He was there at the first call of the disciples by the sea and he was there at the amazing post-resurrection reunion by the sea.
Chapter 20 ends with the words, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you might have life through His name.” This is the logical summation of a written work. But chapter 21 follows, so chapter 21 appears to be a post script to a first draft. The writer was compelled to record yet one more event.
The dramatic restoration of Peter, along with Jesus’ great charge to him to pastor his flock, really could not have gone unrecorded. How much forgiveness is taught in this chapter? The Lord had been denied, not once, not twice, but three times by this man whom he had declared the rock upon which his church would be built! Even when Jesus was facing crucifixion, Peter would not come to his aid—not even so much as to acknowledge that he knew the man.
Now Jesus extends forgiveness to Peter. But it is not without cost—cost to Peter’s pride. Jesus demands three times from this man if he truly loves him. Three times—the same number of times that Peter denied him. It must have been painful to hear this conversation, knowing the background, much less to be Peter on the receiving end of this rebuke!
But we have here a picture of what Jesus will do for us. We must submit ourselves in repentance before the Lord if we hope to have his blessing upon us and upon any ministry for him. With an abasement of self comes the rise to glory. Peter, of course, went on to become the greatest church leader in the apostolic era. And while there was no concept of an authoritarian papacy in those days (see e.g., Acts 15:4-31), Peter might be rightly viewed as the first among equals. He indeed had been personally commissioned by Jesus to oversee the sheep that Jesus left behind. (The symbolism of the great catch of fish cannot be overlooked—Jesus had told his disciples that they would become fishers of men. No animal fish were caught in this story until the disciples followed the Lord’s instruction to cast their net in the right direction. A lesson to us: do evangelism God’s way and not our way.)
Thus we come to the exasperated summation of the writer/editor of this gospel (see verse 24 for a clue that an amanuensis—writer/helper—may have taken dictation from John): “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” It is as though he says, “I’ve given it my best shot. I’ve described all I can. I could go on writing forever, but at some point this book has to be closed. I tried to end at chapter 20, but I had to go on. But this is it folks. Take what you can learn from the rest of this book and go do God’s work.”
Even so, Amen.
Study Notes:
Nathanael – of Cana – in Galilee – he reappears! After Jesus revealed himself to this man in chapter one, the gospel writer was largely quiet on what had happened to the one in whom there was “no guile” (Jn. 1:47). Now he is back for the post script to this amazing book that amplifies the life of the Christ in ways that we could not possibly gather from the “Synoptics” (Matthew, Mark and Luke – so called because they relate the life of Jesus largely from the same perspective.). So Nathanael was a faithful servant. He was there at the first call of the disciples by the sea and he was there at the amazing post-resurrection reunion by the sea.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Day 20, John 20
Blogger: James Chang
Imagine if the Gospel of John had ended abruptly at John 19:42, and no record existed of Jesus’ resurrection. What sad ending this would have been for the disciples. This major let-down would have squashed any hope left in them, while constantly being pursued and ridiculed by the Jews for following the dead guy who claimed to be the King of the Jews. There would be no New Testament to speak of, and I wonder how this world would have turned out in the absence of Jesus’ victorious resurrection.
As I read through John 20, I noticed a few things that I thought were important to remember regarding Christ's resurrection. It was a real event -- Jesus’ body was gone, and the tomb was empty three days after his death, to fulfill his claims in John 2:19-21. Secondly, the risen Christ reappeared to His disciples. The initial shock gave way to joy when Jesus showed himself at the secret gatherings, to authenticate his claims of deity. He even allowed them to touch his scars, so they could finally understand that he was the real Risen Christ (see John 2:22). Many of these eyewitnesses were later martyred for boldly proclaiming the gospel. Clearly death had no hold on their eternal souls. Finally, as Jesus reappeared to the disciples, his words were "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." He cared so much for the lost sheep of the world that he wasted no time in urging his disciples to go out to evangelize and take the gospel to the rest of the world. It was because of this commission that you and I are believers today.
Can you see Jesus’ passion for humanity in this passage? Don't you wish you shared the same love for the unbeliever? I often ask myself, what am I doing about evangelism in my personal life? What keeps me from inviting someone to a small group, or Sunday service? How about finding opportunities to share a personal story of God's blessing and mercy with someone? Or how about offering a Christian book to a friend who loves to read? We can think of so many ideas, but we need to consider what keeps us from acting on them. Let me challenge you to do something this week that will let others see a glimpse of Jesus in you.
To comment on this article or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Imagine if the Gospel of John had ended abruptly at John 19:42, and no record existed of Jesus’ resurrection. What sad ending this would have been for the disciples. This major let-down would have squashed any hope left in them, while constantly being pursued and ridiculed by the Jews for following the dead guy who claimed to be the King of the Jews. There would be no New Testament to speak of, and I wonder how this world would have turned out in the absence of Jesus’ victorious resurrection.
As I read through John 20, I noticed a few things that I thought were important to remember regarding Christ's resurrection. It was a real event -- Jesus’ body was gone, and the tomb was empty three days after his death, to fulfill his claims in John 2:19-21. Secondly, the risen Christ reappeared to His disciples. The initial shock gave way to joy when Jesus showed himself at the secret gatherings, to authenticate his claims of deity. He even allowed them to touch his scars, so they could finally understand that he was the real Risen Christ (see John 2:22). Many of these eyewitnesses were later martyred for boldly proclaiming the gospel. Clearly death had no hold on their eternal souls. Finally, as Jesus reappeared to the disciples, his words were "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." He cared so much for the lost sheep of the world that he wasted no time in urging his disciples to go out to evangelize and take the gospel to the rest of the world. It was because of this commission that you and I are believers today.
Can you see Jesus’ passion for humanity in this passage? Don't you wish you shared the same love for the unbeliever? I often ask myself, what am I doing about evangelism in my personal life? What keeps me from inviting someone to a small group, or Sunday service? How about finding opportunities to share a personal story of God's blessing and mercy with someone? Or how about offering a Christian book to a friend who loves to read? We can think of so many ideas, but we need to consider what keeps us from acting on them. Let me challenge you to do something this week that will let others see a glimpse of Jesus in you.
To comment on this article or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Day 19, John 19
Blogger: Greg Lafferty
John 19 is full of ironies. A crown is placed on Jesus’ head to parody is supposed kingship—but he really is the King. His accusers seek the death penalty because of Jesus’ lying claim to be the Son of God—but he really is the Son. Pilate claims to have the power of life and death—but it’s really Jesus who has the power. Pilate sits on the judge’s seat—but it’s really Jesus who is the Judge.
Everything is upside down.
But maybe no statement is more ironic than Pilate’s famous line, “Here is the man!” (v. 5). Really? Jesus looks like anything but “the man.” He’s been mocked and tortured, marred and debased. Dehumanized. This is Rome’s philosophy of justice: Anyone who is not a Roman is inferior, and anyone inferior who commits a capital offense is not even worthy of being called human. By crucifixion we will obliterate them; we will wipe them from the annals of humanity; it will be as if they never existed.
Jesus is “in process.” The mocking irony is part of the recipe.
“Here is the man!” Pilate announces. Yet he speaks the utter truth because Jesus is the very embodiment of true humanity. He is the perfect man. He has no sin or flaw, but rather self-actualizes the human ideal, being the perfect image of God enfleshed. And his standing there all bloody and abused is the icing on the cake, for no one with omnipotent power would ever put up with such vile treatment. Yet Jesus does. His glory radiates in selfless humility. He is The Man!
And so he allows the drama to play out, The Man becoming The Lamb led to slaughter. He fulfills the Scriptures at every point, all the way to his death.
But the last irony is the best: Jesus, the sinless Man, is marred—so that we, the marred men and women, might be made sinless. 2 Corinthians 5:21 puts it this way: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” No joke. It’s true. Think about that today and praise God for irony!
To comment on this article or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
John 19 is full of ironies. A crown is placed on Jesus’ head to parody is supposed kingship—but he really is the King. His accusers seek the death penalty because of Jesus’ lying claim to be the Son of God—but he really is the Son. Pilate claims to have the power of life and death—but it’s really Jesus who has the power. Pilate sits on the judge’s seat—but it’s really Jesus who is the Judge.
Everything is upside down.
But maybe no statement is more ironic than Pilate’s famous line, “Here is the man!” (v. 5). Really? Jesus looks like anything but “the man.” He’s been mocked and tortured, marred and debased. Dehumanized. This is Rome’s philosophy of justice: Anyone who is not a Roman is inferior, and anyone inferior who commits a capital offense is not even worthy of being called human. By crucifixion we will obliterate them; we will wipe them from the annals of humanity; it will be as if they never existed.
Jesus is “in process.” The mocking irony is part of the recipe.
“Here is the man!” Pilate announces. Yet he speaks the utter truth because Jesus is the very embodiment of true humanity. He is the perfect man. He has no sin or flaw, but rather self-actualizes the human ideal, being the perfect image of God enfleshed. And his standing there all bloody and abused is the icing on the cake, for no one with omnipotent power would ever put up with such vile treatment. Yet Jesus does. His glory radiates in selfless humility. He is The Man!
And so he allows the drama to play out, The Man becoming The Lamb led to slaughter. He fulfills the Scriptures at every point, all the way to his death.
But the last irony is the best: Jesus, the sinless Man, is marred—so that we, the marred men and women, might be made sinless. 2 Corinthians 5:21 puts it this way: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” No joke. It’s true. Think about that today and praise God for irony!
To comment on this article or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Day 18, John 18
From intimacy to violence: Jesus and his disciples take a walk east to west across the southern part of Jerusalem, they live the town proper and hike through the Kidron Valley so that Jesus may go to place that has brought him comfort in prayer before. We move from the warm atmosphere of praying with Jesus in the upper room to the cool darkness of a moonlit garden. Jesus begins his descent to darkness.
Not before Jesus gives away one more shot at his identity. In the garden, when they ask for him, Jesus again uses the words, referring to himself, “I AM.” “I AM” is the literal, English translation of the Hebrew name for God that was revealed to Moses as Yahweh (some translate Jehovah). Our Bibles will translate it often in the Old Testament at The LORD. When Jesus speaks these words, something about them has a physical impact upon the soldiers that cause them to fall back over each other.
Throuh the gospel of John Jesus has declared himself as follows:
“I AM the Bread of Life” (6:35)
“I AM the Light of the World.” (8:12, 9:5))
“Before Abraham was born, I AM” (8:58)
"I AM the gate” (10:9)
“I AM the Good Shepherd” (10:11)
“I AM the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25)
“I AM the Way and the Truth and the Life” (14:6)
“I AM the True Vine.” (15:1)
“I AM he” (18:5)
The weight of the collective revelation that Jesus has brought to the people is overwhelming not just physically, but Spiritually. His presence pressurizes the environment to the point that those who will not follow him choose all out opposition. So Annas, Caiaphas and Pilate all line up to figure out what to do with Jesus. Annas and Caiaphas lead the opposition. Pilate represents the passively ignorant--the just as guilty third party. His declarative question, “What is truth,” is supposed to relieve his conscience and guilt.
They cannot oppose Him. Peter cannot even follow Him. Who is this man?
To comment on this article or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Not before Jesus gives away one more shot at his identity. In the garden, when they ask for him, Jesus again uses the words, referring to himself, “I AM.” “I AM” is the literal, English translation of the Hebrew name for God that was revealed to Moses as Yahweh (some translate Jehovah). Our Bibles will translate it often in the Old Testament at The LORD. When Jesus speaks these words, something about them has a physical impact upon the soldiers that cause them to fall back over each other.
Throuh the gospel of John Jesus has declared himself as follows:
“I AM the Bread of Life” (6:35)
“I AM the Light of the World.” (8:12, 9:5))
“Before Abraham was born, I AM” (8:58)
"I AM the gate” (10:9)
“I AM the Good Shepherd” (10:11)
“I AM the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25)
“I AM the Way and the Truth and the Life” (14:6)
“I AM the True Vine.” (15:1)
“I AM he” (18:5)
The weight of the collective revelation that Jesus has brought to the people is overwhelming not just physically, but Spiritually. His presence pressurizes the environment to the point that those who will not follow him choose all out opposition. So Annas, Caiaphas and Pilate all line up to figure out what to do with Jesus. Annas and Caiaphas lead the opposition. Pilate represents the passively ignorant--the just as guilty third party. His declarative question, “What is truth,” is supposed to relieve his conscience and guilt.
They cannot oppose Him. Peter cannot even follow Him. Who is this man?
To comment on this article or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Day 17, John 17
Blogger: Dave Wilks
Just as Moses delivered the series of sermons found in Deuteronomy to prepare the Children of Israel to enter the Promised Land, we have seen in the last few chapters that on the eve of his crucifixon, Jesus prepared, taught, encouraged, warned, emboldened and reassured his disciples. Jesus concluded the discussion with the prayer found in Chapter 17. For him, prayer was the most natural and essential of all acts -- as natural and essential as eating and drinking are for us -- because Jesus, even in his fully human form, had a relationship with the Father that provided all that sustained him.
Much can be learned from the three parts of this prayer, but Jesus' most prevalent request is for relationship. We see that Jesus' purpose in leaving the Father's side and coming into the world is to give eternal life, which is defined as knowing who God and Jesus are. vv. 2-3. Jesus prayed that the revelation of that knowledge would saturate us and that we would become one with God. He prayed that our relationship with him would transform us in such a way that we would become one with each other. So, at the end of Jesus' ministry, what does he remind us of? That the greatest commands are to love God and love each other. And that those relationships will change the world by revealing the truth of the gospel to the rest of the world (v. 21).
How do we build the kind of relationship with God that Jesus so badly wants for us? Jesus taught us that, too. We know that Jesus rose early in the morning to pray, prayed late at night and prayed in between. We also know that Jesus was so saturated with Scripture that it was always on his lips. Daily prayer and Bible reading…we can do that. The relationships that are built and nurtured as a result will change us and change the world. That was Jesus' prayer and that was Jesus' promise.
Notes: This passage contains two illustrations of how the gospel teaches that the world is upside-down from the Kingdom. First, in verses 1 through 5, Jesus speaks of how he is about to be glorified, though he was about to die a hideous and humiliating death. Second, in verses 13 through 15, Jesus does not pray that the disciples be spared hardship or persecution, but rather that they experience "the full measure of my joy within them." What's going on here? Simple: we've had it backwards all along. True glory and joy come to the loving, sacrificial servant who is in intimate relationship with God and with others.
Editor note: We are coming to an end of our 21 days. Would you like us to continue a blog with a new series? What would you think of Acts?
Just as Moses delivered the series of sermons found in Deuteronomy to prepare the Children of Israel to enter the Promised Land, we have seen in the last few chapters that on the eve of his crucifixon, Jesus prepared, taught, encouraged, warned, emboldened and reassured his disciples. Jesus concluded the discussion with the prayer found in Chapter 17. For him, prayer was the most natural and essential of all acts -- as natural and essential as eating and drinking are for us -- because Jesus, even in his fully human form, had a relationship with the Father that provided all that sustained him.
Much can be learned from the three parts of this prayer, but Jesus' most prevalent request is for relationship. We see that Jesus' purpose in leaving the Father's side and coming into the world is to give eternal life, which is defined as knowing who God and Jesus are. vv. 2-3. Jesus prayed that the revelation of that knowledge would saturate us and that we would become one with God. He prayed that our relationship with him would transform us in such a way that we would become one with each other. So, at the end of Jesus' ministry, what does he remind us of? That the greatest commands are to love God and love each other. And that those relationships will change the world by revealing the truth of the gospel to the rest of the world (v. 21).
How do we build the kind of relationship with God that Jesus so badly wants for us? Jesus taught us that, too. We know that Jesus rose early in the morning to pray, prayed late at night and prayed in between. We also know that Jesus was so saturated with Scripture that it was always on his lips. Daily prayer and Bible reading…we can do that. The relationships that are built and nurtured as a result will change us and change the world. That was Jesus' prayer and that was Jesus' promise.
Notes: This passage contains two illustrations of how the gospel teaches that the world is upside-down from the Kingdom. First, in verses 1 through 5, Jesus speaks of how he is about to be glorified, though he was about to die a hideous and humiliating death. Second, in verses 13 through 15, Jesus does not pray that the disciples be spared hardship or persecution, but rather that they experience "the full measure of my joy within them." What's going on here? Simple: we've had it backwards all along. True glory and joy come to the loving, sacrificial servant who is in intimate relationship with God and with others.
Editor note: We are coming to an end of our 21 days. Would you like us to continue a blog with a new series? What would you think of Acts?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Day 16, John 16
Blogger: James Chang
Three short years of Jesus' earthly ministry had led to this final moment. This incredible ministry -- marked with radical teachings on the path to eternal life, numerous miraculous signs, and many transformed lives -- was coming to an end, yet with so much left to be said and taught to the disciples. Try to put yourself in his shoes. What would you say to your children before they go off to college or move away for their first 'real' job? How would you coach them to live and respond to the demands of the world and the stresses of life?
Jesus had three simple reminders for his disciples: (1) don't be surprised if you're hated by the world -- remember that you now belong to the Father, not to the world; (2) wait for the Counselor and follow His lead -- he will teach you the truth, and convict the world of its need for a Savior; and (3) you now have direct access to the Father through me (Jesus), and remember, I'm coming back!
The world that Jesus spoke of in the New Testament has not changed. We still live in a world that is often hostile to those who put their faith in Christ; the Holy Spirit is still available to us 24-7; and our God still longs to hear from us daily, even though we are often too busy for Him.
Many wonder why their spiritual life remains stagnant and dull -- "What about the 'victorious life' that we are supposed to have?" Well, maybe we should consider making these three simple reminders part of our daily life. Why not make a point to carve out some time to pray to our Father daily, even if you only had 5 minutes? Why not ask Him to fill us with the Holy Spirit so we can know the truth from God's word? Why are we so quick to forget that in this world, we should expect tribulations? As a community of believers, let's rally behind each other during difficult times, and remind one another that we can overcome our trials together through Christ, who has already overcome the world.
To comment on this article or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Three short years of Jesus' earthly ministry had led to this final moment. This incredible ministry -- marked with radical teachings on the path to eternal life, numerous miraculous signs, and many transformed lives -- was coming to an end, yet with so much left to be said and taught to the disciples. Try to put yourself in his shoes. What would you say to your children before they go off to college or move away for their first 'real' job? How would you coach them to live and respond to the demands of the world and the stresses of life?
Jesus had three simple reminders for his disciples: (1) don't be surprised if you're hated by the world -- remember that you now belong to the Father, not to the world; (2) wait for the Counselor and follow His lead -- he will teach you the truth, and convict the world of its need for a Savior; and (3) you now have direct access to the Father through me (Jesus), and remember, I'm coming back!
The world that Jesus spoke of in the New Testament has not changed. We still live in a world that is often hostile to those who put their faith in Christ; the Holy Spirit is still available to us 24-7; and our God still longs to hear from us daily, even though we are often too busy for Him.
Many wonder why their spiritual life remains stagnant and dull -- "What about the 'victorious life' that we are supposed to have?" Well, maybe we should consider making these three simple reminders part of our daily life. Why not make a point to carve out some time to pray to our Father daily, even if you only had 5 minutes? Why not ask Him to fill us with the Holy Spirit so we can know the truth from God's word? Why are we so quick to forget that in this world, we should expect tribulations? As a community of believers, let's rally behind each other during difficult times, and remind one another that we can overcome our trials together through Christ, who has already overcome the world.
To comment on this article or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Day 15, John 15
One way of understanding the significance of a passage is to consider the loss there would be if it hadn’t been recorded. John 15:18-27 is probably Jesus’ clearest statement on persecution in the gospels. It sets into context the words in verses 1-17 that describes our intimate relationship with Him. In a very affluent part of the world, it is easy to forget that we will be opposed for our faith. Yet without the teaching of this passage on persecution, the comfort offered in verses 1-17 just isn’t as powerful.
To identify yourself with God is to bring opposition of some kind upon yourself. Noah found opposition and Abraham found opposition. If we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ we identify ourselves with God. What Jesus knew, the disciples didn’t, and we need to be reminded of is this: The world is at enmity with God (Romans 5:10). Just as they oppose God, they will oppose his people who align himself with His purpose. This can occur even within the church. There can be a subtle opposition to those who would set a higher example or challenge the accepted cultural practices adopted by other Christians.
In the day following Jesus’ ascension, persecution could become outward and violent. Oftentimes, it was more subtle and economic. What does persecution look like for you? Do you ever act or talk differently around those outside of the faith? Do they ever act or speak differently around you? Total depravity teaches us that unless God changes a heart, people will remain at enmity with God. So, as you follow Christ and show faithfulness to Him in every aspect of your life, you should also expect to be misunderstood and opposed. Yet, in being misunderstood, you have an opportunity to understand Jesus Christ better. We can offer sympathy to someone from a distance if we haven’t experienced what they have experienced. But when we have shared in that experience, we can know them. When we are persecuted, we are sharing something that Jesus also experienced.
This ought to give us freedom to not be afraid of identifying ourselves with God. We should not fear making stands for Him that might take us out of a social circle or cost us some fun or money. It is going to happen. This is not an “if,” it is a “when.” And when it does, remain in Him and He will remain in you.”
How have you seen persecution? What is a good response?
To comment on this post or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
To identify yourself with God is to bring opposition of some kind upon yourself. Noah found opposition and Abraham found opposition. If we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ we identify ourselves with God. What Jesus knew, the disciples didn’t, and we need to be reminded of is this: The world is at enmity with God (Romans 5:10). Just as they oppose God, they will oppose his people who align himself with His purpose. This can occur even within the church. There can be a subtle opposition to those who would set a higher example or challenge the accepted cultural practices adopted by other Christians.
In the day following Jesus’ ascension, persecution could become outward and violent. Oftentimes, it was more subtle and economic. What does persecution look like for you? Do you ever act or talk differently around those outside of the faith? Do they ever act or speak differently around you? Total depravity teaches us that unless God changes a heart, people will remain at enmity with God. So, as you follow Christ and show faithfulness to Him in every aspect of your life, you should also expect to be misunderstood and opposed. Yet, in being misunderstood, you have an opportunity to understand Jesus Christ better. We can offer sympathy to someone from a distance if we haven’t experienced what they have experienced. But when we have shared in that experience, we can know them. When we are persecuted, we are sharing something that Jesus also experienced.
This ought to give us freedom to not be afraid of identifying ourselves with God. We should not fear making stands for Him that might take us out of a social circle or cost us some fun or money. It is going to happen. This is not an “if,” it is a “when.” And when it does, remain in Him and He will remain in you.”
How have you seen persecution? What is a good response?
To comment on this post or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Day 14, John 14
Blogger: Aaron Martin
In verse 6 we have all of God’s revelation to mankind summed up in one verse: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Those words say it all.
Jesus is the way to the Father who is the giver of life, the sustainer of all things, the great I AM, the merciful, gracious, righteous, just and loving inhabitant of heaven.
Jesus is the truth. He speaks no falsehood. He shows the world what is right and what is wrong. He is incapable of contradiction by other truth.
Jesus is the life. Everything that might under any teleology (end-game philosophy) be considered the supreme good—the ne plus ultra of existence—is found in Jesus. He revives mankind from death. He breathes life into his believers through the Comforter while they are in this world. He greets them into a glorious Paradise when they cross Jordan. He is indeed the end of all things.
This verse is the very test of true faith. In true religion, there is simply nothing but Jesus. He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Moses gave the law to the Jews, but without the Messiah, it was simply the “ministry of death” (II Cor. 3:7). Mohammed claimed no authority of his own but merely served as the oracle of a distant, unknowable god. Zoroaster, Mani, Siddhartha, Confucius, Plato, Hegel, Nietzsche, Kant, Sartre—all of them spoke of ways, of truths or of lives, but none of them WAS the way, the truth or the life. Jesus IS the way the truth and the life! He rose from the dead without external physical cause—without even so much as a holy man performing a miracle! What more evidence of divine personality or truth could there be?
We should be encouraged by Jesus’ unequivocal claim to truth, but also be spurred on to evangelize our post-modern-American-I’m-okay-you’re-okay-don’t-challenge-my-theology-that-I-claim-not-to-have relatives, friends and neighbors. Without Jesus they won’t see the Father. That’s what Jesus said. So what is our response?
If you would like to comment, view other comments or postings, go to http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Study Notes: John 14 begins what is commonly known as the Upper Room Discourse, culminating in John 17 with Jesus' high priestly prayer. This is probably the most intimate conversation between Jesus and disciples that we have recorded.
In verse 6 we have all of God’s revelation to mankind summed up in one verse: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Those words say it all.
Jesus is the way to the Father who is the giver of life, the sustainer of all things, the great I AM, the merciful, gracious, righteous, just and loving inhabitant of heaven.
Jesus is the truth. He speaks no falsehood. He shows the world what is right and what is wrong. He is incapable of contradiction by other truth.
Jesus is the life. Everything that might under any teleology (end-game philosophy) be considered the supreme good—the ne plus ultra of existence—is found in Jesus. He revives mankind from death. He breathes life into his believers through the Comforter while they are in this world. He greets them into a glorious Paradise when they cross Jordan. He is indeed the end of all things.
This verse is the very test of true faith. In true religion, there is simply nothing but Jesus. He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Moses gave the law to the Jews, but without the Messiah, it was simply the “ministry of death” (II Cor. 3:7). Mohammed claimed no authority of his own but merely served as the oracle of a distant, unknowable god. Zoroaster, Mani, Siddhartha, Confucius, Plato, Hegel, Nietzsche, Kant, Sartre—all of them spoke of ways, of truths or of lives, but none of them WAS the way, the truth or the life. Jesus IS the way the truth and the life! He rose from the dead without external physical cause—without even so much as a holy man performing a miracle! What more evidence of divine personality or truth could there be?
We should be encouraged by Jesus’ unequivocal claim to truth, but also be spurred on to evangelize our post-modern-American-I’m-okay-you’re-okay-don’t-challenge-my-theology-that-I-claim-not-to-have relatives, friends and neighbors. Without Jesus they won’t see the Father. That’s what Jesus said. So what is our response?
If you would like to comment, view other comments or postings, go to http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Study Notes: John 14 begins what is commonly known as the Upper Room Discourse, culminating in John 17 with Jesus' high priestly prayer. This is probably the most intimate conversation between Jesus and disciples that we have recorded.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Day 13, John 13
Blogger: Jim Conkle
13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”
Did you catch the subtle, but deliberate change in the order of those two words? We call Jesus our Teacher and Lord. We have all had and continue to have teachers. Some we respect greatly, and some we simply listen to until the course work is done. We even call some mentors and hold them in great esteem. Yet they all share one distinction: We filter through their teachings. We take what we believe is helpful to us, apply it and forget the rest. Just like buffet style dining where we get to choose what we take and what we leave.
Jesus turns the words around, saying “I your Lord and teacher.” While both are correct, they are profoundly different. Lordship requires full submission to the teachings of our Lord. No longer do we partake in buffet style dining, potentially missing out on the best parts of the meal. Lordship requires full obedience to the entire message of our teacher. Jesus as Lord, demands our heart and in response we submit fully to his teaching.
We see thin in Peter when he refuses to allow Jesus to wash his feet. Peter filters the teaching of Jesus through his own pride and refuses the cleansing power of Christ. This is just like so many who, in prideful ignorance, refuse the cleansing of Christ’s blood and rely on their own goodness. Peter ultimately submits to the Lordship of Christ and in doing so comes to an understanding of being cleansed by Christ and laying aside ones rights to serve others. Learning to call Jesus first Lord and then teacher, allowed Peter to submit to having his feet washed. From this, he was able to grasp the lesson Jesus was teaching. However, if he had not understood Jesus as Lord, he never would have gotten the message that Jesus, the teacher, was teaching.
Does our unwillingness to obey Jesus as Lord cause us to miss the lessons he seeks to offer us as our teacher? Is he your Teacher and Lord or your Lord and Teacher? Both are correct, yet profoundly different. If Jesus had full lordship of your life how would your service to God look different? Your prayer life? Your walk?
To comment or read other posts or comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”
Did you catch the subtle, but deliberate change in the order of those two words? We call Jesus our Teacher and Lord. We have all had and continue to have teachers. Some we respect greatly, and some we simply listen to until the course work is done. We even call some mentors and hold them in great esteem. Yet they all share one distinction: We filter through their teachings. We take what we believe is helpful to us, apply it and forget the rest. Just like buffet style dining where we get to choose what we take and what we leave.
Jesus turns the words around, saying “I your Lord and teacher.” While both are correct, they are profoundly different. Lordship requires full submission to the teachings of our Lord. No longer do we partake in buffet style dining, potentially missing out on the best parts of the meal. Lordship requires full obedience to the entire message of our teacher. Jesus as Lord, demands our heart and in response we submit fully to his teaching.
We see thin in Peter when he refuses to allow Jesus to wash his feet. Peter filters the teaching of Jesus through his own pride and refuses the cleansing power of Christ. This is just like so many who, in prideful ignorance, refuse the cleansing of Christ’s blood and rely on their own goodness. Peter ultimately submits to the Lordship of Christ and in doing so comes to an understanding of being cleansed by Christ and laying aside ones rights to serve others. Learning to call Jesus first Lord and then teacher, allowed Peter to submit to having his feet washed. From this, he was able to grasp the lesson Jesus was teaching. However, if he had not understood Jesus as Lord, he never would have gotten the message that Jesus, the teacher, was teaching.
Does our unwillingness to obey Jesus as Lord cause us to miss the lessons he seeks to offer us as our teacher? Is he your Teacher and Lord or your Lord and Teacher? Both are correct, yet profoundly different. If Jesus had full lordship of your life how would your service to God look different? Your prayer life? Your walk?
To comment or read other posts or comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Day 12, John 12
Blogger: Greg Lafferty
Jesus has a disturbing way of responding to adoring crowds. Typically, right when our fervor reaches fever pitch, he makes some scandalous statement that either sends you away sulking, or worse, furious. Imagine the political rally where the candidate says, “Thank you! Thank you very much! But you have no idea how I’m about to tax and spend this nation into oblivion.” Or the athlete who says to Bob Costas, “You know, America gets so fired up when we win, but I did this for me alone and the fortune I’m going to make in endorsements.” Suddenly we’re not enjoying such a magical gold-medal moment after all.
Jesus does his own version of this in John 12. Crowds are clamoring to see him and his amazingly resurrected friend; thunderous throngs shout Hosanna! as he enters Jerusalem; even some non-Jews seek an audience. And what does Jesus say right when the world is at his feet? “It’s time for me to die. Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it produces no fruit. And unless you die with me, you’ll never see eternal life.”
Kind of takes the edge off the party, don’t you think?
But, of course, this is precisely what Jesus needed to say. For it has never been about popularity, Q-rating, or political clout. It has always been about God’s glory, which is magnified by our humility. A humble, atoning death was what Jesus came to achieve, so that we might come back into a proper relationship with God—one in which we bask in his glory, not our own. As Jesus said, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.” The good news is that if you’ll go where Jesus went in humility and selflessness, you’ll also go where he went in future glory and exaltation.
To make a comment, or view the other comments and postings click: http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Jesus has a disturbing way of responding to adoring crowds. Typically, right when our fervor reaches fever pitch, he makes some scandalous statement that either sends you away sulking, or worse, furious. Imagine the political rally where the candidate says, “Thank you! Thank you very much! But you have no idea how I’m about to tax and spend this nation into oblivion.” Or the athlete who says to Bob Costas, “You know, America gets so fired up when we win, but I did this for me alone and the fortune I’m going to make in endorsements.” Suddenly we’re not enjoying such a magical gold-medal moment after all.
Jesus does his own version of this in John 12. Crowds are clamoring to see him and his amazingly resurrected friend; thunderous throngs shout Hosanna! as he enters Jerusalem; even some non-Jews seek an audience. And what does Jesus say right when the world is at his feet? “It’s time for me to die. Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it produces no fruit. And unless you die with me, you’ll never see eternal life.”
Kind of takes the edge off the party, don’t you think?
But, of course, this is precisely what Jesus needed to say. For it has never been about popularity, Q-rating, or political clout. It has always been about God’s glory, which is magnified by our humility. A humble, atoning death was what Jesus came to achieve, so that we might come back into a proper relationship with God—one in which we bask in his glory, not our own. As Jesus said, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.” The good news is that if you’ll go where Jesus went in humility and selflessness, you’ll also go where he went in future glory and exaltation.
To make a comment, or view the other comments and postings click: http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Day 11, John 11
Guest Blogger: Daniel Hess
How’s your eyesight? This is an age where so much can be done about vision problems. For the majority of us a simple outside source such as contact lenses can correct the problem. In John 11 we encounter many different types of spiritual eyesight. We find many people looking into the situation of Lazarus dying. It’s obvious who saw the entire situation clearly. Jesus, with his 20/20 vision, says in verse 4, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Jesus saw the situation clearly and acted throughout this whole chapter according to God’s plans.
Compare this with the disciples. We could characterize them as far-sighted. They were focused on what they thought Jesus’ mission was, to bring God’s kingdom to fulfillment in Israel. They could not see this mission transpiring if Jesus was killed prematurely. They respond accordingly in verse 8 trying to dissuade Jesus. They see a long-range goal but not the opportunity right in front of them.
Mary, in contrast appears near-sighted. She despairs that Jesus took so long in coming. She can only see the ugliness of the situation in front of her. Both Mary and the disciples only see clearly in hindsight.
Look at Martha. Martha astounds me. Her vision is a little fuzzy but she sees something. In verse 21 & 22 she admits she hoped Jesus would come earlier but she also hints a faith that Jesus can still work the situation to good. Jesus takes this little bit of vision she has and helps her see the rest of the picture. Her vision starts to clear.
Then there are the Pharisees at the end of the chapter. They are blind and looking at the wrong thing all together. They did not even see clearly in hindsight. They spend their time wondering how to stop Jesus rather than wondering about the miracle just witnessed. Jesus brought a dead man to life!
So where are we? Just like John 11, we are surrounded by tragic situations. There are spiritually dead friends around us. There are times in life we take deadly falls. None of us has Jesus’ vision, but what type of vision do we have? Do we have the disciple’s vision that overlooks the present opportunity for a future goal? Or how about Mary’s eyesight that can’t see far enough to find hope? Are we looking at the wrong thing altogether? Or can we claim something like Martha? We may not know the end but we can turn to Jesus’ perfect vision and ask for help. We can have faith in a God who can do amazing things like raise the dead and restore life to the world. Let’s allow him to correct our eyesight and help us see more clearly into the despairing situations in life.
To make a comment, or view the rest of the blog and other comments, click on http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
How’s your eyesight? This is an age where so much can be done about vision problems. For the majority of us a simple outside source such as contact lenses can correct the problem. In John 11 we encounter many different types of spiritual eyesight. We find many people looking into the situation of Lazarus dying. It’s obvious who saw the entire situation clearly. Jesus, with his 20/20 vision, says in verse 4, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Jesus saw the situation clearly and acted throughout this whole chapter according to God’s plans.
Compare this with the disciples. We could characterize them as far-sighted. They were focused on what they thought Jesus’ mission was, to bring God’s kingdom to fulfillment in Israel. They could not see this mission transpiring if Jesus was killed prematurely. They respond accordingly in verse 8 trying to dissuade Jesus. They see a long-range goal but not the opportunity right in front of them.
Mary, in contrast appears near-sighted. She despairs that Jesus took so long in coming. She can only see the ugliness of the situation in front of her. Both Mary and the disciples only see clearly in hindsight.
Look at Martha. Martha astounds me. Her vision is a little fuzzy but she sees something. In verse 21 & 22 she admits she hoped Jesus would come earlier but she also hints a faith that Jesus can still work the situation to good. Jesus takes this little bit of vision she has and helps her see the rest of the picture. Her vision starts to clear.
Then there are the Pharisees at the end of the chapter. They are blind and looking at the wrong thing all together. They did not even see clearly in hindsight. They spend their time wondering how to stop Jesus rather than wondering about the miracle just witnessed. Jesus brought a dead man to life!
So where are we? Just like John 11, we are surrounded by tragic situations. There are spiritually dead friends around us. There are times in life we take deadly falls. None of us has Jesus’ vision, but what type of vision do we have? Do we have the disciple’s vision that overlooks the present opportunity for a future goal? Or how about Mary’s eyesight that can’t see far enough to find hope? Are we looking at the wrong thing altogether? Or can we claim something like Martha? We may not know the end but we can turn to Jesus’ perfect vision and ask for help. We can have faith in a God who can do amazing things like raise the dead and restore life to the world. Let’s allow him to correct our eyesight and help us see more clearly into the despairing situations in life.
To make a comment, or view the rest of the blog and other comments, click on http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Day 10, John 10
Guest Blogger: Dave Wilks
Throughout the last few chapters, Jesus has been openly revealing his identity in sometimes rather cryptic ways. Some of his listeners were able to understand; some were not. Some could understand, but chose not to believe, clinging instead to their own performance-based system of self-salvation that denies the true nature of God and man.
Here, Jesus provides perhaps the clearest metaphor yet of who he is and what he has been sent to do. It was an easy metphor to understand for those living in an agrarian culture and it is still easy for us to understand today. But those who heard Jesus' words were divided: some were willing to accept that the law and the prophets pointed only to Jesus as the sole means to gain salvation. Others chose to accuse Jesus of madness and demon-possession.
How do we react to the passage today? Are we overjoyed that our creator is a longsuffering God who bestows infinite and unmerited grace upon anyone willing to acknowledge his sovereignty? Are we endlessly grateful that we have been granted salvation and an eternal place in God's house, because of Jesus' infinite sacrifice made on our behalf? Do we allow that gratitude to transform us and re-order our lives?
Or do we find this passage offensive and intolerant, because it teaches that Christ is the only way? Might we get along better with others if we say that Christ is just one of many good ways?
It is easy to fall into that post-modern trap of placing all philosophies and teachings on equal footing. There is, however, no room in the truth for any untruth. No room in the light for darkness. No place in heaven for even a drop of hell. Either we accept who Jesus is and become transformed by the beauty and majesty of the gospel or we should simply reject him as a demon-possessed madman. There is, thankfully, no in-between.
To view the rest of the postings, view comments or make a comment click here http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Throughout the last few chapters, Jesus has been openly revealing his identity in sometimes rather cryptic ways. Some of his listeners were able to understand; some were not. Some could understand, but chose not to believe, clinging instead to their own performance-based system of self-salvation that denies the true nature of God and man.
Here, Jesus provides perhaps the clearest metaphor yet of who he is and what he has been sent to do. It was an easy metphor to understand for those living in an agrarian culture and it is still easy for us to understand today. But those who heard Jesus' words were divided: some were willing to accept that the law and the prophets pointed only to Jesus as the sole means to gain salvation. Others chose to accuse Jesus of madness and demon-possession.
How do we react to the passage today? Are we overjoyed that our creator is a longsuffering God who bestows infinite and unmerited grace upon anyone willing to acknowledge his sovereignty? Are we endlessly grateful that we have been granted salvation and an eternal place in God's house, because of Jesus' infinite sacrifice made on our behalf? Do we allow that gratitude to transform us and re-order our lives?
Or do we find this passage offensive and intolerant, because it teaches that Christ is the only way? Might we get along better with others if we say that Christ is just one of many good ways?
It is easy to fall into that post-modern trap of placing all philosophies and teachings on equal footing. There is, however, no room in the truth for any untruth. No room in the light for darkness. No place in heaven for even a drop of hell. Either we accept who Jesus is and become transformed by the beauty and majesty of the gospel or we should simply reject him as a demon-possessed madman. There is, thankfully, no in-between.
To view the rest of the postings, view comments or make a comment click here http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Monday, August 18, 2008
Day 9, John 9
Guest Blogger: Aaron Miner
What is blindness? At its core it is the inability to see. Though a person can be physically blind, other types of blindness exist as well. Love can be blind, or a person can be unwilling or unable to notice something that is obvious to others. Jesus in John chapter 9 warns us about spiritual blindness.
The chapter begins with Jesus and his disciples traveling along the way when they notice a blind man. This initiates a question from the disciples. The question is not: “Why is this man blind?” but rather, “Who sinned to make him blind?” The perception in Jesus’ day was that sin caused sickness and suffering such as blindness. Job’s friend, Eliphaz expressed similar views in Job 4:6-8, that the innocent never perish. These views express a spiritual blindness that God condemns in the response to Job and his friends: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2 NIV)
Jesus’ response in verse 3 is equally enlightening, “so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” The common wisdom of Jesus’ day was blind to the realities of God’s purpose. The story of Jesus healing the blind man illustrates the light he shines into the blackness of a blind world. Jesus is the light (v. 5) and just as he healed the blind man from physical blindness Jesus opened his “eyes” from spiritual blindness (vs. 35-41). The Pharisees on the other hand show that they are spiritual blind to what God is doing around them (v. 34).
This poses an important question for us today. What are we spiritually blind to? We can be in periods of suffering or blessing and completely miss what God is doing around us. We can also be like Eliphaz and the Pharisees, so steeped in the “religious wisdom” of our time that we are blind to our own sin before God. This can be either legalism or relativism. But if we humble ourselves before the cross and ask God to search our hearts his light will come into our life and where we were blind we will see. On the other hand, if we do not humble ourselves before the cross of Christ we will become hardened and blind to our sin (vs. 39-41).
To view the entire blog or to view or make comments click to: http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
What is blindness? At its core it is the inability to see. Though a person can be physically blind, other types of blindness exist as well. Love can be blind, or a person can be unwilling or unable to notice something that is obvious to others. Jesus in John chapter 9 warns us about spiritual blindness.
The chapter begins with Jesus and his disciples traveling along the way when they notice a blind man. This initiates a question from the disciples. The question is not: “Why is this man blind?” but rather, “Who sinned to make him blind?” The perception in Jesus’ day was that sin caused sickness and suffering such as blindness. Job’s friend, Eliphaz expressed similar views in Job 4:6-8, that the innocent never perish. These views express a spiritual blindness that God condemns in the response to Job and his friends: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2 NIV)
Jesus’ response in verse 3 is equally enlightening, “so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” The common wisdom of Jesus’ day was blind to the realities of God’s purpose. The story of Jesus healing the blind man illustrates the light he shines into the blackness of a blind world. Jesus is the light (v. 5) and just as he healed the blind man from physical blindness Jesus opened his “eyes” from spiritual blindness (vs. 35-41). The Pharisees on the other hand show that they are spiritual blind to what God is doing around them (v. 34).
This poses an important question for us today. What are we spiritually blind to? We can be in periods of suffering or blessing and completely miss what God is doing around us. We can also be like Eliphaz and the Pharisees, so steeped in the “religious wisdom” of our time that we are blind to our own sin before God. This can be either legalism or relativism. But if we humble ourselves before the cross and ask God to search our hearts his light will come into our life and where we were blind we will see. On the other hand, if we do not humble ourselves before the cross of Christ we will become hardened and blind to our sin (vs. 39-41).
To view the entire blog or to view or make comments click to: http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Day 8, John 8, Bonus Blog
Guest Blogger: Bruce Panasuk
In the eighth chapter of John, our Lord once again squares off with the great enemy of the truth—religion. In this chapter we see the Light of the world doing battle with the powers of darkness garbed in religiosity. The Pharisees, who were supposed to be the defenders of the truth, had become instead self-righteous, pious, legalistic guardians of their own self-serving traditions, to the point that they nullified the Word of God for the sake of their traditions (Matt 15:6), and although they had the façade of righteousness, they were inwardly full of hypocrisy and wickedness (Matt 23:28). It is against these individuals that our Lord wages an intense all-out battle—a battle for a woman’s life and a battle for God’s truth.
These religious elite bring to the Temple a woman caught in adultery, and in a harsh and humiliating fashion, make her stand before the entire group (v. 3). They then surround her like a pack of vicious, bloodthirsty wolves that have cornered their prey. But she wasn’t their prey. Jesus was. They came to trap him (v. 6). She was only the bait—expendable, inconsequential, worthless to them as a person, only useful to them as a piece of human bait. The powers of darkness have challenged the Light of the world, and a life hangs in the balance. They then foolishly pit the Word of God against the Son of God—a very bad idea (v. 5). So he bends down to write in the ground (v. 6), and in so doing, draws a line in the sand. He defiantly stands between the hunters and the hunted. He backs off the wolves with the perfect response to their twisted question (v. 7), allowing what was left of their own numbed consciences to convict themselves of their evil intent (v. 9). Then, in perhaps the greatest display of his mercy, grace, and compassion, he sets the woman free (v. 11)—not only free to leave (“Go now”), but more importantly, free to change (“leave your life of sin.”).
Their intentions in using the woman having been exposed and defeated, they now turn directly on Jesus (v. 13)—and the battle continues; a battle now of truth vs. error, of light vs. darkness, of good vs. evil, of the Son of God vs. the religion of man. And once again, a line is drawn in the sand. Carefully note how the Lord Jesus Christ describes these Pharisees, and in so doing, defines religion at its core, and exposes the darkness of their hearts to all those present:
You have no idea where I came from or where I am going (v. 14)
You judge by human standards (v. 15)
You do not know me or my Father (v. 19)
You are from below…You are of this world (v. 23)
You have no room for my Word (v. 37)
You are unable to hear what I say (v. 43)
You belong to your father, the devil (v. 44)
You do not belong to God (v. 47)
You dishonor me (v. 49)
The result—darkness is once again defeated, for, “Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him” (v.30).
The world doesn’t need religion. The world needs Jesus Christ. Since we are called to be conformed to the image of God’s Son (Rom 8.29), let us stand in his stead as we compassionately fight for peoples’ lives and courageously fight for the truth of God’s Word.
In the eighth chapter of John, our Lord once again squares off with the great enemy of the truth—religion. In this chapter we see the Light of the world doing battle with the powers of darkness garbed in religiosity. The Pharisees, who were supposed to be the defenders of the truth, had become instead self-righteous, pious, legalistic guardians of their own self-serving traditions, to the point that they nullified the Word of God for the sake of their traditions (Matt 15:6), and although they had the façade of righteousness, they were inwardly full of hypocrisy and wickedness (Matt 23:28). It is against these individuals that our Lord wages an intense all-out battle—a battle for a woman’s life and a battle for God’s truth.
These religious elite bring to the Temple a woman caught in adultery, and in a harsh and humiliating fashion, make her stand before the entire group (v. 3). They then surround her like a pack of vicious, bloodthirsty wolves that have cornered their prey. But she wasn’t their prey. Jesus was. They came to trap him (v. 6). She was only the bait—expendable, inconsequential, worthless to them as a person, only useful to them as a piece of human bait. The powers of darkness have challenged the Light of the world, and a life hangs in the balance. They then foolishly pit the Word of God against the Son of God—a very bad idea (v. 5). So he bends down to write in the ground (v. 6), and in so doing, draws a line in the sand. He defiantly stands between the hunters and the hunted. He backs off the wolves with the perfect response to their twisted question (v. 7), allowing what was left of their own numbed consciences to convict themselves of their evil intent (v. 9). Then, in perhaps the greatest display of his mercy, grace, and compassion, he sets the woman free (v. 11)—not only free to leave (“Go now”), but more importantly, free to change (“leave your life of sin.”).
Their intentions in using the woman having been exposed and defeated, they now turn directly on Jesus (v. 13)—and the battle continues; a battle now of truth vs. error, of light vs. darkness, of good vs. evil, of the Son of God vs. the religion of man. And once again, a line is drawn in the sand. Carefully note how the Lord Jesus Christ describes these Pharisees, and in so doing, defines religion at its core, and exposes the darkness of their hearts to all those present:
You have no idea where I came from or where I am going (v. 14)
You judge by human standards (v. 15)
You do not know me or my Father (v. 19)
You are from below…You are of this world (v. 23)
You have no room for my Word (v. 37)
You are unable to hear what I say (v. 43)
You belong to your father, the devil (v. 44)
You do not belong to God (v. 47)
You dishonor me (v. 49)
The result—darkness is once again defeated, for, “Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him” (v.30).
The world doesn’t need religion. The world needs Jesus Christ. Since we are called to be conformed to the image of God’s Son (Rom 8.29), let us stand in his stead as we compassionately fight for peoples’ lives and courageously fight for the truth of God’s Word.
Day 8, John 8
“I must be an acrobat, to talk like this and act like that.” U2
All the tensions come to a head here. Jesus is teaching at the temple. The Jews test Jesus with an immoral woman. The more Jesus teaches, the more they get angry. Jesus throws down the gauntlet with them declaring that He is the Light of the world (a term which was supposed to identify the nation of Israel, (Isa 42:6, 49:6, Lu 2:32, Ac 13:47, 26:23).
In response to this, the Pharisees challenge his authority. The only one who could genuinely testify to his previous place in heaven would have been the Father. So those who listen are forced to respond to Him, not based upon the testimony of an eye witness, but rather based upon his own words about himself. To those who believe in Him, the truth sets them free (32). Yet the Jews insisted that they were accepted because they were united to Abraham through bloodline. They were family, and their blessing would come through being a part of the family.
8:39-40 "Abraham is our father," they answered.
"If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.
Jesus leaves them no room. Either he is from heaven and speaks the truth from heaven, or he is a Samaritan and is demon-possessed as they say he is (or something else very strange). Why can’t they understand him and just receive the truth? It is because they have no room for his word (37). They know that if they accept that what he says is true, they will have to radically reorient their lives. It is easier for them to make Jesus into something else than to accept the truth for who he really is.
Yet, the truth is the one thing that can set them free.
That moment comes at the end of the chapter. Jesus is speaking out of an overflow of the union he has with the Father. From the sense of that union and in a certain understanding of his deity he pushes the patience of the Pharisees to the brink with the statement, “Before Abraham was born, I AM”
I AM is another way of saying Yahweh. It was a double entendre both pointing to his own eternal existence and his divine nature and provoking the Pharisees to respond in the only way their law could for the greatest of blasphemies--by stoning him.
This is true for us. It is hard to accept the truth sometimes. The truth might be that we need to change, submit, rest, or obey. It is easier to do the mental gymnastics of rewriting reality than to do the plain things we know we need to do. Jesus does not allow the Pharisees to play those games with him and he will not allow us to either.
All the tensions come to a head here. Jesus is teaching at the temple. The Jews test Jesus with an immoral woman. The more Jesus teaches, the more they get angry. Jesus throws down the gauntlet with them declaring that He is the Light of the world (a term which was supposed to identify the nation of Israel, (Isa 42:6, 49:6, Lu 2:32, Ac 13:47, 26:23).
In response to this, the Pharisees challenge his authority. The only one who could genuinely testify to his previous place in heaven would have been the Father. So those who listen are forced to respond to Him, not based upon the testimony of an eye witness, but rather based upon his own words about himself. To those who believe in Him, the truth sets them free (32). Yet the Jews insisted that they were accepted because they were united to Abraham through bloodline. They were family, and their blessing would come through being a part of the family.
8:39-40 "Abraham is our father," they answered.
"If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.
Jesus leaves them no room. Either he is from heaven and speaks the truth from heaven, or he is a Samaritan and is demon-possessed as they say he is (or something else very strange). Why can’t they understand him and just receive the truth? It is because they have no room for his word (37). They know that if they accept that what he says is true, they will have to radically reorient their lives. It is easier for them to make Jesus into something else than to accept the truth for who he really is.
Yet, the truth is the one thing that can set them free.
That moment comes at the end of the chapter. Jesus is speaking out of an overflow of the union he has with the Father. From the sense of that union and in a certain understanding of his deity he pushes the patience of the Pharisees to the brink with the statement, “Before Abraham was born, I AM”
I AM is another way of saying Yahweh. It was a double entendre both pointing to his own eternal existence and his divine nature and provoking the Pharisees to respond in the only way their law could for the greatest of blasphemies--by stoning him.
This is true for us. It is hard to accept the truth sometimes. The truth might be that we need to change, submit, rest, or obey. It is easier to do the mental gymnastics of rewriting reality than to do the plain things we know we need to do. Jesus does not allow the Pharisees to play those games with him and he will not allow us to either.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Day 7, John 7
Guest Blogger: Aaron Martin
Jesus’ teaching astounded the people of his day because he had not come through the traditional educational channels. “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” was their question (v. 15).
A worldly education would never have taught Jesus the remarkable wisdom that he preached to the multitudes. Like the Apostle Paul would later say, “[T]he foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (I Cor. 1:25). C.H. Spurgeon used to speak derisively of the “College men” of his day—those who had pursued higher education but still could not grasp the truth of the Bible. How worthless indeed was their learning when they were not smart enough to give up everything in the world to gain the glories of heaven!
The controversy surrounding Jesus arose from the power of his words. Indeed, it seemed that people could either bless him or curse him, but none could remain unmoved (v. 12). Is our witness to the world this clear? Or do we fall into mushy sentimentalism or vague moralisms when trying to maintain a Christian witness? Are we provoking a reaction in our hearers? If not, are we really speaking the word of God to them? Jesus himself made clear that the words that he spoke were not his own, but of him that sent him (v. 16).
Just as the Jewish leaders futilely tried to snuff out the heavenly witness that Jesus bore (v. 30), so too the powers of the earth today attempt to silence any true proclamation of God’s law and gospel. “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed” (Ps. 2:2).
The call to repentance unto life that Jesus made in his day is the same that we must issue today. Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (vv. 37-38). Jesus offered to mere mortals an indwelling of the very Holy Spirit of God (v. 39). In the days of the prophets, God had also freely offered spiritual sustenance to his people (Is. 55:1). Still, in both ages many refused this most gracious offer.
Today we will not always be met with open ears when we proclaim the truth of the Father through the words of the Son concerning the gift of the Holy Spirit. But we can be encouraged by the miraculous changes that can occur in even the most skeptical of hearers. Even a Nicodemus, a man of “letters” who first approached Jesus with incredulity, came to believe in the One who offered rivers of living water to the world (vv. 50-51).
to see the resot of the blog and see other postings and comments, go to http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Jesus’ teaching astounded the people of his day because he had not come through the traditional educational channels. “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” was their question (v. 15).
A worldly education would never have taught Jesus the remarkable wisdom that he preached to the multitudes. Like the Apostle Paul would later say, “[T]he foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (I Cor. 1:25). C.H. Spurgeon used to speak derisively of the “College men” of his day—those who had pursued higher education but still could not grasp the truth of the Bible. How worthless indeed was their learning when they were not smart enough to give up everything in the world to gain the glories of heaven!
The controversy surrounding Jesus arose from the power of his words. Indeed, it seemed that people could either bless him or curse him, but none could remain unmoved (v. 12). Is our witness to the world this clear? Or do we fall into mushy sentimentalism or vague moralisms when trying to maintain a Christian witness? Are we provoking a reaction in our hearers? If not, are we really speaking the word of God to them? Jesus himself made clear that the words that he spoke were not his own, but of him that sent him (v. 16).
Just as the Jewish leaders futilely tried to snuff out the heavenly witness that Jesus bore (v. 30), so too the powers of the earth today attempt to silence any true proclamation of God’s law and gospel. “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed” (Ps. 2:2).
The call to repentance unto life that Jesus made in his day is the same that we must issue today. Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (vv. 37-38). Jesus offered to mere mortals an indwelling of the very Holy Spirit of God (v. 39). In the days of the prophets, God had also freely offered spiritual sustenance to his people (Is. 55:1). Still, in both ages many refused this most gracious offer.
Today we will not always be met with open ears when we proclaim the truth of the Father through the words of the Son concerning the gift of the Holy Spirit. But we can be encouraged by the miraculous changes that can occur in even the most skeptical of hearers. Even a Nicodemus, a man of “letters” who first approached Jesus with incredulity, came to believe in the One who offered rivers of living water to the world (vv. 50-51).
to see the resot of the blog and see other postings and comments, go to http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Friday, August 15, 2008
Day 6, John 6
Jesus, what a brilliant political move! The crowds had gathered around him and his teaching. So he seized the moment and met their immediate needs by feeding all of them miraculously. Then he followed that up with a terrible political move. He chased them away with hard teaching. First, Jesus seemed to pander to the crowds then he seemed to thin the crowds. Which is it?
Consider the lesson for the disciples. The feeding of the five thousand was one of the few miracles recorded in all four gospels. Surely, these events were close to their memory in those overwhelming days after Pentecost when 3000 people were baptized. As they felt the responsibility of leading so many, they must have remembered their Lord’s ability to meet all of the needs o f his followers, without compromising. When the crowd had a genuine need for food, he provided. When the people needed to be challenged, he said the hard things that tested their commitment.
He told them, “I am the bread of life.” To find your satisfaction in God and to trust Him first for all of your earthly needs is at the heart of persevering faith. He called the crowds to follow him, not simply for the benefits, but because he is the Son of Man, the one whose words are Spirit and Life. The crowds thought that they needed a little food or a little entertainment from a miracle. What they really needed was Him.
Often temptation and suffering test our faith in this way. Is it only for the benefits that we follow Christ? This test sets apart the disciples from the crowd. The disciples had gone “all in.” When the crowds left Jesus, Peter spoke for the disciples saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” The disciples had no other place (person) to go. Where do you think the crowds went?
Notes: Jesus declares the first of several “I AM” statements. Look for more “I AM” statements in later chapters.
To see the full blog, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Consider the lesson for the disciples. The feeding of the five thousand was one of the few miracles recorded in all four gospels. Surely, these events were close to their memory in those overwhelming days after Pentecost when 3000 people were baptized. As they felt the responsibility of leading so many, they must have remembered their Lord’s ability to meet all of the needs o f his followers, without compromising. When the crowd had a genuine need for food, he provided. When the people needed to be challenged, he said the hard things that tested their commitment.
He told them, “I am the bread of life.” To find your satisfaction in God and to trust Him first for all of your earthly needs is at the heart of persevering faith. He called the crowds to follow him, not simply for the benefits, but because he is the Son of Man, the one whose words are Spirit and Life. The crowds thought that they needed a little food or a little entertainment from a miracle. What they really needed was Him.
Often temptation and suffering test our faith in this way. Is it only for the benefits that we follow Christ? This test sets apart the disciples from the crowd. The disciples had gone “all in.” When the crowds left Jesus, Peter spoke for the disciples saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” The disciples had no other place (person) to go. Where do you think the crowds went?
Notes: Jesus declares the first of several “I AM” statements. Look for more “I AM” statements in later chapters.
To see the full blog, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Day 5, John 5
“the immoral and religious have the same thing in common. They are both trying to avoid God as Savior.” Tim Keller
“all our righteous acts are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6
Our goodness could be the very thing that could hinder us from knowing and understanding who Jesus is. The Jews that persecuted Jesus were so good that they fell in love with their own goodness. They not only obeyed the law that was given by Moses, but they developed more customs built upon those laws, thereby erecting an entire lifestyle based upon their own standard of moral performance. They diligently studied the scriptures and they diligently kept not just the Sabbath command but an entire additional field of Sabbath customs. They thought that their performance would give them eternal life.
But their customs allowed no room for Jesus. They allowed no room for outsiders (like the Samaritan woman) or for invalids (by the pool of Siloam), yet they still had space for money changers. Their reading of scripture was intended to point them to Christ, not support the arguments of their own moral superiority.
How about us? Faithful reading of scripture will give us a growing mental picture of who Jesus is. Scripture takes all kinds of forms (history, poetry, songs, proverbs …) yet they all share the same central purpose of revealing God to us. If Jesus is The Word, God Himself, the entire Bible will point us to him. Or to put it another way, Jesus is the fullest picture of who God is and so becomes the very lens through which we understand scripture.
How has Jesus, the Light of the World, illuminated your picture of God? After five days in our 21 day challenge, do you see God differently than you did before?
Notes: Observe an “apprenticeship analogy” as Jesus describes the way he has learned his work from his father (5:19-30). He describes the way he learned his ministry to be the same way he learned his earthly vocation of carpentry—from his father.
“all our righteous acts are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6
Our goodness could be the very thing that could hinder us from knowing and understanding who Jesus is. The Jews that persecuted Jesus were so good that they fell in love with their own goodness. They not only obeyed the law that was given by Moses, but they developed more customs built upon those laws, thereby erecting an entire lifestyle based upon their own standard of moral performance. They diligently studied the scriptures and they diligently kept not just the Sabbath command but an entire additional field of Sabbath customs. They thought that their performance would give them eternal life.
But their customs allowed no room for Jesus. They allowed no room for outsiders (like the Samaritan woman) or for invalids (by the pool of Siloam), yet they still had space for money changers. Their reading of scripture was intended to point them to Christ, not support the arguments of their own moral superiority.
How about us? Faithful reading of scripture will give us a growing mental picture of who Jesus is. Scripture takes all kinds of forms (history, poetry, songs, proverbs …) yet they all share the same central purpose of revealing God to us. If Jesus is The Word, God Himself, the entire Bible will point us to him. Or to put it another way, Jesus is the fullest picture of who God is and so becomes the very lens through which we understand scripture.
How has Jesus, the Light of the World, illuminated your picture of God? After five days in our 21 day challenge, do you see God differently than you did before?
Notes: Observe an “apprenticeship analogy” as Jesus describes the way he has learned his work from his father (5:19-30). He describes the way he learned his ministry to be the same way he learned his earthly vocation of carpentry—from his father.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Day 4, John 4
“…grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
This is a quintessential portrait of Jesus and his ministry. He goes where no one wants to go (Samaria); to a group of people hated by his own (Jews hated Samaritans as half-breed traitors—long story); to meet a person whom no one else wants to meet (a woman going for water at mid-day suggests that she is excluded from the female community in the village, probably because of the circumstances around the five-plus husbands/lovers that she has had).
Jesus reaches across racial, gender, and religious boundaries and offers her unmerited favor in his gracious pursuit of her. He explains the truth to her in a way that draws her in, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty…” (v15). Along the way, he reveals more truth regarding his identity to this immoral, rejected, Gentile woman than he does to even the Jews. The contrast between Jesus’ interaction between Nicodemus, the religious leader, and this Samaritan woman is breathtaking. And to top it all off, he completely overlooks her sin.
Well, actually he doesn’t. Grace AND truth come through Jesus Christ. Moving towards her in grace isn’t gracious unless he treats her as a whole person. This means addressing the longings of her heart as well as the failures in her life.
From here, this woman’s experience of meeting Jesus becomes a revival. No miracles in this part of the chapter. This is just grace and truth and a person’s story of meeting Jesus in the middle of the day.
Study Notes: It is helpful to look at a map in order to understand this passage. Jesus was making a trip from the Judean countryside (3:22) to Galilee. Jewish people usually went far out of their way, crossing the Jordan River, in order to avoid the hated Samaritan population that dwelled between Judea and Galilee.
To see the full blog, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Day 3, John 3
Israel’s true teacher makes the dynamics of salvation clear. We need God to give us a new start—a new birth. How do we know that he has given us this new start? We begin to love the things that are in the light and find a growing desire to step out of darkness (v21). Jesus explains that those who are in the darkness are there because they are afraid that their deeds will be exposed. That seems to be why Nicodemus came in the dark of night and remained in the dark--for fear.
John, the gospel writer (different than John the Baptist), wrote in his first epistle about fear. “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). It gives us great hope to know that the love that sent Jesus is the same love that drives out our fear.
These are more than the dynamics of a once and for all salvation. We are saved by grace through faith and we grow by grace through faith. Though a new birth comes with a new life, the fears that drive the old life can remain and can press us back into the darkness even though we belong in the light.
What are you afraid of? What would it look like for you to come into the light?
Study notes: Watch for the themes of darkness and light in the gospel of John (1:4-5). Look for how it shapes his writing. Also, it seems like Nicodemus just drifts out of the passage. What happened to him? Look for him again in John 19:39.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Day 2, John 2
There are countless ways a religious person like Jesus could have launched his ministry. There are dozens of miracles that John could have recorded. Why this one? The passage tells us that through this miracle he revealed his glory and the disciples put their faith in him (v11). What does this teach us about Jesus and the character of his ministry? Could our surprise indicate more about ourselves and our misunderstandings of holiness than it does about Christ?
Jesus was given a humble request and he responded with lavish generosity. The master of the banquet was surprised because the custom of the day was to serve the best wine first and then offer the cheaper wine later. The Jews may have thought that the revelation through Moses was the finest wine of God’s truth (wine is a symbol of truth throughout scripture). The arrival of Jesus declares that there is a new and greater truth that fulfills all the truth that came before. Jesus was the better wine.
The Jews will come to be just as surprised by this as was the master of the banquet.
How does the lavish generosity Jesus shows at the wedding and the anger at the temple shape your understanding of who Jesus really is?
Study notes:
The first of seven sign of the gospel of John occurs here. There will be seven miracles in the gospel of John to verify Jesus claims about himself.
The photo in the upper right is a picture of Jesus driving the money changers out of the temple. It was painted in 1750 by Giovanni Paolo Pannini
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Day 1, John 1
Phillip hoped that Jesus was the “Prophet to Come” (1:45). God had always sent prophets to interpret the experiences of his people and instruct them in his ways. Moses was the first and greatest prophet, and he had said that one day another prophet like him would come (Deuteronomy 18:14-22). Was Jesus the one?
Prophets use words. The only way we understand anything is if words explain it. Each of us has a world of experiences every day. Do they have meaning? Is there a point? Is my life going in the right direction? I could use my own words to define my experience, but I’m not exactly objective. Or an inspired prophet. I need a perspective bigger than my own.
Thankfully, God speaks. Phillip knew this and hoped that Jesus would bring the ultimate, final message of God. Which Jesus did. But not only that—Jesus was both the messenger and the message. He was The Word. He was The Word spoken to create the world (Genesis 1:3) and he was The Word given to explain God. Because he was God.
How can we allow God to use his words to shape our understanding of the world we live in today? Ask him to show you the meaning of today’s moments (lunch, dishes, yard work, commuting) and the significance of today’s encounters (with family, friends, co-workers). Seen through the lens of his Word, everything in our lives has meaning.
Notes: Verses 1-18 are commonly known as the prologue to the whole gospel of John. Every major theme that is covered in the gospel is introduced in these first 18 verses. Look for the themes highlighted in these verses as you read through the gospel.
by Marc Lucenius
Prophets use words. The only way we understand anything is if words explain it. Each of us has a world of experiences every day. Do they have meaning? Is there a point? Is my life going in the right direction? I could use my own words to define my experience, but I’m not exactly objective. Or an inspired prophet. I need a perspective bigger than my own.
Thankfully, God speaks. Phillip knew this and hoped that Jesus would bring the ultimate, final message of God. Which Jesus did. But not only that—Jesus was both the messenger and the message. He was The Word. He was The Word spoken to create the world (Genesis 1:3) and he was The Word given to explain God. Because he was God.
How can we allow God to use his words to shape our understanding of the world we live in today? Ask him to show you the meaning of today’s moments (lunch, dishes, yard work, commuting) and the significance of today’s encounters (with family, friends, co-workers). Seen through the lens of his Word, everything in our lives has meaning.
Notes: Verses 1-18 are commonly known as the prologue to the whole gospel of John. Every major theme that is covered in the gospel is introduced in these first 18 verses. Look for the themes highlighted in these verses as you read through the gospel.
by Marc Lucenius
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