A Bible Study
Contents
These notes are based on the notes used for a group
Bible Study over 2 years in Falmouth.
They are not intended to be read like a narrative,
It is suggested that not more than one or at most two pages are read at a
time.
Many of the statements and questions require some thought, prayer, meditation
or discussion. Maybe even action!
The Psalmist's direction, "Selah" (pause and reflect) should be often applied.
Some of the questions asked are answered, and some only you can answer.
There are many references. Please read them all.
Jesus - The Word.
11-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him
all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In
him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the
darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
11-5
John starts by taking us back before the dawn of time. 'In the Beginning'.
He had been instructed by the only one who was there - God himself.
God began by creating the universe, by speaking it into
being.
Man may wish to deny this truth, but it does not stop
it being true. 2 Pe 33-5
In the Word is life.
This simple, yet most profound truth would bring light
to a fallen world that knew only darkness.
Men who walk in darkness will always deny that God created all things.
With all the knowledge that man may acquire he will
never be able to create, he can only transform matter.
Only God gives man reason and purpose, the 'logos' of life.
The light cannot be escaped from; neither can it be extinguished. Not ever!
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was
John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through
him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as
a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was
coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made
through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his
own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those
who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - Children
born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but
born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have
seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father,
full of grace and truth. 16-14
John testifies to Jesus as the One who was at the beginning.
Why didn't man recognise who Jesus was?
All men are born corrupt and without the light of God's
revelation.
Most men in their deceived arrogance reject this, and thus also reject Jesus.
A few see this truth and it's consequence and seek Jesus.
They come to believe and are born into a new family,
God's family.
The Jews failed to recognise Jesus; and have most of 'Christian' England.
Some Jews were waiting earnestly. Zechariah Lu
168-79 also Simeon and Anna
Why did it take me so long to believe? It was certainly
not God's fault.
The most amazing thing is that it was the choice of God to come to rescue
us.
To forgive rebellious man and to live with him for ever.
Surely this is grace beyond all comprehension.
Beware of pretence; welcome honesty.
The Light divides those who love it from those who run for cover.
Glory, grace and truth are only seen by revelation.
Jesus is the true manifestation of God. Seek him, learn
from him.
This was the reason why John wrote this gospel.
Nathanael, A Man Without Guile
143-51
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding
Philip, he said to him, "Follow me." Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from
the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found
the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote
- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." "Nazareth! Can anything good come
from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. When Jesus saw
Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom
there is nothing false." "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered,
"I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."
Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King
of Israel." Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the
fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." He then added, "I tell
you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending
and descending on the Son of Man." 143-51
Jesus finds Philip. He knew who to call.
Not Philip the deacon (Act 63) who preached
in Samaria + Ethiopian Acts 8
Philip the apostle fails test of how to feed 5000. 65 Who wouldn't?
He tells Jesus some Greeks wanted to see him. 1220-22
He desired to see the Father. 147-11
Now he immediately goes off to tell his friend Nathanael. Evangelism at its
best.
'The One Moses wrote about in the Law'.
Where did Moses speak about the Messiah? Lu 2427
Testified to what would be said in the future. Heb
33
Instigated the first Passover - saved by the blood of
the Lamb.
Led Israel out of the slavery of Egypt - longed to be
free from slavery of sin.
Gave Israel God's Covenant - the Law. God's best
instructions that all fail.
The Law condemns and reveals the need for a Redeemer.
Heb 722 822
Three major Jewish feasts that each point to Jesus the
Messiah
And create an ongoing hunger for
him.
But Messiah would come from Bethlehem, not from Nazareth. Mic
52
Philip didn't argue; he just said, "Come and see." He came.
'Nothing false', no guile, no pretence.
What a desirable testimony from the all-seeing Saviour.
Ps 322
Nathanael was amazed that Jesus knew him. How could he; so he asks.
Jesus tells him that he had 'seen' him under the fig
tree.
Only Nathanael (and God) knew what he had been praying
there.
Opening his heart to God, yearning
for the Messiah that very morning!
He made the snap (and true) verdict on slim emotional evidence.
"You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!"
Jesus then quotes Jacob's vision at Bethel (but Jacob was not without guile!)
Like Jacob, you too will soon have a far better revelation.
i.e. Angels ministering to the
Son of Man on earth.
And your evidence will then stand any trial.
Nathanael is called Bartholomew in other Gospels. Math 103
Each of these 4 apostles left home and followed Jesus.
Where is our home?
Do we choose security or prefer to be 'Pilgrims and
strangers'? Heb 1113-16
The cost of discipleship; how much are we willing to pay?
John the Baptist and the first
Disciples
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was
John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through
him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as
a witness to the light. 16-8
John was born six months before his cousin, Jesus,
the son of the righteous priest Zechariah and Elizabeth. Lu 15-25,
57-80
Israel was under Roman dominion:
and like today, righteousness and hope were rare.
But there were some like Anna and Simeon,
who believed the Messiah would come - very soon
Why was John sent?
To witness that God himself was walking on the earth - now!
"Our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man." C.Wesley
The 'Light' that John witnessed to, would bring much joy;
many would rejoice, though some would not be so pleased!
He was filled with the Holy Spirit while in his mother's womb! Lu
114,15
How does this affect our charismatic theology?!
What was the major theme of John's message?
Baptism followed practical repentance for forgiveness of sins. Lu
33 Math 31,11
He was consistent, honest and clear - but not always very polite! Lu
37
John testifies concerning him.
He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said,
'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'"
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only,
who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
115-18
John saw Jesus as 'before' or greater than himself - in honour, wisdom, glory
and power.
What blessings did John receive in the wilderness near the Jordan valley?
It was not a 'good' job with a comfortable, married life-style.
In the harsh wilderness he received grace, truth and the Word of God.
And he learned that the Messiah had come!!
Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem
sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess,
but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "Then who are
you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered,
"No." Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to
those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" John replied in
the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert,
'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" Now some Pharisees who had been sent
questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah,
nor the Prophet?" "I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands
one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose
sandals I am not worthy to untie." This all happened at Bethany on the other
side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 119-28
John became famous; all Israel had heard of his preaching.
The Pharisees were curious and had to check out if he was the Messiah. Lu
315
John was irritated by their questions. To him it was irrelevant who he was.
His purpose was not to attract more and more followers,
but to prepare them to meet the Messiah.
He did not claim to be God's representative on earth.
Considered himself not even worthy of a servant's feet-cleaning task.
127 330
No false modesty here; for John was no weakling.
He was not a reed shaken by the wind. Lu 725
nor a well-dressed "yes-man" in a king's court.
God trusted him with power to attract huge crowds and to sway them,
but it did not corrupt John or change his message.
The Messiah is coming very soon. Repent now or die! Math 32
His message was vital and urgent - not for half-hearted followers.
Jesus said that John the Baptist was 'the Elijah who was to come'. Math
1114
He heralded the coming of Messiah. Mal 45
Within a year John would lose his freedom,
he would also lose his head, but he would not lose his
heart! Math 143-11
Like the two Moravian missionaries who chose to become slaves on a West Indian
Island in order to preach Christ.
Or the two healthy Christian men who decided to go to a Leper colony - to
stay - never allowed to leave.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the
one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because
he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but the reason I came
baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel." Then John
gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and
remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me
to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down
and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and
I testify that this is the Son of God." 129-34
How did the people react to John's message - then and now?
a) John is a real 'nutter', only the Messiah, only God, can take away sins.
b) "Oh no, not again, he's always on about sin - what about love?"
c) Afraid or Embarrassed - so change the subject, or tell the latest joke.
d) Intellectual diversion. "Really, how interesting, what is sin? Why a Lamb?"
e) "What do I have to do? How? Please, tell me now!" - The truth at last!
Now I can know the forgiveness of God, and be accepted by him.
God is the Remover of sin as well as the Giver of blessing and strength.
When was I first aware of sin against God?
We do 'wrong' against others, but as David said in Ps 514
"Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in
your sight."
What is the consequence of sin? Is it really death?
God told Adam and Eve that if they ate from the forbidden tree they would
die.
And they did; although they still went on walking and talking,
but their relationship with God was broken; and that
is death.
Sin cannot just disappear like a common cold.
Sin needs to be 'surgically' removed and redeemed. Heb 922 1 Jn
17 - 22
Does God ignore my wilfulness, greed, half-truths, lust, impatience, and
pride?
What sins really matter? Are some worse than others?
Jesus is clearly concerned about all our sins.
But he was crucified to defeat the principle of sin, from which all wickedness
springs.
John saw the Holy Spirit descend like a dove (Math 316) and remain.
It was true, Jesus really was the Son of God, the Messiah was here!
The next day John was there again with two of his
disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
135,36
Next day John cries with even greater urgency - "Look, there he is, go!"
But there was no response.
So he cried again, louder!, "Behold the Lamb of God ..."
Preachers, be encouraged; never give up if folk do not seem to hear first
time.
John and Andrew left John Baptist and followed Jesus, and John rejoiced!
There was no jealous denominationalism in this man's heart.
Is our church the best for everyone?
Is it the only one that proclaims the truth without any error?
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed
Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"
They said, "Rabbi where are you staying?" "Come," he replied, "and you will
see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with
him. It was about the tenth hour. 137-39
Jesus was aware of them following, he takes the initiative, "What do you
want?"
"Where are you staying?" They wanted more than a 5 minute chat!
What are our goals? What do we long for?
Why did they call Jesus 'Rabbi'?(= a teacher) They had not yet heard him
teach.
Jesus didn't deny the title. The temple guards saw it to be quite justified.
Jn 746
"Come and see." A typically Jewish reply that arouses curiosity.
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two
who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him,
"We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to
Jesus. 140-42a
Andrew hurries to find Peter. What does he say?
We've found the Messiah! (= God's anointed King)
Not exactly one of your everyday statements.
What would you do if someone said, "The Messiah has come"?
Nothing! Because he would not be the Messiah! Math 245, 23,24
Andrew's greatest work was to bring Peter to Jesus.
c.f. John Wesley at the church in Aldersgate St, London. Later he testified,
"One read from Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans ..." etc
Naturally we focus on Wesley, forgetting the "one" un-named who warmed his
heart.
Andrew was happy to play second fiddle to Peter, as John Baptist did to Jesus.
Neither were resentful at another's eminence.
Andrew was often busy introducing others. Also Jn 68 (boy)
1222 (Greeks)
Many disciples are won not by public preaching, but by private invitation.
Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because
there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.
(This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some
of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.
323-25
Why didn't John also follow Jesus?
Diligent to his God-given task - many had not yet heard his repeated message.
He did not seek an easier, more pleasant work. Math 2426
John may well have been an ex-member of the Essene Community at Qumran.
They emphasised washing, righteousness and had a yearning for the Messiah.
He left to follow the call of God to preach and evangelise.
Dead Sea scrolls at Qumran reveal much about the Essenes.
They were a religious Kibbutz, a monastic, agricultural community.
Lived in cool caves in the rugged, lime-stone mountains beside the Dead Sea.
Devoted to prayer and ritual cleansing (baptism) before and during meals.
Cared for orphans, very strict, women only tolerated to continue sect!
Taught that the faithfulness of God is forever.
If persecuted, told to remember it is not last battle.
"Repent and be baptised", "The Kingdom of heaven is at hand" are Essene
expressions.
They thought it almost impossible to live a righteous life in Jerusalem or
Jericho.
Needed to be separate. They hated the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.
Essenes said, 'Complete 3 years novice training and then become a member
here'
But John says, "Now is the time - the people 'out there' need to hear. Messiah
is coming soon."
Many were still coming to John to be baptised. Why?
He preached a baptism of repentance, which is not usually the top attraction.
But it did appeal to those with a tender conscience;
those who desired the forgiveness of God.
What is the significance of Baptism today?
It is a witness of what Christ has already done.
It is not the instrument of cleansing. (as with the Essenes)
Cannot be "Baptised into membership" - whether C of E or Baptist or ...
Many testify to their decision for Christ, but few testify to forgiveness
of sin.
Not surprisingly many also find it difficult to keep to their decision. Josh
2418,19
It is the same impossibility as earnest Jews who tried to keep the Law -
and failed.
They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man
who was with you on the other side of the Jordan - the one you testified
about - well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."
326
News of the greater success of Jesus disturbed John's followers - Why?
They were loyal to John - maybe some followers succumbed to petty jealousy;
anxious because 'their group' was dwindling.
Few of John's disciples had 'heard' his testimony that Jesus was the Messiah,
though he constantly repeated it.
Do we hear only what we want to hear?
Do we love to hear of Messiah's reign,
but are deaf to warnings about tribulation, persecution
and deception?
John wasn't disturbed at the success of Jesus. He was delighted!
His disciples should have rejoiced at the fulfilment of John's ministry.
To this John replied, "A man can receive only what
is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not
the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom.
The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full
of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is
now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. The one who comes
from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth,
and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above
all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his
testimony. The man who as accepted it has certified that God is truthful.
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the
Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything
in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects
the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
327-36
What are the chief characteristics of John the Baptist?
John was filled with the Spirit from his mother's womb.
He was bold, truthful, faithful to his Lord, and remained humble.
He cared far more that his disciples believed and followed Jesus
than that they joined and stayed in his 'church'.
He had heard the testimony of heaven to Jesus, "This is my beloved Son."
He knew that 'the Lamb of God' had come and he had seen the 'Dove descend'.
He insisted on repentance; and a change of life-style to prove it.
John's testimony was 'earthy' (331).
Jesus spoke of heaven because he was from heaven.
It was not evil because 'earthy', only limited - we see through a glass darkly.
John was like the night stars that disappear before the rising sun,
as a candle is light in the darkness, but cannot compare
with the sun-light.
He was like "Simeon and Anna who blaze in history as the flame of a match
blazes before it passes responsibility for the light
to the candle." John Wilson 12/86
John said, and meant, that "He must increase and I must decrease."
Do we find it easy to say 'I must decrease' ? Why not?
This is the objective of all good leaders who give effective training,
and also of parents for their children (who must 'increase'
to independence).
He describes Christ correctly (because the truth was revealed to him by God).
1. A mere man like me can only receive what God gives him, but he is God!
Jesus came from above, therefore his testimony is true.
331
Jesus witnesses to what he has seen and heard there.
First class information!
2. I am not the Christ, the Messiah - but he is!
3. I am the Friend, not the Bridegroom. 329
Whole purpose of 'Best-man' is to aid the union of the
Bride and Groom
(but the aim of a rival is to gain the bride for himself!)
4. Cared nothing for the honour and praise of men.
5. The Christ has come! He is my joy. My purpose is now complete.
6. Jesus is the Son of God. 327,35
7. Jesus is the Lamb of God - the necessary sacrifice. 129,36
The other gospels tell us of:-
John in Prison . Math 11
What Jesus said about John. Math 117 1713
2126
John beheaded. Math 14
John's baptism. Act 15 1116 1825
194
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee.
Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited
to the wedding. 21,2
Cana is 10 miles N. of Nazareth, 80 miles or 5 days journey from Bethany.
128
'Third' day. Most Jewish weddings are on Tuesday (the third day). Gen
110
Jesus would not have been invited by phone two days before.
It was a long-planned, family wedding. Jesus and disciples were invited.
21 143
He did not 'gate-crash' or bring extra guests and so cause the wine to run
out, as some have suggested.
When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him,
"They have no more wine." "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied.
23,4a
In Israel the Bridegroom's mother is responsible for wedding arrangements.
Mary (the mother of Jesus) was the sister of the Bridegroom's mother,
according to one of the Coptic gospels.
Mary's sister was Salome. (Combine Jn 1925 Math 2756
Mk 161)
Joseph is not mentioned here or anywhere later - he had probably died earlier.
Mary had learned by much experience that her Son could always be relied on.
He had always proved faithful, dependable, unselfish.
And she wasn't just biased!
She instinctively turned to Jesus for help - do we?
AV "Woman, what have I to do with thee? ...
RSV "O woman, what have you to do with me? ...
Living "I can't help you now ...
Good News "You mustn't tell me what to do ...
Phillips "Is that your concern or mine? ...
Weymouth "Leave the matter in my hands ...
NIV "Why do you involve me? ...
Amplified "Dear woman, what is that to you and to me? ...
Problem - what is Jesus saying? In English "woman" sounds rude. Also Jn
1921
But Jesus was never rude or evasive.
He would certainly have honoured his mother.
The expression is literally, "What to me and to you?"
or "What is there in common between me and you?"
or "My thoughts are one thing and yours are another"
i.e. No-one can ever tell God when or how to perform
miracles.
It could be paraphrased:
"Mary, please don't worry, you do not yet understand
what is going on;
but my Father has plans - for now and for later - leave
it to me."
It is a mild correction as in "I must be about my Father's business." Lu
249
"My time has not yet come." 24b
'My time ...' When was, or is, this time? Jn 76 1223
The hour for a miracle had come,
but 'My hour' when, not wine, but his own blood would
flow, would be later.
'Wine' flowed at Calvary and sweeter wine will flow at the wedding of the
Lamb.
It flows now as we 'remember the body and blood' looking forward with hope.
His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells
you." Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial
washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants,
"Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told
them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They
did so. 25-8
Mary had no idea what Jesus would do, but she was confident in her Son.
"Do as he says ..." is always good advice. And the servants were obedient.
Mary showed both meekness and faith.
It is for us to fill the water pots, it is Christ who makes the water wine.
See 2 Kg 41-7
6 stone water jars. Being hewn stone, they were large and expensive
static troughs.
(Maybe the family had fallen on hard times).
Empty because the water had been used to wash the guests feet.
Filled to brim. 6 x 25 = 150 gall
Ceremonial law required washing before meal and between courses.
Water cannot wash away sin; but wine, the blood of Jesus, can!
Far more wine than needed - No need can ever exhaust God's supply.
God's grace is never lacking; nor is any sin so great that it cannot be forgiven.
Jesus did not command or strike the water, he just willed its change.
"The Creator of all matter exercised his Lordship over it;
the modest water saw its God, and blushed." W.
Temple
Is Jesus concerned with everyday needs or only the eternal? Both.
The Son of God was not too great or too heavenly to pay taxes to men.
Peter catches a fish with a coin for both of them.
Math 1724
Hospitality is very important to Jews.
To have no wine would be a terrible humiliation.
Jewish Rabbis say that without wine there is no joy.
But they hasten to add that it is a disgrace to be drunk.
Jesus is not a severe, austere killjoy; he loved to share in happy rejoicing.
Yet we are warned against frivolity and mirth. Fun can be a difficult area.
One believer can do without risk to his faith what another cannot do.
We each need to be sensitive to each other's needs.
"Happy is he who can use his Christian liberty without abusing it." Spurgeon
And the master of the banquet tasted the water that
had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though
the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom
aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper
wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the
best till now." 29,10
If possible see the Riding Lights video drama of Wedding at Cana ("100% Proof").
Jews at Passover and Tabernacles dream and hope that the Messiah would come.
Here he is: at the wedding, and the miracle is achieved almost unnoticed.
Jesus fulfils all the best dreams of man.
John's gospel tells us what Jesus did once 2000 years ago,
and he tells us what Jesus is always doing.
Village wedding starts with an evening feast, followed by the marriage.
Then they dance around the whole village under the canopy with torches and
crowns.
(as also with the Law at Simchath Torah, the 8th day
of Tabernacles).
The Bride and Groom stay home for 7 days of festivities.
The wedding scene from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" gives some idea
of the festive, communal attitude.
Jesus gladly shared in this happy time.
Jews know how to enjoy such occasions.
Christians are often less certain how to rejoice with freedom and righteousness.
For believers the best is still to come ... the wedding of the Lamb.
One day there will be a greater marriage feast than the one at Cana.
Christ will be the Bridegroom and not just a guest - the wine will not run
out.
The blood of Christ shed for the forgiveness of my sin will never lack quantity
or quality!
Christ honours the state of marriage.
c.f. today's practice of 'co-habiting' or unmarried
'partners'. (= fornication)
There is a time to fast and a time to feast. Jesus did both - not neither.
He was unwilling to make stones into bread for himself, but this was different.
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee.
He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
211
In a humble Galilean village home, the Lord of Glory performed his first
miracle.
No vast crowds or great occasion - just family and a few 'local yokels',
but the wine was the very best that God could make - 'very good'. Gen 1
God didn't give second best because it was just a simple home and only a
few people.
The disciples caught a dazzling glimpse of who Jesus was.
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus
went up to Jerusalem. 213
Why was the Temple built?
God said, " ... make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them." Exd
258
They offered daily sacrifices and kept the annual feasts, and many longed
for the promised day
when the perfect sacrifice would be provided. Gen
2214 Jn 856
There is a slight problem at to when this incident occurs:
1) Matthew, Mark and Luke only record the crucifixion Passover.
Mark and Luke dovetail the cleansing in with other events
in the last week.
2) John records 3 Passover's (213 64 1155).
Puts this incident in the first one.
Probably more interested in what and why happened, rather
than when.
3) But Jesus may have cleared the Temple twice - note Jn 1157
Previous cleansing may have encouraged Pharisees to
try to arrest him
when he came again to the temple
at Passover.
Feeding 4,000 and 5,000 are both in Matthew and Mark, but neither give any
indication that it had happened before.
This problem does not infer any inaccuracy in scripture, just that we do
not know the answer!
In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep
and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip
out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle;
he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn
my Father's house into a market!" 214-16
'My Father's House'. Who does that make Jesus? What a claim!
(see chapter on "Whose Son was Jesus?")
What made Jesus so angry?
The Temple trade profaned the Holy Place and exploited the people.
Temple Tax of ½ shekel 2 day's wages (£80 today). Jesus paid
it. Math 1724
Sacrifices brought were inspected (at a price!) - and always found to be
imperfect.
So people had to purchase an 'official' sacrifice at double the normal price.
Sacrifices had to be purchased in 'temple' shekels, plus 18% exchange charge.
Couldn't use impure foreign currency or even normal Jewish money.
The High Priests were very rich!
(e.g. Luxury house of Caiaphas has been excavated under
the Old City)
His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal
for your house will consume me." 217
Jesus drove them out with zeal and holy indignation.
No-one dared to stop him! Was this because they had a guilty conscience?
Jesus is Lord. In heaven and on earth.
e.g. Taken to the cliffs at Nazareth but walked away
through crowd. Lu 428
Soldiers at Gethsemane drew
back and fell to the ground. Jn 186 and 1836
What action did Jesus take? Different for each abuse.
Sheep and cattle were driven out.
Coins were scattered, but not taken.
Dove sellers were told to remove them - they were not
released.
No one lost anything.
The point was well made, even if the lesson was not learned.
The "House for all nations" was built to include the Gentiles. Mk
1117
However, they were not allowed nearer than this market to pray.
i.e. any seeking Gentile was unlikely to find God in
this corrupted court.
Are seekers ever put off from our church? This would also make Jesus angry.
Other applications:
1) Worship can lose reverence due to clutter and distractions.
How may we show the pure reverence that is in our hearts
and remove the clutter?
2) Sacrifice without sincerity is useless. Hos 813 Is
117 Ps 5116
The Lord loves a cheerful giver, not a reluctant or
selfish one.
What is our response? Indifference, rebellion, excuses (everyone does/has
...), or ??
What is the clutter?
Worldly ambition, anxiety, popularity, possessions, unworthy traditions,
etc
If Jesus found it necessary to cleanse the stone Temple,
how much more important that our bodies should be kept
clean. 1 Co 619
Christ, with controlled anger and power delivers this unforgettable lesson.
Jesus rightly has this authority. Do we gladly or grudgingly acknowledge
it?
What will Jesus do when he comes again to judge the earth? Rev
616,17
The Jewish leaders were offended when their corruption and greed were exposed.
How are we offended?
Then the Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign
can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?"
218
The religious leaders did not ask Jesus why he had cleared the Temple.
Perhaps they knew why: or maybe didn't want to know!
They only asked by what authority he had done so.
They demanded a sign to prove his identity.
4 of the 7 expected signs of the coming Messiah were:
Healing a leper.
Healing one born blind.
Able to cast out a dumb spirit (Pharisees had to name
the evil spirit).
Raise the dead.
Some still asked for a sign; but to others the Temple clear-out was a sign!
"Only zeal of Messiah could do this." 217
Graciously, Jesus does offer them a sign. One they don't expect.
Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will
raise it again in three days." The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six
years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"
But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the
dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture
and the words that Jesus had spoken. 219-22
This sign was only of value to believers.
and then only after the event. c.f. common reaction
"I want proof now!"
Destroy this temple (my body) and in 3 days I will build another (a permanent
dwelling) .
The sign he offered would remain a mystery for another 3 years.
Preachers, teachers, parents take heart. The good seed is not wasted.
Evidence is misquoted by accusers in Math 2661 and
2740.
Apostles later reminded leaders that Jesus said he would rise from the dead.
Act 42.10 530
Building of Temple had lasted 46 years. (19 BC to 27 AD. Jesus died 30 AD)
Like many 'grand' buildings, It was magnificent but useless!
(and would be destroyed in 70 AD)
Jesus himself fulfilled the purpose of the Temple - no more sacrifices needed.
A new way to God was opened or built for all men, Jews and Gentiles.
Your (not my Father's) house is left to you desolate. Lu
1335
Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast,
many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and
believed in his name.
But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men.
He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.
223-25
Miracles are always attractive! But how often do they lead to faith and
salvation?
What did these men believe?
Believed Jesus was more than an ordinary carpenter, and followed him.
Until his sayings became too hard to accept.
660
Then they fell away. 666 (This is one of
the saddest verses in scripture.)
Jesus knew that their 'believing' was shallow. He always knows what is in
a man.
When life's tragedy's strike or persecution comes or we see some other 'sign',
are we distracted or easily persuaded to change
course?
Job remained true, but Jesus later warned the disciples that the faith of
many
would quickly evaporate or their love would grow cold.
Math 2413a
'Stony-ground hearers' heard and rejoiced. But it did not last. Lu
813
If attraction is based on the sensational, it is usually temporary and unstable.
Faith comes by hearing, not seeing. Ro 1017
And that hearing must change the heart, not just titillate the emotions.
In Cana God revealed his glory. 211 What do you see as glory?
Healings and miracles? Jn 450 29
Lazarus walking out of the tomb? Jn 114,40
Casting out demons? Lu 938
Walking on the water or stilling the storm? 619
It can be seen in these miracles but the glory of Jesus is much more:
Jesus, the light of heaven. Rev 2123
Jesus hanging on a cross, bearing my sin! Behold the Lamb of God.
129
Jesus risen, enthroned. Act 755 Heb 716 Rev
196,7
Jesus bringing judgement against all the wicked. Rev 1911, 1,2
Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus, and it changed his life.
1241 Is 6
The disciples believed in Jesus. 211 223
But Jesus could not trust them then. Later he would. Jn 17 Math
2819
Am I glad that Jesus knows all my heart? Yes! It is both frightening
and a great relief.
Seeking Signs
The Jews demanded signs. Why do we also seek signs?
To increase popularity? As proof of ministry? ("signs following"),
Love of the spectacular? Reputation of our church or ourselves? (see Rev
31)
Or do we long for the glory of Jesus?
And especially, do we have an urgent compassion for the person in need?
Sign seeking can be an excuse for unbelief! Math 164 (after feeding
4000)
"An evil and adulterous generation looks for miraculous signs ..."
but none will be given, except Jonah! (i.e. resurrection)
Math 1240
'Jonah and the whale' is usually relegated to Sunday School,
like Noah and the Ark (a rejected sign during all the
years of its building)
When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he
had been wanting to see him ... he hoped to see him perform some miracle.
Lu 238
and it would have had same effect as seeing the magician,
Paul Daniels,
amazement, but not repentance before Almighty God.
Many Jews (and Charismatics!) demand to see miraculous signs. 1 Co
122
The apostle John uses the word 'semeion' = sign (power + purpose),
rather than 'dunamis' = power (amazed but no nearer
to God)
He desired people to respond to God, not just stand open-mouthed.
Jesus would become King, not by victory over the Romans, but by dying on
a Cross!
Signs abound throughout scripture, in God's dealings with men of all ages,
in the history of the Jewish and of Gentile people.
These many signs meet with many different responses:-
1. Signs that led to following Jesus
Water to wine. 211 but see also 62
2. Signs that did not lead to faith
The Lord said to Moses,
"How long will these people treat me with contempt?
How long will they refuse to believe in me,
in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" Num
1411
Even after Jesus had done many miraculous signs in their presence,
they still would not believe in him. 1237
1524 Math 1120-23 163 Lu 1627-31
How many in England today are convinced by the miracles of Jesus?
Even some Bishops aren't!
In the U.K. we have probably been privileged above every other nation on
earth.
God has given us the scriptures, a heritage of faith and endless opportunity
to hear,
but sadly we have ignored God's offer of mercy through
Jesus Christ,
and scorned his Commandments thinking we know better
than our Creator!
3. Signs demonstrating that God is Almighty
God rescues and he saves;
Israel from Egyptian slavery and then from their army.
Daniel from lions and his friends from fire.
David kills Goliath. Delivers him from Saul. etc
The expression "... then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord."
is used 62 times in Ezek 6-33
But did the exiles in Babylon learn that God is Sovereign?
and that it was God who had brought Nebuchadnezzar to
destroy Jerusalem?
Exd 101,2 1212 Josh
2417 Jer 4429 1 Sam 5,6 1 Sam 17 1 Kgs
1838,39 Dan 627
4. Signs that point to Christ, the Redeemer
Isaac said, "The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the
burnt offering?" Abraham answered, (prophesied) "God himself will provide
the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." ... Gen 227,8
God provided a ram. But Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.
Gen 2214
Again prophetically, he did not say God has provided,
but, God will provide.
God instructs Israel to keep the Passover, the Law, the daily sacrifices.
etc
They each reveal the need for a Saviour to come. Exd 12, 20-33 Deut 16
"The law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ". Gal 324
It shows us the impossibility of pleasing God outside
of Christ.
One day a Better Sacrifice would come! Heb 7-10
Unlike Cain, Abel brought the best, but knew that it was not good enough.
He longed for the day of the Messiah who would be. Gen 44 Heb
114
Adam and Eve were given garments of skin to replace fig-leaves. Gen
37,21
(An animal had to be sacrificed to cover their shame).
God showed them that one day there would be a 'better sacrifice'.
Ruth was redeemed by Boaz, not for land, but to be his bride.
Hosea the prophet bought, and saved, his own wife who had become a harlot.
Joseph was rejected and unjustly sentenced: yet God raised him up to save
many.
Melchizedek brought bread and wine and blessed Abraham. Gen
1418,19
Noah's Ark was covered inside and out with pitch. Gen 614
But the Hebrew word for pitch here is 'Kaphar'.
elsewhere it is always translated atone, cleanse, appease,
forgive etc.
Noah saw the pitch as the atonement that saved him, he looked forward to
the day of the Redeemer; just as we look back and remember the bread and
wine, and it reminds us of the body and blood of Jesus that saves us.
All these signs, and many more, each point to Jesus, the Messiah Redeemer.
5. Signs that are the fulfilment of prophecy
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with
child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Is
714
Jesus said to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Lu 421
Jesus fulfilled many prophecies. Math 215 216-18
816,17 214,5 Lu 1831-33 2444-46
Jn 1318,19 1936 and many more.
6. Covenant signs
And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and
you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to
come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the
covenant between me and the earth. ..." Gen 912-16
13 years after Abraham believed God and he credited it to him as righteousness,
"You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant
between me and you." Gen 1711
God told him that Circumcision is a sign, (like baptism) a witness of what
has already happened.
Say to the Israelites, "You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign
between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am
the Lord, who makes you holy." Exd 3113
7. Signs of God's hatred of sin
God scatters the people of Babel for their arrogance. Gen
114,5,8,9
God destroys the whole world in a flood for their wickedness. Gen
65-8
(Only Noah and his family were righteous and saved)
God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah for the outcry of their sin. Gen
1820,21 1924
also Josh 71,4,21,22 Jer 253-11
Ezek 2414 Is 611,2
Some may find the severity of these judgements surprising.
And especially if we remember that God has not changed!
God gives us signs in our evil generation, and they should be taken seriously.
In The Pilgrim's Progress, Christian fled the City of Destruction.
He sought God after being given a tract by Evangelist, which said, "Flee
from the wrath to come!"
In the Nazareth synagogue (Lu 416-21), Jesus didn't read the second
half of Is 612
Not because it was not true, but that the time for judgement would come later.
8. End-time Signs
There are some gaps in God's revelation which leads to much speculation.
But there is also much detail. Let us speak of what
is known; the rest is 'wait and see!'
The mystery of God will be accomplished. Rev 107 Dan
129
a) Disasters in the world. Natural disasters and man induced. Math
246-8
Hopes will be dashed when all experience the beginning of the 'birth-pains'.
Many who were taught that only 'Revival' was ahead will be disappointed.
Disillusionment, wickedness causes the 'love of many to grow cold'. Math
2412
b) Persecution in the church. Math 249,21,22 Rev 137, 15
Dan 725 127
But he who endures will be saved. Math 2413 Rev 1310
1412
Do not receive the mark of the beast. Rev 1316,17
149,10
c) False pretended peace. Dan 927 Math 246 Lu
1942 Jer 1411-16 1 Thes 53
d) Darkness. Literal, or maybe the darkness of universal wicked leaders.
As in the days of Noah, know that one day it will be too late. Gen
716
Men went about their normal business and missed seeing God's signs.
e) Abomination that makes desolate now on the Temple Mount. Math
2415
On the mosque of Oman (Golden Dome) is written words from the Koran
which deny that Jesus is the Son of God.
"People of the Book (Christians) do not transgress the bounds of your religion.
Speak nothing but the truth about God. The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary,
was no more than God's apostle and his word which he cast to Mary: a spirit
from him. So believe in God and his apostles and do not say `Three.' Forebear,
and it shall be better for you. God is but one God. God forbid that he should
have a son!"
(Koran sura 4:171 also sura 9:30 10:68 17:111 19:33 19:88 23:91 etc)
f) God is still very much in control of the end-time events.
6 Seals opened by King Jesus! Rev 6.
Then 7th Seal and the 7 warning trumpets.
Satan is defeated and Babylon falls - at last! Rev 148 18
7 bowls of God's wrath. O God, "You are just in all these judgements"
165 153
9. False signs, many deceived.
Jesus warned the disciples that many will be deceived. Math
244,11,25
The church today needs to hear this, and hear it very carefully.
Deceit is never easily perceived.
How will many in the church be deceived?
a) Refuse to see the tribulation signs as God's warnings. Rev
1610,11 920,21
Church will not escape the Tribulation. Math 249,22 Rev
137,10b Dan 721,25
b) Fail to realise that Satan will also perform miracles and healings. Rev
133,14
c) The deceitfulness of riches, comfort and easy living. Mk 419
1023 Jer 613
d) Flattery, false prophets. Telling us what we want to hear - peace, revival
...
Ro 1618 Jer 811 also see Jer 379 James
122 1 Jn 18
e) 'Dominion now' and 'Replacement theology' in which world-wide revival
propels the Church into world power. They claim all God's promises to Israel,
but none of the warnings! and say Israel has no special part in the 'end
time'
plan of God. But it is the Anti-christ, (not the Church) who will be in control
at Christ's return.
f) People gradually believe 'strong' leaders and their emotions or experiences
more than the complete Word of God. Ps 197-11 Rev
2218,19
Each of these is highly dangerous - be warned!! Rev 1614 Dan
825
Satan will attempt to mimic and counterfeit all God does. It will appear
genuine.
The Beast and the false prophet of Rev 13 are highly seductive and powerful.
We all need to learn to discern. Failure to do so will be catastrophic.
There have been 3 main seasons of miracles since creation:
1) at the Exodus. 10 plagues, Passover, Red Sea divided, Manna etc
but they did not lead to faith among Israelites. Num 1420-24
2) in the days of Elijah and Elisha. But it was also of Ahab and Jezebel
There was much wickedness. School of prophets, but no great revival
3) in the days of Jesus and the Apostles. The early Church was established
and was persecuted. There was no national repentance. Jn 666
These will be a 4th season of signs and wonders in the last days.
But these will deceive many. Please take great care.
Note especially the prophecy in Joel 21-9
The Lord promises to pour our his Spirit on all flesh. When is this to be?
Peter in Acts 2 says that it was fulfilled then. True.
But it will also be fulfilled in the last days. Why specially then?
With worldwide aggressive persecution, and Tribulation
the saints will need the Spirit to prevent us from falling.
There will not be a great revival and there is no pre-Tribulation rapture.
Sorry!
(see 'Signs of His Coming',
'Danger in the church Today')
(Use arrow Back to return here)
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus,
a member of the Jewish ruling council. 31
'A man of the Pharisees' - Who were they?
Elite brotherhood. (Never numbered more than 6000)
Believed in the resurrection and that God ordered national events.
Sadducees, rich land-owners, believed neither!)
to them the Temple Services and
Sacrifices most important)
Scribes were the experts in the Law, the theologians,
judges and secretariat)
Pharisees had much influence and popular support 150 years previously.
but by 30 AD they had become more political and social
- and despised.
Similar to the 'Liberal' Church today after the Reformation and the Puritans.
Jesus said that many were hypocrites; but some were genuine and earnest.
Like Wesley and Oxford Holy Club who sought real, practical holiness.
But they believed they could achieve this by their own endeavour.
Saul of Tarsus also thought this before he met Jesus on the Damascus Road.
Each had to admit failure and their need to meet the Saviour.
They had to find that only Jesus can make the wounded,
sinful spirit whole.
The Pharisees dedicated their whole lives to trying to keep the law - personally.
What was the Law?
Moses gave the Torah - Gen. to Deut. (613 Laws - 248 positive, 365 negative)
After the exile to Babylon, Ezra explained the Law; and the people rejoiced!
Neh 8. Why such emphasis on the Law?
They believed that failure to keep law, (especially the Sabbath laws),
had caused the tragic 70 year exile to Babylon - and
didn't wish to repeat it.
7th day was a Sabbath for man, and 7th year was a Sabbath for land. Lev
254
"If in spite of this you still do not listen to me ... I will scatter you
among the nations and will draw out my sword and pursue you. Your land will
be laid waste, and your cities will lie in ruins. ... All the time that it
lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not have during the Sabbaths
you lived in it." Lev 2627,33,35
"He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, ... until the kingdom of Persia
came to power. The land enjoyed its Sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation
it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfilment of the word
of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah." 2 Ch 3620,21
So from Ezra on, every detail of the Law was explained.
This 'Oral Law' later became the Mishnah 200 AD and Talmud 400 AD
Eventually there were 1500 Sabbath Laws! - the Jewish Midrash.
Not unlike today's complex Sunday trading laws (even the revised laws)
The Rabbi's explained the Laws, and the Pharisees tried to enforce them.
Nicodemus was one of the 72 wealthy members of the Sanhedrin.
(310)
He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know
you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous
signs you are doing if God were not with him." 32
Nicodemus was not a stereotyped "Baddy", but an earnest seeker.
He was not biased, and having seen the signs, he knew God was with Jesus.
32
Unlike most of us, Jesus did not despise Nicodemus because he was a Pharisee.
Why did Nicodemus go to see Jesus?
There was no chance for a serious, undisturbed talk with Jesus during the
day.
An enquirer today would probably not start asking the vicar after a service
but would seek an evening appointment to speak with
him.
The wonder is not that he came to Jesus by night, but that he came at all!
The Law was his "schoolmaster" - and it brought him to Christ. Gal
324 (AV)
How?
The Law was good but it was difficult to learn: and even more difficult to
keep.
Nicodemus had spent all his life at the task.
However hard he tried he could not keep all of the Law all of the time.
The Law was not the answer - not for him, (or for anyone);
it has no compassion and no forgiveness, only condemnation.
Do this and don't do that ... If you fail then ... Ro
320 Deut 11,28-30
Nicodemus, like thousands of ordinary honest Jews, admitted that he had failed.
So how could he win God's approval? Perhaps Jesus might know.
In reply Jesus declared,
"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of
God unless he is born again." 33
Second of 25 occasions in John that Jesus declares 'I tell you the truth
...'
= "Verily, verily I say unto you ..." in AV.
(67 separate occasions in Gospels)
Not the usual Rabbinical uncertainty - Rabbi X says ... and Rabbi Y says
...
Nicodemus desired to be in Kingdom of God.
So Jesus tells him that he cannot even see it unless you are born again.
How can he be born again?
"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked.
"Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
34
'Born again' is not a modern evangelical term, but is at least 2500 years
old!
Nicodemus knew what being born again meant.
It described any of six occasions:
1. Gentile to Jewish conversion,
2. When crowned king (Nicodemus didn't qualify for either
of these)
3. At Bar-mitzvah (ceremony for all observant Jews at
13 years
when they become 'a son of the
Law' and spiritually responsible)
4. When Married (Nicodemus was a member of Jewish Council
31
and was therefore married. c.f.
Roman Catholic Church)
5. When became a Rabbi (so Nicodemus was at least 30
years old)
6. Teacher of Rabbis (so he must have been over 50.
"Israel's Teacher" 310)
Nicodemus was already born again in every way he knew.
He does not ask how can I be born again, but how can I be born again when
old?
His question asked what other form of new birth there yet remained for him?
So Jesus told him.
Jesus answered,
"I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born
of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives
birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born
again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot
tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born
of the Spirit." 35-8
'I tell you the truth' is repeated from 33
You must have both water birth (of the flesh) and of the Spirit.
Nicodemus was born of the flesh, an honest, practising Jew, a son of Abraham.
But this is not enough. He required new birth by the Spirit.
How, when, and where was a mystery to him, just like the wind (same
Hebrew word 'ruwach')
"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
39
Nicodemus wanted to know. He seems almost desperate now.
Jesus did not say, "Sorry, I can't tell you, it's a mystery!
"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you
not understand these things?" 310
Although Jesus seems quite harsh, the Son of God never despised the searchings
of an honest, open heart.
Nicodemus, you're a teacher, you ought to know!
What does the Tanach (the O.T. Jewish Scripture) say about this?
We Christian ought to know too, but do we? e.g. Ps 5110
Ezek 3626
Nicodemus is humbled, but there is no proud retaliation - so Jesus continues.
"I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and
we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our
testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe;
how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever
gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. Just
as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted
up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."
311-15
'I tell you the truth ... ' Third time.
What was Jesus saying to him in these verses that was so important?
It is true because no man taught it to me,
I knew it from the beginning. ('We' = Father and I)
You see, Nicodemus, I came down from heaven.
I am the Messiah you long for! Selah!
But understand this, Nicodemus,
the Messiah, "The Son of Man must be lifted up ... believe in him ..."
They looked at Moses' snake because they were sick and needed healing.
Nicodemus, you are sick and you cannot heal yourself, (let alone others)
You are ignorant and yet you try to teach others!
You rightly say that I am "a Teacher who has come from God."
And that, Nicodemus, is exactly who I am!
New birth is God's gift to those who believe that Jesus has done for us
what no man can do for himself, no matter how hard he
tries.
"He paid the debt he did not owe; because we owed a debt we could not pay"
What did Jesus do?
He was born and lived without sin, then he gave his life as a perfect sacrifice.
He fulfilled all the requirement of the daily sacrifice in the Temple and
the Passover Lamb.
I can never win God's approval by what I do.
By the good I do or the laws I keep etc
I will always break some and be guilty. Ro 310
Nicodemus knew this and cried. Jesus heard this man's cry, so he came from
heaven;
he showed himself to be the true answer to the problem.
Christ 'lifted up'. Christ crucified!
God's action and man's response.
Jesus must die. 314
Man must believe and so also die (to sin and to himself).
315,16,18 Gal 220
It was not by the blood of man (Jewish birth) but by the blood of Christ.
It was not the obedience of man (keeping the Law), but the obedience of Christ.
To be born again is not the same as turning over a new leaf, or even sincere
resolutions.
These might lead to a reformed character but never to a re-born one.
Looking to Moses, the tabernacle, the pole, or even the ground in shame,
will not pardon.
Believing is the continuing, 'heart-looking' to Jesus, crucified in my place.
Did Nicodemus come to believe?
We are not told here but from Jn 745-52 and 1919 it
would seem so.
Why did he seem so slow to believe?
Ask, how long did I resist, excuse myself or think that the cost was too
high?
'Believing' is far more than believing that God exists, or a decision to
follow God.
Several times the Israelites said,
"We will do everything the Lord has said, we will obey." Exd 193-8
243,7,8 Josh 2414-27
Each time they said that they would follow, but each time they failed.
Joshua even told them that they were not able to obey, but they remained
self-confident.
So Joshua built a heap of stones as a witness; against them.
Perhaps it is still there somewhere in the Negev, a consistent witness
to men who have struggled down this way for centuries.
Holiness requires the forgiveness of God; and God alone can forgive sins.
Mk 27
Jesus can pardon me for he paid the required price.
Christian, in Pilgrim's Progress, fled from the city of Destruction because
he feared the impending judgement. He decide to leave, but he still had the
burden (of the consciousness of sin) on his back. He passed the Slough of
Despond, met Mr Legality and Worldly-Wiseman (who told him of an easier way,
which nearly killed him!) Eventually he arrived at the Wicket Gate and was
let in. He was entertained at the Interpreters house, where the truth began
to dawn. From there he set out on the way of salvation, still carrying his
burden. Then he came to the Cross. Only then did his burden fall off his
back. He also received the new clothes of righteousness and a scroll from
the King he now served.
What do we learn from this?
Zeal and/or giving everything I have, can never atone for my sin; never,
ever.
At best it will be a very inadequate expression of gratitude of one
who knows that Jesus has graciously redeemed him.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life. 316
Love is always costly.
We know so little of all the pain that we have caused our Creator
In Noah's day "The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth,
and his heart was filled with pain." Gen 66
"As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city he wept over it ...
if only you had known on this day what would bring you peace." Lu
1941
What did God do?
"I asked Jesus, 'how much do you love the world?'
He replied, 'This much.' and he stretched out his arms and died."
He paid the highest conceivable price. He could not have paid any more.
Did he get 'value for money'? It does not seem so to me but
Jesus says to each of us, 'Nothing and no one is more precious'.
PAID ON THE NAIL by Graham Kendrick 1974?
If you heard that your life had been valued
And a price had been paid on the nail,
Would you ask what was traded, how much and who paid it,
Who was he, and what was his name?
If you heard that his name was called Jesus,
Would you say that the price was too dear?
He was held to the cross, not by nails but by love;
It was you broke his heart, not the spear!
Would you say you are worth what it cost him?
You say no, but the price stays the same.
If it don't make you cry, knock it off, pass it by,
But remember the day when you throw it away
That he paid what he thought you were worth!
Who does God love and desire to save?
The world Jn 316 Lu 734 -
The best and the worst
David + Manasseh 2 Kg 21 2 Ch 3313 -
Kings, good and bad
Saul + Mephibosheth 2 Sam 9 - Strong and
Crippled
Enoch + Rahab Gen 524 Jms 225
Heb 1131 - Righteous and Wicked
"... that everyone who believes in him may have eternal
life" 315,16,18,36
What does it mean to believe in him?
Believing is much more than being convinced that God exists.
Even to know that Jesus loves us is not by itself sufficient for salvation.
Satan knows that God loves the world: and cannot understand why!
To believe means that I know that:
1. I am guilty
I desire to be good but fail. I cannot keep Law.
(My tender conscience is awakened.)
2. The Death sentence on me is both just and eternal
See God's judgement on my sin. Jms 210 Gen
217
(Earnestly ask, "what can I do to be saved?")
3. I cannot pay
I cannot win approval, no good works can earn it.
(Desperation drives me to the Saviour)
4. Christ alone can and has paid the price in full
Trust the Lamb of God, the only true Redeemer.
(Relieved and grateful)
"Guilty, vile and helpless we, spotless Lamb of God was he ... What a Saviour!"
It must always lead us on to trust, love and obey our merciful Redeemer.
Only this can save a man - it has been so from the days of Abel,
and it will remain so until the day when Jesus comes
again.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn
the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is
not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because
he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
317,18
"No condemnation now I dread ..." Now that's Good News! Ro
81 Heb 1019
We are only confident because of what Christ has done is complete and effective.
But beware of presumption. Sin always has a big price tag - for someone!
What Jesus says here will surprise many today.
He clearly says that those who do not believe are condemned already.
318,36
Is this our theology?
We see God as loving Saviour, but what about as condemning Judge? Rev
192
We will never hear the Just Judge say of any of us - "Not guilty"
God must always say "Guilty " - but to the believer he adds,
"Another has completed the just sentence for your sin
for you"
Jesus, the Messiah, preached as Prophet, died as Priest and rose as King.
Consider Math 24, 25. Each story that Jesus told has a dramatic end!
Consider the end for each of them.
Wicked servants. 2451
5/10 Virgins. 2512
One talent man. 2526,30
Goats. 2541
A man reaps what he sows. Ro 25,8
If he insists on loving darkness, then one day he must bear the consequences.
Note that Jesus says here than men are not condemned because of wicked deeds,
but because they did not believe in God's one and only
Son. Also Heb319
Believers are not condemned because Jesus is our Redeemer and our Advocate.
2 hymns:-
Arise, my soul, arise,
Shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding Sacrifice
In my behalf appears:
Before the throne my Surety stands;
My name is written on his hands.
Five bleeding wounds he bears,
Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers,
They strongly speak for me:
"Forgive him, O forgive" , they cry,
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"
---------------
Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea;
A great High-priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
...
"BUT men loved darkness instead of light ...". It is an enormous `but' !
The greatest sign of the times today is that there is no shame in sin.
e.g. Socially acceptable for youngsters to live together.
Fornication = love
Sodomy = being 'Gay'
Divorce, abortion, corruption (everyone does it!)
Arrogance - "I'll decide what is right and wrong, Society
has no right to tell me
and God, well, you must be joking."
Why don't all men believe?
Because they love their evil deeds more than Christ. 319
There is no fear of God. They think that sin has no consequence;
and everything is free, even sin!
As someone said, "The greatest misfortune of men does not consist in their
being subject to sin, corruption and blindness; but in their rejecting the
Deliverer, the Saviour of the world, the Son of God."
"The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world ..."
19
God graciously offers to each of us the opportunity and the choice.
A man's reaction to Christ reveals what is in him:
Guilt, excuses, preferring darkness, fear of exposure,
anger or
Honest, transparent, hope, seeking and finding, gratitude.
We mustn't hesitate to tell any and all that God loves them.
That he died for all, and that God hates wickedness, and all who persist
in it are hell-bound.
To be economic with the truth may be convenient now, or even benevolent,
but it will not change the result on the day of Judgement.
However desirable; it is not true that all will be saved.
Note that it is not for any man to judge another;
those whose deeds are obviously evil, or not so obvious!
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever
rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.
336
Nicodemus, and all men are given only two alternatives. In this there is
no happy, or unhappy, medium.
There is either eternal life or the eternal wrath of God.
We can begin life now by believing, or remain in a state of condemnation
and tremendous peril.
'Rejects' is a much stronger word than 'not believing'.
God can offer the world no greater gift than his Son, yet most refuse him.
John's Gospel is not only a gospel of Love; it is of Love and of Judgement.
The first coming of Jesus was not to bring judgement. Jn 522,26,30
939 1247,48
Then and now the Lord speaks and acts; and men are judged by their reaction.
(by rejecting they reveal their condemnation)
God's wrath remains (not comes) upon all unbelievers.
The word "Wrath" is only used once by Jesus and once by John Baptist (Math
37).
In considering this verse we hesitate because it is a difficult subject,
and also because the wrath of God is what I certainly
deserve.
But we must consider it because it is here in scripture.
(Judgement occurs over 50 times in N.T. as well as in
the O.T.)
Some like to think that God cannot condemn anyone (they think it is not his
nature);
so they need not consider the implications of this part
of God's character.
But Jesus here makes the true situation painfully clear.
The gospel without Judgement is deficient - it is either sentimental or proud.
"The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom." Prov 19
Fear leads to seeing in a right perspective. It is more than respect or awe.
It sees the reality of the wrath of God and of hell - and it quakes.
Christians are saved for heaven and from hell.
Whether men believe it or not, the great and terrible day will still come!
The day when the earth will mourn. Rev 1611 187,11,19
But it is also the day when the believing Bride, who has waited patiently,
is greeted by her Bridegroom.
Sin, corruption, and even temptation, are gone for ever, at last! Rev
2217
Why was (is) Jesus rejected?
His very goodness made them feel guilty - and they blamed him for it!
They preferred darkness. 319
Most men, but not all, choose "happiness now and holiness later,
rather than holiness now and happiness later."
Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town
in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his
son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey,
sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 44-6
A brief history of the Samaritans:
They were a remnant of Israel, not a religious group like the Sadducees.
Sychar is a village 3 miles east of Shechem (the principal town of Samaria)
about 30 miles north of Jerusalem and 30 miles south
of Nazareth.
The area is packed with history (like most places in Israel).
God appeared to Abraham here. Gen 126
The land was bought from Shechem by Jacob after Peniel. Gen 3318,
34
Shechem raped Dinah, so he and brothers were killed by Simeon and Levi.
Joseph went to his brothers at Shechem, who sold him to Midianites. Gen
3713
Jacob gave the land to Joseph. Gen 4821,22
Joshua assembles tribes at Shechem. Renew covenant - decide to serve God.
Builds stone of witness that they are not able to! Josh
24
Joseph's bones were buried at Shechem (400 years later). Josh 2432
Rehoboam gathers Jews, but rejects elders advice, kingdom divides. 1 Kgs
12
Israel with 10 tribes in North; Judah and Benjamin in South under Jereboam.
After a chequered and evil history Israel is defeated by Assyria in 721 BC
Assyria exiles most Jews from Israel and re-populates area. 2 Kg
1724-
Few remaining Jews largely assimilated with new population, and thus despised.
Judah is exiled to Babylon in 605, 597 and in 586.
In 537 they return to Jerusalem. Ezra 46-24 (Zech 3,4)
Zerubbabel refuses the Samaritan offer of help to rebuild Temple.
In 446 they complain to Artaxerxes about Nehemiah re-building Jerusalem's
walls.
They build their own Temple on Mt Gerizim. (Blessing) Deut 2712
They refuse to join the Maccabean revolt in 167 BC.
Hasmonaean's (from Judah) destroy the Samaritan temple in 128 BC.
Not surprisingly there was much mutual distrust, and even hatred.
848
Yet Samaritans responded well to Jesus and later to the Apostles. Act
84-8, 14-17
Shechem has become the modern city of Nablus,
which the Rabin government gave to the Palestinians
in Oct '95.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said
to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town
to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a
Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not
associate with Samaritans.) 47-9
Jesus was tired - one of many instances that show his humanity.
John emphasises both the Sonship and the humanity of Jesus.
This is a good example of resting without being idle, or feeling guilty.
A Rabbi would never talk to a woman in public (except his wife), his reputation
would be ruined.
Jesus was thirsty (everyone needs an extra 2 pints/day during Israeli summer).
He asks for water because he has no bucket, and as a means of 'bridge-building'.
He that 'flung stars into space' asks an adulterous woman for water!
He didn't force a religious conversation, nor did he immediately rebuke her
sin.
Her response was honest, polite, straight-forward and without hostility.
But she was totally mystified. They had no dealing with
Jews.
(c.f. today's denominations. Do we respond like this?)
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks
you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living
water." 410
What (who) is the gift of God? It is he who asked for a drink!
Here and consistently throughout his Gospel, John shows us who Jesus is.
Living water. Jer 213 1713 Jn 738 Rev
717
Living = constant running water, a stream.
c.f. this well (90 feet deep) or a wadi (dry except
after rain)
"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with
and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?
Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from
it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
411,12
How can you give any water? let alone more or better water?
No man is better than our forefather and hero, Jacob!
But she reveals her interest in living water - whatever or wherever that
might be.
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will
be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.
Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling
up to eternal life." 413,14
Jesus does not answer her question about Jacob,
nor does he contest that the Samaritans are Jacob's
descendants.
He rouses her interest in this living water that quenches thirst.
How can it lead to eternal life?
Can there really be no more thirsting in this weary world?
It is not Jacob's water, but Jacob's life; the life God gave him at Peniel.
He leaned upon his staff for the rest of his life,
but he never had to wrestle all night again. Gen
3222-29 Heb 1121
Jesus offers her 'eternal life' - a clear Messianic claim. Is
357
The manna only satisfied for one day, the living bread or water satisfies
for eternity. 647-51
The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so
that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
415
Then my water-carrying days will be over!
Or is this a 'cover' for her most dissatisfying life (now with her sixth
man!)
She ignores the reference to 'living' water and eternal life.
The first stirrings of the heart towards God are often with mixed motives.
A 2 year old's grammar is imperfect too! He has to learn.
She had to learn. So do we!
He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
416
What's that got to do with it? Jesus immediately knew her desire.
He didn't say, "Well let's pray!" He quickened her guilty adulterous conscience.
"There is an absolute necessity of conviction of sin before a soul can be
converted to God. Never does a man see any beauty in Christ as Saviour, until
he discovers that he is himself a lost and ruined sinner." J.C.Ryle
"I have no husband," she replied.
417a
An economy of the truth! But probably not intended to deceive.
No man really sees himself truthfully until he sees himself in the presence
of Christ;
and then he is appalled at the sight!
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you
have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you
now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
417b,18
Jesus states the truth: he did not condemn her.
Nothing can be hidden from him, God knows all.
Yet Jesus is gentle and kind to her.
"Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers
worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must
worship is in Jerusalem." 419,20
Like Nathanael, she realises that Jesus is different! He knows! Jn
148
She attempts no excuses.
She desired some religion, but does not know where to worship or to seek
God?
This is not a red herring. The Samaritan temple was destroyed in 128 BC.
Jesus sees that she is now near to crying, "What can I do to be saved? Act
237
Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming
when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know,
for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when
the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they
are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers
must worship in spirit and in truth." 421-24
'Woman' = 'Dear lady' (see 21-11 'At a Small Jewish
Wedding').
God as 'Father' - a totally new idea for her (and for all Jews).
The Samaritans had no foundation or assurance that God received
their prayers or worship, because it was based on falsehood.
Formal religion can at best only give temporary hope or encouragement.
Salvation is from the Jews, God bless them!
All God's revelations (including the Scriptures) have come from the Jews!
The Passover was about to be fulfilled and the veil torn in two.
Also Pentecost when Jews offer 2 leavened loaves on
single sheet.
i.e. Jews and Gentile sinners made one with God. Eph
211-
The Temple system is now superseded;
and so is the Church system. i.e. 'we go to Church to
meet God'
You don't have to go anywhere to meet or worship God.
Worship in 'spirit' = heart worship, not formal, ceremonial worship.
False worship is:
1. Selective.
Chooses only what it wishes to know about God.
e.g. God is Father and ignores that he is also Judge.
2. Ignorant.
Hope must have its reason to be safe.
Why are we confident to come before Almighty God? Heb
1019
3. Superstitious.
Worship out of fear, not gratitude.
Tries to appease God, and to earn salvation.
When the Father seeks, he finds!
Jesus in effect says to her,
"Dear lady, God desires your worship more than you desire to worship him."
The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ)
"is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
425
She did not understand.
Why should salvation come from the Jews who hate us?
Who is this 'Father' we shall worship?
But she desired 'living water'
she admitted her guilt,
she saw that formal religion was no help,
she looked forward to the Messiah.
But she saw no immediate relief; because no Messiah had yet come.
She was uncomfortable and perplexed; if only he would come soon!
Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."
426
Same as Jn 858 "Before Abraham was, I am." (also Heb. Exd
314)
Only God can reveal this. Math 1617
And Jesus graciously reveals himself to this 'foreign', ignorant, sinful
woman.
What a bomb-shell!
Revelation doesn't require intellect, only a quickened conscience and a thirst.
Most of the Scribes were too "righteous" to admit they were needy sinners!
Her question, "Are you greater than Jacob?" is now answered; it couldn't
be earlier.
See the wisdom, the kindness and the mercy of Jesus in dealing with a sinful
soul.
He never despised her - not for her wickedness nor her ignorance.
Like Rebecca and Rachel: she had no idea what would happen as she did her
daily duties;
how this day her life would be so totally changed by
God himself.
It seems that Jesus never did get his water to drink! 428
but the woman was saved, and many others too.
Just then his disciples returned and were surprised
to find him talking with a woman. 427a
What an inopportune moment! But it wasn't.
Interruptions are sometimes God's plan,
and not the intrusions on our plans, that they often
seem to be.
The disciples are surprised to find him talking with a woman, and a Samaritan
at that!
How little did they know of the heart of God and his desire to save sinners,
both Jew and Gentile sinners. (Act 1014)
Tax collectors, harlots, publicans etc were his friends. Lu 529,30
734 152
All who are not too proud to admit that we need to be saved.
In the eyes of heaven, a successful church is one where sinners are welcome.
Jesus was too great to care about greatness, popularity, or social traditions.
"No one asked (her) what do you want?" or "Why are
you (Jesus) talking to her?" 427b
Disciples were too embarrassed to talk to her, and too afraid to criticise
Jesus.
Had they learned by then that Jesus always had his reasons?
When do God's actions seem strange to us? And why? What do we do?
e.g. Unjust governments, accidents, healing etc
Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to
the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything
I ever did ..." 428,29a
She left her jar; her mind was now taken up with more important matters!
Like the Galilean fishermen or Matthew or Saul. Phil 38
Immediately she became an evangelist with a testimony (albeit incomplete)
So also was that of Andrew Jn 141 or Philip Jn
145
She, like them, confined her argument to 'Come and see',
plus 'the man told me all I ever did'
and that was saying something for this colourful,
dissatisfied, humble lady!
Can we also say 'come and see'.
See What? Where?
"Could this be the Christ?"
429b
If only the Messiah could have come now, here, to us in Samaria, they cried
Jesus tells them and shows them that he is the Messiah, their Messiah!
They came out of the town and made their way toward
him. 430
This woman did not have the intellect of Nicodemus,
but she was far bolder and more effective in her witness.
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
431-33
Like Martha, we are often over concerned with the incidentals of life, Lu
1040
or are insensitive to the changed situation.
Lord, see what we've done for you. We've brought the food you asked for.
Why aren't you pleased?!
But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know
nothing about. My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish
his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell
you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even
now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal
life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying
'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not
worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits
of their labour." 434-38
Of course Jesus had to eat normal food, but he also ate the food of obedience
to his Father.
Continually not spasmodically. 638
1421,23 1249
And right now he needed to finish the work (not eat).
Many more besides this one woman of Sychar will be saved in the next 2 days.
In the continuing challenge of evangelism self-sacrifice is not easy, but
is often essential.
For Jesus this work was not a duty, but a joy.
And now, high in heaven, Jesus still delights to save sinners.
If few desire the narrow way that leads to eternal life, let us not be
discouraged in our zeal.
We long to see effective preaching; but beware of, and always distrust the
praise of men.
The harvest of eternal life in Samaria was unexpectedly early. Miraculous
grace!
Farmers normally have to wait 4 months after sowing.
And in such a surprising field too!
Look, the town people are coming.
Who worked so hard and who sowed? The Prophets, John Baptist, this woman.
Who reaps? You do!
The disciples would not be idle during the next 2 days!
Here the Sower and reaper rejoiced together.
Sometimes some have to sow in tears, while others reap in joy. Ps
1265,6
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him
because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did."
439
What did they believe?
Jesus was a true prophet, a real Rabbi sent from God.
A man with true revelation - he told me everything I ever did. (a slight
exaggeration!)
So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him
to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 440
So he did. 2 days with the Son of God! How gracious.
Sychar was not the same place afterwards.
God always feeds the weary, hungry, thirsty soul.
Ps 1467 Math 2535 Jn 635 Is 4029
504 Jer 3125 Math 1128 Lu 2429
And because of his words many more became believers.
They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said;
now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the
Saviour of the world." 441,42
'Now we have heard for ourselves ...'
This is the essential testimony of every Christian.
We begin by believing what someone told us;
but there must come a time when we believe God, not
just a man.
What had they heard?
First it was only the woman's testimony.
Now they knew Jesus to be Saviour, the forgiver of sins, the Lamb,
The Saviour, not just of the Jews, but of the Samaritans - and of the world!
They were no longer rejected, but included.
"Full atonement, can it be? Hallelujah, what a Saviour!"
Jesus is not just prophet, or psychologist, an example; but primarily, he
is Saviour.
This woman, often thought to be 'beyond redemption' was saved.
Anyone can be!
And she was no longer despised. Nor did she continue her wickedness.
How do we know the detail of the conversation with Jesus? The woman told
us.
The Samaritans saw no miracles, yet they believed.
Later they would see miracles too. Act 85-25 Philip in Samaria;
Many received the Holy Spirit. Peter and John also preached there.
After the two days he left for Galilee. (Now Jesus
himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honour in his own country.)
443,44
A prophet has no honour in his own country.
e.g. Jeremiah. Jer 1118-23 Moses. Num 14,
16 Joseph. Gen 37
Is this "Familiarity breeds contempt"?
Did Jesus, who created all things, regard Nazareth or Jerusalem as his own
country?
Jesus was welcomed in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, but he was crucified there
less than a week later!
The crowd that welcomed him was probably not the same as those who cried,
"Crucify!"
Jesus did not go or leave anywhere because he was popular or unpopular.
Where did he go? Wherever his Father directed; however he was received.
He went to Jerusalem, then back to Cana, and Galilee,
but not to Nazareth after events of Lu 428
and Math 1353-58
When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed
him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at Passover, for they
also had been there. Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned
the water into wine. 445,46a
Jesus was welcomed here, as in Sychar, but not in Jerusalem.
What was the basis of his welcome? Not yet because of saving faith.
They had heard about the Wedding at Cana. 21-11
Some had been in Jerusalem for Passover, and seen the Temple clearance and
other signs (223)
And there was a certain royal official whose son lay
sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee
from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was
close to death. 446b,47
This nobleman walked 20 miles to beg the local village Carpenter to heal
his son!
Position or riches cannot protect against sickness or death.
Riches often hide a bag-load of trouble. Pray for, but do not envy such men.
How hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Math
1923
This man did not hide his need, and he did come to believe!
Leaders and Pharisees need Christ as much as tax men, fishermen or Samaritans.
The young die as well as the old. None of us know when. Are we ready?
Affliction benefited this man's soul. It led him to Christ. Ps
11971
Beware of murmuring in the school of trouble. Heb 1211
"Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,"
Jesus told him, "you will never believe." 448
And probably not even then!
This remark was made more to the hopeful crowd than to the nobleman.
He was not irritated or proud. He only has one objective - his son's life.
The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my
child dies." Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live."
449,50a
Compassion for healing was not conditional on saving faith.
Jesus did not have to go to Capernaum, his word was sufficient.
What about the many promises or warnings of God?
Will they also be fulfilled, and as promptly?
When can each of them be applied?
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While
he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy
was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they
said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour." Then the
father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him,
"Your son will live." So he and all his household believed.
450b-53
The Nobleman believes the word of Jesus concerning son and departs. The time
is 1 p.m.
Faith in God's word is much more than a wistful longing that it may be true.
His servants tell him that his son is better. He asks when? How? Suddenly,
at 1 p.m.!
He and all his household believed. Not presumptuous nor ungrateful.
But I expect he was ridiculed at Herod's court.
This is one of the very few cases where faith has been cultivated by signs.
This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed,
having come from Judea to Galilee. 454
There are no records of any other miracles at Cana.
These two mighty miracles here did not lead many to faith. Math
1123,24
Neither curiosity, wonder, or even expectation are saving faith.
John records the 2nd of 7 miracles that we may believe that Jesus is the
Son of God,
and that believing, we may have life in his name.
2031
If the miracles here did not lead to faith, what did?
The few who heard and believed the word of the Son of God.
e.g. Nobleman, Jairus, Centurion, 4 friends etc
Anger at the Cripple who
Walks
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast
of the Jews. 51
Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Not the Passover. (
213 64 1155)
He kept all the feasts (Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles) Lev 23-26 Lu
241
Jesus worshipped his Father, and we do too, "not because we must, but because
we may."
What Jewish feasts or laws should we keep? Tradition .v. freedom.
Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool,
which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered
colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie - the blind,
the lame, the paralysed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight
years. 52-5
Bethesda (Heb. Bet esda = place of mercy, outpouring)
Its position is uncertain. The 5 porches have not yet been found in Jerusalem.
Great expectation for miracles and for Messiah's coming at each feast.
How much do we long for his coming? Are we too comfortable in the West?
Or do sin, pain, injustice etc increase our longing, hope and actions.
Verse 4 is only in Latin Vulgate.
That day someone better than the "moving waters" came! Math
1241,42
An Angel moved the water. Was it real or superstition? God is very gracious.
c.f. Lourdes, and much modern Healing + many false claims.
God sometimes uses strange ways:
Handkerchiefs are used for healing and deliverance.
Acts 1912
A stick makes the Marah waters sweet. Exd 525
Another stick makes an axe-head float. 2 Kg
65
Spittle and earth mixed to heal a blind man. Mk
823
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he
had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to
get well?" 56
He who sees us all as we are, has one primary question: Do you wish to be
healed, to be saved?
Have we given up hope or are we content to remain as we are?
Hope deferred makes the heart sick. Prov 1312
Jesus knew all his weary history; both the disease and the cure!
"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help
me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in,
someone else goes down ahead of me." Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick
up your mat and walk." 57,8
He wanted healing, but didn't see how it could ever happen to him.
See the compassion of Christ for the neglected, poor, sick and helpless;
much more than for the arrogant, proud, strong,
self-sufficient.
A long-term incurable (38 years) is not a problem for Jesus in this third
miracle.
(as distance wasn't a problem in healing the Nobleman's
son. 443-54)
How can we be like Christ and help the helpless?
Nations (Jews, Israel) can also be without help or care.
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,
... because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom
no one cares." Jer 3017
He draws out faith from the cripple to believe his word.
The Son of God commands, he doesn't give advice or form a committee!
"Get up! Pick up your mat and walk" Jn
58
"Go, your son will live" Jn 450
"Fill the jars ... Now draw some out ..." Jn
27,8
"Lazarus, come out" Jn 1143
"Quiet! Be still!" Mk 439
At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and
walked. 59a
The man obeyed. No 'but ...'
A preacher can easily tell the sheep from the goats. (not as in Math
2531-46)
The sheep nod their heads saying, "Ba..men, Ba..men,
..."
And the goats say, "Butt, butt ..."!
This man's healing was immediate and complete. c.f. today so often
'hit and miss'.
All his nerves and muscles were restored. He even knew how to walk!
The day on which this took place was a Sabbath.
59b
What is the 4th Commandment? Law of Moses concerning the Sabbath
Keep it holy ... Do no work. Exd 3114,15
352
The problem is what does this mean? How do we apply this law.
We may despise the Pharisaic interpretation: but is ours any better?
What are our motives?
Do we rest on the Sabbath to enable better work during the week?
Or do we work for six days to enable a good Sabbath rest?
Do we bless God for the Sabbath? Or see it as an imposition or a restriction?
Answering 'what does it mean?' is much easier if we want to keep God's Law.
And so the Jews said to the man who had been healed,
"It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat."
510
'Jews' in this verse are the leaders, priests etc (not the common people).
Whose law forbids carrying a mat? The laws of man or the Law of God?
Jesus ignored the Oral Law (became Mishnah) with it's 1500 laws concerning
the Sabbath.
39 classifications of work. Neh 1319 and Jer 1721 forbid
carrying burdens.
But merchandise to sell is not the same as a mat no longer needed to lie
on!
God rested on the Sabbath, but that did not mean he was idle.
What does he do? God heals!
"The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Lu 65
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Mk
227
Men always use, bend, or ignore 'the law' to achieve what they currently
want. God gave the Law for our benefit.
Jesus fulfilled the Law; he did not abolished it. Math 517
But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me,
"Pick up your mat and walk." So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told
you to pick it up and walk?" The man who was healed had no idea who it was,
for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
511-13
The man had not the slightest idea who had healed him!
I just obeyed! He seemed to have authority. He had! for I am healed.
Many men in this world do not know who it is that gives them so much!
The authorities asked who he was, not out of wonder, but from the desire
to accuse.
c.f. Gratitude. How did he do it? What did he
say? When?
or even 'My Aunt Ethel has terrible arthritis, perhaps
she could be healed ...'
Jesus slipped away. Why?
What about all the others who needed healing? Now wasn't the time to continue.
Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him,
"See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."
The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
514,15
Sin was probably the cause of this man's sickness.
Jesus had to remind him of that in order to warn him against careless
complacency.
Sickness or pain is a sad condition; but Hell is far worse!
It was not a "big-stick threat" but a compassionate warning to an erring
Jew.
Sickness and sin are sometimes connected; like righteousness and prosperity.
Sin sometimes has physical consequences; but not always. See Job 4-37
His telling the Jews that it was Jesus was not intended to harm his healer.
He was trying to be helpful: ignorant of their malicious intentions.
Long for that day when there shall be no more pain or even sin. Rev
204 2117
Food for 1000's - Jesus for
King!
Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore
of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias).
61
From Capernaum to Bethsaida is about 5 miles by land and slightly less by
sea.
Jesus crossed the lake by boat privately to a solitary place. (Math
1413)
To Bethsaida (Lu 910), the home of Philip, Andrew and Peter.
144
Tiberias was built in 20 AD by Herod on a graveyard, therefore unclean to
Jews.
Ultra modern and very "Roman".
Vespasius destroyed all other Galilean towns except Tiberias.
Later, the Gentile readers of John knew Galilee as Sea of Tiberias.
(Now called Kinneret. One hymn writer erroneously called
it 'the Syrian Sea')
And a great crowd of people followed him because they
saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. Then Jesus went up
on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Feast
was near. 62-4
Miracles always draw a crowd. Why ?
Curiosity, love of excitement, hope of 'healing'. Same today.
Previous miracles at, or near Capernaum.
Water to wine at Cana wedding. 21-11
While Official was at Cana, his son in Capernaum was healed.
443-54
Drove out an evil spirit. Mk 125
Heals Peter's mother-in-law. Mk 131
Healed many that evening after Sabbath ended. Mk 132,33
Centurion's servant healed. Lu 71-10
Jairus's daughter raised from the dead. Lu 88-56
Woman with 12 year bleeding healed. Lu 843-48
Paralytic with 4 friends healed and forgiven. Mk 21-5
7 demons cast out of Mary Magdala. Lu 82
and others not far away - e.g. Widow of Nain's son raised
etc
Greek suggests THE mountain - a distinctive place.
Disciples here means the 12 + large crowd that followed.
Second Passover. Probably did not go to Jerusalem because of hostility.
Galilee is always beautiful, but especially so in April. Green grass, flowers.
610
Later in the Summer it is too hot to teach outside all day.
Jesus has compassion on the crowd - like sheep without a shepherd.
Protects, feeds, heals, cares for them, with them day and night.
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward
him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"
He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going
to do. Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread
for each one to have a bite!" 65,7
Jesus anticipates 'the problem' as the crowd was 'coming toward him'.
He asks Philip - a local. Tests him.
Other tests by Jesus:-
He acted as if he were going further. Lu 2428
He was about to pass by them. Mk 648
Will you also go away? Jn 667
Phoenician woman with possessed son. Math
1521-28
Philip has no answer. He had worked out the size of the problem!
It is far beyond the common purse and all the local
resources.
He did not yet see the size of the resources of the Son of God.
How would we have answered?
3 precedents of multiplied food. 1 Kg 1714 2 Kg 442-44
Exd 164
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother,
spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish,
but how far will they go among so many?" 168,9
Andrew (also a local), makes a spontaneous suggestion (like Peter),
but then he suddenly sees how ridiculous it is!
Barley was mostly used for animal feed and by the poor who couldn't afford
wheat flour.
The 'Loaves' were almost certainly small buns.
And the fish dried or pickled, sardine size. Still very
common.
The (ever-hungry) teenage boy was willing to give it all!
Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty
of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were
seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
610,11
Jesus knew what to do; and does it. No doubt, no dither, no maybe.
He sees what his Father is about to do. Jn 519,20 is not some
vague theory.
He uses no emotional build-up, there is no band, nothing obvious.
To the crowd it seemed an ordinary, orderly distribution of food.
Most were not aware of the miracle until afterwards.
Like the wine at the Cana wedding.
They sat down in groups of 50 or 100. (imagine enough food for even 50!)
(Not like stretching dinner for 4 into 6. This was
stretching 1 into 5000!)
He just blessed the bread and gave thanks and ... distributed it.
They never asked where all the food was coming from.
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his
disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."
So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five
barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
612,13
It sounds like they were even offered second helpings!
Certainly, no one was in the least hungry.
12 full baskets is much more than the initial 5 loaves. Proof, if needed.
Bread and fish were both multiplied. Mk 648
'Eaten enough' ('Filled' in AV) = full to bursting - like cows on new spring
grass!
Why did Jesus do what he had refused to do earlier in the desert? Math
41-4
This food was not for his own satisfaction.
In this miracle something was created from nothing.
Men can transform oil into perfume, or sand into computer chips,
but creation is far, far beyond the ability of men.
Only Almighty God can create, and with such little fuss!
This is the only miracle that is recorded in all 4 Gospels. Math 14 Mk 6
Lu 9
After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus
did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the
world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force,
withdrew again to a mountain by himself. 614,15
He must be the longed-for Messiah King! or at least Elijah. Deut
1815 Mal 45
Let's make him King! - by force if need be. What arrogance! What impudence!
How can mere man force God to do anything?
With Jesus as King there'd be no more hunger, no more Tiberias no more Roman
taxes!
They did not desire the rule of God, but sought to possess a king who would
do all that they wanted him to do.
"Come on boys - Jesus for King!"
Do we want Christ's gifts without his cross, or his expectation of our obedience?
Do I ask God for strength to do what I want to do, or for what God wants?
Do I desire God for what he so generously gives or can I honestly say with
Job,
"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be
the name of the Lord."
It is easy to be more concerned about Roman domination than with sin,
or about world pollution instead of the personal pollution
of my heart!
As this event shows, man's resources are meagre and his motives are often
faulty.
During this time on earth, the King's only crown would be of thorns.
192
Jesus refused all the misguided honour of man.
He rejected all the arrogant efforts of man to use God
for their own ends.
Jesus Christ is Sovereign King from the beginning, and for ever!
1213 1919
"Jesus as King" ... but it was the wrong time, wrong way and wrong motive.
Jesus withdraws.
Jesus goes to Struggling
Disciples
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake,
where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By
now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.
616,17
Jesus sent disciples away by boat in profound emotional shock:
stunned after seeing God create so much food before
their very eyes!
They didn't know what to think, or how to react.
A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.
618
Jesus did not make it easy for his disciples.
They had served the broken bread:
but only after their helpless impotence had been contrasted
to the creative power of the Son of God.
Now it was blowing a gale and the waves threatened their lives.
If you were in their position, how would you feel?
Few of the disciples died of old age in a comfortable bed.
Stephen, James (John's brother), Paul and Peter were each martyrs.
"You will be my witnesses ..." Witness = Gk Martos
We might say, 'Lord, we'll cross the lake so long as it is calm and daylight,
but just to prove it is your will, please provide an
outboard motor!'
It's called 'pushing doors', but truthfully, it is more often 'if it opens
easily it must be God's will!'
Now the apostles were alone in a dark storm in a small open boat.
Tired, no sleep (Math 1425 4th watch 3-6am) after an exhausting
day emotionally and physically.
Only 4 were fishermen: and just when he was needed most, Jesus wasn't there.
But he was!
Is Jesus only with us when the sun shines?
When they had rowed three or three and a half miles,
they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were
terrified. 619
The all-seeing compassionate God was well aware of their plight.
Suddenly Jesus appeared out of the storm - walking on the water!
His feet walked on it as firmly as on the Temple steps, or the Bethsaida
hill.
It is not surprising that their hair stood on end.
Was God teaching them something?
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then
they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached
the shore where they were heading. 620,21
The disciples were terrified!
What fear did Jesus wish to dispel? All fear? No!
Some fear stimulates what is good. The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom. Prov 17 910 1533
also Ps 11110 Job 2828 Is
112 336 Mic 69
Fear enables us to see in a right perspective who God is, and who or what
I am.
A guilty, forgiven sinner before the Almighty and righteous
God.
Like the Law, fear can be 'a signpost that leads us to Christ.' Gal
324 (AV)
"And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you
but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him,
to serve the Lord your God with all your heart ..." Deut 1012
(and Mic 68)
"Should you not fear me ..." Jer 522
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. Prov
37
Fear of the Lord is a great antidote to pride, and a help in temptation.
Why?
Little preventative social or peer pressure against crime in a mobile society.
But God sees every action and knows every thought.
In due time, all men 'reap what they have sown'. Gal 68
Even the proudest man trembles in an earthquake or a storm.
When at the mercy of someone greater, the "houdini spirit" melts.
See "The Plight of Man and the Power of God"
by Dr Lloyd-Jones.
What should we NOT fear?
Anxiety concerning future, the unknown, hunger, debt, failure, war, old age,
pain, disease,
loss of popularity, reputation, loss of security (divorce),
children's safety or their future,
persecution, responsibility, guilt concerning the past
(when forgiven).
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear
has to do with punishment." 1 Jn 418
99 times in the scriptures we are instructed 'not to be afraid'. e.g.
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will
bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The
Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exd 1413,14
"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Gen
151
"Don't be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness ..." 2 Sam
97
2 Kg 616 196 Ruth 311
Ps 461,2 Is 442-8 Jer 175-8 Hag
24,5 Lu 219 850 etc
Many times the reason for not giving in to fear is that God is with us.
e.g. Is 4110 431 Jer
4627 Ps 915 Lu 1222 Math 1028
Living Bread Offered - and
Refused
For the disciples, the storm was over and very soon they landed safely.
What did the disciples feel after the last 24 hours?
It was just the beginning of their training!
They would learn to face far worse difficulties and pain than this!
These two miracles were a great preparation for his teaching next day.
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite
shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus
had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone.
Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had
eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. Once the crowd realized
that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats
and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. When they found him on the other
side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
622-25
The crowd at the Capernaum synagogue were mystified.
Jesus never answers their question as to when or how he crossed the lake.
If only curiosity, then it was of no value for them to know.
He takes them immediately to the main issue - food! Food that lasts.
(Like the 'water' given to woman at Sychar so that she
never thirsted again)
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking
for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves
and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures
to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father
has placed his seal of approval." 626,27
Another important statement follows: Jesus cannot be deceived.
He knew, and knows all our mixed motives. Never pretend with God or men.
Desire to be like Nathanael - without guile, transparent, honest, real.
147
Their motive? Hungry (greedy) for easy (miraculous) food but not for eternal
life.
Something 'for free' is always attractive.
He tells them plainly that they need to seek eternal life.
God would also provide for their legitimate material needs.
What was Father's 'seal of approval'?
Jesus was 'born of the Holy Spirit', 'sealed' at the start of his ministry.
Lu 322
How was Jesus 'sealed'? The authenticating sign of the Holy Spirit.
Eph 113 Lu 135 41
418 Jn 133 2 Co 122
God servants are also 'sealed'. Rev 72 Ezek 94
Beware of the false mark (sealing) of the beast. Rev 1316
149-12 162
What was their response to his 'direct' statement?
Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works
God requires?" 628
Man always tends to think he can earn salvation and gain God's approval.
This is mostly a hangover from his continual striving for success on earth,
or the foolish notion that he can do anything he sets
his mind to.
Hard work and skill are not to be despised;
but there are some things (like salvation) that it can
never achieve.
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe
in the one he has sent." 629
Salvation is given; not earned. Christ does the work, man only needs to believe.
Believe what? How? (see Nicodemus and New Birth. Jn 3)
Believing has the following essential elements:
1. I have disobeyed God, offended him, sinned; and can
offer no excuse. Ro 323
2. God has decreed that all sin deserves death. Gen
217 Ezek 1820
3. There is nothing I can do to avert this death sentence.
Gal 216 Eph 28,9
4. Jesus has paid the price for me: he died in my place
that I may live! 1 Pe 318
Simple! Too simple?
Why do men find it so difficult?
Most discount the consequences of sin. God just forgives. Costs him nothing.
They say that we do not deserve death - not that bad, surely.
I've always done my best - never done anyone any harm - not as bad as ....
Only some sins deserve death (the ones I haven't committed!)
Man loves all the free gifts offered, except salvation!
Though free, it is conditional upon repentance.
Many other solutions - better parents, good education, improved law and order,
other religions etc
Men will always try these 'broken cisterns'
until God reveals that a dead man can do nothing to
earn his salvation.
The Lawyer asked, "What good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Math
1916
He thought he could earn it.
But some ask "What must I do to be saved?" Act 237 1630
And some, like the Philippian jailor, go on to believe. Act 1634
The Cross is always the place of either division or reconciliation with God.
"The greatest thing they had to do was cast aside their pride,
confess their guilt and need, and humbly believe." J.C.Ryle
This is "the work of God" c.f. "the works man thinks that God requires"
So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will
you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?
Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them
bread from heaven to eat.'" 630,31
Their forefathers ate manna for 40 years.
Every day God provided and every day they ate a miracle!
Not collected on the Sabbath. Only Fridays 'double portion'
of manna did not go bad on second day.
They had also seen:- Plagues in Egypt only on Egyptians, Red Sea parted,
Bitter water made good,
Quail to eat, Water from the rock, ... etc. But
they still did not believe.
Why do we never seem to learn? Why must history forever repeat itself?
Even if surrounded by miracles, man will not believe. Math
2743 Lu 1631 1 Co 122
The men of Capernaum said, true, you've made some bread once - but we need
more proof than that!
They could not yet see that only God could have done that.
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not
Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives
you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down
from heaven and gives life to the world." 632,33
Again Jesus reveals an important truth.
'It is not Moses ...' The manna was given by God, and it only lasted one
day.
'but my Father ... gives you the true bread', bread that lasts - for ever!
Jesus clearly claims to be the bread that comes down from heaven.
What a claim! No mere man can say this truthfully (but some have tried to).
This bread "Gives life to the world" - not only to the Jews.
"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."
634
Yes, yes, we don't mind where it comes from, or who gives it to us,
just feed us, like you did yesterday on the mountain.
Life will then be secure, easy. No longer on a knife-edge.
No longer will we have any anxiety concerning sufficient
rain.
and then there will be no more Roman tax, or war, or
back-breaking work ...
The Samaritan woman asked for this too.
"Give me this water so that I won't be thirsty ... "
415
But Jesus wanted to give them (and us) something much better - Himself!
The bread of eternal life.
Bethlehem (house of Bread). Heb. Beth = house of, and Lehem = bread
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life."
635
First of seven "I am the ..."
| Jesus is ... | Who benefits? | |
| Bread of Life | Hungry | 635,41,48,51 |
| Light of the World | Lost, fearful | 812 95 |
| Door (Gate) | Seeking | 107 |
| Good Shepherd | Vulnerable | 1011, 14 |
| Resurrection and the Life | Bereaved | 1125 |
| Way, Truth and Life | Lost | 146 |
| Vine | Lonely | 151, 5 |
also "Before Abraham was born, I am!" 858
Jesus (the 'I am') was, is and always will be, all these.
He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who
believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me
and still you do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me,
and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
635-37
'He who comes to me will never go hungry' is similar to 'whoever drinks the
water I give him will never thirst.' 414
Jesus again makes clear that his offer is eternal, not temporary.
"Come to me" - do not just know about me. 539,40
Hunger for Jesus himself; and not just for all his abundant gifts.
"My goal is God himself, not joy nor peace
Nor even blessing, but himself, my God:
'Tis his to lead me there, not mine, but his,
At any cost dear Lord, by any road."
What does it mean to come to Jesus? It is much more than an commitment to
follow Jesus.
Some evangelicals make 'new birth' too easy; and are surprised when their
so-called converts fall away.
To 'come' is the same as to 'believe'. see notes on 629
Also sermon on 'Forgiveness'
Mary c.f. Simon. Lu 736-50
Mary came to Jesus hungry and repentant. She left forgiven.
Simon invited Jesus to his house; but not into his heart.
Sin was not yet a burden to him. He seemed only interested in Jesus.
So far as is known he did not receive forgiveness.
Will those born-again and forgiven ever be hungry again? (or thirsty?
414)
We will never suffer the same acute, desperate hunger.
But we will continually need pardon. Ro 724
Math 56
Every day we need God, his strength, direction, protection
and grace.
Feed on this living bread, not once, but always.
Bread is a staple food for all, everywhere - so is Christ and his Gospel.
For rich/poor, wise/ignorant, young/old, Jew/Gentile, in every generation
and every state of man.
This word of Christ is of the greatest relief to all burdened by sin, whether
at conversion, or later.
The mercy and love of Christ stands true and steadfast - for ever!
No good resolution or helpful advice can relieve the stricken conscience.
But Christ will do so - effectively and gladly.
And then the day of weeping will become a day of joy.
We deserve to be cast out - like the leper. Lev 1345,46 Lu
512,13
But Christ's promise stands true and secure for ever,
'whoever comes to me I will never drive away'. 637
See how great is the offer of Christ to this unresponsive crowd.
For I have come down from heaven not to do my will
but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent
me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up
at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son
and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the
last day." 638-40
Jesus repeats the purpose of God in his being 'sent' to save. Lu
1910
He also gives reassurance to all who wonder that God can still love them.
All who have been given to Jesus, he will raise up to life.
All believers are part of the Bride, given to the Bridegroom by the Father.
176
All men are raised. Believers are raised to life; but unbelievers remain
in condemnation. 318 524
We must 'look to the Son'. No-one else can save. 146 Math
1127
At this the Jews began to grumble about him because
he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." They said, "Is this
not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he
now say, 'I came down from heaven'?" 641,42
The Samaritan woman was eager for the Messiah, but in Capernaum, it seems
that they only grumbled.
"Is this not Jesus ..." has a latent sneer in Greek. (Ryle)
They thought Jesus was illegitimate - 'We all know when they were married!'
But we will not hold that against him. Very magnanimous.
We've known him for over 30 years; they said,
seemed a 'deep' boy, not surprised he became a Rabbi;
but to be God.
No! Definitely no, he can't be God. The Messiah will
not come like that.
Our pride is easily offended by simplicity and humility - especially that
of God!
More than 'poor chap; he must be suffering some fantasy';
they were angry because they were confused. There seemed
so many contradictions.
Approved of his moral teaching and example, also his dignity, decency, order,
even his challenge to try to do more;
but thought it 'negative' to talk about sin and death
and atonement!
Today they say the Cross is an excellent example of self-sacrifice;
but fail to see it as a vital and continuing necessity
for redemption.
The recent Bishop of Durham, Dr Jenkins, denies the virgin birth and the
resurrection - not logical, he says.
Judas became disillusioned with Jesus;
a Messiah who wasn't going to oust the Romans, wasn't the Messiah.
Both of these concluded that Jesus certainly didn't come down from heaven.
He was born right here, well, actually in Bethlehem.
Short break - this discourse would continue later in the synagogue.
659
"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered.
643
How quick they were to complain. Exd 1524 162
172 321
But be warned - so are we. Exd 3210,33-35 Num 111
114,33 121,10 etc
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me
draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the
Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father
and learns from him comes to me. 644,45
The Holy Spirit awakes our dead conscience: but I don't gain any 'Brownie
points' for being hungry.
God makes us hungry, and it is the Father who chooses. 1516
My repentance is of far more consequence than 'my decision'.
Religion without repentance will always be popular.
Man may be impressed, but God is not!
Faith with this foundation will certainly fall in the day of trial, if not
before!
Father does not force us - He whets the appetite!
Father teaches us. How?
Experiences and most importantly, by the scriptures.
They are available to all, and essential to all. 19
No one has seen the Father except the one who is from
God; only he has seen the Father. 646
Jesus repeats his credentials, his true origin.
I have seen the Father, I know him, I came from him - we are one.
No other man could ever say this. I wish we could!
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting
life. I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert,
yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a
man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven.
647-50
Third of four vital statements from the Son of God in this chapter. (each
start with, 'I tell you the truth')
You would think that such an offer would be eagerly received.
But it wasn't then, and isn't now.
It is debated upon, but rarely acted on.
The manna came down from heaven; so did Jesus.
But Jesus is far, far superior to manna (miraculous though it was).
Manna sustained life for one day, Jesus offers life for eternity.
Jesus himself is the bread, and with him is eternal life.
If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.
This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. Then
the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give
us his flesh to eat?" 652
How can anyone eat his flesh? Ridiculous!! The dispute moves up 2 gears!
How do we eat this bread?
We remember that Christ died for us; the perfect, vital and necessary sacrifice
for my sin.
He did not give his life in vain!
Now Jesus takes this truth another step further.
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you
eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in
you." 653
Unless you eat you are dead! And you will remain so!!
Now Jesus adds drinking his blood to eating his flesh.
If taken literally (before crucifixion), it sounds absolutely horrible!
In the crowd there must have been some who were searching.
Some were earnest in their quest for eternal life. So
Jesus continues.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal
life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food
and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains
in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because
of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is
the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died,
but he who feeds on this bread will live forever. 654-58
'Whoever eats ... drinks ... remains in me and I in him.'
What a promise! What a privilege! What a gracious assurance!
'Whoever' - the offer is open to everyone.
Yet the disciples found it 'hard'. 660,61 And they
continued to grumble.
He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
659
This teaching finds the same response in 'religious' churches today.
Those who think they know; and find it hard to learn something new.
"You can't teach an old dog new tricks."
But thankfully there are exceptions.
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is
a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Aware that his disciples were grumbling
about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you?
660,61
Yes, it is hard.
But how desperate are we for forgiveness and life?
Do we seek intellectual understanding of the words,
or do we long with all our being for Jesus, the 'pearl
of great price'?
How easily are we roused or offended?
Do we grumble at every difficult circumstances, or over what someone said?
What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was
before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.
The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
662,63
What if you were to see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!?
What if you were like Elisha, and saw 'Elijah' ascend to heaven.
(in a whirlwind, not a chariot. 2 Kg 211)
Jesus again speaks of his origin, and now also of his destiny.
He tells of his resurrection after 3 days. Math 1239-42
Jesus would be crucified, but he would rise from the dead.
Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For
Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who
would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one
can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." From this time many of
his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
664-66
No man spoke so clearly as Jesus, yet only a few believed.
The Holy Spirit is the revealer, the one who enables.
To believe and become a disciple is dependant on God's enabling.
Man likes to think that he controls, that it is he who takes the initiative.
"The master of my destiny and the captain of my fate!"
The 'one lost sheep' could no more find his way home than we can. Lu
154-6
It needed the Good Shepherd to go and find him.
The lost sheep only had to want to be picked up and carried home.
At this time many turned back.
Surely, this must be one of the saddest verses in scripture.
How it must have hurt Jesus, even if he was not surprised.
It was their moment of opportunity - and so many missed it.
You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked
the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have
the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One
of God." Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one
of you is a devil!" (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though
one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)" 667-71
Jesus seeks confirmation from the 12; not for his benefit, but for theirs.
Peter's answer was spot on!
Jesus alone has compassion, holiness, and the power to save.
Jesus chose them, they did not choose him. 1516 Ps
7867-72
Chosen from the foundation of the world! Eph 14 Math
2534 Rev 138 51
Given to Jesus by Father, and none are lost, except Judas. 1318
Jesus chose Judas. It was not a mistake; he knew he was a high risk.
Aren't we all?! Let us pray that none of us will not be deceived.
Jesus had given the men of Capernaum good evidence.
More than 10 miracles, including raising the dead! (See notes on
62-4)
They had no reason not to believe, ... but many excuses!
After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely
staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.
But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, ... 71,2
Why did they hate him so much? It was 'Without reason!'
1525
Pilate asked, "Why? What evil has he done?" Math
2723 None.
The people thought that Jesus was illegitimate. He
wasn't.
Came from Nazareth - 'nothing good from Nazareth'.
146 741 He was born in Bethlehem.
Did not keep Mishnah law - especially many Sabbath Laws.
He kept all the Laws of Moses.
But:
He was a threat to the 'system' and their power - He cleared the Temple and
spoke with authority.
They were jealous of his powerful miracles, (healing, deliverance, power
over nature)
and his public popularity (c.f. the authorities were
mostly despised)
Jesus challenged their conscience (saw through their hypocrisy)
Leaders hated Jesus so much that they desired to kill him, (though the crowd
heard him gladly. Mk 1237)
Jesus stayed away from Jerusalem - except for the Feasts
Why did Jesus go to this feast? The Law commanded it. Lev
231
So Jesus would have gone unless Father specially said
not to.
It may have been the 50th year - the Year of Jubilee. Lev 259,10
When slaves were set free and land was returned to occupiers. (not usually
obeyed - both were too costly)
What is this feast? Lev 2333-43 Num 2912-38
To understand Tabernacles it is vital to know what has happened immediately
prior to this most joyful celebration.
At New Year (Rosh Hashana) the Trumpets sound an alert, a warning! "He who
has ears to hear ..."
There follows 9 days of repentance and restoration.
On the 10th day is Yom Kippur = Day of Atonement, a day to receive
God's forgiveness.
5 days later is the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of great rejoicing for God's
mercy and forgiveness.
In our modern world we love to celebrate, but where is the repentance that
must come before the rejoicing?
For our health's sake, it is better to eat the main course before the pudding!
Without the Feast of Trumpets ,there is no experience of Yom Kippur,
and without Yom Kippur there is no reality at Tabernacles.
When is the Feast of Tabernacles?
Passover is the beginning of months, on the 14th of the first month (Nisan)
in March/April Exd 121,2
(Jewish months always begin at the new moon)
ROSH HASHANA - Jewish Calendar New Year - is on the first day of 7th
month (Tishri) in Sept./Oct.
TABERNACLES (Booths) 15th Tishri
HOSHANA RABBA (Great Day) 21st Tishri, 7th day of the Feast
SIMCHATH TORAH (Rejoicing over the Law) 22nd Tishri, 8th day
of the Feast
Rosh Hashana
Shofar (Ram's horn) is blown. Lev 2324 Why?
1. Call to repentance.
God's warning, be alert. Especially in the Last days.
Rev 86-921 1115-19
2. Reminder of Covenant
Jews remember when Abraham offered up Isaac and a ram
was substituted. Gen 22
3. Confounds Satan.
At Jericho. "Commander of the Lord's Army" appears,
walls collapse when horns blown. Josh 513-620
Gideon defeats Midianites with 300 men. Trumpets blown,
God brings confusion. Judges 7
4. Regathering of Israel, resurrection of the dead,
Book of Life opened in heaven. Is 2713 Ezek
2033-38
All must now seek forgiveness; soon it will be too late.
1 Thes 416 1 Co 1550-54
9 days of heart searching and repentance, ends on 10th
day with Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur - The Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement, the receiving of God's forgiveness and the lasting
assurance that the price has been paid in full.
God said to Noah, "Make yourself an Ark ... and coat it with pitch inside
and out"
The word 'pitch' here in Gen 614 is the Heb. Kaphur
It is translated Atonement, Ransom or Cover on all the 72 other occasions.
Only in Gen 614 is it translated 'pitch'.
This is correct, it was pitch. But the pitch represented the atonement.
Like the 'Body and Blood ...' we remember, Noah saw the 'pitch' and was saved.
God gave Jesus a Cross - so that the world would have a Saviour Redeemer,
"a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins
of the whole world".
Yom Kippur (or Kaphur) is a day of fasting. National and individual atonement
for sin.
"Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness
of sin." Heb 922
But as the old hymn says:
Not all the blood of bulls and goats on Jewish altars
slain,
Could give the guilty conscience peace, or wash away
it's stain.
But Christ, the heavenly Lamb, takes all our sins away;
A sacrifice of nobler name, and richer blood than
they. Isaac Watts
The High Priest offered a bull and a ram for his own sins.
He had to wear clean garments. Lev 161-4, 11-14
The bull was burned outside the city. Heb
1311-14
Then he took 2 Goats. Lev 165-10, 15-22
First goat was sacrificed.
High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, sprinkled the blood on atonement
cover
and pleaded with God before the mercy seat.
The waiting people were relieved when he returned alive - God had accepted
the sacrifice.
Jesus returned alive after his perfect sacrifice was accepted. Heb
911-1018
He laid his hands on head of the second goat (Scapegoat or Azazel) and confessed
the sins of the people.
The goat taken out into the desert and left.
"So far as the east is from the west, so far has he
removed our transgressions from us." Ps 10312
also Is 118
538 Jer 3134
Today Jews remember at Yom Kippur that God seals the books.
So they seek atonement with God and forgiveness on this day of judgement.
They seek to be reconciled with God and also with neighbours and to practice
charity.
Much anger and feuding is averted. Salvation is never
by our efforts. Ps 243,4
Read Jonah. We cannot run away from God or our sin.
Jonah and Nineveh repented - and were spared.
Yom Kippur ends with blowing the Shofar to herald the coming of the Messiah.
Final fulfilment is when Israel mourns for her sin and is saved. Zech
1210-131
Tabernacles (or Booths)
God's Command. Lev 2333-44 Num 29 Deut 1613-17 Neh
8-10 Zech 14
During the 7 days of joyful feasting Jews remember:
God's merciful deliverance from slavery of Egypt, from
false gods and from sin.
Their restoration after Babylon. Neh 810-17
God's faithful provision during 40 years in Sinai -
water, manna, quail, and clothes/shoes
that did not wear out. Deut 295
Also God's continued provision down the years; and for this year's harvest.
God's power over Egypt, Amalek, Midianites, Amorites etc.
He enabled them to defeat their enemies (and the enemies of God).
God's presence in pillar of fire / cloud, his glory in the Tabernacle (Ark).
God dwelling with men brings rejoicing. It cannot do anything else!
Jews look with great longing for the Messiah. Is 35, 40 Jer 31 Ezek 38, 43,
47 Zech 12-14 etc
Much rejoicing after forgiveness of Yom Kippur.
The feast begins on the 15th of Tishri with a special Sabbath - Sabbath laws
apply.
(It is not often a Saturday. Jewish months always begin
at the new moon.)
Instructed to bring produce of the land; none to come empty Deut
1616.
Even Kings to bring their gifts, and to bring the best
- like Abel. Gen 44
c.f. today children bring gifts at harvest, but adults
often bring nothing!
Instructed to include the Levite, sojourner, poor, widow. Deut
1614 Neh 810
Who do we 'include' at church or at home for a meal?
Zech 14 is read on 1st day. This describes life during the Millennial
reign of Christ.
Sacrifice of Bulls (one less each day), 13 + 12 + 11 .... + 7 = 70 Nu
2912-38
i.e. 70 Nations of the world, the Gentiles.
Will we Gentiles continue to ignore this feast until
the Millennium?
Dwell in Booths for 7 days.
Flimsy walls - temporary dwelling as when they left Egypt.
Remain "A Pilgrim People". Heb 1113-16
Roof of branches enough to give shade, but space to see the stars. Gen
155
Inside decorated with fruit and thanksgiving.
Branches of Citrus (fruitful and fragrant), Palm (fruitful), Myrtle (fragrant)
and Willow (neither)
are bound together and waved.
Seek God for the day when the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Is 5512
Let them make for me a sanctuary that I may dwell in their midst. Exd
258
The Word became flesh and 'tabernacled' among us. Jn 114
Now the dwelling (tabernacling) of God is with men. Rev 213
Same Greek word (Skenoo), and same Living Word !
This objective of God is the very centre, the heart of the meaning of this
Feast.
If only we had the same desire to dwell with God, as he has to dwell with
us.
Hoshana Rabba = Day of Great Hoshana (= save us now, or salvation) is the
7th Day of Tabernacles.
On each of the 7 days of the feast:
Water from Siloam is poured into a golden basin (Jesus
pure gold).
Wine is also poured into same basin.
Water and wine together then poured into pipes which
run down to Kidron.
(Jesus with Roman spear. Also
Ezekiel 47 the river of life)
Washing away of sin, and the pouring out of the Spirit.
People cried "Hosanna (= 'save us now'), to the Son of David" (see
1213)
"On the last and greatest day of the feast, (7th day) Jesus stood and said
in a loud voice, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever
believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow
from within him.'" Jn 737-39
Jesus rightly claimed that he was the Messiah who had come to save.
During the feast worshippers brought lights to illuminate the Temple.
The golden candle sticks were lit to represent the Shekinah Glory of God.
i.e. the Presence of God seen in the cloud by day and
in the fire by night.
Exd 2416,17 4034,35 Lev
923 Ps 33 268 Is 42-6 Hag
29 Zech 25 Jn 114 211
1722 Rev 2123
When Jesus spoke again to the people he said, "I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of
life." Jn 812
Jews finish reading Zechariah and return to Gen 11
(Zechariah is the last book in the Jewish Tenach (Bible)
see Math 2335
We have re-arranged the order of the 39 OT books.)
Led, protected and provided for - living with God. What a privilege!
Where did Jesus come from? 727,41 819,41 So many got
it wrong!
Peter on Mt of Transfiguration sees God's Shekinah Glory and blessing. Lu
933
Tabernacles! It must be! Its happening!
But God says, Peter, listen! and you will hear what my order is:
1st Passover - Lamb must be slain - born of water and
blood.
2nd Pentecost - born of the Spirit.
3rd Tabernacles - final ingathering, Bride ready (we
wait with longing).
Trumpets are sounded, Branches waved
Jews strike the Arba'ah (willow branches) 3 times to shed all its leaves
(sins)
Sing Hallel Ps 113-118 (also at Passover) e.g.
11826 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
1164- Save me .... God is merciful, righteous and gracious ...
return, O my soul, to your rest.
11812-17 They (my sins and my enemies) surround me like bees ...
the Lord is my strength and my song, he has become my
salvation.
Hark, glad sounds of victory in the tents of the righteous.
(and Is 2414)
11822 Stone which the builders rejected ... this is the Lord's
doing
114 When Israel went forth out of Egypt, Judah became his sanctuary.
Tremble O earth at the presence of the Lord ... the
sea fled, Jordan turned back, water came from the rock,
manna from heaven, shoes and clothing did not wear out.
8th Day - Simchath Torah (= Rejoicing over the law) Another Sabbath day (as
first day of Tabernacles)
No-one seems to be sure of what is symbolised on this last day.
Could it be the day on which the saints, the Bride, is presented to the
Bridegroom?
1) Presiding Elder reads Deut 33,34 and then Gen 1. Genesis is called
"The Bridegroom of the Torah".
2) When Torah is carried into Jerusalem, above it the wedding canopy on 4
poles.
3) When Torah is held up, people dance round it, exactly as Bride dances
around Bridegroom at their wedding.
4) A feast is eaten, just as at a wedding.
5) Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day - sign of covenant relationship;
I will betroth you to me for ever. Hos 219,20
One day the Bride will be ready, free from sin and complete.
Then the Bridegroom will come for his Bride, and the Marriage Supper of the
Lamb will begin.
Maybe this is the mystery.
Meanwhile the ceremony continues as we await that great day.
To marry is (in God's sight) to stay together and live together for ever.
So it is with God - Better than booths!
A Rabbi, who was asked about the 8th day said,
"God is like a King, who at the end of the feast said, 'stay with me but
another day, I hate to see you go.'"
The feast ends, the rejoicing fades, booths are taken down, and Jews return
home.
Many are disappointed, aching - the Messiah has not yet come - perhaps next
year!
The time will come when Messiah will return.
Then the saints will surely rejoice: the tribulation ends with God's judgement!
Rev 1820 191-8
and the 'Hallelujah Chorus'!
How shall we celebrate Tabernacles?
It is much more than a Harvest Festival.
It is a celebration for God's forgiveness in Christ, and God dwelling with
his creation.
It is possibly also the Birthday of Jesus.
Peer Pressure and God's 'Right'
Time
Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here
and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do."
73
Jesus' brothers were going to the Feast - 'You ought to go too ...'
How are we pressured? and by whom?
Friends, peers, church customs, public opinion, ...
What are we pressured to do? or appear to be?
Sunday dress or 'smile' c.f. reality on Monday or at
home
Is peer pressure always bad ? No!
It can cause us to follow the good example of others
or our forebears.
Most 'heros' are good.
The fear of public exposure, humiliation can prevent
evil.
Public shame today is rare, except if someone else is
hurt.
But the fear of God is always better than the fear of
man!
His brothers acknowledged that Jesus did perform miracles.
But they did not believe in him then. 75
Why not? They had seen or heard of his miracles, signs
and wonders!
Jesus was without fault or sin, and still his nearest did not believe.
Are we to be surprised at this?
Let us continue to plead earnestly with God for our unbelieving relatives.
Jesus is touched by the heart of every isolated believer.
Jew, Arab, Gentile, the imprisoned, the rejected.
He has drunk this bitter cup. So did Abel, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David.
All our hearts are hard and unresponsive unless God intervenes. Jn
644
James (Gal 119) and Jude (Judas of Math 1355) would
later believe.
"No one who wants to become a public figure acts in
secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world. For
even his own brothers did not believe in him."
74,5
Brothers tempted Jesus with wrong motivation.
Great opportunity to build up your public, political
and religious image!
If you really are the Messiah, go to Jerusalem, don't
hide in Galilee.
Jesus immediately recognises the character of Satan.
Very similar to when he was tempted 3 years earlier. Math 43-6
Jesus made wine, walked on water, healed out of compassion,
but never for his own reputation or popularity.
Tragically, many great men of God have fallen prey to this lure of power,
popularity and success.
Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has
not yet come; for you any time is right." 76
When was the "right time"?
Depends which 'right' time. Jn 24 730 820
"the time has come ..."
to repent. Mk 115
when the dead will hear. Jn 525
when you will be scattered. Jn 1632
Father glorify your Son. Jn 171
(also Mk 1441 Gal 44 Ro
56 Rev 1415)
"the time will come ..."
when the Bridegroom will be taken away. (Ascension of
Christ). Mk 220
when he will unexpected return. (2nd Coming of Christ).
Mk 1333
In the plan of God there is:
a time for revival and a time for judgement.
a time for waiting and a time for action.
a time for weeping and a time for rejoicing. etc
Ecc 31-8
"The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because
I testify that what it does is evil." 77
'Hate' is a strong word! (much more than dislike)
Why didn't they rejoice in One so obviously good?
Is all that the world does evil?
Yes! Because it says: 'I don't need God (or maybe only
his help)
and I don't need salvation (I hope that my good deeds
outweigh the bad)'
Scales of Justice c.f. Cross.
Why does the world hate Jesus today?
Why are we so easily offended by Jesus?
Man hates to be told he is evil. (he thinks there is
good in all men, specially in me!)
Some will admit to being a sinner or need help, but
not to being helpless.
Their conscience is pricked: but enjoy sin!, and do
not wish to change.
Christ and his Cross remains 'the sword' that divides. Math 1034
Lu 234
It divides the helpless and thirsty from the proud,
stubborn and self-indulgent.
Our task is not to make God popular with men, but for God to make men acceptable
to himself.
Who decides what is evil? (a major problem today)
Only God. And his standard remains unchanged by time.
"You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this
Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come." Having said this,
he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the Feast,
he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 78-10
Jesus resists peer pressure.
He rejects temptation to work miracles for popularity.
Jesus went to feast privately,
because he did not want to precipitate the events planned
for 6 months time, at the last Passover.
Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and
asking, "Where is that man?" Among the crowds there was widespread whispering
about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives
the people." 711,12
What were the reactions of the crowd to Jesus? ('the crowd' = Jews gathered
for the feast)
"Where is that man?" Curious? searching? or waiting
to pounce?
"He is a good man." Who is considered good, and why?
Math 1917
"He deceives the people." All men do this, but Jesus
never did! c.f. Rev 1314 Math 244
also Math 2763 'that
deceiver' implies contempt.
"When the Christ comes will he do more miracles than
this man?" 731
"Surely this man is the Prophet". 740
"He is the Christ." 741
What they said revealed more about their hearts than it did about Jesus!
Lu 234,35
No one would say anything publicly about him for fear
of the Jews. 713
'Jews' = Pharisees and leaders who still had much power and influence.
They were able to create fear even in the strong. (e.g. Nicodemus Jn
32 1242)
What about today? Who can cause us to fear?
Dictatorships.
Democracies, where we are one of the minority.
'Strong men' in the Church.
Persecutors. e.g. by Muslims or Communists.
How may we develop courage?
We need to regularly and earnestly pray and support those under persecution.
Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up
to the temple courts and begin to teach. The Jews were amazed and asked,
"How did this man get such learning without having studied?"
714,15
Jesus taught in the Temple courts (still clear of money lenders etc?)
Jesus was often called Rabbi. Jn 138, 49 32
431 625 92 118
Rabbi was more of a description like 'Teacher', than
a title like 'Priest'
Not told here what he taught or what gave rise to their astonishment,
but they were equally surprised much earlier - Lu
246, 47 also later. 746
Crowd was amazed because Jesus taught with authority and accuracy.
Not maybe this, maybe that ... Math 728, 29
Note, we need to beware of zealous dogmatism.
Jesus could read and write (Lu 416 Jn 86) but he had
had no 'official' training c.f. Paul. Act 223
How had he learned?
Jesus is the Son of God; so it is not surprising that
he taught the truth!
Some things he learned by revelation.
He also learned morning by morning. Is 504
And by obedience.
Daily learning from Scripture and obedience to it is vital to keep us 'in
Christ' and to save us from deception.
Do not despise others who disagree theologically!
Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. What and who were they? (Math
37 520 161-12 2145 23)
Scribes = 'Teachers of the Law', the lawyers of the day. Meticulous in copying
the scriptures.
Pharisees = the established 'Church' of the day but only a few were priests.
They added to the Law - Mishnah, church tradition, many
rules etc.
Sadducees = ruling aristocracy, High Priests and politicians, house of Lords.
They subtracted from the Law -
Like Liberal thinkers today who are sceptical of
resurrection, virgin birth and miracles etc.
Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes
from him who sent me." 716
His teaching was authentic and true because of who he was, The Son of God,
'sent by God'.
Jesus is the truth and is honest; c.f. Satan, "the father of lies".
844
He sees and knows all the truth about God - and man! Yet he still loves
and forgives all who cry to him.
He speaks only the truth; he does not guess or vaguely hope or pretend.
Jesus said what he knew and what he did not know. Math 2436
Men should do the same - especially concerning 'the last days'!
Jesus Teaches at the Feast
If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out
whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.
717
How can we know if we are being told the truth?
Believers will have the witness of the Holy Spirit.
1420-24 Ro 213-15 1 Jn 56-8
Privilege of reading God's Word - ALL of it. Learn to
trust this. What God says is always true.
Bible is not a book for endless
debate, but the means of knowing the truth.
Fact is always better feelings; Scripture is better
than emotions!
But beware of the following:
1. 'Bible flipping' e.g. Math 275 then Lu 1037
Judas hanged himself ... go and do likewise!
2. Taking verses out of context. Is 24 c.f. Joel 310
Swords into plough-shears or plough-shears into swords.
3. Only reading our favourite passages; the 'nice' bits.
4. "God has told me to ..." We may be mistaken.
God's revelation is given to anyone who is single-minded, earnest and humble.
God tests our sincerity by making obedience part of the process of knowing
him.
God is not fooled by our religious appearance. See Is 58
God teaches us by our hearing and obeying. Math 724,25
By faith and works as James teaches.
This is not salvation by works,
but being fruitful by zeal and the endless grace of God.
He who speaks on his own does so to gain honour for
himself, but he who works for the honour of the one who sent him is a man
of truth; there is nothing false about him. 718
Jesus did not seek honour for himself; and he didn't get it!
But now he is rightly crowned with the highest honour.
Heb 27-9
Do we seek our own honour or that of our church rather than for God?
Are some activities, meetings to boost the Church's image / name/ reputation?
e.g. 'The Church needs your support for this meeting.'
It shouldn't be 'Behold the Church' but "Behold, the
Lamb."
Jesus again says that he was sent by God, his Father.
Jesus always sought to honour his Father, not himself.
Leaders of false sects and false prophets invariably magnify themselves.
Respect for one another is most desirable; but the honour and praise of men
is always dangerous.
Jesus was so pleased to meet Nathaniel, 'a man without guile'. 147
Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you
keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me? 719
Why does Jesus introduce the Law of Moses into the discussion?
Every 7 years the Law of Moses was read at the feast of Tabernacles.
They heard and honoured it. But did they (or we) obey it?
We may only keep part of the Law too. The laws we like
and approve.
The rest we conveniently ignore or excuse saying:
'We are not under law but under
grace' or 'Jesus superceded the law'.
Jesus did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfil
it. Math 517
No man has ever been made righteous by keeping the law. Not able to keep
it.
Jesus said, Father and I gave you the law of Moses 1500 years ago, it is
my teaching. I keep it all; you don't.
Even now you are disobeying the 6th commandment
,in that you are trying to kill me.
His accurate accusation is immediately denied.
But no one can fool the Son of God. They had lied.
71,25
They revealed their deceived hearts and where their
teaching was from.
In contrast to Jesus revealed his true origin and where his teaching was
from.
"You are demon-possessed," the crowd answered. "Who
is trying to kill you?" 720
They thought Jesus was beside himself, mad ...
Many different groups were each saying something different.
'Crowd' are not aware of the Pharisees' murderous intentions, or are in 'denial
mode'.
Beware of coming to snap decisions that are often difficult to change.
Jesus said to them, "I did one miracle, and you are
all astonished. Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually
it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a child
on the Sabbath. Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that
the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing
the whole man on the Sabbath? 721-23
The 'one miracle' was the lame man healed at Bethesda. 52-9
You happily circumcise a baby of the 8th day if it is a Sabbath.
Why do you are angry if I heal a man on the Sabbath. Why?
God was not idle on the Sabbath. The day of rest does not mean doing nothing.
No one else had been able to heal him in 38 years.
Making Right Judgements
Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right
judgment. 724
How do we judge what is true or right or the will of God?
What criteria do we use to discern? What part do the following take, if any?
Feelings, vested interest, success, popularity, ease,
motivation(s) ...
Personally, I do not like semi-literate 'happy clappies' in worship, but
that does not make them wrong.
It is often better to make a considered judgement.
Do not pride yourself at being a quick judge of character.
Only God knows the heart of man; we mostly see just the appearance. 1 Sam
167
Only God sees the whole of a man's life. We can't know what he will become.
Strive to make right judgements, and not 'judge others' (critically).
See how God makes right judgements. They are so different from ours.
He loved the deceitful Jacob who hung on his mother's apron strings,
and he hated Esau, the popular, strong, successful,
macho-man.
Why was God right? (This is an impertinent question!)
Jacob wanted God and what he had covenanted to grandfather
Abraham,
Esau despised it. Jacob wanted to be changed, Esau refused.
Jacob prevailed in his desire for salvation and God's
approval.
God blessed Jacob at Paddan Aram. Gen 359
Yet he limped for the rest of his life after Peniel,
his wife died,
Joseph his son was 'lost', he endured famine and finally
exile.
Blessing is not me having a good time, but continuing
life with God.
God knew the end of Jacob before he was born! We don't.
What is the basis of wise discernment and good judgement?
Scripture is the principle touchstone.
Prayer. What to do? Wait or act now?
Conscience. (Note that feelings or reactions that can be unreliable)
Don't ignore 'gut-feeling' or feminine intuition, even when without reason.
Prophecy. Usually used for confirming rather than initiation.
Circumstances. Try to avoid 'door-pushing' if it works or is easy it's right.
Gideon used 'fleeces' but it is not the best way.
Friends. Listen to good advice, but always test it. It may be well-meaning.
Faith. Keep what God has revealed, even if unpopular or difficult.
The story is told of a young Christian man who could not decide if it was
'right' for to marry a girl he loved. In desperation he said to God, "I'll
toss a coin. If it's heads I'll ask her to marry me.' He tossed and it came
down tails. "O.K.," he said to God, "Let me be sure; let's make it the best
of three!" The next two were heads. He is now happily married to her. The
ways of God and man are strange.
Jesus is the Christ, the
Messiah
At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began
to ask, "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking
publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really
concluded that he is the Christ? 725,26
Much public concern; they could not be neutral about Jesus.
They asked the right question - 'Is Jesus the Christ?'
The authorities came to the wrong conclusion. They contemplated murder, but
were restrained.
But we know where this man is from; when the Christ
comes, no one will know where he is from. 727
Jesus was of Nazareth in Galilee. Correct. Math 2111
But Jesus, the Son of God was also the son of David
from Bethlehem. Lu 24
In 99,30 they said they did not know where he was from!
Prophecies concerning Messiah's origin:
1. He will come suddenly. Mal 31
Jesus had not come suddenly, so was not Messiah. But
Mal 31 refers to his second coming.
2. He would be born in Bethlehem. Mic 52 Math 25
Jesus was conceived and brought up in Nazareth so presumed
born there.
They could easily have discovered that he was actually
born in Bethlehem.
When we don't want to know we 'will deliberately forget.' 2 Pe 35
Or we will distort the truth; pick verses (out of context)
that agree with us.
*** Ignorance is usually willful! ***
If we desire to know and seek, God will reveal himself,
the truth.
They presumed to know where Jesus was born, but were wrong.
Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried
out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my
own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because
I am from him and he sent me." 728,29
Great variety in the life and character of Jesus. Not bland, nor inconsistent.
There were times when Jesus was silent. Is 532 Mk 1461
Lu 239
and times when he raised his voice. Jn 726
216,17 737 Math 2746,50
How frustrating for Jesus. They didn't understand, or even want to.
No one could say that his words had not reached their
ears!
They tried to seize him
At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a
hand on him, because his time had not yet come. ...
Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him.
730,44
As previously, they had the will, but not the power. Lu 429
Jn 518 820 859 1039
1430 Math 261-5
Jesus did not die because he was the victim of Satan's power.
He chose when and how to lay down his life. No one took it from him.
It was God's initiative, God's plan and God's timing. 1430,31
1017,18
Why is this important?
Satan's power is strictly limited. "He has no hold on me." 1430
God rules. Many mysteries as to why xxx happens. Ro 828-39 Jn
1518-21
It is encouraging for us to know that no sorrow, sickness, persecution, poverty,
pain, or suffering can come upon us unless God sees
fit. Consider Job.
In the last days of the Tribulation, it is the Lamb who breaks open the 7
seals,
when the Beast and his False Prophet are temporarily
in power.
It is then that the saints need (and are given) endurance and patience.
Rev 1310 1412 Dan
721-27 Math 2421-25 Joel 228-31
Indeed, God will shorten those days for the sake of the elect. Math
2422
Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They
said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this
man?" 731
Not everyone rejected Jesus; some heard and were saved.
For some, the many miracles were impressive and bordered on proof.
They saw like Nicodemus that he must be from God to be able to do them.
32 933
Wrong Conclusion of Jewish Leaders
The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things
about him. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees sent temple guards to
arrest him. 732
They thought the crowd was on their side and their awaited opportunity had
come.
But the Lamb of God had to be the offering at Passover, not at Tabernacles.
Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests
and Pharisees, who asked them, "Why didn't you bring him in?" "No one ever
spoke the way this man does," the guards declared. 745,46
The guards told the truth. Jesus is indeed unique in every way.
He combined power and simplicity; courage and tenderness; truth and prudence.
The Pharisees waited for an opportunity from day 4 to 8 of the Feast. But
none came. It was not God's time.
Guards felt the power of the Son of God. Not able to obey the chief priests.
"You mean he has deceived you also?" the Pharisees
retorted. 747
They were angry that their plans had been thwarted. Most people are!
Anger and pride often lead to ridicule and mocking - and poor decisions.
"Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed
in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law - there is a curse
on them." 748,49
'Rulers' = Sadducees.
'This mob...' Reveals their contempt and arrogance. Lu 189-14
530-32 1 Co 127-29
They conclude that there must be curse on 'the mob'. But in reality the curse
was on them. Math 71-5
Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was
one of their own number, asked, "Does our law condemn anyone without first
hearing him to find out what he is doing?" 750,51
Nicodemus may have been slow in his search for the kingdom,
but he never denied Jesus (Peter) or betrayed him (Judas).
Leaders did not know the Law either. Or at least they were ignoring it.
As yet no accusers, no witnesses and no direct questioning. Deut
117 1915-18
They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Look into
it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee."
752
Ridicule - again. Nicodemus had only sought justice.
Angry because Sanhedrin had been thwarted by a man from Galilee!
How do we react when made to look silly?
Where do the best things come from?
Wrong Conclusion of the People
The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man
intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered
among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks? What did he mean when he said, 'You
will look for me, but you will not find me,' and 'Where I am, you cannot
come'?" 735,36
They did not know that Jesus had come from heaven,
and it never occurred to them that he was about to return
there.
No one can enter the kingdom of heaven unless born again. 33,5
Lu 1626
So inevitably they came to the wrong conclusion.
In those days you could not take a plane from Ben-Gurion to Athens in 2 hours.
On hearing his words, some of the people said, "Surely
this man is the Prophet." Others said, "He is the Christ." Still others asked,
"How can the Christ come from Galilee? Does not the Scripture say that the
Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David
lived?" Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.
740-43
A prophet. But not the messiah, only his forerunner, John, Elijah,
or... Lu 919
The Christ Some responded like Peter. Lu 921,22
Most
Jews expected a Messiah sometime. Jn 425 Dan 925
Heightened
expectation at end of century or Millennium.
What
will happen in 2000? Many false prophets.
Nothing Thought Jesus was born in Nazareth, not David's
Bethlehem.
Hope
had been disappointed too often. Given up.
Awed Arresting officers of the guard returned
overwhelmed.
The people were divided. They always will be. It is prophesied. Lu
214 1251 2 Co 215,16
The Cross of Christ will always be the great divide among men. It is the
ultimate test.
Thankfully today's condemning conclusion may be changed tomorrow.
But do not presume on tomorrow.
The Conclusion of Jesus
Jesus said, "I am with you for only a short time, and
then I go to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not
find me; and where I am, you cannot come." 733,34
These could well be described as the most solemn words in Scripture.
Not able to find God and Not able to enter heaven.
The alternative condemnation and eternal agony
is horrific.
The time is short. Who knows when it will be too late to believe?
"True repentance is never too late, but late repentance is seldom true."
J.C.Ryle
Pharaoh, Saul and Judas each said, 'I have sinned'. The thief was just in
time.
"Hell itself is truth known too late." Jer 1111 Ezek
818 Hos 56 Amos 812
Jesus said, "Where I am", not 'was' or 'will be', "You cannot come".
Why not? 'A great gulf fixed' Lu 1626
Surely a loving God would not say that? Yes, he did!
Only the redeemed will walk on the way of holiness. Is 358,9 Rev
218 2215
It is a most frightening warning, which all men would be wise to heed.
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood
and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water
will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed
in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given,
since Jesus had not yet been glorified. 737-39
Most thirst after anything and everything, except salvation.
"There is no clearer proof of the utter corruption of human nature,
than the careless indifference of most people about
their souls." J.C.Ryle
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst ..." Math 56
The invitation is open to all, without exception. Rev 216
2217
The only requirement is thirst.
The only solution is simple - "Come to me and drink."
Come, while you can. It is free. Is 551-7
Nothing hindered the woman of Samaria. Jn 410 What hinders
us?
Christ is never a disappointment. Jn 414 Ps 631 Is
4117-20
For 7 days during the Feast, water from Siloam was poured out.
Had the ritual pouring brought assurance of God's
effective cleansing?
Did any know real freedom from the guilt and power
of sin?
Men try so many ways to find peace with God, but all else fails.
"As the scripture has said ..." Is 356,7
4118 5811 Ezek 471-12 Zech 148
This event is not found in oldest Greek NT, nor commented on by Chrysostom
or Tertulian.
But the oldest is not necessarily the most accurate.
It is in Latin Vulgate, in Coptic, Persian and Ethiopian versions,
and is commented on by Augustine, Ambrose and Jerome.
Then each went to his own home. But Jesus went to the
Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all
the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.
753 - 82
The people went to their homes; but the Son of God had no home and slept
under the stars.
At Tabernacles the nights are still quite warm. Not unusual to sleep in the
open.
Jesus and his disciples did so on Mt of Olives at Passover 6 months later
in April.
Jesus taught in the Temple. It was the normal means of learning.
No books and few scrolls. Reading and writing were
rare.
As he was teaching the following incident occurs.
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in
a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group
And said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.
In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?"
They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing
him. 83-6
The Trap:
Purpose To discredit Jesus. To make him a common law-breaker;
therefor not righteous, and certainly not the Son of God.
Method Moses commanded that adulterers should be stoned; but Rome
forbade them to. Jn 1831
Which do we obey? God or Rome? also Lu 2022-25
Weakness Sentence rarely carried out because this crime was so common!
Only brought the woman. Law said the man must also be stoned.
Perhaps the man was one of them or their friends. Hos
414
Adultery Law applies if either are married or betrothed. Deut
2222-24
Bullies always pick on the weak for their victims.
Motivated by self-interest, not justice or righteousness.
Did not desire to exalt the Law.
Pharisees had not the slightest concern for the woman. They seemed
to enjoy humiliating her.
Desired a harsh punishment for others, but not for themselves.
Offended by Math 2131 "Here's one that will not enter
ahead of us!"
God's Answer:
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground
with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and
said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to
throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At
this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first,
until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.
86b-9
What did he write? We don't know.
Jesus was not doodling, nor playing for time.
It certainly had a purpose and was probably connected
with what he said.
It may have been. Jer 1713 or Hos
414
or possibly the names of ladies
her accusers had had affairs with!
Law required that both the man and the woman are stoned. Lev 2010
Dt 2222
Phinehas honoured God and the Law, and God honoured him. Num
256-13
Law required 2 independent witnesses. But they had all gone.
6 months later this would be a problem at a far greater
trial.
God is witness to all we do or even think.
Jesus knew well their hypocrisy.
Not one of them was innocent (maybe even of the same
crime!)
They weren't interested in justice, only in condemning Jesus.
One simple sentence shamed them into withdrawing.
Voting normally started with the youngest to avoid pressure by elders.
They had all left: God had quickened their consciences,
but they were still unwilling to repent before the Son
of God.
A tender conscience is painful but valuable; esp. if made sensitive by Holy
Spirit.
While it cannot save us, it's use is never to be despised.
Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where
are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither
do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
810,11
Jesus did not pretend that she was innocent. She wasn't.
Jesus did not condone her sin. Nor weaken the 7th commandment.
Jesus spent much time with publicans and sinners. Lu 189-14 Math
910-13
God's passionate desire is to have mercy and to forgive: not to condemn.
But there must be more than remorse (hope to escape
the consequences)
Need to repent. "Leave your life of sin." c.f. Lu
750 848
Fear of punishment for sin can keep some sin at bay.
Far better is the work of God that writes his Law in our hearts,
and causes us to even hate the sin we once enjoyed.
God loves us as we are, but he will not leave us as we are - thankfully!
Jesus then continued with his teaching. 812
"I am the light of the
world."
2nd "I am the ..." in John's Gospel (see 635)
Light c.f. Darkness
In the beginning God separated them. Literally and Spiritually. Gen
13-5
Abraham suffers thick darkness after believing. Gen 1512
156
God triumphs. (arguably the greatest day in Abraham's
long, eventful life)
Jesus at cross. Darkness for 3 hours. Ps 221
But then he triumphed - His perfect sacrifice was accepted.
God separates the Israelites and the Egyptian army at the Red Sea.
Satan longed to see the fledgling Israel destroyed (he
still does!). Exd 1021-
also the Woman and her seed Rev
12
God defeats Satan and all darkness. Lu 1018 Rev 127
Rev 1911, 19, 20 10
This claim of Jesus implies that the world needs light! Why?
Is 602 "Darkness covers the earth, thick darkness ..." It still
does today,
notwithstanding all of man's achievements in modern
science and medicine.
Is there no end to war? To family feuds, greed, and starvation?
Without the Light of Christ, man will always stumble in the dark.
(and sometimes even with the Light, we stumble)
Like a 'nuclear winter' that is long, cold, dark, lonely,
hungry and hopeless.
What the sun is to our solar system, so Christ came to be to our souls -
The source of all light, warmth, energy and life.
The central and only pivot (there cannot be two pivots).
Jesus may have been referring to the sun which had just risen,
or to the golden candlesticks in the Temple, (at best
only a symbol)
or the 'Shekinah glory' that will truly lead all who
follow.
or the Light of Righteousness c.f. darkness of sin and
immorality.
Many false 'lights'. We are warned of this. Math 245, 11, 24
e.g.
Liberal theology.
New Age, 'god in everything', 'many spokes, all leading to god'.
They never see the desperate plight of man, nor the need for God's intervention.
So virgin birth, physical sacrifice on cross, resurrection
are marginalised.
Sacrementalism (need for special priests, transubstantiation and Rome)
Zeal and good works, social help popular if without the gospel.
All other gods, other faiths - Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism etc
Restoration and Replacement Theology, Revival and Dominion Now, etc
To follow Christ is to be a on-going learner, a disciple who believes and
trusts.
Faith, confidence in the word of Christ and what he
has done.
As Jesus offered superior water to the Samaritan woman,
so here he offers superior light to overcome the sin
and the moral darkness of the adulteress - and of all men.
Jesus is:
Guide to Traveller, Leader of Blind, Fountain to thirsty, Shepherd of Sheep..
In what manner is Christ "the light of the world" ?
1. Vision, c.f. blindness.
A Jewish man who went blind over 5 years, tried hard to retain in his mind
what his wife looked like. But the clarity soon faded.
Communication. This same man did not know when his children smiled.
Unless born again cannot 'see' or know God. 33
Testimony of conversion and continuing grace and forgiveness.
Not all like Paul on Damascus road.
But all believers can say, "Once I was blind, but now
I see."
Man blind from birth. Jn 9 (3rd major conversation in John)
Not blind because of sin, but so the Light of the world
is revealed. 95,33, 39
(revealed to him and to the world
- literally and spiritually)
Ps 365-9 " ... in your light we see light."
What do we 'see'?
Truth about God. His Power, Faithfulness, Justice and
Compassion.
Truth about man. The awful History of Israel, the Church
and ourselves.
2. Growth
Nearly all plants need sunlight for photosynthesis. So we too need light.
Not just theory. We need God himself. Is 601, 19-22 Rev
213-6
Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Ro
1417
How is this learned? Ps 11910 Ps 19. Self control and obedience.
1 Pe 113-15
3. Holiness.
Desire to be good (not just win approval). Evil no longer attractive.
"Where there is no 'vision' the people cast off restraint." Prov
2918
"Without holiness no-one will see the Lord." Heb 1214
As a shepherd leads his sheep to new pasture, so Jesus nourishes our souls.
4. Exposes sin
Our conscience is made more sensitive; and the consequence of sin more real.
The Cross and the blood of Christ are ever more precious. Prov 311,
12
5. Spiritual Guidance
How and where may we 'see' signposts?
My thoughts are not your thoughts ... Prov 35,6 Is
558,9
Guidance is promised. Is 3021 (Note that this leads to righteousness
- idols thrown away)
Major decisions and daily living. Ps 258, 9 328 (RSV)
Our 'guidance' is not infallible.
"Come, Holy Spirit, and utter within me the total 'Yes' of Jesus."
6. Wisdom
"Right judgements". Jn 724 And right motives, ambition.
How may I please God, instead of pleasing myself. Not, "what's in this for
me", but how may I serve?
Minds renewed. Ro 122
7. Inspiration, Purpose, Goals.
Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Lu 951
Let us run the race ... fix our eyes on Jesus ... Heb 11 then Heb
121
Our minds set on what the Spirit desires. Ro 85
8. Hope. Confidence in Christ
In what he has done (perfect sacrifice). Heb 1019 928
1 Jn 17 1 Pe 118, 19
In his Advocacy and continued intercession for us. Heb 725 1 Jn
21
9. Prophetic words and Lives
Abraham, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel ... Zech, Peter, Paul, John ...
"God does nothing without first revealing it to the prophets. Amos
37
Imagine how impoverished we would be without these visions!
10. Promise is to all Believers.
Not just to Jews but also Gentiles. Is 426, 7 496 Lu
232
Promise of Light, not darkness. Life, not death.
Much more than imitating or following a good example (Guru's do that),
but trusting, believing, having the life of Jesus himself
within us.
Promise is permanent. "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness".
He has given us his life. He will not murder us, but we can commit suicide.
The light of Christ will not be extinguished when a believer dies.
He who we now see dimly, we shall then see in all his fullness.
"Amen, Come Lord Jesus." Rev 2220
How may we see the Light of Christ? Only by revelation.
It is God's gracious, continuing gift to the hungry, poor, and thirsty. Math
53-10
"Who are you ?" they asked. 825a
Who is Jesus?
A correct answer is vital for our future, our eternal future.
No doubt this is why John made it the central theme of his Gospel.
There is no disagreement that Mary was his mother, but who was his Father?
From his earliest days Jesus knew that Joseph was not his father. Lu
248,49
Many think Jesus only made one or two direct claims to being the Son of God.
e.g. In the Temple 1024,33 and also when
before the High Priest Math 2663,64
But John records a staggering 113 times when Jesus refers to God as his Father.
(this is so important that a full
list is included)
Starting in 216 John tells us that Jesus was angry with the traders
in the Temple,
"How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"
(See Lu 249)
Even if we are a little vague as to these claims to 'Sonship',
the Jewish leaders were not: they were deeply offended.
518 1033
The Jews were in no doubt as to his claim. 197
How did Jesus answer the question, "Who are you?"
"Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied.
"I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and
what I have heard from him I tell the world." They did not understand that
he was telling them about his Father. 825b-27
Jesus had been continuously making the claim that God was his Father, and
now he confirms this.
To us, with hindsight, his claim may not seem so extraordinary, but to the
Jews it certainly was.
God is totally reliable and eternally faithful.
He doesn't change his mind (because he doesn't make
mistakes).
He promised a Messiah, a Saviour, a Redeemer; now he was here.
These men were slow to realise the identity of Jesus.
Did we respond at once to hearing the Word of the Son
of God?
Jesus did not lose his patience with us, or with them.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am
the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but
will have the light of life." The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are,
appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
812,13
The Jews were right to question such a statement!
Many charismatic gurus, before and since, have made similar claims. Joseph
Smith(Mormons), Muhammad (Islam)
The testimony of Jesus was that they crucified him in accordance with Scripture,
and that he rose from the dead for our forgiveness.
This stands as his valid witness for all the world to see. It is like no
other testimony.
Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf,
my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going.
But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going."
814
Why was Jesus so different?
He was the only man who has ever lived who knew where he came from, and where
he was going.
(c.f. those who know where they would like to go!)
You judge by human standards ...
815a
How did they get it so terribly wrong?
They judged by human standards - by appearances. 724
815 1 Sam 166, 7
Jesus was of humble appearance, without human grandeur and self importance.
He seemed so 'ordinary'. Lu 211-4 Ps 14710, 11
"My kingdom is not of this world ..." 1836
Shortly before Passover the King of kings would ride
into Jerusalem on a donkey, ... and then he would weep!
This is not the action of your average king. But then he wasn't!
What were the 'signs' by which they may have known the identity of Jesus?
Truth speaker "No-one ever spoke the way
this man does" 746 His testimony was true.
536-40
Scripture Fulfiller Born in Bethlehem, not Nazareth. 727
17 prophecies already fulfilled + 55 later.
Gen 228 + Jn 129
Son of Mary His mother was a virgin!
Joseph not his father. 841
Miracle worker Water to wine. Son of Capernaum ruler.
Bethesda invalid. 5000 fed. Walks on water.
Lu 722
Law keeper Not Sabbath breaker.
Kept Law of Moses, but not the Mishnah
Jesus never broke the law - in thought,
word or deed. Math 517
Soul reaper 11 Apostles,
Nicodemus, Samaritans + ...
Sin beater Adulteress
... and all who 'came'. 129 811 831-36 Lu
747 520
Life giver All hungry,
thirsty. 413, 14 521-25, 40 633-63 737,
38
I pass judgement on no-one. But if I do judge, my decisions
are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.
815b,16
Now was not the time for final judgement.
As when preaching at Nazareth, Jesus stops before the end of Is
612 Lu 416-21
But the day will come when Is 612b will also be fulfilled. Rev
165-7 1911
For every man there is a day of opportunity; and a day of judgement.
530
A time to repent and a time when it is too late!
When Jesus spoke these words it was not the day of Judgement for the world.
He came to seek and save those who were already condemned. 316-18
When Judgement Day comes his pronouncement will be just.
Meanwhile his assessment is accurate, because the Father tells him. 1 Jn
57-12
Again he claims that God is his Father, not Joseph.
So when a little later he says, "But I have much to say in judgement of you."
826
it is not a contradictory statement.
This doesn't refer to the final judgement, but to his revelation of their
current sin.
He said that some of Scribes and Pharisees were hypocrites. Math 23
And his judgement was correct; they were.
Note that the Son of God can do many things that we cannot.
Unlike Jesus, our hearing of the Father and the Son
is somewhat imperfect.
In your own Law it is written that the testimony of
two men is valid. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is
the Father, who sent me. 817,18
"I am one who testifies ..." Gk is emphatic. i.e. the 'I AM'. Exd
314 Jn 859
It is yet another undeniable claim to be the Son of God.
The Jews would immediately realise this. And they were not impressed!
110-13
Then they asked him, "Where is your father?"
819a
They did not ask 'who' ... Not a serious question as in Jn 148-11
But they asked with the same sarcastic contempt as at
Calvary. Math 2739-43
The question "Where is God?" can be asked in various ways:
a) Because we desire him.
b) In contempt - 'don't be so ridiculous'.
c) In tragedy or suffering. (when usually ask why?)
Many people desire to know who or where God is.
'Reveal yourself (or maybe even 'Save me') ... and I will serve you.'
This is not the way of salvation, though God may sometimes use it.
"You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If
you knew me, you would know my Father also." He spoke these words while teaching
in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one
seized him, because his time had not yet come.
819b,20
He tells them plainly that they did not know who he was.
And this leads to a problem - and a major one at that!
Jesus deals with it directly , honestly and with great compassion.
See 821 'Where I go, you cannot come'
Throughout his ministry Jesus told them who he was. He wanted them to know
with certainty.
During the Last Supper he said,
"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no
longer use this kind of language,
but will tell you plainly about my Father. ... I came from the Father and
entered the world;
now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
1625-28
What would they be told plainly?
He again emphasises his relationship with the Father;
Muslims and many others deny that God could have a Son.
At least 13 times in the Koran it specifically states
that God has no Son.
If there is no Son, then there cannot be a Father. (see
notes on 223.)
And that makes Jesus a compulsive, deceived liar - which
he certainly is not.
Jesus, the Son, reveals the Father. Math 1127
Beware of men who speak only of God, but not of Christ, the Redeemer.
He is the Just, and also the Justifier of every sinner who believes in him.
If God is only a God of Love, then sin has no consequence, and a Saviour
is not necessary - what an insult!
The experience of many modern sons of their earthly fathers distorts or hides
the beautiful reality of our heavenly Father.
Jesus was much more than a man in whom the Spirit of God dwelt.
He was not just a brave man, a martyr, or even a great example to follow.
He was and remains, the Son of God, not the son of Joseph.
Why is the virgin birth so important?
Only the Son of God, the Messiah, could be the perfect sacrifice we all need.
Many did not realise who Jesus was - and this leads to a problem ...
Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and
you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot
come." 821 (and 734,36)
Jesus repeats a most awe-ful truth three times (once would be enough).
822,24
I am going away ... you will die in your sins ...
you cannot come with me.
There cannot be a more terrifying and horrendous prospect!
But what is man's response?
a) Repentance
b) Rejection and then Mockery, Distraction, Procrastination
(Sower parable)
c) Do not 'hear' (i.e. ignore or reject without any
real consideration)
Many try to by-pass, are distracted, or just joke about it, anything but
see this dreadful truth.
Their eyes have been blinded and their hearts
deadened. Jn 1240
Believers must not weaken to false charity.
The God of Love will not pardon everyone. Many will die, unpardoned (condemned
already),
because they have chosen to reject the repeated offers
that God has made.
Is 652 (Ro
1021) Ezek 1832 Hos 11 2 Pe 39
They are deluded by Satan, the mass murderer and arch deceiver, who says,
"You will not die ..." you will just be wise, like God! Gen 34
1 Pe 58
What happened to the actual people Jesus spoke to?
Their rejection of Messiah led to destruction and exile after AD 70 and 135.
And for 2000 years the Jews have known constant hatred and persecution.
All unbelievers will die in their sin including most in supposedly 'Christian'
U.K.
It is surely a most fearful prospect. One which drives us in the compassion
of Jesus to seek the lost.
Jesus says it is even possible to seek him, but not find him. 821
Amos 812 Micah 34
How can this be when he said that 'all who seek shall find ...'? Math
77
Some seek with wrong motive. James 43
Some only seek a solution to some difficulty or danger, but they do not seek
God.
Some fail to repent of sin and see how horrible it is in the sight of God;
they only seek to escape the consequences.
Some seek blessings, but not God. So when life becomes hard, they cease to
seek Jesus. Deut 429 612
Saul 1 Sam 1224 Jehu 2 Kg
1031 Jeroboam 1 Kg 148 Judah
Jer 310 2913
c.f. 1st Commandment Mk 1230,34 David Ps
1192,10
"My goal is God himself, not joy nor peace, nor even blessing, but himself,
my God."
"Seek the Lord while he may be found ..." and never stop doing so. Is 55
There can come a day when it is too late.
Math 2511,12 Lu 1324-30 Prov
123-31 Gen 716b Hos 56 Heb
1216,17
Note. True repentance is never too late. No sin is too great to be forgiven,
but unbelief bars the door to mercy. Jn 336
1 Jn 54,5
See how John's "Gospel of Love" also contains these terrible verses.
"Nothing seems to anger wicked men as much as being told that they cannot
go to be where Christ now is." Melancthon
"The whole unhappiness of the Jews (and all men) was not that they had sinned,
but to die in their sins." Augustine
This made the Jews ask, "Will he kill himself? Is that
why he says, 'Where I go, you cannot come'?" 822
1st reaction - "Will he kill himself ? ..." i.e. Suicide. Way off beam!
But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above.
You are of this world; I am not of this world." 823
Jesus was very much in the world, but not of it. 1714-17
He repeatedly reveals his origin. But most thought he must be exaggerating.
"I told you that you would die in your sins; if you
do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your
sins." "Who are you ?" they asked. 824,25a
Jesus repeats this awful statement. No-one could say they weren't
warned.
Compare this with the modern idea of a benevolent God, who forgives 'everything
and everyone'.
Note context of Rev 16. Also Rev 1819-21
191, 2 1911
Jesus did not condemn the guilty adulteress, 811 but he
sternly warned the Scribes and Pharisees. Math 23
What is the judgement of mere men beside that of God? Lu 125
Regrettably their next question, 'who are you?' is not an honest enquiry;
it could be paraphrased, "Who on earth do you think
you are?"!
As in 819 it is mocking, "Where is your Father;
go on, show us!"
It was also said to Moses, "Who made you prince and judge over us." Exd
214
Jesus does not retaliate nor did he give an oblique political answer!
He tells them repeatedly who he is ... which is where we began this section.
Jesus claims to be the Son of
God
A list of the 95 verses in which Jesus claims that God is his Father in John's
Gospel.
| 216 | To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" |
| 335 | The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. |
| 421 | Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. |
| 423 | Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. |
| 517 | Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." |
| 519 | Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. |
| 520 | For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. |
| 521 | For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. |
| 522 | Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son |
| 523 | That all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father, who sent him. |
| 526 | For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. |
| 536 | I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. |
| 537 | And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. |
| 543 | I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; |
| 545 | But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. |
| 627 | Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval. |
| 632 | Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven." |
| 637 | All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. |
| 640 | For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." |
| 644 | No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. |
| 645 | It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. |
| 646 | No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. |
| 657 | Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. |
| 665 | He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." |
| 816 | But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. |
| 818 | I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me." |
| 819 | Then they asked him, "Where is your Father?" "You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." |
| 827 | They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. |
| 828 | So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am [the one I claim to be] and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. |
| 838 | I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, ... |
| 849 | "I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honour my Father and you dishonour me. |
| 854 | Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. |
| 1015 | Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. |
| 1017 | The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. |
| 1018 | No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father. |
| 1025 | Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. |
| 1029 | My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. |
| 1030 | I and the Father are one. |
| 1032 | But Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" |
| 1036 | What about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? |
| 1037 | Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. |
| 1038 | But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." |
| 1141 | So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. |
| 1226 | Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me. |
| 1227 | "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reaSon I came to this hour." |
| 1228 | "Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." |
| 1249 | For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. |
| 1250 | I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." |
| 131 | It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. |
| 133 | Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; |
| 142 | In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. |
| 146 | Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. |
| 147 | If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." |
| 148 | Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." |
| 149 | Jesus answered "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?" |
| 1410 | Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. |
| 1411 | Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. |
| 1412 | I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. |
| 1413 | And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. |
| 1416 | And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever - the Spirit of truth. |
| 1420 | On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. |
| 1421 | Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. |
| 1423 | Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. |
| 1424 | He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. |
| 1426 | But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. |
| 1428 | You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. |
| 1431 | But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. |
| 151 | I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. |
| 158 | This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. |
| 159 | As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. |
| 1510 | If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. |
| 1515 | I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. |
| 1516 | You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. |
| 1523 | He who hates me hates my Father as well. |
| 1524 | If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. |
| 1526 | When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. |
| 163 | They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. |
| 1610 | In regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; |
| 1615 | All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. |
| 1617 | Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" |
| 1623 | In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. |
| 1625 | Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. |
| 1626 | In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. |
| 1627 | No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. |
| 1628 | I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. |
| 1632 | But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. |
| 171 | After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you." |
| 175 | And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. |
| 1711 | I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one. |
| 1721 | That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. |
| 1724 | Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. |
| 1725 | Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. |
| 1811 | Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" |
| 2017 | Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" |
| 2021 | Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." |
This is surely a staggering list.
To my shame it was only after 30 years as a Christian
and reading the scriptures daily that these many claims
were made clear.
I had read these verses in John many times, but not 'heard'.
Jesus did not wish his disciples to be in any doubt as to who he was.
Some would 'hear', but sadly, many would not.
It should be noted that although God revealed who Jesus was to the disciples,
for many months they failed to realise why he came.
Math 1615-23
They wanted a triumphant Messiah more than a sin-bearing Redeemer.
For many this still remains the tragic truth.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ...
831a
Jesus now speaks to the Jews who believed.
But we shall see from their reaction that their belief
was at best only partial.
What did we believe at the beginning?
When did the Apostles become 'Christians'?
When they began to seek righteousness and truth?
When they repented, were baptised and became John's
disciples? 123
When Jesus called them and they decided to follow him?
137-51
When the Father revealed that Jesus was the Christ?
Math 1616,17
After they saw the many miracles? e.g. Cana
211
When Jesus sent them out or when they returned? Lu
91-6
When Jesus assured them at the last supper? 13-17
After the crucifixion and resurrection when Jesus 'breathed
on them'? 2022
At Pentecost when they were filled with the Holy Spirit?
Act 21-4
What does this tell us about salvation and being saved?
It is certainly an on-going process as well as a birth.
When does a seeker become a believer? When does the new birth take place?
Do we say X has been 'led to the Lord' when he has shown a spark of desire,
or only when he knows the relief that Jesus alone has
forgiven him?
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said,
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
831,32
What is this teaching, this truth that sets us free?
Jesus is the Light of the dark, sinful world - that is dead to God.
Jesus is bread to the hungry, and water to the thirsty, effective and lasting.
Jesus is the only possible remedy for sin. I can never earn God's forgiveness.
Jesus is the Son of God, come down to earth to save sinners.
What would the truth set them free from?
The Roman domination they were suffering under?
The civil law and the law of Moses, with all the additions of the 'Oral Law'?
Did they desire freedom from addiction to drugs, alcohol, nicotine,
gambling, gluttony, sex, power, temper, pride, laziness, demons,
computer games etc ?
It isn't sin but death, (the wages of sin,) that Jesus desires to set us
free from.
We cannot stop sin paying its wages.
No man can set himself free from either death or sin. Lu 418 Ro
622,23
Only Christ can set us free and shatter sin's dominion. We all need Jesus.
Peace can never be imposed in the M.E., the Balkans, the CIS or anywhere,
except by re-imposing a fear that is greater.
They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and
have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
833
It is true that these Jews were descendants of Abraham,
but they were enslaved for 400 years in Egypt and 70 years in Babylon.
(Many had also been under the dominion of Philistines, Moabites,
Midianites, Phoenicians, Assyrians and Selucids)
How short is the memory of man, when it suits him.
Even now they were under Rome, though they were not technically slaves.
It was the reply of a proud, deceived heart.
Like an American after 'Desert Storm',
or the British who so arrogantly thought they once 'ruled the waves.'
c.f. Samaritan woman, Nicodemus, Mary and others.
The cry that God loves to hear, is,
"Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Ro 724
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who
sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family,
but a son belongs to it forever." 834,35
"I tell you the truth' - another emphasis that a vital statement follows.
Everyone is a slave to sin because everyone born of Adam sins. Gal
322 Ro 323
You must either be 'born-again' 33,5 - or born Son of God!
"Blessed are those who mourn ..." and long to be set free. Math
53-6
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because
you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's
presence, and you do what you have heard from your father."
836-38
There is no other way; man never ceases to try to find another way. 2 Pe
217-22
Only the Son can free us from the guilt, the power and consequences of sin.
In The Pilgrims Progress, 'Christian' went on pilgrimage because his burden
was heavy, and he saw no way of being rid of it. He had to travel through
the 'Slough of Despond' escape from the city of 'Legality', enter the 'Wicket
Gate' and hear the 'Interpreter' before he found the 'Way of Salvation'.
Only then as his journey led along 'the way of salvation' did he find the
Cross. There his burden fell off, and he was given clean clothes and a scroll
that he would need in order to enter the Celestial City after crossing the
river.
Jesus tells them that the root problem is that we have different fathers.
"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. You are doing the
things your own father does." 839-41a
"We are all Jews, the sons of our father Abraham!," they answered proudly.
Jesus tells them that though descendants of Abraham, they are not sons.
because they are not like their father Abraham.
Abraham prophesied God's plan of salvation and eternal life,
but you speak and breathe the intention of murder.
They are deeply offended, and as is often the way, they ceased to debate.
They became insultingly offensive.
"We are not illegitimate children," they protested.
"The only Father we have is God himself." 841b
We are not illegitimate children, (like you, they implied)
A gross distortion based upon ignorance.
In the long history of man, only once has a virgin conceived.
It was a most special occasion. God was the Father of Jesus, not Joseph.
These so-called 'believers' now claimed that God was their father!
(one better than Abraham, whom they had previously claimed)
Today some think that they are Christians because 'they go to a good church'
or have Christian parents, or they don't do anyone any
harm etc
All these claims are equally invalid and equally as common!
Beware of benevolent universalism. 'God in everything' 'we're all his children'.
It sounds good; but Jesus replied, that we are either children of God or
children of Satan.
A guaranteed bombshell !
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would
love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own;
but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable
to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to
carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not
holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks
his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because
I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of
sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs
to God hears what God says.
The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
842-47
They thought they knew better than the Son of God!
Jesus was able to tell them the truth because of who he was and where he
came from.
He now adds that it is Satan, not God who is their father!
The proof was that they desired to kill him and also their inability to hear
the Word of God.
Who was the first man to die?
It was Adam, not Cain. And his death spread to all men. 1 Co 1522
What was Satan's first lie?
You shall not die. Sinning is nice, it's even beneficial!
Satan still deceives countless millions into thinking that all is well with
their souls.
The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that
you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?" 848
The debate is totally lost, so abuse is now total! c.f. 1 Pe 223
The Samaritans were a mixed race from 722 BC. (See notes on 41)
(To call a Jew a Samaritan is to insult him for being of mixed race).
To accuse God of being demon-possessed is the ultimate insult, which has
dire consequences. see Math 1222-33
Their presumption and proud boast reveals no fear of God, and no humility.
They had misunderstood all that Jesus had said about bread, freedom, thirsting,
death, and his Father.
"I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I
honour my Father and you dishonour me. I am not seeking glory for myself;
but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. I tell you the truth,
if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
849-51
Jesus did not retaliate, he just stated the truth.
To all who believe, his words of assurance are like 'honey'. 1 Co
1554-57
But to those who did not believe, it was the last straw! They exploded!
Down the ages, ecclesiastical murderers could burn books and even martyrs,
but not the Truth.
See 'Fox's Book of Martyrs' and 'The Reformation in England'
It is a sad reflection on health of the Church that so few read Christian
history.
Those who died in the flames, or who now die in Iranian or Chinese jails,
will live in a more glorious resurrection.
At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are
demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if
anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. Are you greater than our
father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"
852,53
Angry and blind, they refused to obey the carpenter from Nazareth ...
Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means
nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies
me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would
be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word."
854,55
Jesus did not respond that he was greater, he simply repeated his identity.
"My Father ... God, ... I know him ... I am not lying like you."
Now that is plain speaking!
"Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing
my day; he saw it and was glad." 856
This is surely one of the most exciting verses in scripture.
There was old Abraham rejoicing in Jesus in about 1900 BC !
And we so often think that only modern Charismatics do that!
Herein lies the greatness of Abraham - he sought, and found Jesus.
The provider, the perfect lamb for the sacrifice for his sin. Gen
228,14
He was not so stupid as to think an old ram would be sufficient.
He said, "On this mountain, one day, God will provide."
God waited one thousand nine hundred long years. Then he came himself.
God's son, his only son, whom he loved. Gen 222 Math
317
To any who have not walked the same road as Abraham it must seem very foolish;
Yet it is the pinnacle of God's wisdom. 1 Co 122-30
"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to
him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
857,58
If Jesus had not been the Son of God, then one can sympathise with these
Jews!
Here was a man not only claiming to have seen Abraham, but to have lived
before him.
(this is not a claim to re-incarnation or any similar
ridiculous idea of man.)
For the third time in this conversation, Jesus emphasises the truth. also
834,51
His claim was unmistakable. Either highly blasphemous or incredibly true.
If the former, then they were right to be offended and stone him. Lev
2416
If the latter, it was the day of opportunity to meet with God himself. Is
551-7
It reveals the great gulf between who Jesus was, and who they thought he
was,
How many of them would be willing to admit their slavery to sin?
At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus
hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. 859
Jesus did not run away from danger.
He commanded the situation, even their sight.
The time to lay down his life had not yet come. But it soon would.
It was not the first time that they would not be able to seize Jesus, nor
the last! Lu 429 Jn 518 730 820
1039 184-8
It is God who holds the sands of time.
God orders the affairs of men and nations.
God determines the beginning and the end; and the middle!
This may raise many questions as to why this tragedy, or why that government?
But the questions and the mystery do not alter the truth of it.
What about those who are persecuted, maybe martyred?
God has not lost control! No, not at all.
Consider Joseph, Jeremiah, Daniel, Job, Stephen, ... Ridley, Latimer, Tyndale
...
and many, many others now in the God honoured hall of
martyrs.
We do not know why some are martyred, while others are spared.
But we can hold on to what Jesus says is the truth.
No powers of darkness can separate us from the love and light of Christ.
Rom 835 Jn 1430
This is the sixth of the seven miracles that John records.
(first five - Wine, nobleman's son, bread, walks on
water, cripple)
When the Jews saw the lame walk, blind see, dead raised, good news preached...
they would know that prophecy was being fulfilled. Math 115 Is
355,6 611-3 427
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.
91
The man was begging on Temple steps in Jerusalem.
What went through the mind of Jesus?
"Father, this man has never seen anything that we have made,
no Spring flowers, no mountain grandeur, nor the smile
of a child.
Is now the time to open his eyes?"
Instantly, Jesus knew the answer - Yes! Now! Hallelujah!
But his disciples were on quite a different track.
His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man
or his parents, that he was born blind?" 92
What a comparison.
Who's to blame? Who can I sue? Revenge! What compensation can I get?
Isn't that the common reaction today?
Though we excuse our reaction by saying, 'So that it doesn't happen again'
Implication of disciples question is that it must be the parents fault.
So why should son pay? Unjust.
Much of life is unjust. And much is just!
We all deserve far more than we get. God is very patient with us.
We say, 'He had it coming to him ...' until the same thing happens to me!
Much suffering in this world; we must learn to hate sin and its effect.
God did not create the world like this. And it will not end like this. Ro
512 818-25
Even if blindness (or AIDS or ... ) was the result of man's personal sin,
it did not stop Jesus 'weeping'.
This man never asked for anything (Jn 56 c.f. Math
2029-34)
He didn't even know who Jesus was (just called him 'Rabbi')
He didn't know why Jesus was here, nor for how long.
With Jesus the blindness was not to be the subject of a theological debate;
the man was the object of the compassion, the glory
and the power of God.
See how different the mind of God is from that of men.
c.f. Job, who in his calamity did not sin; and later
met with God.
Job testified to what Paul later wrote, "In all things God works for the
good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose." Ro
828
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus,
"but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."
93
This does not mean that his parents had never sinned,
but that their sin was not the cause of their son's
blindness.
Sorrow and suffering are often the opportunity for man to respond to God's
offer of mercy and grace.
There is no quick answer to the problem of pain.
But I know of two families who became Christians following the untimely death
of their baby.
Neither were due to sin or neglect.
In the healing of this blind man, God's work would be seen by all.
Satan rejoiced during his years of blindness.
He did not know that God's plan was for Jesus to heal him!
"As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who
sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world,
I am the light of the world." 94,5
The "day" is short. Soon the three-year ministry of Jesus will be ended.
The "day", (the moment, or the age) of opportunity will pass all too soon.
Lu 1837 Jn 136 Mk 214
648 Is 556
God's timing is always perfect, though it may often seems strange.
One day in 38 years. Jn 55 Woman bleeding for 12 years. Lu
843
Man with shrivelled hand. Lu 66 Long term sickness of our friends.
This man, blind from birth. He had never seen light. But very soon he would
see the 'Light of the World'!
He would not have heard Jesus' earlier conversation in the Temple.
812 859b
Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some
mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash
in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed,
and came home seeing. 96,7
Jesus used different means at different times. Mk 823 Math
2021
Why clay? Possibly a reminder that God originally created man from clay.
Siloam = sent. Is that why Jesus told him to go there?
The blind man and the Messiah were both 'sent'.
How did he find his way to Siloam? Approx 1/2 mile from the Temple.
The man obeyed. c.f. Naaman. 2 Kg 510-14 see also Math
2128-32
Why do we obey? Fear, respect, or for the reward.
Naaman had none of these motives to start with.
The obedient blind man probably had all three.
He not only saw, but he had learned how to see (normally takes years)
Returned home (to parents?), not to the Temple.
His neighbours and those who had formerly seen him
begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" Some claimed
that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted,
"I am the man." "How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded. He replied,
"The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me
to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." "Where
is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said.
98-12
In these verses we see the reaction of people to seeing God at work!
Some amazed "Isn't this the same man who
used to sit and beg." 98
Some sceptical "He only looks like him."
99
Some incredulous "How then ..." 910
Some offended "It was a Sabbath." 914
Blind man "I am the man
(who can now see)." 99
Neighbours all asked how did it happened - like neighbours always will.
He tells them very simply. No embellishments; just simple facts.
It is an example of an excellent testimony! with a good result.
"Where is he?" they asked.
The fact of what happened was very public, and could not be denied.
Definitely a case for the Pharisees to pronounce on.
Political leaders often feel obliged to comment on matters they know little
about!
See also Act 31-11. Man crippled from birth. Peter and John
knew what to do.
And it had much the same results. Brought before Sanhedrin
for investigation.
The Pharisees Investigate
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been
blind. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes
was a Sabbath. Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for
he does not keep the Sabbath." 913,14,16a
One of the many times that the Pharisees saw God's miracles, but refused
to see that Jesus was the Messiah.
What put them off?
According to the Mishnah, Jesus was a Sabbath-breaker,
but Jesus kept the 4th Commandment and all the Law of
Moses.
How do we keep the Sabbath?
Is our Church tradition much like the 'extras' of the Mishnah?
What divides Christians? All churches add tradition to theology;
Priestly robes, Church buildings, what we wear, how we worship ... etc
Jews worship at home on every Shabbat (Sabbath),
And for Seder meal (Passover supper).
They also worship and hear teaching at synagogue.
Commanded to keep Sabbath holy. Heb 49-11 To enter God's rest.
What was the purpose of this rest?
Sabbath not meant for idle pleasure, nor to profit business. But to be holy.
Sunday rest is not so that the other 6 days are more productive,
but the other 6 days are to enable the Sabbath to be
holy and restful.
Like Israelites collecting a double portion of manna on Friday to enable
Sabbath rest. Exd 164-3
On this Sabbath, God's rest was to bring healing and restoration. Mk
223 - 36
They Investigate the (ex) Blind Man
Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received
his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now
I see." But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So
they were divided. 915,16b
First they asked him what happened.
But some did not like what they heard!
Their minds were made up, and did not wish to be confused with facts!
Others were impressed. Probably Joseph (Math 2757), Gamaliel Act
534 223),
Nicodemus (32 751) and maybe others? 1242
Be careful not to lump all Pharisees into one large hypocritical group.
Note. Not all divisions are evil; a majority vote or even unanimity does
not guarantee a right decision!
Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have
you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened."
The man replied, "He is a prophet." 917
Who asked this question? Either group.
Some respected the opinion of the ex-blind man,
Others only desired that he incriminate himself.
The healed man shows the beginnings of faith.
It was based on what Jesus had done; not what he had said.
"He is a prophet." 917 c.f. "The man they call Jesus ..."
911
The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind
and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents.
918
Refused to believe blind man, so sent for parents. Why?
They hoped that they would refute that Jesus had healed their son.
'There's none so blind as them that don't want to see.'!
Proud intransigence and prejudice.
c.f. meek, open-minded Bereans. Act 1711,12
How do we react to new teaching or practice? Check it out? or throw it out?
No man meek like Moses. Num 123
Moses remained meek because he never ceased to search, and find.
c.f. the scathing atheist, Voltaire, who said, "If in
the market of Paris, before the eyes of a thousand men and before my own
eyes, a miracle should be performed, I would much rather disbelieve the 2000
eyes and my own 2, than believe it."
They Investigate his Parents
"Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you
say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?" We know he is our son,"
the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. But how he can see
now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will
speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid of the
Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that
Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. That was why his
parents said, "He is of age; ask him." 919-23
Perfectly reasonable questions.
Is this your son? Yes.
Was he born blind? Yes.
How can he now see? You ask him.
The second question is important because the healing of a man who was blind
from birth
was one of the seven signs of the Messiah for the Jews.
"Was he born blind?" is a straight objective question,
but the addition of "You say" tries to introduce the
idea of doubt.
The parents were good witnesses until the third question, then they falter.
But they were probably not at the Temple or at Siloam.
So their evidence was second-hand ('hearsay' and not permitted in law).
Fear of the Pharisees made them careful and defensive. also 713
A Jew becomes 'of age' at 30.
They return to questioning the healed man.
Re-Investigate the (ex) Blind Man
A second time they summoned the man who had been blind.
"Give glory to God," they said. "We know this man is a sinner."
924
Sanhedrin try to intimidate him, they desperately wanted to turn his evidence
against Jesus.
Praise God, yes; but do not say anything good about Jesus.
(Note that even the evil Spanish Inquisitors also professed
to give God glory.)
"We know ..." they said. But did they know?
In praying today we often hear, "Lord, we know ..."
Are we trying to persuade God, or to bolster our weak
faith?
What would you have said before a court of seventy Pharisees?
The healed man gave a remarkably astute reply: It cut through all their prejudice
and hypocrisy.
He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't
know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"
925
This was the vital evidence that they were seeking to discredit.
His faith seem feeble and doctrine confused, but his testimony was good:
I was in the dark, but now I have the light of God.
I was fond of sin, but now I hate it.
I love Jesus who has forgiven me.
Faith without feelings is a bad sign. Feelings without faith will certainly
deceive.
How do we sift evidence?
Do we read only what we will probably agree with?
Meetings, books, tapes, videos, newspapers, T.V. programmes etc.
But being 'broad-minded' is not an excuse to fill our minds with rubbish.
Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did
he open your eyes?"
He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you
want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"
926,27
'What... How ...?'
They asked these questions mainly in order to pick holes his evidence,
but some asked because they really wanted to know what
Jesus had done.
Unlike his parents, their son was bold, he even taunted them! "Do you
want to become his disciples too?"
But they were not interested in his healing after over 30 years of blindness!
only in some legal wrangle about Sabbath laws.
The healed man considered that he had become a disciple now.
And the Sanhedrin thought so too.
Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are
this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke
to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."
928,29
Not all of them hurled insults; just the vocal majority!
It revealed what was in their hearts.
They claimed a better pedigree than others; 'God speaks to us through
Moses,
but this man Jesus only speaks for himself.'
Here they displayed their lamentable ignorance and stubborn deafness.
The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes
from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners.
He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening
the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do
nothing." 930-33
His boldness knew no end. He seemed to almost enjoy the argument!
"God does not listen to (unrepentant) sinners." Jer 1111
Ezek 818 Ps 6618
"He listens to the godly man ..." e.g. 1 Kg 18 Elijah on Carmel + James
516
Same conclusion as Nicodemus (this man, Jesus, was from God). Jn
32
c.f. "By what authority do you do these things?" Math
2123-27
To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth;
how dare you lecture us!" 934a
They had no answer to his true statement; so only personal abuse remains.
The wisdom of a poor, (ex) blind man confounds all their accumulated wisdom.
"Not many wise, ... mighty, ..." 1 Co 126 Math 1125
Mk 1023 Lu 418
It is not a sin to be poor (or rich): but it is to be either covetous or
arrogant.
Back where it all began - "who sinned?"
We are ALL steeped in sin from birth, but few are willing to admit it.
It made necessary the Advent (coming) of Jesus and the concluding 'event'.
He "came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim 115
"I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Lu
532
And they threw him out. 934b
Never again allowed into the Synagogue, or to bring his offering to the Temple.
Man loves exclusiveness (if inside); God seeks to include, and to save.
Excommunication and persecution are not the new weapons of tyrants, even
ecclesiastical ones!
The synagogue is the centre of Jewish life and to be barred was a serious
loss.
Maybe this man would soon learn that the man who healed him would soon, also
lay down his life for him.
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when
he found him ... 935a
Jesus was not satisfied with only his physical healing.
He had compassion for this poor, rejected Jew.
"I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the Lord, "because
you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no-one cares." Jer 3017
We do not know this blind man's name;
but God does, and it is written in the Book of Life. Is 431
When he found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son
of Man?"
"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with
you."
Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshipped him.
935b-38
Son of Man (x78 in Gospels = Messiah). (A.V. = Son of God)
Why did God call Ezekiel 'son of man' ? (x93 in Ezek.)
What was the main message of Ezekiel? (same as the ministry of Jesus)
1. God is sovereign - 'Thus says the sovereign Lord
...' x 210 in Ezek.
2. Just judgement or receive the offer of undeserved
salvation.
Only two possibilities open to
all men (no half-way house)
3. Sees Glory (of God) leaving the Temple, and then
the glory returning.
Dry Bones + Jn 2022.
River of Life + Jn 414. Also Dan 713
The man desired to know who this 'Son of Man' was.
So Jesus tells him that he is this 'Son of Man'. And he believes!
'The Light of the World' had brought light to his eyes and to his soul.
Meanwhile where were the Pharisees?
Still there, and still blind! so Jesus speaks to them...
Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world,
so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." Some Pharisees
who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"
Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that
you claim you can see, your guilt remains. 939-41
What is the 'judgement' here?
Not final Judgement when the verdict is announced, but there is a present
'judgement'.
The Truth is seen sorting out who's who.
Then and now, the majority of men are unaware that they are totally deluded.
The same fire can both melt wax and harden clay.
The Pharisees asked Jesus if he thought that they were blind.
Not a real enquiry, but a sneering, sarcastic remark.
What areas are we blind to? (difficult to answer!)
What happens to unrepented sin?
It is not forgiven; it remains, and so do the consequences.
What happens to men who admit their blindness?
They have a longing to see, and it may lead to a thirst
for God.
One of those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek (long to learn)
who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Math
53-6
This man could not deny his physical blindness.
When healed he was not slow to admit his spiritual blindness too.
He desired to believe. He had received complete healing,
and now also the forgiveness of God. What relief and
gladness!
It is the same for all who call on the name of the Lord. Ps 1161-6
Joel 232 (Act 221)
"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the
sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a
robber." 101
Again Jesus speaks with emphasis and authority.
What are the principal elements of the two parables at the start of this
chapter?
1. Sheep pen + Gate.
2. Shepherd (watchman) + Sheep + Robbers.
How can the Watchman secure the safety for his sheep?
It is the battle of the Shepherd against the Robbers.
The Shepherd loves his sheep, but the Robbers hate them.
This is not a cosy story about a good Shepherd and his happy, well-fed flock,
as is often depicted
(and correctly so in Is 4011).
But here, God reveals the continuing open war for the souls of men!
What does the sheep pen offer?
Protection and provision. Both are greatly desired by men.
Locks, insurance of life's work to provide for family are not wrong,
but Jesus is more concerned with his much better eternal
kingdom.
Shepherd Calls sheep by name. Leads them out (sheep
follow).
Watchman Remains at the gate.
Robbers Afraid of the Shepherd and Watchman - have to
try another way in.
Their purpose is not to become sheep, but to steal them.
It is important to see the context. Jesus had just healed the blind man.
1021
At the end the Pharisees were shown to be blind and guilty. 941
They were the false teachers of religion.
And they aren't confined to Jews of 2000 years ago.
They are also seen to be the robbers and thieves of this parable!
There is true and false leadership; the first leads to life, the latter to
death.
"The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of
his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him and the sheep listen to his
voice. He calls his own sheep by name, he goes on ahead of them, his sheep
follow because they know his voice." 102-4
Who is the man who enters by the gate? Jesus was the first. Col
215 Deut 318
And after him he will enable other shepherds or leaders to also enter and
lead.
Surprisingly there is no definite article in Gk v2. a shepherd, not the shepherd.
Who are the sheep? What do they hear?
Their own names. Salvation is personal. Is 431 453
The sheep recognise the voice of the Shepherd - they still do!
What they do largely depends on what they hear, and what they want to hear!
Consider the example of 'hearing' in the Song of Solomon.
There is no scripture that tells more poetically, or more passionately the
love of our Saviour.
And our stumbling response. i.e. How we hear
(The Christian or Bride's words are in
italic, the Saviour's are in normal type)
| BRIDEGROOM BRIDE (to be) + WATCHMEN |
COMMENTS | |
| 17 | Tell me, you whom I love, where you graze your flock | First signs of real desire for God |
| 115
22 |
How beautiful you are, my darling ... Like a lily among thorns ... |
Our Saviour clearly sees what he will make us, not what we are now. |
| 28,9 | Listen! My lover! Look, here he comes, leaping ... bounding ... like a gazelle ... Look! There he stands ... gazing through the windows |
Her heart leaps too! But is paralysed by fear or ?? He remains outside. Rev 320 |
| 210-13 | Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See, the winter is past ... |
Come! Now is the moment of opportunity |
| 216,17 | My lover is mine and I am his ... Until the day breaks ... turn, my lover, and be like a gazelle |
False assurance. I desire you - but not yet! |
| 31-4 | I looked for the one my heart loves; ... I will search for him. When I found him. ... I held him and would not let him go. |
The search begins. God fulfils his promise; the soul that seeks shall find. c.f. Jacob at Peniel. |
| 41 410,12 |
Oh, how beautiful. Your eyes behind your veil are doves. How delightful your love ... my bride. ... You are a garden locked up, a spring enclosed ... |
Eyes are beautiful, but veiled (as at wedding). Not yet free to respond. |
| 416 | Blow on my garden, ... Let my lover come into his garden. | Sees her own need, and desires to change. |
| 52 | I slept but my heart was awake. Listen! My lover is knocking: |
Heart in greater earnest now. |
| 52 | Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew. |
But the Saviour remains outside all night. (Dew falls in the evening) |
| 53 | I have taken off my robe - must I put it on again? | Some objections still remain. |
| 55,6 | I arose to open ... my hands dripped with myrrh. I opened for my lover, but my lover had left; ... I called him, but he did not answer. |
Old habits die hard. She tried to win approval by false appearance, but God knows her heart. It is not the way of salvation; so Saviour leaves. She is chastised by watchmen. |
| 59 | (Watchmen) How is your beloved better than ours? | |
| 510 | My lover is ... outstanding among ten thousand. His head is purest gold ... |
Provoked by watchmen into a declaration of love. |
| 61 | (Watchmen) Where has your lover gone? | They become interested. |
| 62 | My lover has gone down to his garden. | World is seen now as his garden; not mine. |
| 64 | You are beautiful, my darling, as lovely as Jerusalem ... | Saviour maintains truthful words of great affection. |
| 711,12 | Come my lover ... let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened. |
At last they go together, and find the sweet scent of salvation, and the love and fruitfulness of God. |
| 85 | (Watchmen) Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover? |
They return together. Now she knows her total dependency. c.f. Jacob, leaning on his staff, or Mary at the feet of Jesus. |
| 813 | You who dwell in the gardens let me hear your voice! |
Jesus desires to hear us. (and we desire him). Not just on "our Sundays and the dog-ends of our time." |
| 814 | Come away, my lover, and be like a gazelle ... |
Life with God Freedom and joy on a tough mountain-side. United in purpose and destiny. |
Jesus, the Gate
Jesus had been talking about the war of attrition. Shepherd .v. Robbers.
The battle for the souls of men.
The Robbers who only wished to steal sheep.
The Shepherd who goes ahead. Then the sheep may follow their crucified Lord.
The sheep know the voice of the Shepherd.
But the disciples did not understand.
Jesus did not give up in despair; he continues the parable.
(107-18)
"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.
All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not
listen to them." 107,8
Another emphasis on the importance of what he would say next.
3rd "I am the ..." in John (Bread of life. 635 etc Light of the
world 812 95)
The parable is modified. Jesus is now the Gate (door).
Some good men are always pointing to Christ - both then and now.
Bad men (robbers) point to tradition or wisdom of men; but only to part (if
any) of Scripture.
Robbers may be earnest, caring, appealing; but they always devour and deceive.
False prophets and wolves often advise the "broad, easy way". Math
713-17
The Gate is open now; but one day it will be shut to all men for ever! Gen
716b Lu 1626
Far too many leave it until it is too late. Sudden death, or just grow too
old.
What other 'gates' do men try?
Everything from Yoga (do nothing) to 'Good works' (do everything),
from asceticism to prosperity, cults, sects, 'give all'
communities etc.
Each have their attractions, and an equal number of deceptions.
'Other ways' are always thieves; they are never alternative ways.
How much should we learn about other ways? e.g. Islam, TM etc.
Only with greatest care and when necessary.
Sheep did not listen to false voices - they still don't!
But beware. Jesus knows how much we need to be warned.
He knows our level of gullibility and how easily we
are deceived by false teachers.
"All who came before ..." The 'all' makes this a difficult verse.
It obviously cannot include men of faith like Abel,
Abraham, John Baptist etc
Maybe not so much before in time as 'before' in claimed honour.
Many Pharisees claimed to be 'the gate' and exalted themselves, but they
were robbers. 941 Lu 1152
"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.
He will come in and go out, and find pasture." 109
There is only one gate, and only one means of salvation. Jn 146
Act 412 1 Jn 512 Rev 714-17
Shepherds (Ministers and Pastors) are only true if they enter by the Gate.
(they can then feed the sheep with good food and not
poison them)
Christ asks nothing of his followers that he has not first experienced.
104
Jesus provides security and provision. (but not always ease and plenty).
"I'm under the blood of Jesus, I'm safe in the shepherd's
fold.
I'm under the blood of Jesus, safe when the night grows
cold,
Safe when the nations crumble, safe when the stars grow
dim.
I'm under the blood of Jesus, and I am safe in him."
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy
..." 1010
What is the thief's purpose ?
to steal faith, praise of God,
assurance, peace of mind.
to destroy hope, health, security, relationships
and anything that leads to despair, doubt and do nothing.
to kill deprive believers
of eternal life. (unbelievers are already dead)
Those who follow the thief, or who are taken by him will never see life.
Satan is The thief'. (thief in this verse has a definite article)
He has one continuing purpose, and it is totally different
to that of the Saviour!
How does God protect us?
Requires us to have a humble and obedient spirit. Is 662
5715 Exd 195 Math 2820
And to put on the whole armour of God (himself). Eph 610-18
Truth. Faith. Righteousness.
Salvation. Gospel of peace. Word of God.
'Christ crucified for us sinners' must remain central in our daily experience.
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to
the full." 1010
How gracious of God. His rescue of us is certainly not deserved.
His desire is not that we just exist, but that we have life to the full.
Eph 316-21
By Moses came the law, rules and ceremonies.
By Christ comes grace, truth, freedom, joy and eternal life. Jn
117
Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah etc
each knew salvation was by faith, not by works or
appearance. See Heb 11
They each saw and desired the coming of Christ, they saw it with joy.
836
Jesus came to give life: Satan comes to take life.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
"I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down
his life for the sheep. The hired hand ... abandons the sheep and runs away
... he cares nothing for the sheep. The wolf attacks the flock and scatters
it." 1011-13
4th "I am the ..." And another variation of the parable.
Subjects are the Good Shepherd, the Hired Hand and the
Wolf c.f. Shepherd, or Gate and Thief.
The Wolf attacks sheep (in the open). And with same purpose!
The Good Shepherd was willing to give his life for his sheep.
It is very surprising that Jesus should lay down his life for me.
The price was so high and I am so insignificant.
His payment was sure and certain and necessary.
"How much do you think you are worth, boy, ... He paid what he thought you
were worth!" (see notes on 316)
Satan was wise enough to know that Christ intended to bring salvation to
men.
But he didn't know "The magic of the stone table from
before the dawn of time."
(The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
C.S.Lewis)
The 'magic' is that if the righteous Christ died, bearing all our sins,
then he would be able to give life to all who believed
in him.
'The Good shepherd lays down his life'. Ro 58 Heb
29 122
But when danger comes the Hired Hand just runs away
- he only does the job for the pay.
This is a good test for shepherds:
When in danger or difficulty do they sacrifice their time, their reputation
... or do they 'cut and run'?
Note that there is a time to retreat, and also a time
to stand.
Paul retreated from Iconium Act 146 and
from Thessalonica + Berea. Act 1710,14
but he went to Jerusalem in spite
of many warnings. Act 2021-24 214, 12-14
Many good shepherds before and since are watchful and loving.
But at best, all are only poor imitators of the Good
Shepherd. 1 Sam 1734-36
Many good shepherds are like David, but even he did not lay down his life
for sheep.
Sadly others were not good! Ezek 341-16
What did they do? Ate and clothed in the best, ruled
harshly.
What did they fail to do? Care for weak and sick.
Math 2544,45
Therefore the sheep were scattered.
They did not seek the one sheep, let alone the ninety-nine.
But Jesus did. And thankfully many of his followers have done so ever since.
We must also lay down our lives. Ro 64-8 Gal 220
"I am the good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep
know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down
my life for the sheep." 1014,15
Jesus knows me - every action and every thought - all pretence is totally
futile.
This is both alarming (except for man without guile)
and a great relief. c.f. Math 723 2512
New birth gives believers the great privilege of learning to know God.
We learn how God sees each circumstance of life. What is his plan?
"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.
I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall
be one flock and one shepherd." 1016
Who are the 'other sheep' ? The believing Gentiles. (Not little green Martians!)
Some Christians think God has finished with the Jews. He hasn't. Ro
11 Eph 211-22
Observe the Church's attitude down the centuries.
They called the Jews 'Christ killers!', deported them, massacred, provoked
hatred,
instead of making them jealous for Jesus.
But in the end we shall be one - I would that it were true now.
Parable has one principal lesson - don't try to make it more!
It is too narrow if we exclude all whose theology is
slightly different.
It is too broad if we include all who say Christ was
only a good man or a prophet.
KJV 'One fold ...' Gk. 'poimne' should be 'flock'. as Math 2631
Lu 28 etc
Fold or Pen is from Gk 'aer' =air i.e. open to air. Also palace, courtyard.
"The reason that the Father loves me is that I lay
down my life - only to take it up again. No-one takes it from me, but I lay
it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to
take it up. This command I received from my Father."
1017,18
Repeats 'I lay down my life ...' 3 times.
The Son gives his life, so enabling a host that no man can number to be saved.
No wonder Father is pleased.
The objective for his creation is fulfilled, in spite of the disobedience
and fall of man. Is 5310-12 Math 2653 Heb 9
'No-one takes it from me'. Jesus freely offered his life c.f. criminal's
sentence. Jn 1430 1911 Act 223,24
Rev 118 Col 215 Heb 716
A martyr dies overwhelmed by his enemies, and against his will.
Jesus is not a martyr: no one took his life. 1430 1911
He intentionally laid down his life, and 'yielded his spirit'. Jn
1930
And he did so to 'take it up again'!
These verses clearly tell disciples (as well as Pharisees) of the resurrection.
No other man could make a claim like this.
It was a plan that was agreed in heaven before the creation. Jn
1724 Eph 14
What was the Father's command?
The word here means 'purpose or agreed commission', not the order from a
superior to a junior.
The purpose was to pay the price of our sin, because we could never pay it.
Jesus was much more than a prophet; he is the Redeemer, the Son of God, totally
one with the Father and the Spirit.
At these words the Jews were again divided. Many of
them said, "He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?" But
others said, "These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can
a demon open the eyes of the blind?" 1019-21
The claims of Jesus were outrageous! But they were matched by his deeds!
What were the two main camps?
Jesus was either demon-possessed and raving mad. Or he was God!
It remains true today; 'the sinful mind is hostile to God.' Ro
87 1 Co 214 Math 1024,25
The historical fact of Christ crucified may divide some men.
But much more divisive is the absolute necessity for
Christ to be our Saviour.
Many see Christ crucified as a good example of self-sacrifice.
But all who try to follow such ways are no better than ardent Jews, who tried
to obey the Law, and failed.
As G.K.Chesterton wrote, 'Christianity has not been tried and found wanting,
it has been tried and found difficult.'
The weak who believe see that Christ crucified is the power of God for salvation.
Unbelievers see the crucifixion as unfortunate, or even irrelevant.
The church (as well as the Jews) is divided. Why?
Theology (rarely),
Style of Worship (often),
Structure, church government, and power (especially
the latter).
Strong Personalities (initially successful but often
corrupted by power)
Do we despise or respect other denominations and other Christians?
Which causes us more grief?
The effect of the division (church reputation, and therefore
mine) or The personal loss of friendship?
Do we criticise in public or cry in private to the Lord?
Church history is both tearfully sad and a continuing, personal challenge.
Jesus at the Feast of Dedication -
Hanukkah
At the feast of Dedication ... 1022a
What is the background to the Jewish feast of Hanukkah?
The story of the victorious Maccabean rebellion against evil.
One of the great 'Little David triumphs over the giant Goliath' events of
history.
'Never in the history of human conflict was so much owed by so many ...'
Churchill
When Alexander the Great died in 323 BC the Greek empire divided into 4 as
prophesied by Daniel. Dan 76 88,22
Ptolemy in Egypt, Seleukos in Babylon, Antipater in Greece, and Lysimachos
in Thrace.
In 169 BC Antiochus IV fought against Egypt, and won.
But Rome arrived on the scene and told him to go home!
On his way he vented his anger on Jerusalem.
He destroyed part of city, killed many women and children,
removed the golden candlesticks (Menorah) from the Temple,
erected an image to Jupiter (Zeus) and sacrificed pig
on the altar,
and forbade Jewish feasts, circumcision, Sabbath etc
He called himself 'Epithanes' = god or the coming of god.
When Apelles came to Modin 3 miles north of Jerusalem to enforce pig
sacrifice,
one priest agreed, but he was killed by the outraged
Mattathias Maccabee.
His 5 sons, led by Judah Maccabee, then led the uprising.
Against all odds they won the resulting guerilla war against Antiochus.
The Jews cleansed their polluted Temple and re-dedicated it.
The Temple Menorah was lit with enough oil for only one day, but it lasted
for eight days,
by which time a new supply had been consecrated.
This occurred in mid Dec. (25th Kislev in 164 BC)
The Prophecy of Daniel was fulfilled.
"At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the
outcome will be different from what it was before. Ships of the western
coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back
and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor
to those who forsake the holy covenant. His armed forces will rise up to
desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then
they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. With flattery he
will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know
their God will firmly resist him." Dan 1116-32
It is a true and much loved part of Jewish history. (Like the stories of
Ruth the Moabitess, and of Queen Esther)
Jesus was in the temple area, walking in Solomon's
Colonnade. The Jews gathered round him saying, "How long will you keep us
in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
1023,24
Jesus celebrated Hanukkah 4 months before his last Passover and crucifixion.
'In Solomon's Colonnade' i.e. under cover from winter rain. (mid Dec.)
'The Jews' = locals + some in Jerusalem for feast + religious leaders
Same question as in 825, who are you?
Unrepentant man always wants more 'evidence' before believing. Mk
1532
"I did tell you but you do not believe."
1025
Those who asked obviously had not been with him or had not listened.
Jesus had told them plainly many times who he was. Now he does so again.
What had they been told so plainly?
| John | What Jesus said | The Response |
| 129 | John - "Behold the Lamb of God ..." | John and Andrew follow |
| 141 | Andrew - "We have found the Messiah." | Peter follows |
| 145 | Philip - "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law." | Nathaniel believes |
| 211, 23 | Saw miraculous signs | Disciples believed |
| 216 | "How dare you turn my Father's house into a market." | "Prove your authority" |
| 316 | "God ... gave his one and only Son ..." | (to Nicodemus) |
| 327--36 | John (the Apostle) - "The one whom God has sent
... whoever believes in the Son has eternal life" |
--- |
| 426 | "I who speak to you am he." (the Messiah) | Samaritan woman believes |
| 442 | "... now we have heard for ourselves." | Many Samaritans believe |
| 51-45 | Jesus heals lame man. Then, "My Father is always at his work."
Father and Son work together. Son gives life. |
Tried to kill him. 518 Refuse to come to Son. 540 |
| 61-15 | Feeds 5000. "Surely this is the Prophet." | Tried to make him king. |
| 626-66 | Eat food that spoils or food that endures to eternal life. "I am the bread of life." |
Grumbled. Many disciples turned back |
| 669 | Peter - "We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." | |
| 715-20 | How did this man get such teaching? "It comes from him who sent me." |
"You are demon-possessed." |
| 725-30 | When Christ comes no one will know where he is from. "I am from him (God) and he sent me." |
Tried to seize him |
| 733-44 | "I go to the one who sent me. ... Where I am, you cannot come." | Where can this be? |
| 737 | "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." | "He is the Christ" "How can Christ come from Galilee?" |
| 812,13 | "I am the light of the world." | "Your testimony is not valid." |
| 823-30 | "I am from above ... I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he." |
"Who are you?" They did not understand. Many put their faith in him. |
| 842-48 | " ... I came from God and ... he sent me ..." | "You are a Samaritan and demon-possessed." |
| 858,59 | "Before Abraham was born, I am!" | They picked up stones to stone him. |
| 933,34 | Man born blind healed - "If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." |
"You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" |
| 101-10 | "I am the gate." Shepherd enters fold with sheep; others enter by another way to steal (sheep). |
They didn't understand. |
| 1011-18 | "I am the good shepherd and I lay down my life for the sheep. ... This command I have received from my Father." |
He is demon-possessed, raving mad. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? |
Jesus had told them many times who he was, but they still did not believe.
Why didn't we believe sooner?
The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me,
but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
1025,26
They did not yet believe, or they did not ever believe?
Only Jesus can answer this. God alone is judge.
But we can, and are obliged to state the truth of Jn
318, 36
A man may claim to believe, but not be saved. It depends on what he
believes.
Even Satan believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
He even believes that Jesus came to earth and was
resurrected.
But it does not benefit him, or any man one jot.
see chapter 'Nicodemus and New Birth' 316
Why was Jesus so blunt? It was intended to challenge;
to make men say, "O wretched man that I am, who will
rescue me ...?" Ro 724
to help us realise our extreme poverty without the redeeming
Saviour.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they
follow me. 1027
'Listen to' here implies and requires obedience. Math 724-27 Jn
1415
Why do the sheep follow? We love to hear his voice. Lonely without
him.
Many study philosophy or psychology hoping to find the way.
Others study theology hoping to find the truth
Some even search the scriptures hoping to receive life,
But only in Jesus will a man find "The Way, the Truth and the Life".
539
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear ..." Math 1115
139 1343
In the UK on Dartmoor or on the Welsh hills, sheep are left out all summer.
Generally they graze and drink happily and without much
danger or loss.
But in Judea sheep are totally dependent on their shepherd.
Food is sparse, water must be drawn, and there are many
predators.
It is a great privilege to have Jesus as our Shepherd.
We belong to Jesus because we are the Father's gift to his Son.
The Son paid the required redemption price.
We are his calling (he calls us each by name).
He continually desires to feed, sustain, protect and finally to honour us.
Such is his consistent grace and faithful love.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;
1028
What a gift! No man can ever give such a gift; though many have tried.
The great multitude that no-one can number witnesses to this truth. Rev
79-17
'They shall ever perish'. God and I are inseparable! Ro 835
Can we do what we like then? Certainly not! Ro 61,2
It is a modern fallacy, a false assurance, to say, 'Once saved, always saved.'
see Heb 64-12
Also parable of the sower. All the seed rejoiced, but
only one bore fruit.
Believers can become careless, lazy, even deceived, but this is not the same
as deliberate rebellion.
"Through faith and patience we inherit what God has promised." Heb
612
Remember those who "were still living by faith when they died." Heb
1113
"They did not receive the things promised; they only saw and welcomed them
from a distance."
(And not just because they lived before Christ. Many
OT men were saved)
This word of Jesus is a rich and precious promise on dark days.
And especially to all who suffer persecution. see Heb
135
No-one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father,
who has given them to me, is greater than all; no-one can snatch them one
of my Father's hand. 1028,29
God is not like the politicians, world leaders, or even many marriage partners,
who renege on their promises when it suits them.
"No-one shall snatch them out of my hand."
No man, no angel, no demon, not even Satan himself ...
though they may well try to steal or destroy faith of
God within us.
Neither Satan nor any man or super-power can match the power of God
We are very safe in the hands of King Jesus. Know it, feel it, live it.
c.f. 922
But beware of carelessness or presumption.
When God seems far away, why does he seem so?
We often think that if God is with us life should be easy!
And conversely God does not seem close when life is
difficult.
What is the truth? "I am with you ALWAYS ..."
This is the unfailing, faithful promise of Almighty
God.
He is not fickle, unreliable, easily distracted or weak.
We may lose property, wealth, job, health, even our lives, but the Shepherd
of Israel keeps our souls totally secure.
The Saviour's final call to Mr Ready-to-Halt in The Pilgrim's Progress, was:
"He whom you have loved and followed, though upon crutches,
expects you at his table."
At a wedding, the Father gives the bride to the bridegroom. 176
(How sad it is when a bridegroom 'takes' his bride before
marriage)
I and the Father are one.
1030
Father and Son are totally agreed. What about?
Everything! but in particular about the safety of the sheep.
176-12
God's kingdom is not divided!
Many times God's enemies have been defeated because
fought among themselves. Judges 712, 22
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him,
1031
How tragic.
Jesus "went about doing good" Acts 1038 but he was hated
by many, without reason. 1525 77
The Jews of those days were not alone in missing the day of opportunity.
Let us willingly drink the cup of rejection, patiently and without surprise.
1518
They tried to stone him. see chapter 'Sons and Slaves' 859
But Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great
miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"
1032
35 great miracles of Jesus are recorded in the Gospels. 6 of the 7
in John had already taken place:
Ch 2 Water to wine - Cana.
Ch 4 Official's son - Capernaum.
Ch 5 Invalid for 38 years healed - Bethesda, Jerusalem
Ch 6 Fed 5000 - Bethsaida
Ch 6 Walks on water - Galilee
Ch 9 Man born blind healed - Temple, Jerusalem
Many have tried to deny the miracles of Jesus, or to 'explain' them away.
But they are ' ... from the Father' - this phrase comes again and again.
Why did Jesus ask this question? That they might see their deep prejudice,
and repent.
But his miracles made the leaders jealous.
And jealousy wrecks havoc with our reasoning.
Old age can also bring down the shutters on new thought or practice.
We are not stoning you for any of these, but for blasphemy,
because you, a mere man, claim to be God. 1033
If Jesus had not been the Son of God, it would have been right to stone him.
Lev 2416
But he wasn't only a man. He had condescended to become a man.
"Our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made
man." C.Wesley
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law,
'I have said you are gods'? If he called them 'gods', to whom the word of
God came - and the Scripture cannot be broken -."
1034,35
The quote which Jesus made rested on the one word 'gods'.
See the honour Jesus accorded to Scripture, and its total accuracy.
We may not understand everything, but everything written is true.
What about the one whom the Father set apart as his
very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me because I said,
'I am God's Son'? 1036
Some think Jesus was vague in his claims; but he was direct and clear.
The Jews were certainly not in any doubt about who he claimed to be!
Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does.
But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles that
you may know that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.
1037,38
His miracles were undeniable, and are proof of his claim.
He never failed to heal. His teaching was 100% accurate.
He repeats his claim, 'I and the Father are one'. It has the same result.
1030
Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their
grasp. 1039
They tried, and once more they failed - how frustrating for them!
But it was still nearly 4 months before God's appointed time.
Then Jesus went back across the Jordan, to the place
where John had been baptising in the early days. Here he stayed and many
people came to him. 1040,41a
It is a wild area. Limestone desert except near the river. Jn 323
Mk 14
Jesus preached the same message as John. i.e. repentance and forgiveness
of sins. Math 32 417
Too harsh for those who loved the luxury and convenience of city life (and
death!).
They said, "Though John never performed a miraculous
sign, all that John said about this man was true." And in that place many
believed in Jesus. 1041b,42
True ministry does not always require miracles as proof. ('signs following')
Many testimonies today are wonderfully true;
but regrettably, many claims are grossly exaggerated
before a gullable public
to try to prove that all their ministry and
teaching is 'of God'.
But such teaching is too often based more on man's false
hope than on the truth of Srcipture.
Jesus said that there was no greater prophet than John, and that included
Elijah and Elisha, Isaiah and Daniel.
No one else had been able to say, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes
away the sin of the world." 129
This perfect Lamb, this Messiah (Yeshua, Saviour) is here, NOW!
Many believed.
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany,
the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus
now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his
feet with her hair. 111,2
The people and the scene:
Jesus was at the river Jordan.
Bethany is 20 miles uphill to the west, near Jerusalem.
It is shortly after Hanukkah. 1022 see also 1154,55
Jesus had been teaching about the Good Shepherd who lays down his life;
how he had power to lay down his life and to
take it up again. 1011-18
John had earlier taught here about the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin
of the world.
With the death of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates his great compassion.
He showed that God has power over death and life;
not only Lazarus would come back to life, but many others
would do so too;
in fact, he tells us that all who believed would never
die!
Mary is Gk. form of the Hebrew name Miriam = exalted or myrrh of the sea.
She was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. (not Mary of Magdalene, Galilee)
Earlier Mary had chosen the 'better' part. Lu 1038-42
Now Jesus reveals Martha's faith and causes it to grow - fast!
A man who was asked whether he preferred Mary or Martha replied,
'Martha before dinner and Mary after dinner'!
This is probably the most outstanding miracle of Jesus, but is recorded only
in John. (see 2125)
Sickness and pain is not because God is displeased, it can even be for our
good. How?
It promotes prayer, fortitude, character, compassion;
it encourages a heightened hope of heaven, for it sees
life here as only temporary.
So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you
love is sick." 113
Lazarus was very ill. It was a grave (!) problem.
What would we say to Jesus? What would we do?
Their message to Jesus was a simple statement.
They did not demand a miracle, or anything. c.f. 25
Jesus loved this family as was later shown.
They did not presume this relationship.
Who was Lazarus? Not mentioned elsewhere in the N.T.
The Lazarus in Lu 16 parable could not come back to life on earth.
But the contrast may be the point!
Lazarus is the Gk. form of the Hebrew Eleazar = help of God
Jesus loves each of us as a gardener loves the many varieties of flowers.
When he heard this, Jesus said, "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 loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard
that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
114-6
A most unexpected reply. God often does the unexpected. e.g.
He chose Jacob instead of Esau, parted the Red Sea,
made an axe head float.
The Messiah was a man, and he planned his crucifixion!
Jesus always spoke the truth and this prophecy was no exception,
'This sickness will not end in death'.
The Glory of God was certainly seen - and many began to believe.
Jesus deliberately allows Lazarus to die.
He loved them (not just a little) - soon we will see him weeping.
Wise and loving parents do not give their children everything they want.
And when they do, it is not always immediately.
The love of God is strong. He allows trials and testings for our good.
e.g. Job. 3 in furnace, Jacob with Laban, David in
wilderness,
Moses in Midian, Abraham waits
for Isaac, Elijah and drought etc.
Jesus had to wait for the right time to come as Redeemer.
And it was better for him to leave the Apostles.
1416,18
With Lazarus, Jesus hears Father say "wait!" So he did. But it
was difficult. Heb 58
He continues the ministry for two days, as if nothing
was happening in Bethany.
Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."
"But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and
yet you are going back there?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours
of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by
this world's light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he
has no light." 117-10
The disciples had probably forgotten all about Lazarus; but Jesus hadn't.
They saw only danger in Jerusalem. (Bethany only 2 miles east of Jerusalem)
It was and will be a dangerous place. Lu 951
1334 Act 21 Zech 121-9
Christians are often called to walk where they are afraid to.
Our God always knows the best way, even if it is not the most comfortable!
We are never asked to walk alone; nor where he has not already walked.
Jesus meets their fear with a proverb; and he leaves them to draw the obvious
conclusion.
The '12 hours' of Jesus' ministry (Gethsemane to Calvary) had not yet started.
He would not stumble now or ever.
Both he, and the disciples were quite safe - for the time!
94 + Lu 1332,33
Jesus did not walk in darkness - he had his Father's light.
So do his followers. 812
Now it was time to start on the journey to Bethany.
After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our
friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." His
disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." Jesus had been
speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And for your sake I am glad
I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
1111-15
Jesus knew that Lazarus had died, so he told them.
'Our friend ...' Jesus confirms the relationship expressed by Martha.
113
Asleep is a good word for death to those with an assured hope of resurrection.
(Cemetery = Gk. for 'sleeping place')
Why go now, when it's too late?
Jesus told them the plan of God, where they were going, and why.
They seemed slow to hear. What makes us slow?
The death of Lazarus is an apparent contradiction with 114
Some may have thought that Jesus said that he would not die; but now he had.
Jesus did not say he would not die, but that it would not end in death!
What did disciples make of that?
It is hardly surprising that they did not yet understand what Jesus was saying.
Jesus knew his Father would be greatly glorified in this event. So he was
glad.
And he knew it would help many to believe and be saved. He was more glad.
But it did not stop him weeping with them.
1135
Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the
disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." 1116
Was Thomas melancholic?
Even after conversion the sanguine may remain sanguine.
After 3 years with Jesus, Peter remained impetuous, Thomas despairing.
Change is usually gradual. But God will patiently complete the task.
And thankfully, God has not made us all the same.
Was Thomas willing to die with, or for, Jesus in Jerusalem? Mk
1431
The end of all our troubles - Impatient for heaven!
Did Thomas have a remarkable hope of resurrection! c.f.
145
Note. Thomas who was once afraid to go to Bethany with
Jesus;
willingly went to India alone,
facing untold dangers.
Christians on earth are not perfect saints but converted sinners.
(this is not to excuse my weakness, but to help prevent
me criticising others)
Death can be a mournful subject, but it does not have to be.
The following is the testimony of a great man of God facing death.
"David Watson - A Case for Healing?" A precis of a BBC Radio 4 interview
broadcast on 19/4/83
(Interviewer in italics)
David was born in Yorkshire, then spent his early years in India. He returned
to Bedford in 1939. His father was in the Army and died during the war when
David was 10 and he only has fleeting memories of him. As a Christian Scientist
he refused medical help for bronchial pneumonia. His mother was a nominal
Anglican so David was baptised and confirmed but became increasingly
disillusioned with Christianity. He then joined the Army and became an outspoken
atheist, because the Church seemed irrelevant and all the Sects bogus. He
was still searching when he went to Cambridge for 5 years. A friend gave
him 'The Imitation of Christ' and then helped him to seek Christ. David was
soon born again and became most enthusiastic about having faith in Jesus.
He became a curate at Gillingham and then returned to Cambridge. While reading
Acts, and the Sermon on the Mount, David realised how poor he was in the
Spirit. God rewarded his thirst and filled him with the Holy Spirit. He described
the experience as "God's Kiss".
A malignant ulcer in the colon was discovered Jan. '83. This was removed
in an excellent operation, but the surgeon discovered that inoperable cancer
had spread to his liver. David was given between 1 and 2 years to live.
How did this discovery affect your faith?
Faith remained but there were also times of panic. There was much unfinished
work that I enjoyed. Suddenly I had to come to terms with death. It changed
from theoretically being willing to go to heaven and wanting to stay on earth,
to wanting to go to heaven but willing to stay on earth. I had to learn what
I had taught, 'that the best is yet to be'.
Do you pray for healing?
Yes. And many friends are praying for my healing. I believe I am being healed,
but I may be wrong. I do not know - there is no evidence yet from the scans.
If God does not heal me then I am confident that the work he wants to do
through me is complete, and I can look forward to heaven. Several men of
God laid hands on me in Guy's Hospital; there was a great sense of the Lord's
presence; their trembling hands and warmth in my body. While not conclusive,
but this has often proved to be signs of God's healing in the past. Many
from different parts of the world have said, 'this sickness is not unto death'
and 'The most important thing is that I want the will of God more than anything
else.' God's desire is to heal, but more than that I cannot say. If God does
not heal, then I trust that the vision of heaven without pain, injustice,
sin, that I so much desire cannot come soon enough.
Why should God suspend his natural laws for you?
God is currently healing many people throughout the world; though less in
the cerebral West. God is constantly at work in his world.
If healing does not happen, is that because of a lack of faith?
Certainly there needs to be faith, but it doesn't have to be on the part
of the sufferer. Generally faith for healing is very small but when there
is real expectation then men are healed. We often hesitate because of the
fear of raising false expectations and then causing deep depression when
not healed.
If you are not healed, what about those who are now praying for you?
God has a development plan for each of them. They may be angry or disillusioned
with God for doing nothing, or even for allowing it in the first place. Realism
in prayer and relationship with God will grow. If I only praise him when
the sun shines, my faith is shallow. 'All sunshine makes a desert'.
In spite of your faith, death is not something you dance a jig about.
No, it isn't. I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of the process of
dying. I am afraid of pain. But finally to wake up perfect on the resurrection
morning is a wonderful prospect. The main worry is for my wife and children.
I have had to put everything on an open palm. Everything, and not just
theoretically. Jesus said, "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for me will save it." (Lu 924)
Have you caught up with it emotionally?
This takes time. I have preached it for years; now I have had to meditate
on it. Worship has been most helpful. I have listened to hours and hours
of worship tapes. Earth's reality loses its strong grip.
Has this illness changed your priorities in life?
Yes. I had come to the point of loving God's work even more than God. Now
I love the Lord more and more. I want be with him above everything. I still
love writing and preaching but I want and trust that the God will be the
first priority in my life. Then I can enjoy everything else, even knowing
that they might be snatched away at any time, as they may be.
Do you have any regrets?
I have allowed so many other things to dominate my life. Toiling, without
resting in God. It has sometimes been 'my work'. God does not want us to
hold on to regrets; but to release all the "if only's", and to know his love
for us as we are.
What is heaven going to be like?
The best vision of heaven has been in praise and worship when time has seemed
to stop, and being with God is such love and joy, well-being and shalom.
That is truly a foretaste of heaven.
After a further nine months of writing and preaching, David died on 18/2/84.
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already
been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem.
1117,18
It took four unhurried days to journey to Bethany.
The hot climate requires burial within 24 hours; bodies were not usually
interned.
Jesus wasn't surprised; he had told them before they left Jordan.
And many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort
them in the loss of their brother. 1119
A good crowd was there.
They had no idea that they would soon witness the power of God over death!
They came to give sympathy in death; and many received salvation and life!
(It is strange how eternal life can hinge on such small
actions.
If they had not sympathized, they
might never have been saved.)
God sometimes rewards a simple act of kindness. see Math 1042 Ecc
72,4
This is a good example in an age of peculiar selfishness and self-indulgence.
"Kindness will not take us to heaven, but it is a healthy employment for
our hearts."
For a week after death, the Jewish bereaved are not allowed to cook.
Their friends and relatives bring food. It is an excellent
and practical custom.
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out
to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you
had been here, my brother would not have died." 1120,21
Quite true, he would not have died.
How could she know his death was God's surprising, and much better plan?
Martha, ever a lady of action, went out to meet Jesus.
What she said was not so much a criticism, but a plain statement of fact,
hope disappointed.
It seemed Jesus had ignored their plea for him to come.
Her heart had longed for Jesus to arrive.
'if only ...' then it would have
been so different. 'But ...'
But I know that even now God will give you whatever
you ask. 1122
What did she mean by this?
One of those profound remarks, made hardly realising what she had said.
c.f. Abraham in Gen 228 'God will himself
provide the offering, my son.'
Jesus immediately builds on this and shows her what to ask for.
Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last
day." 1123,24
Martha had not heard what Jesus had prophesied at the Jordan.
Many had probably comforted the sisters with the hope of his rising again.
Such future hope needs a sure, God assured, basis. And Martha had it.
God's promise of eternal life is more than a vague ideal without foundation.
Martha is ever practical and beautifully honest.
She stated what she believed - nothing more, nothing less.
She was more certain of the future than the present. (usually it is the reverse)
Her brother had died, and that was that.
The only hope now is for when Messiah comes.
Easier to believe for great things in the future than for the simple now!
Jesus had to bring her mind to the present - to the Son of God who stood
before her with power and compassion.
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and
believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
1125,26
5th of the 7 'I am the ...'
What a statement! 'I am the resurrection, and the life.'
Much, much more than any previous priest or prophet had proclaimed!
It was too much for Martha. (there are few people who can grasp such a truth)
In effect Jesus said, 'The man standing before you, your friend and teacher
is the Almighty God himself,
El Shaddai, (Gen 171). I hold the
keys of all life and death.
Martha didn't have 1/2 hour to think about a reply, it was spontaneous.
Jesus was not like many modern reporters, 'How do you respond to this?'
He asked the much more positive question, 'Do you believe
this?'
"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are
the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
1127
A staggering expression of faith. Well done Martha!
Martha did not say (as I might have done), 'But Lazarus believed and he died.'
Martha knew who Jesus was! Flesh and blood did not reveal it to her. Math
1617
It must have thrilled the ears of Jesus.
Faith must be founded on two pillars - Love and Knowledge
Faith without love is cold and unresponsive.
Faith without knowledge is unstable and liable to be
led astray.
Generally women are stronger on love and men stronger on knowledge.
Both are needed and valued. Here Martha reveals both.
And after she had said this, she went back and called
her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for
you." 1128
'The Teacher' = 'Rabboni' (Lu 1038-41 also Mary Magdalene
2016)
Jesus wanted to see Mary. He knew her need.
"What in my state ... with tears still pouring down my face ... what a mess
..."
Yes! "Just as I am ..." and just as she was, she went
to see Jesus.
Four days had not eased the pain.
Even if she had faith; time had not yet affected its gentle cure.
Mary was devastated, and very lonely.
Jesus knew that and he brought the effective strength and kindness of God
to her.
It was not out of duty or custom. He wanted her to know that he loved her.
(there is nothing impure in this compassion as some
have wickedly implied)
When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to
him. 1129
Instantly and willingly she fulfilled his request.
She went to Jesus, not waiting to dry her tears or tidy her face.
Are we as quick to do what Jesus says?
Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was
still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with
Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went
out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
1130,31
A little detail of an eye-witness. Jesus stayed where he was; he wanted Mary
to come to him before going to the tomb.
Many followed Mary; they did not walk with her. But they did care. They were
weeping too (1133)
They had not followed Martha when she left. Keeping busy can hold tears
at bay, (for a while).
Mary needed special care.
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw
him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother
would not have died." 1132
Obviously this had been a much repeated phrase of the sisters in last four
days.
She 'fell at his feet', overcome with emotion. (Martha didn't)
We are not told what Jesus said to her, but we may be sure it was wise, sensitive
and comforting.
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come
along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
"Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied.
Jesus wept. 1133-35
Although Jesus knew that Lazarus would be raised, it did not prevent the
great emotional distress.
God Almighty cried because the men and women he loved were crying!
Many of us find it hard to express such emotion. Jesus, a Jew, didn't.
Weeping was certainly not lack of faith or vision of the future.
It is not wrong or weak to cry; and it is not brave not to cry - just stupid!
Jesus hasn't ceased to be a man, nor has he ceased to weep with those who
weep.
There are two other occasions we know of when Jesus wept. Lu
1941 Math 2638
(Jesus is only once recorded as rejoicing! Lu
1021)
He gently moves towards the solution, asking, 'Where is he?'
Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
1136
Even the Jews remarked on it.
(and they are well known for expressing their emotion
- in dance or tears)
This confirms that the initial message was right, 'The one you love ...'
But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the
eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" 1137
Similar to what both sisters had said to Jesus.
'If he had been here it wouldn't have happened', but with an added
and possibly more critical note.
It is without the, 'but I know that even now God will give you what you ask'.
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb.
It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 1138
At the sight of the tomb, the pain caused the tears to flow again.
They also came to a (small) problem. The tomb was sealed.
With tears streaming down his face, Jesus commands ...
"Take away the stone," he said. 1139a
It was a most surprising command! They had no idea what Jesus intended.
The men could easily move the stone, so he told them to do it.
But they could not bring Lazarus back to life. God alone had to do that.
It prompted a natural, if disappointing, reaction from Martha.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man,
"by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days." Then
Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory
of God?" 1139b,40
Jesus stills Martha's ever practical objection.
Our faith does rise and fall; even if we do not wish it to.
'What you believe on the mountain top, do not doubt
in the valley.'
Emotions are not wrong, but they should not be allowed to blur the truth.
With us, as with Mary and Martha, faith was tangled up with unbelief.
Faith (the assurance of things hoped for) is emotional + intellectual,
a mixture of heart and mind, 'the pillars of love and
knowledge.'
How much better when, 'I believe, and one day I shall see,' replaces
'I cannot believe unless I first see.'
What is the best remedy to maintain a healthy faith?
Whatever the past, let us be determined to know more of Christ. Phil
310-14
His coming, his life, death and resurrection, his priesthood
and advocacy,
his power and compassion, faithfulness and truth, his
justice, mercy and grace.
Note. Math 1358 (No miracles because of unbelief) did not apply
here.
So they took away the stone. 1141a
Now for the moment of truth!
Some of the young men 'addressed' the stone; others whispered to each other,
'What on earth's he doing? Can he? No, ... Surely not
...'
Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you
that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for
the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent
me." 1141b,42
Jesus takes the initiative. He emphasises that he and the Father are one.
And that it was God, his Father, who sent him to say and do these things.
'The Father who raises the dead will show greater things than these.'
520,21
(i.e. a greater miracle than healing the invalid of
38 years)
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice,
"Lazarus, come out!" 1143
The dead man (somewhat startled!) heard and obeyed!
Jesus' motive of compassion was not just for Mary and Martha now.
He has compassion for all men, always.
God really does have the power of life; and the power to defy death.
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with
strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off
the grave clothes and let him go." 1144
God commands and without hesitation ...
All the cold, coagulated blood flowed again, immediately warm. All the putrefied
flesh was restored.
His heart, lungs, brain, and organs each started to function perfectly. His
soul returned - willingly?!
Did Jesus think, I will be doing the same soon ?
At the last great day he will again give the command
"and the last trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised
imperishable and we will be changed. ..." 1 Co 1552-57
Then not just one mortal man will be raised, but all the dead in Christ.
"I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead shall
hear the voice of the Son of God
and those who hear will live." 525
Again we are told nothing of the immediate reaction. Nor of the re-uniting
of Lazarus with his sisters.
Nor the gasp of the crowd, who had just witnessed the power of God. Nor anything
about Lazarus, the evangelist!
Only that many put their faith in Jesus.
Now, all the added distress had been worthwhile, God had achieved his purpose
- faith, forgiveness and eternal life.
The reason for the delay was 'explained'.
The prophecy of Jesus is perfectly fulfilled.
Nowhere is Jesus seen as both God and man more distinctly. Man in sympathy
and God in power!
It was incontrovertible proof that Jesus was the Messiah.
Here in Bethany, he 'told' them plainly! 1024
Lazarus was the second to rise from the dead after 3 days.
Jonah was the first. Jesus makes this clear in Math
1239-41
Jesus and the 2 witnesses of Rev 11 were also raised after 3 days.
This miracle prepared the minds of at least some of the Jews for the resurrection
of Jesus,
and man's need for both the death and resurrection of
Jesus.
Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary,
and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. But some of them went
to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 1145,46
Once again 2 reactions:
But this time many believed, and some went and told the Pharisees.
Remember the futility of their mocking at the cross.
'Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that
we may see and believe.' Mk 1532
Jesus did not come down from the cross, but he did rise from the tomb!
And they (most of the leaders and people) still did not believe.
Why did they reject the evidence? (remember we did too at one time)
Proud. They thought they knew best. Better than the Son of God!
Maybe we do not yet see how corrupt the heart of natural man really is.
Observe how true the story of Dives and Lazarus is. Lu 1619-31
'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets (they thought they did)
they will not be convinced even if someone rises from
the dead.'
They didn't believe when Lazarus was raised, nor when Jesus rose.
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting
of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this
man performing many miraculous signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone
will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our
place and our nation." 1147,48
'Chief priests' = ruling Sadducees. (Political power)
They admitted that the miracles of Jesus made their own efforts look tawdry.
They were!
And it was not just one miracle, but many.
Raising Lazarus from the dead and the healing of a man born blind were both
signs of the Messiah.
They asked, 'What happens if everyone believes that Jesus is the promised
Messiah?'
Truly afraid that they might lose their Temple and their nationhood.
All too soon their fears were to be realised in AD 70 and 135.
What else were they more afraid of?
The collapse of their own regime, their life-style and prosperity.
Saw Jesus as a threat to this.
Such is always the heart of man that has not received the grace of God.
What was the missing ingredient?
Their own personal need of God, of his forgiveness.
They seemed to have no longing for God himself.
Some may have lived another 40 years and seen the loss of the Temple,
and the slaughter and enslavement of Jews; and then
died.
Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest
that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it
is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation
perish." He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he
prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation.
1149-51
Prophets are not always righteous. e.g.
Saul, Balaam and even his ass!, and now Caiaphas. also
Act 1617
God's ways are remarkable.
If Jesus had not died, then no Jew could be saved, no one could be.
Caiaphas was a Sadducee with contempt for the dithering Pharisees;
He knew exactly what to do!! And later he did it.
See Riding Lights video of Caiaphas, "For the good of
the Team".
Caiaphas never realised the awful truth of what he said. c.f. Math
2725
High Priestly or Papal infallibility was as foolish then as it is now.
Honourable justice often conflicts with political expediency.
His words were later fulfilled, but not as he either wished or expected!
And not only for that nation but also for the scattered
children of God, to bring them together and make them one."
1152
Jew and Gentile united. Both one in Christ Jesus, the Jewish Messiah.
Jesus has achieved this reconciliation! 2 Co 517-21
Though looking round you wouldn't think so! See the
vast array of denominations.
Let alone the Christian / Jewish relationship
e.g. Vatican has only just recognised
the nation of Israel (6/94)
Note well our privilege of being 'grafted in'. Ro 1117-24
It is not Jews being reconciled to us Gentiles, but we to Israel; the children
of Abraham, of faith and promise.
Perhaps the greatest work of the Messiah will be to gather together all the
believers from various nations and divisions.
I yearn for the practical evidence of "all one in Christ Jesus".
So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
1153
For some, admitting miracles did not lead to repentance, but to murder!
Just like Cain, the first murderer, who was motivated by jealousy.
"The kings of the earth take their stand ... against
the Lord ...
The One enthroned in heaven
laughs." Ps 22,4 (and he also cries!)
"I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.
...
He said to me, 'You are my Son;
today I have become your Father ...
Therefore, you kings, be wise,
be warned ... serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling." Ps
26-11
Kings have persecuted believing ministers, missionaries and common people,
but it has always led to a growth in those 'born again'.
In the history of this country (UK), the Church has martyred more men than
the state.
Sincerity or zeal is not necessarily proof of re-birth. e.g. Saul. James
39,10
From then on they plotted against Jesus, they had to find the right way,
the right time and the right place.
But it would be God's time etc, not theirs. ("Not during the feast ..." Math
265)
Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among
the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called
Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples. 1154
Probably beyond Jordan, where he was when he heard that Lazarus was ill.
He passed through Jericho on the last journey. Bartimaeus (Lu
1835-43) Zacchaeus (Lu 191-10) and Bethany (Jn
121)
A few weeks of quiet teaching, before the final ordeal.
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many
went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before
the Passover." 1155
See 2 Ch 3017-20 Hezekiah's heart longed for the same things
as Jesus.
Outward ceremonial cleansing is far less important than heart cleansing.
How often do minor matters steal the position of central importance? Num
91-10
They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the
temple area they asked one another, "What do you think? Isn't he coming to
the Feast at all?" But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that
if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might
arrest him." 1156,57
They could have sought Jesus for a better reason!
They probably did not have any jurisdiction outside Jerusalem.
So Jesus stayed first beyond Jordan and then at Bethany or Mt. of Olives.
There is a similar incident in each of the Gospels. Were they all the same
event?
Math 26 and Mk 14 are the same, but Lu 7 and Jn 12 give many different details.
[M M = Matthew and Mark Lu = Luke Jn = John]
| M M | Lu | Jn | |
| Where? | Bethany | Bethany | |
| Whose Home? | Simon the Leper | Simon, one of the Pharisees | |
| Who? | A woman | A woman who had lived a sinful life | Mary |
| What used? | An alabaster jar of very expensive perfume |
An alabaster jar of perfume | A pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume |
| How Used? | Poured on his head | At his feet ... wiped them with her hair ... and poured perfume on them |
Poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair |
| Criticism? | Disciples, "Why this waste ... ?" |
Simon, "If this man knew ... what kind of woman she is ..." |
Judas, "Why wasn't this perfume sold ... ?" |
| Why done? | To prepare me for burial. (but the reason was not known to the woman) |
She loved much (because "her many sins had been forgiven") |
For the day of my burial |
| When? | Two days before Passover | "After this Jesus travelled about from one town ... to another" |
Last week |
Consideration of the following suggests that 'the anointing' was a single
event :-
Simon the Pharisee (Lu) = Simon the Leper (Math and Mk) (now healed).
Neither are mentioned elsewhere.
The meal was in the home of Simon (Math, Mk and Lu).
Jn says it was in Bethany, but not whose house.
He adds that Mary and Martha served, which suggests that it was not
their home.
John tells us her name was Mary, (the sister of Martha) but not her shameful
past.
Math, Mark and Luke do not name her. Only Luke says she had been a prostitute.
She could have anointed both his head (Math and Mk) and his feet (Lu and
Jn).
The disciples (Math and Mk), Judas (Jn) and Simon (Lu) criticised the waste.
Criticism is very infectious.
Judas may have been the chief critic, together
with Simon.
John was emphasising how Judas was corrupted by money.
Luke was comparing Simon with Mary.
Only Luke tells us of her motive - love and gratitude for being forgiven.
The woman would not have known that she was anointing Jesus for his burial.
'Next day' in Jn 1212 could mean next day after arrival at Bethany
(not after the anointing);
and the anointing (122-11) story in parenthesis.
i.e. as an incident that occurred in Bethany during the last week.
The context of Luke's account of the anointing is vital.
In Luke 7 after the Centurion's servant was healed and the widow of Nain's
son raised, come the remarks about the ministry of John Baptist and the ministry
of Jesus. 'The Son of Man came ... a friend of tax-collectors and sinners.'
What could be a more perfect example of this than a prostitute who finds
forgiveness? So Luke includes it there, although the actual incident occurred
some time later. The "after this" of Lu 81 (which is clearly not
in the last week of Jesus' ministry) then refers to after the earlier events
of Ch 7 and not after the anointing illustration.
It seems therefore that each of the narratives describe the same event,
which occurred on the Tuesday evening of the last Passover
week.
It is simple to resolve all the apparent differences.
The one anointing was for his burial, just 2 days later.
(on Thursday evening. see notes on "When was the Passover?"
131)
The Saviour is a friend of sinners whom he came to save.
Forgiveness always gives birth to extravagant love.
'God so loved the world ...' that he gave extravagantly too.
The Anointing described in each Gospel.
Math 262,6-15
(Jesus said) "As you know, the Passover is two days away - and the Son
of Man will be handed over to be crucified." ... While Jesus was in Bethany
in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, A woman came to him with an
alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as
he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant.
"Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high
price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them,
"Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.
When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world,
what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Then one of the Twelve
- the one called Judas Iscariot - went to the chief priests and asked, "What
are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out
for him thirty silver coins.
Mk 141,3-9
Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days
away ... While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a
man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very
expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume
on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another,
"Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's
wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. "Leave
her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful
thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them
any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could.
She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell
you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what
she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Then Judas Iscariot, one
of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were
delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for
an opportunity to hand him over.
Lk 736-81
Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he
went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who
had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the
Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood
behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears.
Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this
man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman
she is - that she is a sinner." Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something
to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. "Two men owed money to a certain
moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither
of them had the money to pay him back, so he cancelled the debts of both.
Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one
who had the bigger debt cancelled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman?
I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she
wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give
me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing
my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my
feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved
much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Then Jesus said
to her, "Your sins are forgiven." The other guests began to say among themselves,
"Who is this who even forgives sins?" Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith
has saved you; go in peace." After this, Jesus travelled about from one town
and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
Jn 121-8
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus
lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus'
honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table
with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume;
she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house
was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas
Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume
sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did
not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief;
as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into
it. "Leave her alone," Jesus replied." It was intended that she should save
this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among
you, but you will not always have me."
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany,
where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was
given in Jesus' honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining
at the table with him. 121,2
Jesus came to Bethany 6 days before Passover and stayed there.
Passover was on Friday; therefore Jesus arrived at Bethany on the Sabbath.
Jesus obeys all the Law of Moses, but not the Mishnah (the Oral Law, a
development of Ezra's Shabbat laws)
Math and Mark tell us that the dinner and anointing was 2 days before Passover.
Did they realise the urgency of the day?
That the prophesied time was at hand?
From the days of Abel many had longed and waited for this moment.
Martha, the lady of action, served - as usual.
At the home of Simon, not of Mary, Martha and Lazarus.
'Here' refers to Bethany. i.e. 'Here in Bethany, a dinner ...'
John specifically mentions Lazarus also at table; this would be unnecessary
if it was in his own home.
Lazarus ate with them: it shows that he was raised a normal human being.
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive
perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And
the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples,
Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume
sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.
123-5
John names her - but not previous sinful life.
She may have been alive when John wrote, and he would
not wish to shame her.
Nard = Nardostachys Jatamansi from the Himalayas. So very expensive.
Fragrance is similar to cinnamon.
This was no ordinary offering. "a years' wages" (126) i.e.
£8,000+ (today, 1994)
Judas would betray Jesus because of this 'waste' (Math 2615) and
for only 30 silver coins.
Are we afraid of the extravagant expressions of love and gratitude?
The woman washed his feet with tears - more than Simon did with water. Lu
7
She dried them with her hair.
In their society only a prostitute would let her hair down in public.
The whole house smelt, and would do so for weeks!. It was lovely to Jesus.
Mary had done a beautiful thing, and for a wonderful reason.
But not everyone saw it either as either beautiful or necessary.
Simon and Judas were embarrassed and also annoyed.
Maybe they were even jealous. But for different reasons.
Math and Luke tell us that the disciples were critical too.
But they accepted the correction of Jesus; Judas didn't.
He did not say this because he cared about the poor,
but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself
to what was put into it. 124-6
How can Judas, who had seen and heard so much, respond like this?
He said he cared for the poor, but he cared more for himself and his own
gain.
Like Sanhedrin, who said they cared for the nation, but they actually cared
far more for themselves.
Media and many politicians say that they care for OAP's and children;
but when in power, they seldom seem to do very much
about it.
Money is not neutral. (see 'Money, Sex and Power' by Richard Foster)
Judas was critical because of his love of money.
Simon was critical because he was embarrassed by the ex-prostitute.
He had been a leper, and had somehow been healed.
Maybe he thought he had deserved it by his good works?
Sadly, Christian leaders are not always kind either.
Having a cold heart and a stingy hand, they don't understand Mary's generosity.
Most Churches spend thousands, if not millions on buildings and organisations,
but a pittance on missions or on helping the poor -
which so delights Christ.
Let us beware: never underestimate the lure of money.
Many have fallen under it's evil spell. Heb
135 1 Tim 610 1 Co 1012
"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended
that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial."
127
Jesus would not allow any of them to criticise Mary, when she had done something
so lovely.
Something no one else would have the opportunity to
do.
'It was intended ...' Father had arranged for this.
Jesus would not let this beautiful expression be neutralised or forgotten.
Perfume that once helped her old 'trade' is used as a love gift for forgiveness.
God is in no way offended. He sees the great work of redeeming grace
and her sin is forgotten, removed as far as the east
is from the west,
it is 'Buried with Christ', and Mary is raised with
him,
she is clean and beautiful, 'whiter than snow'
and having the sweet fragrance of Christ.
Seeing this lovely new creation, how could he be offended?
You will always have the poor among you, but you will
not always have me. 128
There is a time for thrift and a time for extravagance. Ecc 3
God is not to be 'boxed' or 'pigeon-holed', nor is he always predictable.
With him there is much variety and often the unexpected occurs.
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus
was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom
he had raised from the dead." 129
Bethany was suddenly very popular. Why?
Curiosity is universal: miracles and the extraordinary are always popular,
or almost always.
Some were not so pleased with the miracles of Jesus!
So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as
well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and
putting their faith in him. 1210,11
If you are set to murder one person, why not make it two!
If caught and convicted, the sentence is the same
If the evidence is inconvenient - Destroy it (or him)
Lazarus had done no wrong.
He had not incited the crowd, or become a popular
evangelist.
His sin was just to live again; to walk and breathe!
Many were impressed. They were glad to follow Jesus. They did so next
day. See 1213
But they did not yet have any clear idea that the Messiah had to die!
Each year thousands had entered Jerusalem, especially at the feasts.
Jesus had entered several times: but this time was very special and significant.
The event is also told in the other 3 Gospels. Math 211-11 Mk
111-11 Lu 1928-48
They add the instruction for 2 disciples to go Bethphage
or Bethany and get the unbroken colt.
The next day the great crowd that had come for the
Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 1212
It was on Sunday, 5 days before Passover (Friday). 121 + 12
Many went to the feast - thousands still do - Why?
To remember their history as God's 'chosen people'.
To remember God's deliverance from Egypt.
To give expression to their longing for the Messiah
to come.
This feast was to be a very special one - though most did not realise it.
The Lamb of God himself would be sacrificed.
It was to be God's long-awaited moment. Gen 2214
About 2000 years from Abraham, and 3500 years from Adam.
A flying rumour went round - Jesus would be there too! Great excitement.
What would happen at this feast?
Whenever Jesus went to Jerusalem something always happened.
If they had known what, they might not have been so
eager.
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is
the King of Israel!" 1213 (and Ps
11825,26)
Why palm branches?
Stands for grace and righteousness. Ps 9212 Rev 79
Also Hasmonean's chose a Palm as their emblem. e.g. on coins.
Palm branches stood for deliverance from the evil Selucid dynasty.
People longed for deliverance from Roman domination.
And for an end of the Pharisaical corruption.
Their Messiah would end all wrong, all hardship, all injustice.
Here, at last, was the one who would deliver them.
'Hosanna' = Save us now
They shouted part of Hallel. Ps 113-118
Also read at Tabernacles on 7th day Hoshanna Rabba (=Great
day of salvation)
Jews sing and wave palm branches.
The crowd was definitely in festive mood.
Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is
written, "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt." 1214,15
What distinguishes this King from all the other Jewish kings? (or any other
king)
Other kings love riches, power, fame and privilege.
Jesus sought none of these things.
Read Zech 99-11 Donkey c.f. war-horses.
Peace to the nations c.f. chariots (and Lu 1938)
Prisoners will be freed by the blood of the covenant.
Jesus fulfils this, and every prophecy about himself.
How will he come next time?
The same, yet very differently. Act 19-11
Rev 1911 Zech 12-14 Math 2430,31
Both of the Messiah's comings bring a dividing sword. Lu 234,35
At the 2nd Coming Jesus will separate the righteous from the wicked,
those who refused to believe in him in their day of
opportunity. Math 2532
At first his disciples did not understand all this.
Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been
written about him and that they had done these things to him.
1216
The disciples only understood the 'riding on a donkey' significance later.
How many things do we miss at the time, or first time through?
God's word and actions always fit together when understood.
All the prophecies concerning the future will do so
too.
Jesus went through much in this last week.
So many people were both deaf and blind, and there was so little time left.
Even his own disciples seemed unaware of what God was doing.
Jesus was lonely in anticipation of his coming suffering and death. Lu
1941-44
The crowd cheered "Hosanna to the Son of David". Math 219
True, but the timing was wrong.
This time Jesus came as 'The Suffering Servant', the
Son of Joseph.
Next time it will be as Son of David, the King of Kings.
(see next section)
What's the difference?
The crowd would soon see.
Suddenly they come over the Mt of Olives and there below them was Jerusalem.
The procession stops, the singing stops, there is silence.
They hear the sound of a man openly crying. Not just a little tear
rolling down his cheek.
Jesus is weeping. Why?
On a day of rejoicing like this, why?
If ever there was a time to rejoice, it was now.
'Jesus, what are you doing? Please don't spoil the party'.
Jesus did not cry out of self-pity for the 'cup' he was about to drink.
His heart ached because even 'his own' did not know how real peace is received.
Jesus wanted them to know what made for peace with God,
not just peace, the absence of war and personal contentions.
Like the 'Peace Movement' today, who know nothing about
salvation.
Or 'Peace Now' in Israel, who will give anything for
peace on paper.
Today too, everyone seems so blind. There cannot be lasting peace. Dan
926b
Let the nations seek peace; but let them also know that the Son of God,
who knows the hearts of men warned us that there would
war to the end.
"The treaties of men are motivated by fear, and honoured when convenient."
'My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.'
1427
Not surprisingly, the peace that God offers is far better than man's peace.
It is eternal and indestructible.
This is the third time in about two months that we know Jesus wept.
Many men say only women weep; they can't control their emotions.
How proud. How foolish. When God himself weeps - for us! Ps
568 Ezek 94 Amos 66
Son of Joseph - Suffering Servant
(Joseph, the son of Jacob, not the husband of
Mary)
Betrayed by brothers into the hand of Gentiles. (Midianites and then Egyptians)
'Buried' in pit and 'Resurrected'.
Sold for 20 pieces of silver. Jesus was betrayed for 30 pieces.
Sentenced with 2 criminals; one who lived and one who died. (Butlet and baker,
and 2 thieves on cross)
Taken from the place of condemnation to place of exaltation in one day.
Married a Gentile bride. Jesus includes Gentiles in his Bride.
Son of David - King of kings
Conquering King who set up the new Kingdom.
Prepares for the building of the Temple.
At 1st coming of Jesus he rides on a donkey, at the 2nd Coming he will ride
on a white horse. Rev 1911
On the Mt of Olives the disciples asked Jesus when he would restore the Kingdom.
i.e. when will you come as the Son of David?
On Palm Sunday the crowd began singing the Hallel.
They shouldn't have waved palm branches, that was at Tabernacles - this was
Passover.
Peter mistook the right timing on the Mt of Transfiguration,
he wanted to build 3 Booths. (right
idea but the wrong time)
They didn't want to know about a Suffering Servant, only a conquering King.
They did not cry 'O Lord save us' (Passover), but 'O Lord grant us success'.
(Prosperity of Kingdom) Ps 11825
The mistake they made is repeating itself today in the Restoration movement.
Jesus has only fulfilled the Son of Joseph ('Suffering Servant')
prophecies.
Soon he will return as King of Kings and fulfill all those that remain..
Many rejoiced as he rode in on a donkey;
but how many wept with Jesus when they saw Jerusalem?
Lu 1941,42
How many had the same compassion and longing.
How many today weep for our greedy, corrupt and unjust nation?
The 180,000 abortions/year. The 1 in 2.3 marriages that end in divorce.
The 30% illegitimate births. The approval of homosexual clergy etc
Some are so occupied trying to make the church popular that they refuse to
expose wickedness.
Jesus did not compromise like this.
Others are so caught up in triumph and boosting our optimism for revival
that they never weep with Jesus.
It is good to sing and dance, to rejoice and be encouraged, to quicken faith;
but I long also to witness just one evening at 'Spring
Harvest' (or elsewhere)
when we will hear God weeping, and weep with him.
For he who wept at his own victorious entry, must often still cry.
The hardness of the people and especially the religious leaders of his day
must have been heartbreaking.
It probably still is!
There is only one way to receive peace with God.
Jesus was about to show the world what it was.
In less than a week, he who created the world by his word of power,
would be hanging from a cross at Golgotha, outside the
beloved Jerusalem.
The great crowd approaching from the Mt of Olives was also seen from the
Temple.
And some did not like what they saw.
Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus
from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word.
Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign,
went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is
getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"
1217-19
They did not like what they saw one little bit; but they could do nothing
about it. Esth 611
Jealousy can quickly ferment to hate, and hate to murder. (Cain Gen
45)
It must be rejected and nipped in the bud immediately.
For the first time Jesus here encouraged a 'high profile' approach. c.f.
1040 1154 1236
It is God who decided when, where and how. Not man and not Satan.
The time had now come.
Jesus did not die because he could not avoid the hostile leaders.
He willingly laid down his life for us sinners.
Most saw him as a 'Prophet from Nazareth' (Math 2111) rather
than the Lamb of God.
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up
to worship at the Feast. 1220
'Greeks' = proselytes or maybe Greek Jews, like Luke. Act 25-11
174
(Paul was 'a Hebrew of the Hebrews', but he also had
Roman citizenship)
They may have come down from Galilee, or possibly much further.
Their purpose in coming was to worship God, not just have a good time (it
may be that too).
They were keen and earnest. More than just curious.
They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee,
with a request. 1221
Philip, Peter and Andrew were all from Bethsaida. 144
Bethsaida was where 5,000 were fed and they tried to make Jesus king.
61-15
Why did they come to Philip? What do we know about him?
It is a Greek name. There were many Greeks in Galilee.
Maybe he had Greek relatives?
Philip had introduced Nathanael to Jesus over 3 years earlier.
145-51
"Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus."
1222
Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
Jesus was probably in the inner court of the Temple. Lu 1947
(and therefore not accessible to Gentiles)
'Sir' is used to address a superior. e.g. Samaritan woman.
411,13,19
'like to see' . The Greek is more earnest - 'eager to see' might be better.
i.e. to have an important personal conversation.
If only all men had this same deep desire.
How would you expect Jesus to reply?
Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man
to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to
the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces
many seeds." 1223,24
His reply seems to be to Andrew and Philip, not to the Greeks.
'The hour has come'. This is the key and the urgent phrase of this passage.
Even the Gentiles are beginning to seek Messiah.
His reply was once again urgent, important. 'Verily' or 'I tell you the truth'.
What was so important about this time?
The time for glory had come: but not as they thought.
He was about to be that grain of wheat that was deliberately sown on the
earth to die,
It would produce much seed - a whole multitude of believers.
Jews and Greeks.
His glory would be like no other King.
At his coronation ceremony he was scourged.
His throne was not comfortable, but it was elevated
- on a cross!
No-one bowed before this King; he was mocked and cursed.
His king's robes removed; he hung stark naked on the
Cross, shamed before all men.
His king's crown was not velvet, gold and jewels, but
made of platted thorns.
The sceptre of power in both his hands was not of gold,
but iron nails.
His glory required his death.
The other gods were strong, but you were weak.
They rode, but you did stumble to a throne.
And to our wounds only God's wounds can speak;
And not a God has wounds but you alone. Edward Shillito
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the
man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever
serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father
will honour the one who serves me. 1225,26
As the Master, so also the servant. We must also 'die'. (Baptism) Rom
64
To be saved, all must die and be born again. 33-15
Take up cross daily; never be ashamed of it. Lu 923
1427 Gal 612
How can we hold onto this life?
Do we foolishly think that our good deeds will win approval?
What are we afraid of, or unwilling to let go?
How does a busy Mum (or Dad) give priority to eternal life?
Is that what this paradox means? Ro 8 Gal 516-26 1 Jn
212-17
Family, friends, creation, even good food are given to be enjoyed;
but no one except Jesus can give us new birth and eternal
life.
For that life One must first die, then we must die with
him.
How may we serve, and thus follow, Jesus?
How did Jesus serve? What did he value? How was his life so
different?
He was willing to leave all the glory of heaven,
to be humiliated and misunderstood
by his creation, and to suffer.
Nothing distracted him from what he came to do.
The chief hallmarks of 'following' are faith and obedience.
How is obedience learned? Heb 57-10
As Soldier to General, Servant to Master, Scholar to Teacher and Sheep to
Shepherd.
Many will follow if promised ease, prosperity, revival, a place on the winning
side.
But who will follow if the way is seen to be painful, slow, lonely, costly,
and uphill?
Note also:
A Christian's knowledge may be small, his infirmities great, and his hope
dim;
but he can still believe Christ and earnestly serve
him.
The servant is where his Master is. Jesus is not always in Paradise.
He is most often found in the sufferings of men; a friend
of sinners.
Discipline and holiness never receive much acclaim from men.
Most prefer happiness now, holiness later instead of the reverse.
Holiness is most often ridiculed and opposed.
But remember, Father will honour those who serve him now.
There is a reward. Lu 620-26
The Agony of Sin and the Glory of
God
Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? "Father,
save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour."
1227
'Now' implies a sudden, shooting pain.
Why was Jesus so troubled?
He knew what was coming - and it wasn't the praise of
men!
He was troubled by the terrible prospect of crucifixion.
But much more it was the huge burden of bearing all
of man's sin. Is 536b, 10
Sin is so repugnant to God. Gal 313 (and Deut
2123) 2 Co 521
His own Father, whom he loved so much, would curse him! Ps
221
'What shall I say'? It was time to endorse the decision.
His human nature saw the agony of the cross; his divine nature felt the agony
of sin.
But the determination of our Saviour is revealed; there is no hesitation.
His sacrifice was no accident; it had been agreed even before they had created
the earth.
These words bring much comfort, - Jesus has borne all our sin.
This event was a forerunner of the agony in Gethsemane with the same courageous
conclusion -
'Thy will be done'.
"Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from
heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
1228
When had Father glorified his name in the past?
Jesus longed that men would praise his Father, and not
curse him.
Creation of the world: stars and sun, light and land.
Birth of a child.
Birth of Jesus, the Son of God. 'Our God contracted to a span ...'
God appeared to Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel ...
Shekinah glory with the tabernacle.
When Lazarus walked out from the tomb.
When yeast makes the daily bread to rise.
How will Father glorify his name again?
Very soon they would see the willingness of Love to
pay the price.
In heaven Jesus is now seated with the Father and deservedly
crowned with glory. Heb 29
In heaven the triumphant Lion appears as a Lamb. Rev
55,6
He will come again with glory. Glory already received.
Math 1627 2430 2531
Glory could also be seen in God choosing the Jewish nation; God's faithfulness,
kindness and justice:
in choosing Abraham,
in the provision and the leading in the wilderness,
in the giving of the Law, living in promised land,
in the exile to Babylon due to wickedness,
in the many great prophets sent to assure, reveal and
to warn.
in the 2nd exile in AD 70 / 135, and their return in
this century.
and it will be seen in the restoration of a new righteous
Israel.
God has not given up; his glory
will yet be seen in Jacob!
Judgement and Justice
The crowd that was there and heard it said it had
thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
1229
As on Mt Sinai all heard the noise. Exd 199, 16-19
Only Jesus heard what was said; as only Moses heard on Mt Sinai.
See also Ps 18 Is 333 Jer 2530 Joel 316
Rev 142 196 etc
Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine."
1230
Third time the voice of God from heaven was heard on earth. Lu
322 935
Each time it was for the benefit of those with Jesus. They were told
who Jesus was!
And each time Satan was defeated.
At his Baptism and the following fast and temptations.
At the Transfiguration - Law and Prophets which both point to Christ.
And now the confirmation that Jesus is the 'Lamb of God'.
How did the people benefit when they did not seem to hear what was said?
They would remember Sinai, and that they had not kept
the Law.
Thus they were under God's judgement, and had reason
to fear.
They had broken their promise, their covenant with God.
Exd 198
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the
prince of this world will be driven out. 1231
Judgement is not only of rebellious people, but of Satan. Col
213b-15
Where will Satan be driven out from? and when?
From the world. And from all the redeemed.
Each in it's turn. Eph 612 Rev
127-17 1919-2010
Adam by eating of the tree was cast out of Paradise.
The second Adam by dying on the tree, cast Satan out of the hearts of men,
and soon it will be out of the whole earth!
But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw
all men to myself. He said this to show the kind of death he was going to
die. 1232,33
The type of death (crucifixion) was also no accident.
It was designed by men to give the victim the greatest and longest pain.
(a minimum of 2 days and sometimes as long as 5 days)
The death of Jesus achieved its divine purpose.
'Guilty' and a death sentence had been correctly pronounced upon all men;
it had to be totally fulfilled.
There can be no easy 'let-off'; or 'let's just ignore sin and forgive it'.
Whenever redemption is seen, the heart of man is 'drawn' by the undeserved
love and kindness of God.
'All men'. Now, all men from all nations could be drawn to God.
This is not universal salvation, for not 'all' men will believe and be saved.
What surprised Jacob at Peniel, and gave it its name? Gen 3230
That he had seen God face to face, and yet he had not
died.
Few men have this respect for God, and few see that each of us deserves to
die.
Same prophecy as 314 with Nicodemus.
It was not his life, nor his miracles that give life; but his death.
Today, Christ is lifted up and seated on the throne beside his Father.
It is his first 'lifting up' on the Cross that 'draws'.
2000 years has proved the truth of this prophecy.
And there are still more who will be 'drawn'!
The Lion, who opens the seals, appeared as a Lamb slain. Rev
55,6
The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that
the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, 'The Son of Man must
be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man"? 1234
The crowd knew that 'being lifted up' meant being crucified.
How can the Messiah die? He can't be Messiah if he dies! Lu
2335-39
Seems to contradict scripture, and the Law. e.g. Is 92-7
515,6 524a,7-10 Jer 235,6 Ezek
471-12
But there are other references. e.g. Gen 228,14 Exd 12 Is 53
We love to hear what is hopeful and encouraging.
It is very easy to be selective.
We like to hear Blessings, but not Curses - or even responsibilities.
The natural corruption of man is total - contrasting to 'good in all of us'
idea.
Who is this Son of Man? Jesus. The Son of God! Wholly God and wholly
man.
But the people were confused. Like many today, even great theologians.
Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light
just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness
overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons
of light." 1235,36a
What, or who is this light? Jesus, as he stood before them - 'The
Light of the World'
So ordinary, yet God, Saviour and Redeemer.
'Now' (1231) '... while you have the light' and '... while you
have it' shows that it is urgent.
The opportunity does not last for ever. Grasp it now. Keep it. Never
let go.
Beware, for darkness (Satan's deceit), old age, accident etc can easily
overtake a man.
Then it is too late. Gen 716b Math
2511-13
But it is never for us to say that X or Y has missed the opportunity.
When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself
from them. 1236b
Why did Jesus hide?
Men might try to make him king. They tried once before. 615
His kingdom was not of this world. 1836
The proclamation was true; Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
But Jesus did not want the kingship of men; but the kingship of God.
Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs
in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfil
the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to
whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" For this reason they could not
believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: "He has blinded their eyes and
deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand
with their hearts, nor turn - and I would heal them."
1237-40
The miracles that Jesus did were perfect; he never failed to heal, and no
demon could refuse his command.
If they did not believe when they saw the perfect miracles of Jesus,
why are we so foolish as to think that seeing miracles
today,
(welcome, though often imperfect as they are) will always
lead to faith?
If it is God who blinds us, how can anyone see?
Does this seem unjust?
We may not understand, but the following may help us have a right perspective.
God desires that all men might be saved.
God has the right to choose or reject whoever he wants.
What governs his choice? This must remain a mystery. It is not arbitrary,
but just and righteous.
It seems to influenced by :-
1. If we have a humble or meek heart. (Often through
failure or hardship)
"Blessed are the poor in spirit
..." Math 53
2. God seems to have a special place for the poor and
needy.
"But I will restore you ... because
you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares." Jer
3012-17
Understood or not, Isaiah's prophecy was, and still is being fulfilled.
Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke
about him. 1241
Did Isaiah really see the glory of the day of Jesus? Yes, he did!!
Like Abraham had. 856
These men spoke what they saw and heard.
It was accurate: not wishful thinking, nor the vain or vague rumblings of
human imagination.
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed
in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for
fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men
more than praise from God. 1242,43
Many, not just some, believed. And leaders too!
But ... Where else could they go? There was only one Temple and one
local synagogue.
Not all had the clarity and courage of the man who was
born blind and healed.
Beware of the praise of men. It is infectious and highly toxic!
Fear can immobilise men; told we must maintain peace and never 'rock the
boat'.
(But some are so busy rocking the boat that they never
go anywhere either)
Today the cost of believing in Christ in Jewish and Muslim families is high.
Pray for their courage and determination.
Tragically, church leaders have not always encouraged faith.
Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he
does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at
me, he sees the one who sent me." 1244,45
Jesus did not whisper this to a few sympathetic hearers!
You who have begun to believe, 'a greater than Solomon is here!' Math
1238-42
One greater than even Abraham, Moses or Elijah is here. God is here!
'The Father and I are one.' 858
'The One who sent me' also 133
733 829 1320 1521
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one
who believes in me should stay in darkness. 1246
The Light of God gives vision, understanding, revelation, guidance.
This remains his consistant certain promise.
As for the person who hears my words but does not keep
them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save
it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words;
that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.
1247,48
The just Judgement Day comes later. 815,16,26 Rev
61 151 165,7 192
Each man is judged by his own words. Math 2524 Rev
1611,21
For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father
who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command
leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told
me to say. 1249,50
Amen!
And I desire to do the same.
Just imagine if all Christians only spoke what they heard Father saying!
When was The Passover / Last Supper
?
It was just before the Passover Feast. ... The
evening meal was being served, ... 131a,2a
Passover traditions change over years.
It began as a family meal. Exd 1221
Then Jews went to Jerusalem and sacrificed their Passover lamb in the Temple.
This was followed by a Seder meal, though for many it
could not be at home.
Now it is a family meal again, but without a sacrificed lamb - only two lamb
bones.
The Seder has four cups and is a full meal. (not one sip and a thin
wafer in church)
1. Freedom
(from slavery in Egypt and from sin)
2. Redemption (Passover
Lamb was killed. Cleansed by blood of Christ)
3. Chosen people (God chose the Jews.
Now Christians are also chosen)
4. Hope
(Look forward to God in the future. The coming of the
Messiah)
John says Last Supper was 'Just before' instead of 'at' the Passover Feast.'
131
He also uses the phrase 'The evening meal ...'
instead of 'the Passover meal'. 132
This raises a question. Was the 'Last Supper' the Passover Seder meal; or
was it a 'special' meal on the previous day?
Math 2617 Mk 1412 and Lu
227 indicate it was the Passover.
John clearly shows that the 'last supper' was the day
before. 131
He did not write this to confuse us. And the scripture is accurate.
Somewhere we seem to have got it wrong. Where?
There is much evidence for the Last Supper being on Wednesday
and the Passover Preparation and Crucifixion on Thursday:
1. At the trial of Jesus before Pilate, the Sanhedrin "wanted to be able
to eat the Passover.' 1828
i.e. they had not yet eaten their Passover meal.
2. At the trial 'It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week ...'
1914
On Passover preparation day, Jews remove all leaven
from the house.
They bathe to ensure ceremonially
clean.
They kill the Passover lamb 'between
sunsets' on 14th Nisan
There is no 'preparation' required for the normal Jewish
Sabbath.
In Jn 1930,31 After Jesus had been crucified
and said, "It is finished,"
John repeats, "Now it was the day of Preparation."
i.e. The final true Passover
Lamb of God had been slain. (Laid down his life for us)
3. "... the next day was a to be a special Sabbath."
1931
i.e. not the usual Saturday Sabbath but a special one.
No work is allowed on the first day of Passover, it
was a 'Sabbath'. Lev 233-8
4. Jesus said, "As Jonah was 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of a huge fish,
so the Son of Man will be 3 days and 3 nights in the
heart of the earth." Math 1240
Part Friday and Sat is only 2 days - Jesus had risen
before dawn on Sunday.
Even if this is counted as a 3rd day, he was dead for
only 2 nights (Fri+Sat)
This specific statement by Jesus requires him to have
been crucified on Thursday.
5. If Jesus was crucified on Thursday:
It would have been the same time that all the Passover
Lambs were slaughtered on Preparation day.
With Passover as traditionally accepted on Friday.
While not a 'proof', it is a meaningful coincidence
in the perfect plan of God.
6. The chief Priests declared on Preparation day, (the 14th Nisan), whether
any selected Passover lamb was Kosher.
Ironically it was the gentile Roman Governor Pilate
on Preparation day
who declared that Jesus was innocent,
kosher-clean, to the Priests! Lu 234,13
7. Dead Sea scrolls have revealed much about the Essenes at Qumran.
They believed that they alone kept alive the true Jewish
faith.
Sought real holiness - by repentance Math 32
417
Also required repeated ritual cleansing.
John Baptist and Jesus, cried ,"Repent and be baptised."
Lu 32 Mk 14,14 Act 238
John and Andrew were disciples of John Baptist.
135-42
Essenes believed and longed for the coming kingdom of
God and the Messiah.
Hated hypocrisy of the Temple Passover (Jesus cleared
Temple. Lu 1928-44)
so some say they celebrated Passover
a day earlier so that it may be kept pure.
Very few women allowed in their community.
Jesus told disciples they would see a man carrying
the water.
This man is likely to be an Essene
monk. Lu 228-13 Mk 1412-16
The Essenes certainly had a guest-house in Jerusalem.
Peter and John also told they would find a guest room
furnished and ready.
Maybe the 'Last supper' was an Essene Passover meal.
8. Jewish months always start at new moon, so according to moon cycles, if
the crucifixion was in AD 30 or 33,
then 1st Nisan was on a Friday. Passover starts on the
15th Nisan. Lev 236 (also Friday)
Preparation day and the slaughter of the Passover lambs
on Thursday afternoon, 14th Nisan
Jewish days start at sunset, so normal Seder meal on
Thursday evening. (Essenes on Wednesday evening)
This weight of evidence from scripture suggests at least the possibility
that:
Traditional Passover was Friday, 15th Nisan, with Seder
meal on Thursday evening.
The Essene Passover was on Thursday, with the meal on
Wednesday evening
and this is what Jesus celebrated
in the Jerusalem guest-house.
His trial was on Thursday morning, with crucifixion
the same afternoon.
Jesus was crucified at the time the Passover lambs were
being slain. 1 Co 57
Reluctant to challenge the scholarship of years, but this seems the most
likely sequence of events.
Scripture is seen to be accurate (which it always is). The different Gospels
accounts are reconciled.
And 'Tradition' is probably wrong on this occasion;
it is not infallable.
What matters most is not when; but what Jesus did, and why he had to do
it.
Note also:
The Passover lamb was a year old ram - not cuddly, woolly animal; but in
the prime of life and strength.
Jesus is no easy push-over (doing for us just what we want). Neither
was the willing Isaac. Neither is God.
Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave
this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world,
he now showed them the full extent of his love. 131b
'The time had come' - at last!
Jesus would return to his Father; having shown the full extent of his love
for us.
'Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.'
1513
But Jesus did so - and 'while we were still enemies (sinners)!' Ro
58
In these final days we see the whole purpose of God coming to earth.
And Jews from all over the world would witness it too.
Jesus did not come to be an 'example setter'; then and now, the Law sets
an impossible standard.
It brings guilt and a longing for relief.
Jesus came to be the Redeemer, the Reliever of guilt.
"There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin, ..."
The evening meal was being served, and the devil had
already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.
132
About Judas:
He was the only apostle not from Galilee. Is - Karioth = man from Karioth.
Karioth is either near Arad in the Negev or a few miles East in Moab.
He is linked with Simon the Zealot in Math 104 and Mk
318,19 (Listed in pairs)
Some have cited Judas' disappointment that Jesus had no intention of fulfilling
the zealot hope of over-throwing Rome as a reason for
betraying him.
(i.e. the anticipation of a 2nd victorious Maccabean
rebellion)
Plausible, but Scripture does not say he was a zealot, nor found elsewhere.
Not linked with Simon in Lu 615,16
John reveals his longstanding problem with money.
He was one of the twelve sent out to preach, to heal and to deliver.
No Christian leader, nor any of us, are immune from possibility of falling.
Beware! Be consciously and continually dependent on Jesus.
'The devil had already prompted'; Judas was already so critical of Jesus
he contemplated betrayal. Math 2614-16
To what extent was his action premeditated, carefully thought out?
To what extent was it a spontaneous reaction?
'Then Satan entered Judas ...' Lu 223 Judas allows this
(he welcomed him).
If we fall in temptation it is usually both premeditated and spontaneous.
How I think today will greatly affect what I do tomorrow. 1
Co 105
What I am today is partly the summation of all the yesterdays.
What were Satan's tactics? Where was the weakness he exploited?
Judas was treasurer and he used some funds for himself. 126
There were no auditors, only trust among these followers of Jesus.
Earlier at the anointing of Jesus by Mary, it was not only Judas who said,
'Why this waste?' 124-6 Math 268
All disciples were indignant, so was Simon the (ex)Leper.
Lu 739
But Judas was the only one who refused to accept correction.
Why was he jealous of the extravagant generosity of Mary?
Judas did not know forgiveness.
A selfish heart never knows the joy of giving more than the 'minimum' (as
a duty).
Judas went to chief priests. Math 2614-16
Not motivated by ideology, but by greed - 'What will you give me ...'
Maybe not just money, but as a loner he tried to 'buy' popularity (with
authorities).
Later remorse made him return the money.
But he found that the chief priests were not interested in him or the money.
Remorse + disenchantment leads to his suicide.
Humiliated, angry, greedy, jealous - a nasty list!
30 silver coins (= 120 denarii or 4 months wages) Math 2615
Also the price of a dead slave. Exd 2132
Jesus died as an obedient servant, to become the Saviour of all.
Jesus knew that Judas had previously gone to the chief priests.
What was his reaction? Where was Judas seated at this last supper?
John on right and Judas, not Peter, on his left.
1323-26
This strange seating arrangement causes the disciples to argue over who was
the greatest. Lu 2224-30
But this gospel shows us who was really the greatest.
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under
his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he
got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around
his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his
disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
133-5
Jesus had all things under his power. Such as ?
Chief priests, Pilate, 12 legions of angels, Judas, wind and wave, diseases,
demons, Satan, everything ...
yet he willingly became a servant. Math
2653
Judas was not forced to betray, he was allowed to choose.
Unlike men, Jesus never abused his power.
Never did he strive for greatness; yet he is rightly greater than all.
What a contrast to the disciples. The desires of men have not changed.
God says, 'Behold my servant ...' Is 5213 421
And here is Jesus, the Son of God, being a servant. He took a towel ...
"You can't do that;." Not right, not dignified, not done ... besides what
will the people think?
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are
you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realise now what I
am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never
wash my feet." 136-8a
Peter's respect for Jesus made him reluctant to let him wash his feet.
John Baptist was reluctant too. Math 314 So
would we be.
The 'Servant' was also the only Son. Math 317 Gen
222
What was Jesus doing that Peter did not understand? Explained in
1312-16
Jesus knew that pride, and the love of power would be the cause of so much
damage to his church down the ages.
It has always been a vital lesson to learn - but sadly it is one that is
often forgotten.
Peter dares to contradict the Son of God, but Jesus is not offended.
What makes us say 'No' to God?
Do we always have to understand before we obey what
God says?
One day we will understand the many strange ways of
God. They will not seem so strange then.
Let us learn to trust him now. He does know what is
best.
How can we show kindness to others, even if it is inconvenient or humiliating?
What menial tasks can we do that do not earn public esteem or 'Brownie points'?
There is no more noble or difficult task than being a good mother of children.
c.f. 'Just a house-wife'. This expression reveals the
poverty of man's values.
This life's work may not bring riches or fame,
but there is no task more exacting, and no work is more
honourable.
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part
with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands
and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs
only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though
not every one of you." 138b-11
The head may be wrong while the heart is right. (and vise-versa)
Peter's heart was right - the thought of losing the friendship of Jesus was
awful.
If this is what is at stake, then wash my hands and
head too!
But he still did not understand. Later he would. 1 Pe 55
Phil 25-8
Jesus does not yield to either extreme of misunderstanding.
He teaches them a lesson in humility by example.
How is this lesson connected to betrayal by Judas?
Pride refuses to learn. It is offended by the truth. 2 Tim
43
Pharisees and many others were offended by Jesus.
They did not like what he said, and were jealous of what he did.
Why are most men still offended by the cross of Christ?
Why does it remain the great divider of men? Pride c.f. Math
53-10
Jesus even washes the feet of Judas: yet he refuses to learn - He goes off
to the chief priests, again. 1327
Why is 'the servant lesson' so important?
If I fail to learn it, sooner or later I will also betray
the Saviour.
So Jesus would not be diverted from teaching this vital lesson.
This example of 'feet washing' probably does not require a literal observance.
It is primarily an illustration.
There are many practical ways that leaders and the led may display humility.
For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was
why he said not every one was clean. 1311
'who was going to betray him' Gk. is present tense = 'who was betraying him'
It was not one irresponsible, impulsive act; but on-going and considered.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on
his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done
for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so,
for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your
feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example
that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant
is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent
him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
1312-17
Jesus knew that they did not understand, so he asks them, and then he proceeds
to explain.
Jesus was rightly their teacher and Lord: he was God!
He was a very good teacher too!
What was the example that God set? Humility and servant-hood.
How many men are prepared to be servants?
Our hearts are so easily puffed up with pride - even the disciples were.
But "he who exalts himself ..." Lu 147-11
(Note whole parable)
It is easy to be reluctant to do menial work.
There are always more volunteers to do honourable work.
It is one thing to know this; and another to avoid the corruption of power.
'I tell you the truth ...' 8 of the 27 times in John are during the Last
Supper.
'... No servant is greater than his master'.
Today Papal visitors are all required to kiss his feet.
Jesus, the Son of God, did not expect this; so why should
the Pope?
Power politics in religion and church government are legion.
Every denomination has largely failed to learn this lesson.
What governs our actions? (and hence our character)
What we think. Premeditated. What we feel. Impulse.
Both our heads and our hearts must be taught by the Spirit. Jer
3133
How is this achieved?
By our wills; its decisions and practice. Gal
516 67 Eph 613 Phil 38
48 Col 312-17
By the renewal of our minds. Ro 122
We will be blessed by doing these right things.
I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have
chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: "He who shares my bread has
lifted up his heel against me." I am telling you now before it happens, so
that when it does happen you will believe that I am He.
1318,19
Refers back to end of 1310 'You are clean, though not every one
of you.'
Jesus did not by-pass guilt or sin, but he did not wish to impose guilt when
they were not guilty.
He sought to discomfort the comfortable; the smug, proud, self-satisfied,
and to comfort the uncomfortable; the distressed, repentant.
Jesus also confirms the accuracy and reliability of scripture.
Ps 41 is mostly about God preserving the righteous from his enemies.
But includes that a righteous man was not to be preserved from betrayal.
His concern is that they may know who he is, not who his betrayer is.
His betrayal will be yet another piece of evidence.
I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send
accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."
1320
What does it mean?
Not if I am not welcomed, that 'they' have not welcomed Jesus.
Many men had not welcomed Jesus, and therefore had not welcomed God.
The disciples who had welcomed Jesus, had welcomed God.
Those who would welcome the disciples (and their preaching of Jesus) would
welcome Jesus and also welcome God.
Jesus was preparing them for their future ministry.
After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit
and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me."
His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant.
1321,22
It is not wrong or weakness of faith to be troubled. 1133
1227
Why was 'the man of sorrows' troubled? Is 533 It
was certainly not self-pity.
Jesus still loved Judas.
Even though he did have 30 silver coins in his pocket. Math
2615
We may be sure he did not add them to 'the common purse'.
While heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents,
heaven also laments over each person who refuses God's
gift of salvation.
Jesus now tells them plainly that he will be betrayed, and by one of them.
Up to this moment the disciples had no idea that one of them was a traitor.
Jesus knew. He had known for a long time, but that only increased the sorrow.
How did Judas remain:
unaffected by being asked to sit next to Jesus?
unmoved by seeing Jesus troubled?
unchanged by the example of 'servant-hood'?
and unashamed when publicly told he was the 'one
will betray'?
Judas thought that he had been able hoodwink Jesus. Quite pleased with himself.
And quite wrong!
One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining
next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which
one he means." Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?"
Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when
I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave
it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. 1323-26
What did Peter intend to do when he knew who the betrayer was?
Note that the disciples asked 'Is it me?' not 'Is it xxx?' Math
2622
There is a world of difference between these two questions.
As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into
him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him, but no one at
the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of
the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for
the Feast, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the
bread, he went out. And it was night. 1327-30
Jesus did not tell Judas to betray; he already had.
His instruction was that he carry out his decision quickly.
Jesus did not publicly humiliate Judas.
Peter and John were told privately, the rest thought he had gone shopping.
Only later did it become known to all of them.
How close Judas had been to Jesus here;
soon there would probably be a large, un-crossable and
eternal gulf. Lu 1626
When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man
glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will
glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
1331,32
What is glory?
Victory in battle. The courage, skill, and determination
that brought it.
Brightness, golden colour (sunset), riches, coronation
of monarch.
Freedom, Life and Light. c.f. slavery, death, darkness
and boredom.
'At once'. Now was the hour for the Son of Man to be glorified.
1223
"I have glorified it (the Father's name) and I will glorify it again."
1228
How did the Crucifixion bring glory to the Father?
It reveals God's wisdom and power. 1 Co
123-25
His faithfulness to Abel Gen 44 Heb
114 and to Abraham Gen 228, 14 and to
Moses as Passover Lamb.
God kept his promise that Jesus
would be the Lamb of God.
His holiness. Full redemption price had to be paid.
No other way. Is 358-10
His love. Father and Son were agreed in plan and purpose.
Like Abraham and Isaac Gen
221 Lu 951 Jn 828,29
Crucifixion reveals the glorious compassion, obedience and patience of Jesus.
My children, I will be with you only a little longer.
You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where
I am going, you cannot come. A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know
that you are my disciples, if you love one another. 1333-35
Jesus did not shrink from telling them that he must go on alone - without
them.
What he had to do, no sinful man could do, or even help him with.
Note this separation is only temporary. c.f.
821 sin's permanent separation
He tells his disciples they must not betray, but learn to love each other.
Beware of the criticism and gossip that betrays and destroys communion.
Why a 'new' commandment when Lev 1918 commands us to love
our neighbour?
Maybe because it was (is) so rare.
What often happens when an outstanding leader leaves? There is a power
vacuum.
Then either a struggle for succession or no one wants
the job (fear of failing to match predecessor?)
So Jesus gives them the best antidote - to love one-another.
This is a great aid for protection against the lust for power.
We will never be perfect on earth, but love covers a multitude of sins. Pr
1012 1 Pe 48
But the instruction to 'love one another' is lost in the statement that he
was leaving.
It brought sudden panic and insecurity. How could they manage without
him?
Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?"
Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow
later." Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my
life for you." 1336,37
There were still great gaps in their knowledge of what Jesus was about to
do.
Peter was amazed. Surely he could go to any place on earth that Jesus went
to.
How could he be left behind? Strong, courageous, confident.
There was much he had to learn: but he did learn it - albeit painfully.
Jesus taught him - starting now!
Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your
life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown
me three times! 1338
The intentions of a godly heart are not always fulfilled. Ro 718-
84
What lesson did Peter have to learn here? 'That nothing good lived
in his sinful nature'.
Though strong, he was also weak. He did not yet realise
it, but Jesus did.
Within 9 hours Peter, the rock, the strong, would deny
knowing Jesus 3 times.
Much later he would do as he said, and lay down his life for Jesus.
2118,19
He was probably crucified in Rome under Nero in about
AD 65.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust
also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would
have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that
you also may be where I am. 141-3
Seems to conflict with 1321 when 'Jesus was troubled in spirit'.
Jesus trusted his Father perfectly, but he was still troubled about being
betrayed.
What was it that now troubled the disciples, which Jesus wanted to relieve?
Jesus was leaving them; and they could not follow him.
1336b
They were afraid. What would they do? Who would lead
them?
They relied upon Jesus. And he had become their friend.
It is not wrong to be troubled.
But Jesus did not want the trouble to overwhelm them; at no time did it overcome
him.
How did Jesus relieve their troubled hearts?
1. He told them that Father could be trusted. And so
he can be!
2. He was going to prepare a place for them. Temporary
grief, but future secure.
3. He would come back to them and would then remain
with them always.
When would Jesus come back to them?
At the tomb (to Mary). 2018
In the upper room - Jerusalem. 2019 and
2026
By the lake side - Galilee. 214
At Pentecost (50 days later) - Jerusalem. Act
24
In death.
Why did Jesus leave them?
He had to die for us, alone. No man could help him do
this.
Jesus did return to them. He kept his promise - he always does.
What promises are applicable now, to us? And when?
General promises: e.g.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set
you free. 832
I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never
go hungry, 635 413
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever rejects the Son will
not see life, for the wrath of God remains on him. 336,18
Specific promises:
I am going to prepare a place for you 142
This sickness will not end in death. 114
also 811 450
No fixed rules. But there are guidelines.
Scripture should never be taken out of context.
Ecc 31-8 There is a time for plough-shears and a time for swords.
Is 24 Joel 310
Use all of scripture, not just one part. (the part we like or want)
What do we know about heaven, the place prepared for us? Rev 21 and 22.
NOT in the Kingdom
Sea - divides nations. 211
Loneliness - God himself with us. 213
Tears, death, pain - no parting. 214
Thirst - no longings unfulfilled. 216 2217
Unbelievers, murderers, immoral, falsehood, idolaters, liars.
217,27
Anti-Semitism - Jews are honoured. 2112
Poverty - or grinding injustice. 2118-21,26
Temple - Lamb of God completed work. 2122
Darkness - and no need for sun. 2123,25 225
Enemy or war - city gates always open. 2125
Hunger - variety of fresh fruit. 222
Sickness - leaves keep you healthy. 222
Curse - no more temptation to sin. 223
IN the Kingdom
New Heaven and new earth. 211,5
Holiness. Called the Holy City. 212,10,27
Pure as gold and with jewel foundations. 2118-21
The Bridegroom and his Bride. 212,9
With God for ever. 213,7
Glory of God shines brightly. 2111
The King (and High Priest) are seen. 223,4
The throne of God and the Lamb. 223
The Redeemed. 2214
All are marked with the name of God. 224
The Tree of Life. 2214
The River and the Water of Life. 221,17
Unending Fruit. 222
Leaves to heal the nations. 222
"Behold I am coming soon!" "The Spirit and the Bride say 'Come!'"
227,17
Heaven is home!
There we are loved for what we are, not for our abilities or what we can
give to the church.
Heaven is permanent; live in stone houses, not tents.
Many houses; there is room for all sorts (except unbelievers and wicked).
The battle is over; we will never again even be tempted to sin!
Best of all; Christ will always be clearly seen, worshipped, obeyed and enjoyed.
He will lead us 'home' 143 where we will be both known and expected.
We do not have to find our own way without map or compass. He leads us.
Our names are written in the book of life, the King's invitation list.
The sealed scroll of Rev 5 is the will of Jesus; which
he alone can open.
For a will to be effective the one who makes it first has to die. Heb
916-22
(Jesus said), "You know the way to the place where
I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going,
so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
144-6
On this occasion it was Thomas, not Peter, who spoke for them all.
They did not realise that Jesus was about to lay down his life,
though he had told them. 315 828
1011-18 127 1224 1232
129
Or that he would be resurrected and return to heaven.
Do not despise their lack of knowledge. We have the benefit of hindsight.
Many think they know the way; like Formalist and Hypocrisy in Pilgrims Progress.
But they climbed over the wall and did not enter by
the way of salvation.
Also Ignorance, who refused to hear the truth.
Any man who climbs in by another way is a thief and a robber. 108
By what other ways do men try to enter heaven?
The most common are:
1. Humanist. There is no God. Men have inbuilt 'goodness'
and ability.
It only has to be found and released.
2. God is within everything and everyone.
Good in all religions, just different ways to God. (New
Age)
Many cults and religions play on the often desperate
desire of men; they make false promises.
e.g. Muslims who die killing Jews
are given assurance of heaven.
3. Trying to earn God's approval by doing good.
But no Jew has ever been able to keep all the Law,
and no Gentile has ever been able
to fully follow the example of Christ.
Jesus is the ONLY way. And that way required his crucifixion.
The death of Jesus was not an unhappy accident but a planned necessity.
It may sound arrogant for us to say this in today's 'New Age' climate.
But it was none other than the Son of God himself who
told us this truth.
"If you really knew me, you would know my Father as
well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." Philip said,
"Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
147,8
It was clear that the revelation of the true identity of Jesus had not yet
dawned.
The disciples still did not really know who Jesus was; and he tells them
- again.
It was now Philip's turn to ask. What was his request?
We've seen you, but who is the Father? Show him to us,
then we will know.
Sounds reasonable enough, but it earned a mild rebuke from Jesus.
Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after
I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the
Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am
in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not
just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or
at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves."
149-11
They had followed Jesus for over 3 years.
They had heard his undoubted wisdom and seen his remarkable authority.
They had witnessed at least 32 major miracles. (incl. 3 raised from the dead!)
How much more evidence did they need?
Ex-blind man said, 'If this man were not from God, he could do nothing'.
933
But Jesus was much more than 'from God' (like prophets), he was God!
It is not more evidence that men need, but more humility.
We have to:
acknowledge that we are 'poor in Spirit' because dead
before God.
'mourn' the fact that there nothing we can do about
it.
be 'meek' and teachable of the truth concerning the
Saviour.
'hunger and thirst for righteousness'. Math
53-6
Jesus did not leave them floundering in the unknown.
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will
do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because
I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that
the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my
name, and I will do it. 1412-14
What had Jesus been doing? What are 'the greater things' that he will
do?
The Disciples wrought miracles, but they were not greater miracles than Jesus
did.
But through the great mercy and grace of God many, many more were saved.
e.g. 3000 at Pentecost. And many are still being saved
now.
80m Evangelical Christians in 1960 increased to 320m
in 1994 i.e. +16m/year. (see Operation World. )
But 5m also died each year, so 16+5 = 21m/year are saved
- mostly in S. America, Africa and Asia.
Western Christians have increased from 56 to 96m since
1960 = +70%
Non Western Christians have increased from 24 to 224m
= +830% i.e. doubling every 10 years
Jesus is not doing nothing at Father's right hand. Heb 725 1 Jn
21
We have an effective Advocate. Imagine what it would be like without him.
"Before the throne of God above, I have a strong,
a perfect plea;
A great High-priest, whose name is Love,
who ever lives and pleads for me."
There are now surer hands uplifted on our behalf than even Moses'. Exd
1711
What may we ask for? Is it really 'anything'?
It must be for the good of our souls, or that of others.
James 516b
It may or may not include health, prosperity or avoiding
persecution.
It is not an invitation to use God as a slot machine to get all that we want,
especially when it is 'just for me'. James
43
Does 'In my name' mean in accordance with the will of God?
'Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.' Ps
8110 1079 Math 77,8 Lu
638
'Seed faith' giving can never be used as a lever to
try and persuade God.
This makes the motive one of greed,
which will not be rewarded.
Sometimes 'You have not because you have not asked.' James
42b
Or maybe we have not asked for our friends or neighbours.
'But when he asks (for wisdom) he must believe and not doubt ...' James
16
Jesus was delighted to send them another Counsellor. 1416
Why did Jesus suddenly tell them this?
What has it to do with his going to prepare a place and his coming back to
them?
Although he was going away; the lines of communication
would not be broken.
The departure of Jesus would not leave them leaderless
and impotent.
The disciples would continue to heal and cast out demons,
and more importantly they would save many.
The most important thing in prayer is to learn what the will of God is.
Then we can pray in faith; we can ask, knowing that
God will do it.
Consider Elijah, how he 'prayed earnestly that it might not rain'.
James 517
But he had first sought and learned that this was to
be God's plan
to deal with the growing national
evil, led by Jezebel and Ahab.
At Carmel he prayed for fire. And he was able to destroy the 450 prophets
of Baal. 1 Kg 1836-38
Sadly Jezebel's 400 prophets of Asherah, though invited, were absent! 1
Kg 1819
Afterwards he prayed that it would rain. 1 Kg 18 41-45
Again, he already knew it was God's plan, for God had told him. 1 Kg
181
Note. He was not praying for an easy church outing;
but for the life of God in Israel
and an end to Baal and Asherah worship.
If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I
will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you
forever - the Spirit of truth. 1415-17a
A Counsellor is one who advises. His advice is voluntary, not enforced.
But it is a foolish man who ignores God's advice - yet
many do.
Do we wilfully disobey or just ignore and do not bother to seek God's way?
How do we hear the Spirit of truth?
Scriptures - learned line by line, daily seeking his
revelation.
Inspiration, vision, dreams, hope, assurance.
What we see, ordinary and extraordinary
Friends, and sometimes even enemies! can reveal the
mind of God.
By obeying. This is not putting the cart before the
horse, but is an integral part of the learning / testing process.
The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees
him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in
you. 1417b
Why doesn't the world seek God's counsel, and why doesn't the world
obey him? 1 Co 214
They do not recognise that God is the Almighty, the
Lord of Hosts.
Not admitting any personal need, they do not see Jesus
as the necessary, compassionate Saviour.
Like Pharaoh Rameses II, they arrogantly say, 'Who is the Lord, that
I should obey him?' Exd 52
But this same mighty God lives with Believers.
Not as a Sunday visitor, not on the end of a telephone or fax, but as a constant
companion and friend. Is 3021 Jer 3133,34
God has kept his promise of sending us a Counsellor, and of writing the New
Covenant in our hearts.
He is not our conscience, but he quickens it, to both confirm and to warn.
The little we now know reveals how much more there is yet to learn.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Before long, the world will not see me any more, but you will see me. Because
I live, you also will live. 1418,19
It is unthinkable that God should reject his own children.
He is not like man for whom self-interest too often takes priority.
To the world, Jesus came and died; the only way to see him (again) is to
be born again. 33
"The Listeners" by Walter de la Mere:
"Is anyone there?" said the Traveller, knocking on the
moonlit door;
And his horse in the silence champ'd the grasses of
the forest's ferny floor:
And a bird flew up out of the turret, above the Traveller's
head:
No head from the leaf fringed sill lean'd over and look'd
into his grey eyes,
Where he stood perplexed and still. ..."
(the listeners are then
described as grey phantoms; shadowy, dead, unresponsive)
"Then he suddenly smote on the door, even louder, and
lifted his head:-
'Tell them I came, and no one answer'd, that I kept
my word,' he said. ..."
(Incidently the eyes of
Jesus are brown Jewish eyes, not grey Anglo-Saxon eyes)
To the world, the Traveller came and went.
But to all who mourned, who sought, who believed in the Son, have eternal
life. 316,36
We ride away with him.
In the U.K. today the welfare state cares for children who are orphaned;
but consider the plight of those in Bolivia, Bosnia,
or Bombay.
The Lord has a particular love for the orphan, the widow and the poor.
Deut 2417-22 Ps 1469 Is
117 James 127 Jer 3012-17
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father,
and you are in me, and I am in you. 1420
Then the Spirit will reveal, the truth will dawn: Jesus is the Messiah, God
is incarnate (on earth as a man).
The Son and the Father are one.
Now he promises something more: what?
His disciples would be one with him too.
It is most regrettable that our many denominations show that we still have
much to learn.
When is 'on that day'? Partly now, but finally fulfilled only when
Jesus comes a 2nd time.
How can we know that we are one with Christ? Jesus tells us so.
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one
who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will
love him and show myself to him. 1421
Our oneness with God is proved by our obedience.
The obedient man loves, and is loved by God.
Faith without works is dead ... they must work together. James
217,22,26
Obedience and good works are proof of the salvation of God. James
219,24
Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why
do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus replied,
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and
we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will
not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to
the Father who sent me. 1422-24
In this verse Judas = Thaddeus = Jude, the writer of the epistle.
'But ... why?' This is not the reply of acceptance - even if 'Lord'
is inserted in between!
What did Philip (and probably all the others) not comprehend?
No one can 'see' until they first admit that they need a Saviour.
33,19 Math 53,8
They still did not yet appreciate that Jesus was the Son of God, nor the
God-planned purpose. (not surprising)
We may look in wrong direction for wrong things. e.g. power, signs,
sex, money etc 1 Co 122,23 Lu 225
The disciples still thought that the Messiah would set them free, like he
had in their long past history. i.e.
God 'rescued' Abraham out of Ur and its religious astrology
cult, took him to Canaan.
There he promised to give him the Land. 2000 BC
Under Moses, God set them free from Egyptian slavery.
1280 BC
Under Joshua, God defeated the Canaanites. 1240 BC
David expanded the kingdom. 1000 BC
God returned the Jews from Babylon. 537 BC under
Joshua and Zerubbabel. (also Ezra and Nehemiah. 440 BC)
God enabled the hated Antiochus Epithanes to be defeated
by the faithful Maccabeans in 164 BC.
Surely God's Messiah would now defeat the equally hated Romans.
But no, for their worst enemy was not Rome, but Satan and the slavery
to sin.
So Jesus repeats what he said. 1426
At least the disciples remembered what he said!
When they later understood, then the question was also answered.
'The world cannot accept him ...' and therefore cannot see him. 'But I will
come to you.' 1417,18
3 of the Apostles did not understand and queried what Jesus said.
So the Saviour made a special promise to each of them!
Thomas - 'we don't know where you are going.'
145
'I am the way, the truth and the
life.' 146
Philip - 'show us the Father.' 148
'He will do even greater things
than these.' 1412
Judas - 'but ... why ... not show yourself to the world.'
1422
'If anyone loves me he will obey
my teaching ...
my Father will love him ... and
we will make our home with him.' 1423
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the
Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach
you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
1425,26
Sometimes I wonder, 'will I ever learn?' Why do I so quickly forget
what God has so patiently taught me.
'Will the mysteries and the will of God ever be clear?'
Yes! Jesus here pledges that he will teach us 'all things'.
The Holy Spirit will remind us, teach us, and reveal
all that we need to know. 222 1216 739
2 Pe 112
There are so many promises here that arouse our hope and faith in Jesus.
Not to make life more comfortable, but to make it more
useful.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not
give to you as the world gives. 1427-29
Peace is not presumption. Nor is it the absence of war.
"The peace of God that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts
and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 427a
What sort of peace does the world offer?
Many false prophets and deceiving spirits speak of peace.
Jer 614 811 Is 4822 598
Ezek 1312
Examples of false prophets in this century?
League of Nations, Neville Chamberlain,
Camp David, PLO, ... what next?
All the laws and treaties of men lie broken in the path of history.
All nations have defence forces, but they have not stopped wars.
We have democratic laws and police, but they do not prevent crime.
'There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked.'
Is 4822 5721
To trust in man is like hanging a coat on a peg that breaks. Is
2225
or leaning against a wall which then collapses. Is
3013
But the peace of God - now that is different! What a contrast.
1. What God has said is reliable. He always keeps his
word.
2. What God has done is effective. His sacrifice was
both perfect and complete.
By this means Jesus has forgiven
our sin and reconciled us to God
What is the Peace of God?
Jesus said that when the disciples received the Holy
Spirit then you will know, and remember what I said.
They did remember, they did believe, and they did know
the peace of God that Jesus had earlier offered.
And so may we who believe.
God will certainly do what he has promised.
The Lamb of God did come, he did die, he did rise, he
did come again to them.
Now he does plead for us, and he will come again to
judge the world!
Such is the generous gift and the grace of God!
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
1427b
The disciples were afraid - not for the first time, or the last.
How did they (and how do we) overcome fear?
"Heart trouble is the commonest disease in the world.
No class or condition of men is exempt from it.
No door-lock can keep it out.
Many of the holiest saints find this world a vale of
tears.
Faith in Jesus is the only sure medicine." J.C.Ryle.
Is 261-5
What do we fear most?
Future, rejection, death (me or loved one), pain, failure,
darkness,
own children's injury, loss or
not receiving salvation ...
Best antidote for fear is God's Word, "I am with you - always"
God always keeps his promise, even when circumstances make it seem otherwise.
See notes on 620
You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming
back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father,
for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens,
so that when it does happen you will believe. 1428,29
Jesus repeats that he is going to leave them (temporarily).
He tells them that he will break Satan's grip - he will return.
Death will have no dominion over him. Then they will believe.
I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince
of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that
I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
Come now; let us leave. 1430,31
Jesus calls Satan 'the prince of this world'. He is.
Daniel also saw him as such. Dan 1013
Also Jn 1231 Note context was when Jesus tells them he will be
'lifted up',
and would 'draw all (believing) men to himself'.
Satan is prince, but he is not King. Jesus is King. There are no other kings.
It is vital that we neither under or over estimate the power of Satan.
Will Satan always be prince and Jesus king? No!
Jesus will always be King.
Soon there will be a new heaven and new earth. There is no place for Satan
there.
Satan is a prince, soon to be condemned to the abyss and then to the
fire for ever. Rev 20
He will never become king.
A 'Prince' will destroy the Temple sacrifice ... Dan 8(1)11-14
Antiochus Epithanes did so in 167-164 BC
Satan would later try to destroy Jesus - the Lamb of God. He failed.
He thought that he could defeat Jesus because he became a man. What
arrogance!
Has Satan learned from his defeat in 164 BC or at Calvary?
No, he will try yet again. Rev 1614,16
1919,20
'He will take his stand against the Prince of princes'. Dan
825
But the next defeat will be total and permanent. 1611 Dan
121-7 Rev 2010
Meanwhile he will try to destroy all he can. 1 Pe 58,9
He can never create, but only destroy.
Why did Satan have no hold on Jesus? Though a man, he was also God.
He was totally without any sin. Jesus never yielded
even once to temptation.
God wants us to be righteous too, so Satan will have no hold on us.
Affliction for the Christian can sometimes be because of sin.
(which then gives Satan an entry, a hold over us)
But sometimes it can be the best plan of God.
Consider Job. He lost his possessions and family, then suffered boils.
But Satan could do nothing to righteous Job except by
God's consent.
Indeed it was God who initiated it. Job
18-12 122 23-7 210
Job remained righteous.
He contested his 3 friends who tried to make him admit
that his downfall
was because of some undisclosed
wickedness.
Job never said he was without sin, only that his downfall
was not the cause.
Satan can point to the sins of even Noah, Abraham or David, Elijah or Isaiah.
When David repented of his terrible sins in Ps 51,
Satan could not even point to his forgiven sins, they
were washed away.
God even said that David was "a man after his own heart!"
1 Sam 1314
But in Jesus there was no sin.
His sacrifice was 'for sins not his own'. Heb 727
Only Jesus can loose us from Satan's grip; and keep us free. Heb
724,25,28
But most men think they are already free; and have never been in bondage.
833
How foolish, how deluded. Gal 322
It is a good and refreshing testimony that tells of the great relief of being
set free
from the guilt and power of sin, and of receiving
God's forgiveness.
Christian's burden fell off his back when he came to the Cross;
not when he 'decided' to go on pilgrimage.
Jesus is the last and perfect sacrifice, the Passover Lamb.
He is the good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.
He came for this one purpose; and he faithfully achieved it.
He did what had to be done, and which no one else could do.
He alone sets us free from Satan's grip;
a bondage far worse than any Egyptian, Babylonian, Roman,
or German slavery.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that
does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are
already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and
I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain
in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the
vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will
bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain
in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches
are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my
words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This
is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to
be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain
in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as
I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you
this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
151-11
The Vine, the Olive and the Fig are often used as a symbol of Israel. Gen
4922 Ps 80
But Israel was a vine that was sometimes unfruitful or bitter. Is
51-7 Ezek 177 Jer 221 Hos 101
U.K. has had the inestimable privilege of Christian opportunity.
But we have become unfruitful and bitter.
Jesus is the true vine.
He is also the true Bread . 632,33
the good Shepherd. 1011,14
and the thirst-quenching Water. 414
What fruit did he bear? He was:
Wise, honest, true. As a boy Lu 247 and later
Jn 746
Patient in the face of provocation.
841 Lu 2020,26 2264 2337
Compassionate. Lu 739,47 152
512,13
Powerful to restore. 450
1143 Heb 716 Act 224,27
Righteous, Sinless. Lu 234,22,38 Heb
914
Obedient. 1510 1431
1018 638 519-21
and
the redeemer of a multitude of believers that cannot
be numbered. Rev 79,10
The 'fruit' that Jesus bore was primarily in his righteous character.
The N.T. only refers to fruit in this connection; not to evangelistic success.
e.g. Gal 522 "The fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control."
Father is the Vinedresser. What does he do?
Branches without fruit are completely cut off.
Fruitful branches are pruned to be more fruitful.
Planted in fertile soil and given fertiliser, water
and protection.
What is the purpose of pruning a vine?
To make and keep a tree healthy, the right shape (obedient)
and fruitful.
How are vines (or apple trees) normally pruned?
| Crossing branches | Denominational/personal differences removed |
| Inward branches | Continuous introspection is cut out |
| Diseased branches | Evil (not ill-health) are cut out |
| Wrong direction | Independence and doing 'own thing' is discouraged |
| Too much growth | A big successful church may have much activity ,but little righteousness |
This detail on pruning and its application may be true and even helpful,
but it is best not to press such analogy too far.
What matters is: Why did Jesus tell them this parable?
1. The bond between Christ and his believers is close, strong and essential.
Separated from Christ; a vine branch is dead and cannot
no use even for firewood.
A believer has no cause to doubt God's gift of eternity
in heaven.
No-one can ever say that the sacrifice of Christ is
not good enough to save me.
God may prune us, but the emphasis is not so much on
the pruning (the trials) by which he does this,
but on the added fruitfulness.
Heb 1210,11
The main requirement is for real dependence upon the
life (or sap) of Jesus.
c.f. the natural independence and
self-reliance of all men.
2. Judas was a dead branch that was about to be cut off.
156
The consequence of not remaining in Christ is truly
terrible.
Note also those whom Jesus judged
in Math 24,25 Lu 1624
Judas appeared to be a follower; but he was not.
For some attending church the relationship with Christ
is only outward and formal.
Baptism and church membership are not proof of salvation.
"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is,
and nothing more."
Gk for 'prunes' = purges (A.V.) or cleans
How were they 'already clean'? 1310 153
By the creative word of God that brings life to the
dead. Eph 526 Ro 1017
The natural consequence of this close, enduring relationship is be fruitful.
Jesus is loyal, truthful and faithful. Heb 135
But how could disciples 'remain in Jesus'? 154,5,6,7,9
It must have seemed a strange saying to them:
Jesus had just told them that he was about to leave
them.
He had told them that he would not leave them as orphans.
1418
And that he would return to them, and stay with them.
1418b, 20b, 23b
How may we remain in Jesus? and Jesus remain in us?
The more we know of God, the more we don't know!
The greater our experience of God, the more we acknowledge
our continual and great need of his grace.
Three principal areas of temptation are - Money, sex and power.
That's why many convents pledge - Poverty, chastity
and humility.
Another major temptation is pride, self-sufficiency and presumption.
c.f. real, practical and heart-felt dependency on Jesus.
Consider Moses.
One of the greatest men of God, ever; yet he remained meek. Num
123
One of the few powerful men who saw that he always needed to go on learning.
But the learning was not easy.
In Exd 176 he was told to strike the rock.
From his days in Midian as a shepherd, Moses knew how
to strike a 'plug'
and unlock the water stored-up
in the limestone rock.
The miracle was that this time
it was enough for over a million men + animals.
On a later occasion he was told to speak to the rock,
not strike it. Num 208
But speaking required faith - a new way, not the old,
well known way.
Why was Moses forbidden to enter the Promised Land?
Because he was disobedient.
(it was not because he was angry
with the people, God was too!)
Faith may well require that the road we set out on is unknown, and with few
signposts.
But we shall hear the voice of God. Is 3021
See the examples of Abraham, of Gladys Alywood and Jackie Pullinger.
Though Moses was denied entry into promised land; he did enter later. Lu
930
Such is the mercy of God.
Note that forgiveness does not always mean that there is no punishment.
What did Jesus, Moses and Elijah talk about on the mountain? Lu
931
The sacrifice of Jesus that enables the mercy of God
to flow.
Jesus fulfils the purpose of both the Law (Moses) and
the Prophets (Elijah).
The Law was to reveal the necessity of Christ. Gal
324 Ro 77b
The Prophets longed for Messiah, Redeemer, for Righteousness
and Justice,
and they obediently gave to the
people the vision they had seen.
To remain in Jesus as branches in the Vine we must first depend on Jesus.
How?
1. Disciplined daily prayer, and also often through the day.
2. Daily Bible reading.
"Prayer is talking to God, reading scripture is God
talking to me."
This will change and renew our minds and fill us with
the truth. Ro 122
Scripture is accurate, reliable and enduring. Math
518 2435
3. Practice the presence of God.
God is no closer on Sunday, in church or a garden.
Consider a sign seen on a caravan, "Home is where you
take it".
Wherever we go, God goes. Math
2820 Gen 2815 Is 4110 Jer 119
Try to be aware of his presence always.
It will encourage in weakness, inspire in need, and
strengthen in temptation.
Take time to meditate, using scripture.
Ask often, "what would Jesus do in this situation?"
4. Acknowledge real dependence on Jesus to myself, not just in words to others.
Jesus did not say apart from me some of you can do much,
or even a little,
but apart from me you can do nothing!
(of eternal value). 155
No fruit (righteousness) without Jesus. The branches
rely on the Vine. 154
5. Obey Jesus. Eagerly and completely. 159,10 1 Sam
1522 (Exd 178-15)
No compromise. No thinking I know better.
This is not salvation by works. Nor is it 'obey
me, or else ...'
God is not harsh. Trying to gain salvation by
good works is harsh because it is impossible. Math 2524
Good works that result from salvation may not always
be easy,
but they bring joy to Jesus and
they will complete our joy. 1511
Joy is sometimes delayed until the morning. Ps
305 1265,6 Heb 122
It was for Jesus during the next
18 hours!
6. Be sensitive and quick to repent.
Give me a 'sensibility of sin'. (see hymn 'I want
a principle within ...')
Be quick to detect and quick to repel all sin. Keep
short accounts.
Do not let the sun go down on your anger, nor on any
sin. Eph 426
See how quick Jesus is to forgive;
but never forget what it cost him.
7. Weep and rejoice with God, be honest, be 'at home' with God.
1423 Rev 320
8. 'Remaining' is vital if we are to be effective in prayer. 157
The Word of Christ must be at the forefront of our mind
and purpose,
else we shall certainly ask wrongly.
James 43
Or we may not even have asked.
James 42b
Through all our life, our dependence and gratitude to God becomes greater.
True for Apostles, and true for us. That is why Jesus told them this
parable.
Love one another as I have loved you
How could Jesus prepare the disciples for the days ahead?
My command is this: love each other as I have loved
you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you
servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead,
I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I
have made known to you. 1512-15
It is the 'as I have loved you' that makes this a tall order!
Love is not an easy option, an 'all joy' solution. There is a price. Sometimes
we shrink from the payment.
What did Jesus pay in order to love us?
He was born into poverty. He left all honour, glory
and authority in heaven.
He learned patience and obedience for some 35 years.
Heb 57-10
He cared for his mother and family after Joseph died.
No family of his own - but later he would be given his
Bride, the new Jerusalem.
Many followed; but few 'stayed the course'. One apostle
betrayed him.
Some even refused to follow. Most of the religious leaders
rejected him.
The disciples were so slow to learn.
He bore our sin and the agony of separation from his
Father.
He suffered the physical pain that was our just punishment,
not his.
His suffering has not ceased: see what has been done
in the name of Christianity.
Persecution of the Jews, of Protestant
martyrs, and of missionaries.
'Official' formal, lifeless religion.
Many deceived - triumphalism,
replacement theology and Kingdom now.
Salvation by 'good deeds'.
Denominational and personal divisions.
In all this, and probably much more, Jesus is caused much anguish.
We have battered his love and severely tested it. Truly he had paid up -
in full!
'For the joy that was set before him ...' Heb 122
We need the new covenant written in our hearts. Jer 3133,34
Christians must make every endeavour to obey this command to love each other,
however hard, whatever the price. It applies to us all.
How do we love our enemies? Math 543
Who are our neighbours? Lev 1918 Math 2237-40
Lu 1027-37
"To dwell above with those I love, one day that will
be glory,
To dwell below with saints I know, well, that's another
story!"
A challenge, a command: it requires continued determination and humility.
May God give us all the grace.
Without this 'Christ-like' love we are a disobedient, discordant noise. 1
Co 131
The love of Jesus is the standard by which our love must be judged.
There is no room for complacency!
Jesus calls us friends, not servants. 1514 What a privilege!
God says even to us foolish, sinful people, "Will you be my friend?"
God calls Abraham his friend. Is 418-10
What he revealed to him was good (Gen 123 154,5) and
bad (Gen 1513 1817,20)
Ditto with Jeremiah. Jer 258-11 c.f.
3131-37 3226-44 or Daniel. Dan
227-45 418-37 721,22 917
-1213
Revelation was sweet to taste (at first sight)
and bitter in stomach (where digested), but a prophet
must still prophesy. Ezek 33,14 Rev 109-11
Mary had the great privilege of bearing Jesus,
but she also constantly bore the accusation of having
an illegitimate child.
In those days it was most shameful, not like today, when 40% (1995) of all
births in UK are illegitimate.
God's revelation is not always 'nice'. Sometimes it is 'Good News'
and sometimes it is appalling:
There is the 'Good News' of forgiveness and love, but
we cannot ignore the 'Bad News' of judgement.
For the prophet and for believers, privilege + responsibility must remain
together.
What are God's plans for the U.K.?
Revival or judgement? There can be no doubt as to what we deserve.
God hates divorce. Mal 216 And Abortion (murder)
of 170,000/year. Exd 2016
Also injustice, greed, 'economies of the truth',
compromising church leaders.
Jesus told the disciples everything; though not all in the first five minutes.
There was no hidden agenda, no secrets.
Some things even Jesus did not know; and he honestly told them so. Math
2436
We should do the same: and not pretend.
Many things are a puzzle to us. e.g.
Why does God allow ... ?
Why do wicked men prosper and so many powerful leaders
are evil?
Why are only a few healed?
Why is the Church so divided?
Are the 'End days' when Jesus breaks open the seals now very near?
If anything is important and we need to know, then diligently seek God's
answer.
If not, be patient. God will one day reveal today's mystery.
It is likely to be surprising. e.g. Hab
15 Dan 102 Hos 12 214 Ezek
326
God always reveals his plans to those who are earnestly waiting for him.
Amos 37 Lu 225,36
There is nothing that Jesus would not do for his friends. Ro
58
Chosen by God, Persecuted by
men
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed
you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give
you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.
1516,17
When we first follow Jesus it may seem to us to have been our choice,
but in reality it is God who graciously choses us.
Col 312 1 Thes 14 2 Thes 213 Eph
14,11
It is obvious that I should desire God and choose to serve him, but the amazing
part is why should he want me?
'Chosen' for salvation c.f. 'appointed' for particular ministry
(i.e. Apostles).
The Apostles were appointed to bear eternal fruit. And they have.
The Gospel has been preached: the Word of God has prospered for 2000 years.
What was about to happen that would test this command to love one another?
The Church has always grown in times of persecution. e.g. China today.
In England we are most grateful to the martyrs of the Reformation, who gave
to us such a legacy of the truth.
God's Word in the English language, and delivered from
many of the Roman errors.
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated
me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As
it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant
is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you
also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat
you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
1518-21
The love of Christ (and his disciples) is contrasted with the hatred of the
world.
What is 'The world'? (used here 5 times)
Unbelievers, unsaved. Both Jews and Gentiles.
People hate someone else to be 'chosen', especially when it seems illogical.
Cain hated Abel,
Ishmael hated Isaac,
Esau hated Jacob,
11 Brothers hated Joseph
And today, Arabs hate the Jews, and so does the World
and especially the U.N.
If God's choice of the Jews seems strange; his choice of me is even stranger!
If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not
be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who
hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one
else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles,
and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what
is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'
1522-25
Miracles themselves rarely bring about conversion; but they leave their witnesses
without any excuse.
Many will try to deny them. e.g. Virgin birth and resurrection as well as
healing.
There is 'no reason' for this hatred by the world. What has God done
to deserve such a reaction?
'Why? What evil has he done? ' still rings unanswered around the world.
Sadly, it reveals the on-going wickedness of man.
When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you
from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will
testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from
the beginning. All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They
will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone
who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such
things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this,
so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not
tell you this at first because I was with you. Now I am going to him who
sent me ... 1526 - 164
'Vine' and 'Branches' tell of relationship with Christ.
'Love one another' tell of relationship with each other.
'You must testify' and 'persecution' tell of relationship with the world.
What is the principal task of the Holy Spirit here?
To reveal Jesus to the hungry soul; to make clear that Jesus has completed
the task he came to do.
Jesus tells his disciples that they must also testify - at a price.
Rejected and killed - an accurate prophecy by Jesus.
Not exactly encouraging.
Jesus did not indulge in giving comfort through false expectations.
He did not want disciples who had not 'counted the cost'.
Why have Christians been persecuted throughout the last 2000 years?
'Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted.' 2 Tim 312
If the Gospel is not a personal relief, then it will always be a personal
threat. How?
Wickedness is exposed - men have to admit their
sin and shame.
We have to admit we are wrong - no-one likes doing
that.
Men have to change their lifestyle, and leave their
comforts and passions to become holy.
Holiness is always a challenge. Flesh wars against
the spirit. Gal 429 517
It makes us relinquish the desire for power, position,
and privilege.
Persecution has often been in the name of religion. e.g. Act
269-11
Pharisees, Crusaders, Inquisitors, Reformation,
Communism, Islam,
Beast and False Prophet (whoever they may be) in
'last days'.
The excuse is often made that tradition or religion is threatened. Mk
75-8
Beware of a 'belief' that is popular, and of a costless churchmanship.
Remember that zeal is no guarantee of truth.
e.g. Saul before he became Paul.
Real Christianity is centred on the Cross, which always divides and costs.
In the Mori survey of churchgoers 11/93 (BBC 1 Songs of Praise 23/1/94)
only 20% believed that Jesus was crucified to forgive
their sin.
Persecution is the hall-mark of a man converted to Christ.
However unpleasant or unjust, never fear the outcome. Gal 67,8
The promise of God stands secure. Math
511,12
What popular belief today is most likely to give rise to persecution?
Arrogant intolerance. Anyone not agreeing that
'all religions lead to god'.
But in truth only Christ can offer true salvation.
1416 Act 412
Why did Jesus warn his disciples? 161,4
He did not want them to be surprised or offended
at this injustice.
He desired to prevent any self-pity prevailing
during persecution.
They were filled with grief, but it must not overwhelm
them.
They needed to see it as the plan of God, not an
unexplained disaster.
The purpose of Christ's coming was to 'lay down
his life for the sheep'.
(There was no other way
for the sin of a man to be forgiven by God)
If Jesus had not died and risen, there would never
be salvation for anyone.
If Jesus had not left them, there would be no Advocate
in heaven for us. Job 1619-21 Heb 725 1 Jn
21 Ro 834
While Jesus was with them, he took all the 'flak' from the Pharisees, but
soon they would also have to bear it.
They would remember his words and his prophecy,
and see their accuracy.
Then their faith would grow, and they would bear
persecution with courage.
How did Jesus see his persecutors? What did he say or do to them?
He was grieved. He wept over Jerusalem. Lu
1941
He prayed for them. Lu 2334 (Stephen
was like his Master. Act 760)
Jesus never retaliated. Is 537
Math 2714
Wherever Paul went it was first to the synagogue - where he was invariably
rejected.
Rachael Saint and Betty Elliot returned to Ecuador
after their husbands were martyred by Auca Indians.
(see 'Jungle Pilot' and
'Through Gates of Splendour')
Many Indians were thereby saved.
Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you
asks me, 'Where are you going?' Because I have said these things, you are
filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am
going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if
I go, I will send him to you. 165-7
Jesus had clearly told them that he was going; but where was he going?
To "my Father's house". 142
To the disciples it was more important to know that he was leaving them.
Where he was going seemed unimportant - unless
they could follow him.
"Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how
can we know the way?" 145
So Jesus told them that HE was 'the Way'. 146
He was going to 'his Father's house' to prepare
a place for them.
In every part of this 'Last Super' conversation, Jesus reminds them that
'He and the Father are one'.
7 times in 1518-164
The implication of the question is that the disciples were so filled with
grief that they did not know where he was going.
Who wouldn't have been?
How does Jesus comfort them?
His answer is easier for us to see than it was
for the disciples.
Another 'Verily' emphasis - It would be for their
good!
Neither the Advocate nor the Holy Spirit are
geographically restricted.
When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in
regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: In regard to sin, because men
do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the
Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because
the prince of this world now stands condemned.
168-11
After Jesus gave his disciples so many great promises; he then warns them
of the impending persecution.
Though the world will hate you, I will love you,
and will return to you.
Then Jesus turns to another serious matter.
To whom does God send his Holy Spirit? To the Jew first and then to
the whole world. Ro 29,10
Why does Jesus send the Holy Spirit?
The reason given here is not easy. (and
it is not the only reason that he comes)
The Holy Spirit brings conviction of guilt, and
it's 3 aspects:
He Convicts of Sin
Jesus says that all men are guilty who do not believe in him. But
what do we need to believe?
It is clearly much more than that there was once
a man called Jesus - even Satan believes that!
A man is guilty if he doesn't believe the necessity
of Christ, the Son of God, crucified on the Cross.
We will only see the need for a Saviour if we first see the real plight of
all men.
That all men from Adam are born corrupt and are
helpless. That we are all under condemnation. 318
Proud man hates this truth; only the H