Gospel of John – Lesson 1
Introduction
John is the only book in the entire Bible that claims it was written to tell people how to have eternal life. It makes this claim in John 20:30-31.
"Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."
John 1:1-18 is a foreword to the Gospel of John. It introduces key ideas, which are illustrated and explained in the rest of John’s Gospel.
John chapter 1, verse 1:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [The Word is Jesus Christ; this is made clear in verse 14.]
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. [John the Baptist.]
7 This man came for a witness, to bare witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
8 He was not that light, but was sent to bare witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us [virgin birth], and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John [the Baptist] bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” [In His humanity Jesus was six months younger than His cousin John the Baptist. But in His deity Jesus always existed.]
16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has seen God [the Father] at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He [the Son] has declared Him [the Father].
Key ideas in the Gospel of John Introduced in 1:1-18.
1. Jesus Christ is God. [1:1-3, 14]
2. John the Baptist bares witness of Jesus Christ that all might believe. [1:6-7, 15]
3. As many as received Jesus Christ, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; when a person believes in Jesus Christ he is born of God. [1:12-13]
a. Here receive is defined as believe [1:12]. The idea of receive is to trust in something so as to accept it as true for oneself. I get the picture of an open hand receiving a gift.
4. No one has seen God [the Father] at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He [the Son] has declared Him [the Father].
a. Later in the Gospel of John Jesus will say, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” [John 14:9]
Application
If we want to know what God is like, then we need to know Jesus, since he is the fullest revelation of God. The Gospel of John is a great source of information about Jesus Christ. In it we can see how He relates to people, His love and compassion for people and His desire for people. He wants people to believe in Him to receive the gift of eternal life. Then He wants those who believe in Him to be disciples and to become like Him. [John 13 - 17]
Scripture in Lesson one is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To get your free copy of the Gospel of John go to website below.
http://www.livingwater.org/
Gospel of John – Lesson 2, 1:19-51
Introduction
In lesson one we looked at John 1:1-18, which introduces key ideas that are illustrated and explained in the rest of John’s Gospel.
Key ideas in the Gospel of John Introduced in 1:1-18.
1. Jesus Christ is God. He is the Eternal Word. He has always been with God the Father. [1:1-3, 14]
2. As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
a. Here receive is defined as believe [1:12]. The idea of receive is to trust in something and accept it as true for yourself. I get the picture of an open hand receiving a gift.
b. When a person believes in Jesus Christ he is born of God. [1:12-13]
John 1:19-51, Snapshots of Four days in the life of John the Baptist and Jesus
Day 1, 19-28 Religious leaders in Jerusalem sent Pharisees to Bethany to find out if John was the Messiah. Verse 26, Jesus was in the crowd hearing John speak.
19And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
22Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
24And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Day 2, 29-34, The Lamb of God is a Man and He is also the Son of God.
29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Day 3, 35-42, Andrew said to his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah” (translated, the Christ).
35Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
39He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Day 4, 43-51 Jesus finds Philip in Galilee.
43The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Summary
Jesus is the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the world. John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is the Lamb of God and the Son of God that those listening may believe in Him.
Application
Now Jesus is in heaven. God is still making Himself known to man, but He makes Himself known through those who walk in fellowship with Him. If you are walking in love you are manifesting God.
It is a very solemn thing to realize that I as a believer am here in this world to make God known, both by life and testimony. Jesus did this fully and completely. The closer I walk with Him, the more God will be seen in me. [Dr. H. A. Ironside, John, p. 45]
Scripture in Lesson two is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 3, 2:1-22
Introduction
In lesson two we looked at four days in the life of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. When John saw Jesus coming toward him he said, “Look the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John also testified that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Two of John the Baptist’s disciples, Andrew and John (author of this Gospel), followed Jesus. Andrew found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah.” Jesus found Philip and Philip found Nathanael. Nathanael said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God: You are the King of Israel!”
Continuing the Story in John Chapter 2
Eight miraculous signs are recorded in the Gospel of John. The first sign is recorded in chapter 2 and the eighth one is mentioned here. The purpose for these signs being written is for the reader to “believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
2:1-10. The First sign: Jesus turned water into wine.
1And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
2:11 This comment by the author ties this event to his primary purpose for writing this gospel, which is given in John 20:30-31: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name.”
12After this he went down to Capernaum [on the Sea of Galilee, about 15 miles from Cana], he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
13And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem [Jerusalem is about 75 miles south of Capernaum].
14And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
16And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
18Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21But he spake of the temple of his body.
22When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
The Jews asked Jesus, “What sign do You show to us, since you do these things?” Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews thought he was taking about the temple building. But the sign Jesus gave them was His death followed by His resurrection. This is the 8th sign in the Gospel of John.
Summary
Jesus did many miracles that are not recorded in John’s Gospel (Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John record 35, and many others are referred to). But John recorded eight miraculous signs that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing we may have eternal life in His name. And the greatest miraculous sign is His death on the cross and His resurrection on the third day.
Application
I believe that the Gospel of John is the first book of the New Testament that a believer or unbeliever should read. I have read the Gospel of John more than any other. It is my favorite book about Jesus. Free copies are available at the livingwater website below.
Scripture in Lesson three is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
http://www.livingwater.org/
Gospel of John – Lesson 4, 2:23-3:21
Introduction
In lesson three we read about Jesus with his mother and his disciples at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, where he changed water into wine. This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did. Some time later, before the Passover, Jesus went to Jerusalem. “And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business.” He drove them all out of the temple and poured out the changers money and overturned the tables. The Jews said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The religious Jews did not know it, but Jesus was referring to the temple of His body and His death and resurrection.
Continuing the Story at 2:23-25
23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
When Jesus was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast many people believed in His name when they saw the miraculous signs He was constantly performing. But Jesus would not trust Himself to them, for He knew what was in a man. He knew they were not ready for fellowship with Him. Later He would confide in His disciples who were following Him. But these people who believed in His name had become children of God as explained in John 1:12: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
John 3:1-21
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews [Nicodemus was one of the 70 members of the Jewish ruling council.]:
2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we [Nicodemus was a representative of the ruling council] know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 3:14-15 “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness” refers to an event in Numbers 21:9 that took place while the Israelites were wondering in the desert between Egypt and Palestine. Nicodemus was very familiar with this story, since he was a ruler and a teacher of Israel. The people had complained against God and Moses saying, “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul detests this worthless bread [manna].” So the LORD sent fiery serpents that bit the people, and many of the people of Israel died. Therefore the people confessed their sins to Moses and asked him to pray to the LORD to take away the serpents. The LORD instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole; everyone who was bitten, when he looked upon the bronze serpent, he lived.
John 3:14-15 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the Son of man be lifted up; That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal live.” Looking at the bronze serpent on the pole is an illustration of believing in Jesus Christ.
Summary
Nicodemus was motivated to talk to Jesus because of all the miraculous signs He kept on performing. After Jesus died on the cross Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea put His body in a new tomb. Nicodemus was born again, born spiritually, having received the gift of eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ.
Application
In John 1:12 and 3:14 are two illustrations of how a person believes in Jesus Christ. In John 1:12 “receive” is defined as “believe.” We receive something when we accept it for ourselves. In John 3:14 believing in Jesus Christ and receiving eternal life is similar to the Israelites in the desert looking at the bronze serpent and continuing to live in time. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” [Romans 6:23]
Scripture in Lesson four is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 5, 3:22-36
Introduction
In lesson four we read about Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, who came to talk with Jesus. He said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God because no man can do these miracles that you do unless God is with him.” So the “teacher from God” taught Nicodemus that he must be born again. And He told him how; He must believe in Jesus. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Continuing the Story in John 3:22-36
22After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24For John was not yet cast into prison.
25Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying (referring to baptism).”
.
26And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Application
John the Baptist’s job is in its final phase. Remember he told the Pharisees, “I am ‘the voice of one crying out: “Make a straight road in the desert for the Lord”’ – just as the prophet Isaiah said.” John the Baptist had been pointing his disciples and everyone else to Jesus the Christ, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Now John’s disciples express concern to him that Jesus “is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” as if this is taking people from John’s ministry. John responds saying, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” Then he says, “He [Jesus] must increase but I [John the Baptist] must decrease.”
Main Theme and Sub Theme in the Gospel of John
Main Theme: Evangelism [John 20:30-31: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The verb believe is used 98x in John, only 11x in Matthew, 10x in Mark, and 9x in Luke.]
Sub Theme: Fellowship, Intimacy [John 13-16. In this section we have Jesus telling his 12 disciples minus Judas, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (13:34-35) 14:21 Jesus says, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.]
Jesus “did not commit Himself” to the believers in John 2:23 “because He knew all.” What did He know that motivated Him to “not commit Himself” to them? I think they did not love Him, since He later said “he who loves Me … I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”
John 3:22-36 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
John 13:34-35, 14:21, 20:30-31 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Gospel of John – Lesson 6, 4:1-42
Introduction
In lesson five we read about John the Baptist’s disciples expressing concern to him that Jesus “is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” as if this is taking people from John’s ministry. John responds saying, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” John also tells his disciples, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John the Baptist closed his comments with John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Continuing the Story in John Chapter 4
1When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
3He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
4And he must needs go through Samaria.
5Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
7There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
8(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
13Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
16Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
27And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
28The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
30Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
31In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
32But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
33Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
39And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
40So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
41And many more believed because of his own word;
42And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Summary
Jesus offered to give the Samaritan woman “living water.” He told her, “Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never thirst again – forever! On the contrary, the water that I will give him will become within him a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” She drank the “water” and now she never thirsts. This drink became in her a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. She was convinced that Jesus is the Christ and received the gift of eternal life. She told the men in Sychar to come and see Jesus and said, “Could this be the Christ?”
When the people from Sychar were coming towards Jesus, He said to His disciples, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” The woman had planted the seed when she said, “Could this be the Christ?” Now the disciples had opportunity to reap the harvest, the harvest of souls of the people of Sychar.
Application
One believer plants the seed (the word of God), another believer waters it, but God gives the increase. We should be ready to plant the seeds of the gift of eternal life, which God gives to all who believe in Jesus Christ. [There are more thoughts on this in 1 Corinthians 3:5-15.]
John 4:1-42 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
John 3:36 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To get your free copy of the Gospel of John go to website below.
http://www.livingwater.org/
Gospel of John – Lesson 7, 4:43-54
Introduction
In lesson six we read about Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman while He was sitting by a well. She had come to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” This surprised her because the Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus responded to her question by saying, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” At the end of their conversation the woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming. When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
Then the woman left her waterpot, went back to the city of Sychar, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” Then many of the Samaritans of Sychar believed in Him. Jesus stayed in Sychar two days. Many more believed in Him. They said to the woman, “… this is indeed the Messiah, the Savior of the world.”
Continuing the Story at John 4:43
43Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
45Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
46So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
47When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
52Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
53So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
54This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.
Review Highlights of John 1 – 4 with Emphasis on the Miracles
John 1:1-18 is the prologue to this Gospel. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [the Word is Jesus Christ]. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men.” Skipping to verse 12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us [virgin birth], and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Skipping to verse 18, “No one has seen God [the Father] at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”
In John 2 Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Sometime later while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover festival (8 days), many believed in His Name when they saw the miraculous signs He was performing. In John 3 Nicodemus thought that Jesus had come from God because of all the miracles He was doing. In John 4 a Samaritan woman and many from her city of Sychar believe Jesus is “the Christ, the Savior of the world.” After Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee He healed a nobleman’s son who was ill at Capernaum. The nobleman and his whole household believed. This was the second miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John. These miraculous signs fulfill the purpose given in John 20:30-31, “… these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
Application
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” [1 John 5:1]. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, has eternal life [John 20:31]. Jesus’ closest 12 disciples saw many of the miraculous signs performed by Him. Eleven believed in Him and Judas Iscariot did not. [Jesus knew that Judas was “unclean” in the upper room, while the 11 were clean all over, John 13:10-11.] I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the One who died on a cross 2000 years ago and rose again the third day.
John 4:43-54 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
John 1:1-4, 12-14, 18 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Gospel of John – Lesson 8, 5:1-23
Introduction
After Jesus stayed two days in Sychar He departed and went into Galilee. A nobleman’s son was sick, at the point of death, at Capernaum. Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” Healing the nobleman’s son is the second miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John that Jesus did.
Continuing the Story at John 5:1
1After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
10The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
11He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
12Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
14Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
15The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
19Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Summary
Jesus healed a man who had an infirmity 38 years that limited his ability to walk. This is the 3rd miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John. The Jews (probably leaders who were members of the council) sought to kill Him because
(1) He healed a man on the Sabbath and
(2) He said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. [John 5:18]
God told Moses on Mount Sinai (1400 years before Jesus was born) to tell the children of Israel, “Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh (Saturday) is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.” For example they were not to gather food [example: manna] on the Sabbath. Over the years, the Jewish leaders had amassed thousands of rules and regulations concerning the Sabbath. According to them, carrying furniture and even providing medical treatment on the Sabbath were forbidden.
“Jesus asserts His authority” in this passage [5:17-47], “which He bases on His special relation to the Father.” [The Ryrie Study Bible]
1. Jesus said, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
2. Jesus also said, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”
3. Again Jesus said, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”
Application
Jesus claimed to be God, equal with the Father. His deeds testified to this fact. This passage supports John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word is Jesus Christ; [John 1:14] “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, …” refers to His virgin birth. Jesus is God the Son and equal with God the Father. They both have the same characteristics (Essence).
John 5:1-23 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 9, 5:24-47
Introduction
Last week we saw Jesus heal a man on the Sabbath who had an infirmity 38 years. The Jews (probably leaders) sought to kill Him because
(1) He healed a man on the Sabbath and
(2) He said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. [John 5:18]
This is the first record in the Gospel of John of the desire of some Jews to kill Jesus. Jesus responded to them asserting His authority based on His special relation to the Father.
1. Jesus said, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
2. Later Jesus said, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”
Continuing Jesus’ Response to the Jews at John 5:24
24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
31If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
32There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
33Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
34But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
35He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
37And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
38And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
39[You] Search the [Old Testament] scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41I receive not honour from men.
42But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.
47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Summary
Some of the Jews want to kill Jesus because He claims to be equal with God. In this passage He calls on three witnesses to prove the Father sent Him: (1) John the Baptist (2) the works of Jesus and (3) the Father. 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah predicted that God would come and deliver His people [Isaiah 35:5, 6]. Isaiah said, “the eyes of the blind shall be opened,” “the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped,” the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing.” These are some of the works that Jesus did.
Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures (Old Testament) …and they testify of Me.” For example Psalm 16:10, written by David 1000 years before Jesus was born, was quoted by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. Peter explained that David was referring to “the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.” [Acts 2:31] Isaiah 53 also refers to Jesus, which was confirmed about two years after the resurrection of Jesus. The Treasurer of Ethiopia had come to Jerusalem to worship, and was returning to Ethiopia, Africa. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah, written by the prophet 700 years before Jesus was born. Philip, one of the first 7 deacons in the Jerusalem Church [Acts 6:5], was sent by the Holy Spirit to the Treasurer of Ethiopia who was reading Isaiah 53:6, 7, 8 [Acts 8:32-33]. The Ethiopian asked Philip, “Of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man.” Then Philip, beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
Application
Obviously, we also should search the Scriptures (the Bible) to learn about Jesus.
John 5:24-47 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 10, 6:1-21
Introduction
Last week we saw Jesus continue His response to the Jews in Jerusalem who wanted to kill Him. Jesus asserted His authority based on His special relation to the Father.
1. Jesus said, “As the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.”
2. Then Jesus said, “I do not seek my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me.”
3. Later Jesus said, “You search the scriptures (Old Testament), for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
Continuing the Story at John 6:1
The events in chapter 6 take place just before the Passover feast. Two years have past since Jesus was talking with Nicodemus in Jerusalem at the Passover.
1After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
3And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
4And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh [near].
5When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
7Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
9There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
10And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would [desired].
12When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
14Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
15When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
16And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
17And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
18And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
19So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs [about three or four miles], they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
20But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
21Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
Summary
Eight miraculous signs are recorded in the Gospel of John. The purpose for recording these signs is given in John 20:30-31: “Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” Feeding the 5000 and walking on water are the 4th and 5th miraculous signs recorded in the Gospel of John. Jesus feeds 5000 men (plus women and children) starting with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 small fish. “Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, ‘This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.’” At that point they were about to take Him by force and make Him king. Truly He was a king as He later told Pilate, but it was not the time to set up His kingdom on earth. He is the king in the line of King David who will rule forever. The LORD told David that He would make him a house, a royal dynasty. The LORD said to David, “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” [2 Sam 7:12,13] One thousand years later the angel Gabriel said to Mary, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” [Luke 1:31-33]
Application
In conclusion, Jesus Christ is the King of kings. Since He is the King of kings, He is my King. His kingdom will have no end and I have a responsibility to obey His commands.
John 6:1-21 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 11, 6:22-59
Introduction
Last time we read about Jesus feeding 5000 men (plus women and children) starting with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. This is the 4th miraculous sign recorded in John’s gospel. When the men had seen the miracle, they said, “This man really is the Prophet who was to come into the world!” When Jesus knew that they were about to come and take Him by force and make Him king, He went away to the mountain by Himself. That evening His disciples got into their boat, and started to cross the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. After they had rowed 3 or 4 miles they saw Jesus coming toward them walking on the water; and they were afraid. Jesus said, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they took Him on board – and at once the boat was at the shore where they were heading. This is the 5th miraculous sign out of eight that are recorded in John’s gospel. Quote 20:30-31.
Continuing the Story at John 6:22
22The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
23(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
24When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
25And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
28Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
30They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
31Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
34Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
36But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
39And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
41The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
43Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
46Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
48I am that bread of life.
49Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
50This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
52The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
58This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
59These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
Summary
This is a life and death issue. Either eternal life with God or the second death, which is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. Jesus is the Bread of life, living bread from heaven. He said, “He who believes in Me has eternal life [6:47].” He also said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” “Eating” the Bread of life is a figure of speech. It is a picture of believing in Jesus Christ. Eating is a common thing; and believing is a common thing. I believe in a lot of things (George Washington, God, etc.) but these beliefs do not provide me eternal life. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, stands behind His promise, “He who believes in Me has eternal life.”
Application
Why can Jesus offer eternal life to anyone who believes in Him? John the Baptist introduced Jesus to his disciples as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus did this when He was on the cross barring our sins. During His first three hours on the cross those who passed by blasphemed Him saying, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” But if Jesus had come down from the cross, then He would not have finished His work of paying the penalty for their sins and ours. During His second three hours on the cross, from noon until 3 p.m. there was darkness over all the land. And about 3 p.m. Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Then He said, “It is finished!” He was the sacrifice for sin once and for all; the Lamb of God who has taken away the sin of the world! Then He said, “Father, into Your hands I dismiss My spirit.” He did not bleed to death; He died by choice because His work was finished.
He paid the penalty for sins, satisfying God’s Justice. God has reconciled all people to Himself. God’s love flows to every member of the human race; His arms are open ready to receive each one who comes through His Son. Those of us who are believers in Jesus Christ have a responsibility as ambassadors for Christ to tell people God loves them and wants to give them eternal life. As Jesus said to Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting live.” John 3:16
Gospel of John – Lesson 12, 6:60-7:24
Introduction
Last time we read about Jesus teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum [in Galilee]. He said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” Eating the “living bread” is a figure of speech. It means believing in Jesus Christ. The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” Then Jesus said, “…unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven – not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”
Continuing the Story at John 6:60
60Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
61When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
62What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
66From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
70Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
71He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
John 7
1After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
2Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand.
3His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5For neither did his brethren believe in him.
6Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
8Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.
9When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
10But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
[Jesus went up to the Feast of Tabernacles (15th to 21st day of the 7th month, about 6 months after chapter 6). This feast commemorated the days when the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and lived in tents (Leviticus 23:40-43)]
11Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
12And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
13Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
14Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
15And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
16Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
19Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
20The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
21Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
22Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
23If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Summary
Jesus had many disciples in addition to His closest 12 [A disciple is a learner]. But at this point many of them did not believe in Him and no longer walked with Him. Even His brothers (James, Joses, Simon, and Judas: Matthew 13:55) did not believe in Him. In the middle of the Feast of Tabernacles (7-day feast) Jesus went up into the temple and taught [The temple is in Jerusalem, 75 miles south of Galilee]. He said, “If anyone wills to do His [the Father’s] will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority.” He also taught them that it’s okay to heal a man on the Sabbath (Some Jewish leaders wanted to kill Him for doing this!), just as it’s okay for them to circumcise a man on the Sabbath.
Application
If anyone of us desires to do God’s will, we shall know about the doctrine that Jesus taught, whether it is from God or whether He spoke on His own authority. Therefore we who desire to do God’s will should read the Bible and study it to learn His will and then do it.
John 6:22-7:24 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 13, 7:25-8:1
Introduction
Map(1) 84 [Jesus traveled from Capernaum in Galilee to Jerusalem, 80 miles]
Last week in the Gospel of John we saw that Jesus had many disciples in addition to His closest twelve. But many of them did not believe in Him and no longer walked with Him. Even His brothers did not believe in Him. Jesus departed from Galilee and went to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Some people said, “He is good;” others said, “No, He deceives the people.” Jesus went up to the temple and taught. He said that if anyone wills to do His Father’s will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether Jesus was speaking on His own authority.
Continuing the Story at John 7:25
25Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
26But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
27Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
28Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
29But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
30Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
31And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
32The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
33Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
34Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
35Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
36What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
40Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
41Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
42Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
43So there was a division among the people because of him.
44And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
45Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
49But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
50Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)
51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
53And every man went unto his own house.
John 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Summary
The crowd in the temple debated who Jesus was. Some thought He could be the Christ, the Messiah, descended from King David. Others said no. But many believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” The Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. But they did not take Him and said, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” [7:37-39] On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink [picture of faith in Jesus Christ]. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” This He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were going to receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Less than one year later after Jesus Christ was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Application
Let us study the Bible so that we can be confident and constantly aware that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Then we will always be ready to give an answer to anyone who wants to know why we believe in Jesus Christ and why we are convinced that He has given us eternal life. Nicodemus was convinced was convinced sometime after Jesus said to him, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Historical Context
On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in Me out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” This He spoke concerning the Holy Spirit. The LORD established the Feast of Tabernacles to begin on the 15th day of the 7th month and continue for 7 days, Leviticus 23:33. “For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it [also on the first day, 23:35],” Leviticus 23:36. On both the first day and the eighth day (the concluding day of the annual feasts following the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles), the Israelites were to hold a sacred assembly and were to do no occupational work. “You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt [from approximately 1446 to 1406 B.C. (2)]: I am the LORD your God,” Leviticus 23:42, 43. On each day of the feast there was a solemn procession from the temple to the Gihon Spring. A priest filled a gold pitcher with water while the choir sang, Isaiah 12:3. Then they returned to the altar and poured out the water. This ritual reminded them of the water from the rock during the wilderness wonderings (Num. 20:8-11; Ps. 78:15-16). It also spoke prophetically of the coming days of Messiah (cf. Zech. 14:8, 16-19). The Feast’s seventh and last day was its greatest (cf. Lev. 23:36). Jesus stood, in contrast with the Rabbis’ usual position of being seated while teaching. Said in a loud voice (cf. John 1:15; 7:28; 12:44) was a way of introducing a solemn announcement. His offer, Come to Me and drink, was an offer of salvation (cf. 4:14; 6:53-56). The notes in italics under Historical Context are from The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Leviticus 23:35-36 and John 7:37.
Footnotes:
1. Barry J. Beitzel, The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands, 1985
2. Earl D. Radmacher, General Editor, The Nelson Study Bible, 1997
John 7:25-8:1 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 14, 8:2-32
Introduction
Last week in the Gospel of John the crowd in the temple debated who Jesus was. Some thought He could be the Christ, the Messiah. Others said no. But many believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” The Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. But they did not take Him and said, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” This He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Less than one year later after Jesus Christ was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Continuing the Story at John 8:2
2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
13The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
20These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
21Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Summary
Today I quoted Jesus four times saying “the Father who sent Me” or its equivalent “He who sent Me.” Jesus is attempting to convince those listening that He is the Christ, the deliverer God promised to Israel. As He spoke to them many believed in Him. He encouraged those new believers to be His disciples. He said to them, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ['Abide' means to dwell for a long time; I think of daily reading the Bible.] And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Application
You become a child of God by simply believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him to them gave He the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Those who are born of God have the life of God, eternal life, now and forever. Once you are a child of God, you should grow and be a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple of Jesus is a child of God who is learning about Jesus and following Him. We learn about Jesus and what He wants us to do by studying the Bible. A disciple is striving to please Jesus in all that he does. [Sing this song]
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee;
For Thou, in Thy atonement,
Didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ for Thee alone.
I sang this song because the words seem to describe what a disciple should be like. But I am not comfortable singing the last sentence, because I don’t really live for Christ alone. But I am comfortable with the first sentence: “Living for Jesus a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free, this is the pathway of blessing for me.”
John 8:2-8:32 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 15, 8:33-8:59
Introduction
Last week in the Gospel of John as Jesus was teaching in the temple some scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery as a test for Jesus, hoping to find something they could accuse Him of. But Jesus said nothing against the Mosaic Law and also protected the woman from being stoned to death. Then Jesus continued teaching, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Jesus predicts His departure. Four times He tells them that the Father sent Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you really are My disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Continuing the Story at John 8:33
33They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? [The unbelieving part of the crowd responded to what Jesus said to the new believers. Their response is not true; they were in bondage to the Roman Empire and slaves to sin.]
34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
50And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
52Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
53Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
54Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Summary
Jesus is in the temple speaking to a large crowd. Many people believed in Him and believed what He said. But another part of the crowd did not believe in Him and debated with Him. They claimed Abraham for their father, but they did not do the works of Abraham. Abraham believed in the LORD and it was credited to his account for righteousness, Genesis 15:6. Jesus said to them, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do your father’s desires.” They accused Jesus of having a demon. Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor My Father … if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” They said, “Abraham is dead …Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead?” … Jesus finally said, “Before Abraham was I AM.” Jesus was saying that he always existed before Abraham, i.e. He is God. Therefore they took up stones to throw at Him in an attempt to kill Him.
Application
2000 years before Jesus was born Abraham believed in the LORD and it was credited to his account for righteousness. 2000 years after Jesus was born we who believe in Him also are accounted righteous. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 Paul writes, “For He has made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Now we like Abraham should do good works so that people may see and know that we are following our Lord.
“Living for Jesus a live that is true, striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free, this is the pathway of blessing for me.”
John 8:33-8:59 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 16, 9:1-34
Introduction
Last week we were in chapter 8 of the Gospel of John. Jesus was speaking to a large crowd in the temple, where many people had just believed in Him. But the other part of the crowd did not believe in Him and debated with Him. They claimed Abraham for their father, but they did not do the works of Abraham. Jesus said to them, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.” They accused Jesus of having a demon. Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor My Father … if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” They said, “Abraham is dead …Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead?” … Jesus finally said, “Before Abraham was I AM.” Jesus was saying that he always existed before Abraham, i.e. He is God. Therefore they took up stones to throw at Him in an attempt to kill Him.
Continuing the Story at John 9:1
1And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
2And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
6When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
7And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
8The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
9Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
10Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
11He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
12Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
13They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
14And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
15Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
16Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. [Observation: It seems everywhere Jesus goes He divides the crowd in two, those for Him and those against Him.]
17They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
18But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.
19And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?
20His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
21But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
23Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
24Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
25He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
26Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
27He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
28Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
29We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
30The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
31Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
32Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
33If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
34They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Summary
The 6th miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John is giving sight to the man who was born blind. This man was born blind not because he or his parents had sinned, but to glorify God. Jesus used this man’s blindness to demonstrate that He is the Messiah, the one sent by God to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. The man born blind believed that Jesus was sent from God. Some of the Pharisees who heard the former blind man’s testimony also believed Jesus was from God. Two years earlier Nicodemus had believed Jesus was sent from God when he said to Him (John 3:2), “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, because no one can do the miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.” The leaders among the Pharisees did not believe Jesus was from God because He healed a blind man on a Sabbath day, which was against their interpretation of the Mosaic Law. And since the former blind man believed Jesus was sent from God, the Pharisees excommunicated him, kicking him out of the synagogue.
Application
In closing, let’s go back to the beginning of our story. The disciples asked Jesus, “… who sinned, this man or his parents?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.”
Bad things or suffering comes to all of us some time. We may jump to the conclusion that it is because we have done something wrong. But this may not be the case. The purpose of our suffering may be to glorify God, just as this man was born blind to glorify God.
Gospel of John – Lesson 17, 9:35-10:21
Introduction – [In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”]
Last week we were in chapter 9 of the Gospel of John. On a Sabbath day Jesus gave sight to a man who was born blind. Some of the Pharisees said, “He is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Other Pharisees said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. But the dominate group of Jewish leaders did not believe that he had been blind and received his sight, so they asked his parents. His parents feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed to put anyone out of the synagogue who confessed that Jesus was the Christ. The man born blind testified before the Pharisees again, saying, “If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” And they excommunicated him, kicked him out of the synagogue.
Continuing the Story at John 9:35
35Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
36He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
37And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
38And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
39And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
40And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
41Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
John 10
1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
19There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
20And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
21Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
Summary
The Gospel of John records seven “I am” statements by Jesus; two are in chapter 10.
1. “I am the door [of the sheep]. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (10:7; cf. 10:9)
2. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (10:11). This refers to Jesus bearing our sins in His body on the cross and dieing as a substitute for us. After Jesus told them that He is the good shepherd and that the good shepherd gives His live for the sheep there was a division again among the Jewish leaders. Many of them said, “He has a demon and is crazy.” Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Application
1. “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Life here refers to eternal life, God’s life. It speaks not only of life that continues forever, but of quality of life. With Christ, life on earth can reach much higher quality, because we can live pleasing to Him with eternal importance and lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. When we are finished with these bodies we will be absent from the body and face to face with the Lord. If we have lived our lives in a manner pleasing to Him, then He may say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” [Matthew 25:21]
2. Those of us who have believed in Jesus Christ and his promise of eternal life are children of God now and forever. We have everlasting life. We should tell people who Jesus is so they may believe in Him also. (9:35-38) Jesus said to the blind man, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” Replying, he said, “Who is He?” Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and He is the One who is speaking with you.” So he said, “Lord, I believe!” At that moment the former blind man became a child of God, having received the gift of eternal life.
Gospel of John – Lesson 18, 10:22-42
Introduction – [In John 10:30-31 Jesus said, “I and My Father are one.” Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.]
Last week we were in chapter 9 and 10 of the Gospel of John. Jesus asked the former blind man, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He responded, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said, “You have seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
Then Jesus said to the Pharisees, “I am the door of the sheep.” “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” [Jesus is referring to the fact that He is going to bare our sins in His body on the cross as a substitute for all people.] There was a division among the Jews because of these sayings. Many of them said, “He has a demon and is crazy.” Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Continuing the Story at John 10:22
22And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication [today Feast of Lights or Hanukkah], and it was winter.
23And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
24Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
30I and my Father are one.
31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
36Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
37If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
38But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
39Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
40And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
41And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
42And many believed on him there.
Summary
Jesus is encouraging the people to believe that He is the Son of God, but many do not. And when He tells them, “I and My Father are one,” they attempt to stone Him. But because of the miraculous signs Jesus performed, many believed in Him. This is a recurring theme that fulfills the purpose of miraculous signs in the Gospel of John, which is: “Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have [eternal] live in His name (John 20:30-31).”
Application
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice … and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” We who have received the gift of eternal life are eternally secure; nothing can remove us from our Father’s hand. “But as many as received Him [Jesus Christ], to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13, one sentence). When you believe in Jesus Christ you become a child of God; this is a spiritual birth. You have the life of God which never ends. Once you become a child of God there is nothing you or anyone else can do to change it. But it is up to you how you live this life you have been given. You can be a child who loves and honors his Father in heaven or you can be a rebellious child. The choice is yours!
John chapters 9 and 10 are taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 19, 11:1-44
Introduction
Last week we started at chapter 10, verse 22. It was in the winter and the time of the celebration of Hanukkah. Jesus was in the temple responding to comments from the Jews who surrounded Him. They said, “If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life and they will never ever parish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” And when He told them, “I and My Father are one,” they attempted to stone Him, because He was saying in effect that He is God like the Father. But many others believed in Him, because of the miraculous signs He did.
Continuing the Story at John 11:1
1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
6When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
7Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
8His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
19And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
[Martha believed in Jesus Christ; therefore she has eternal life. Do you believe?]
28And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
29As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
30Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
31The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.
34And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
35Jesus wept.
36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
37And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
38Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Summary
Observation #1: Jesus often referred to “the Father who sent Me” (5:24, 36, 37, 38; 6:29, 38, 39, 40, 44, 57; 8:18, 26, 29, 42; 9:4; 10:36, 11:42)
Observation #2: The raising of Lazarus from the dead is the 7th miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. The previous 6 signs are:
1. changing water to wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee (2:9)
2. healing a nobleman’s son at Capernaum (4:51-54)
3. healing a man who had been sick 38 years (5:5-9)
4. feeding 5000 men plus women and children with 5 loaves and 2 small fish (6:10)
5. walking on water on the Sea of Galilee (6:19)
6. giving sight to a man born blind (9:1-7)
Application
Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick. They had hoped that Jesus would come quickly to heal him, but He didn’t. He purposely waited until after Lazarus had died. He had a purpose for Lazarus’ death that He did not reveal to Mary and Martha until He accomplished it. This can happen in our lives. We may ask God to help us in a difficult situation, but the help may not come as soon as we want it and it may come in a different form than we have requested.
John chapters 11:1-44 are taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 20, 11:45-12:11
Introduction
Last week we were in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Jesus waited until Lazarus died before going to Judea. When He came to the tomb He said, “Take away the stone.” Martha said, “Lord, by this time he stinketh, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Then they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” Lazarus came out bound hand and foot, and his face was wrapped. Jesus said, “Loose him, and let him go.”
Continuing the Story at John 11:45
The Plot to Kill Jesus
45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” 49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. 55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
The Anointing at Bethany
12:1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
The Plot to Kill Lazarus
9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.
The Passover Feast
Since the Passover is only six days away in our story and it is the last Passover in the Gospel of John, let’s go back 1400 years to the first Passover. The first Passover was instituted in Egypt when the Lord told Moses to tell the congregation of Israel this: “… every man shall take for his household a male lamb without blemish. Keep it until the 14th day of the first month. Then kill it at twilight. And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. … For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. … Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations [Exodus 12:1-14].” Jesus is going to keep the Passover with His 12 disciples just six days from this point in our story.
Application
The purpose for raising Lazarus from the dead was fulfilled at the time Jesus did it; namely, many believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God [John 11:45, 12:11]. The purpose for raising Lazarus from the dead is fulfilled today when people hear about it or read about it and believe in Jesus. And more important is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because He is alive today and seated at the right hand of God the Father. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ we would not have the Gospel of John and we would not be talking about
Scripture in Lesson 20 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Gospel of John – Lesson 21, 12:12-36
Introduction – Sing “The Bible Tells Me So” written by Dale Evans, © 1955
Have faith, hope, and charity.
That’s the way to live successfully.
How do I know? The Bible tells me so.
Do good to your enemies
and the blessed Lord you’ll surely please.
How do I know? The Bible tells me so.
Don’t worry ‘bout tomorrow.
Just be real good today.
The Lord is right beside you.
He’ll guide you all the way.
You must have faith, hope, and charity.
That’s the way to live successfully.
How do I know? The Bible tells me so.
The Lord will take your problems and work them out for you.
But He wants you to love Him and trust Him right on through.
You must have faith, hope, and charity.
That’s the way to live successfully.
How do I know? The Bible tells me so.
Last week we saw in the Gospel of John that many people believed in Jesus after He raised Lazarus from the dead. Then the chief priests and Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many miraculous signs. If we let Him alone … everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will … take away our place and nation.” And Caiaphas, the high priest, prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation. Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus and some of His disciples were having supper with Lazarus. The chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many Jews believed in Jesus.
Continuing the Story at John 12:12
The Triumphal Entry
12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “ Hosanna! ‘ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” 14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “ Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
The Fruitful Grain of Wheat
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
Jesus Predicts His Death on the Cross
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.
Summary
A great many people had come to Jerusalem for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. They took palm branches and went out to meet Jesus, and shouted, “Save now! Deliver now! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” Later Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” But the people did not understand this, because they had learned from the Old Testament Scripture that the Messiah would rule forever. They didn’t realize that the Messiah would be killed and then resurrected on the third day.
Application
Jesus said something in this passage that I want to apply to us today. He said, “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”
We should serve Jesus. How? Love one another, help each other, and do what the Bible says to do. Why?
1st Reason: Because we love Jesus! We love Him because He first loved us and gave Himself for us.
2nd Reason: Because each believer must appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Each believer’s work will be tested by fire. If anyone’s work endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. [1 Corinthians 3:11-15] We are saved, given eternal life, simply by believing in Jesus Christ; but the rewards we have in the kingdom of God are based on our service to Jesus Christ in this present life.
Scripture in Lesson 21 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Gospel of John – Lesson 22, 12:35-50
Introduction
Last week we saw in the Gospel of John that many people had come to Jerusalem for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Five days before Jesus was put on the cross they took palm branches and went out to meet Jesus, and shouted, “Save now! Deliver now! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” Many people wanted Jesus, their Messiah, to deliver them from the Roman Empire and set up His Kingdom. Later Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” But the people did not understand this, because they had learned from the Old Testament Scripture that the Messiah would rule forever. They didn’t realize that the Messiah would be put upon a cross to die, where he would pay the penalty for all our sins, and then be resurrected on the third day before He set up His kingdom on earth and then rule forever. In the future Christ will set up His kingdom on earth and rule forever.
Continuing the Story with John 12:35-50, a Summary of His Public Ministry
Who Has Believed Our Report?
37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:
Introduction
John is the only book in the entire Bible that claims it was written to tell people how to have eternal life. It makes this claim in John 20:30-31.
"Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."
John 1:1-18 is a foreword to the Gospel of John. It introduces key ideas, which are illustrated and explained in the rest of John’s Gospel.
John chapter 1, verse 1:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [The Word is Jesus Christ; this is made clear in verse 14.]
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. [John the Baptist.]
7 This man came for a witness, to bare witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
8 He was not that light, but was sent to bare witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us [virgin birth], and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John [the Baptist] bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” [In His humanity Jesus was six months younger than His cousin John the Baptist. But in His deity Jesus always existed.]
16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has seen God [the Father] at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He [the Son] has declared Him [the Father].
Key ideas in the Gospel of John Introduced in 1:1-18.
1. Jesus Christ is God. [1:1-3, 14]
2. John the Baptist bares witness of Jesus Christ that all might believe. [1:6-7, 15]
3. As many as received Jesus Christ, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; when a person believes in Jesus Christ he is born of God. [1:12-13]
a. Here receive is defined as believe [1:12]. The idea of receive is to trust in something so as to accept it as true for oneself. I get the picture of an open hand receiving a gift.
4. No one has seen God [the Father] at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He [the Son] has declared Him [the Father].
a. Later in the Gospel of John Jesus will say, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” [John 14:9]
Application
If we want to know what God is like, then we need to know Jesus, since he is the fullest revelation of God. The Gospel of John is a great source of information about Jesus Christ. In it we can see how He relates to people, His love and compassion for people and His desire for people. He wants people to believe in Him to receive the gift of eternal life. Then He wants those who believe in Him to be disciples and to become like Him. [John 13 - 17]
Scripture in Lesson one is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To get your free copy of the Gospel of John go to website below.
http://www.livingwater.org/
Gospel of John – Lesson 2, 1:19-51
Introduction
In lesson one we looked at John 1:1-18, which introduces key ideas that are illustrated and explained in the rest of John’s Gospel.
Key ideas in the Gospel of John Introduced in 1:1-18.
1. Jesus Christ is God. He is the Eternal Word. He has always been with God the Father. [1:1-3, 14]
2. As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
a. Here receive is defined as believe [1:12]. The idea of receive is to trust in something and accept it as true for yourself. I get the picture of an open hand receiving a gift.
b. When a person believes in Jesus Christ he is born of God. [1:12-13]
John 1:19-51, Snapshots of Four days in the life of John the Baptist and Jesus
Day 1, 19-28 Religious leaders in Jerusalem sent Pharisees to Bethany to find out if John was the Messiah. Verse 26, Jesus was in the crowd hearing John speak.
19And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
22Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
24And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Day 2, 29-34, The Lamb of God is a Man and He is also the Son of God.
29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Day 3, 35-42, Andrew said to his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah” (translated, the Christ).
35Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
39He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Day 4, 43-51 Jesus finds Philip in Galilee.
43The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Summary
Jesus is the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the world. John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is the Lamb of God and the Son of God that those listening may believe in Him.
Application
Now Jesus is in heaven. God is still making Himself known to man, but He makes Himself known through those who walk in fellowship with Him. If you are walking in love you are manifesting God.
It is a very solemn thing to realize that I as a believer am here in this world to make God known, both by life and testimony. Jesus did this fully and completely. The closer I walk with Him, the more God will be seen in me. [Dr. H. A. Ironside, John, p. 45]
Scripture in Lesson two is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 3, 2:1-22
Introduction
In lesson two we looked at four days in the life of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. When John saw Jesus coming toward him he said, “Look the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John also testified that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Two of John the Baptist’s disciples, Andrew and John (author of this Gospel), followed Jesus. Andrew found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah.” Jesus found Philip and Philip found Nathanael. Nathanael said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God: You are the King of Israel!”
Continuing the Story in John Chapter 2
Eight miraculous signs are recorded in the Gospel of John. The first sign is recorded in chapter 2 and the eighth one is mentioned here. The purpose for these signs being written is for the reader to “believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
2:1-10. The First sign: Jesus turned water into wine.
1And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
2:11 This comment by the author ties this event to his primary purpose for writing this gospel, which is given in John 20:30-31: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name.”
12After this he went down to Capernaum [on the Sea of Galilee, about 15 miles from Cana], he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
13And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem [Jerusalem is about 75 miles south of Capernaum].
14And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
16And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
18Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21But he spake of the temple of his body.
22When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
The Jews asked Jesus, “What sign do You show to us, since you do these things?” Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews thought he was taking about the temple building. But the sign Jesus gave them was His death followed by His resurrection. This is the 8th sign in the Gospel of John.
Summary
Jesus did many miracles that are not recorded in John’s Gospel (Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John record 35, and many others are referred to). But John recorded eight miraculous signs that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing we may have eternal life in His name. And the greatest miraculous sign is His death on the cross and His resurrection on the third day.
Application
I believe that the Gospel of John is the first book of the New Testament that a believer or unbeliever should read. I have read the Gospel of John more than any other. It is my favorite book about Jesus. Free copies are available at the livingwater website below.
Scripture in Lesson three is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
http://www.livingwater.org/
Gospel of John – Lesson 4, 2:23-3:21
Introduction
In lesson three we read about Jesus with his mother and his disciples at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, where he changed water into wine. This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did. Some time later, before the Passover, Jesus went to Jerusalem. “And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business.” He drove them all out of the temple and poured out the changers money and overturned the tables. The Jews said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The religious Jews did not know it, but Jesus was referring to the temple of His body and His death and resurrection.
Continuing the Story at 2:23-25
23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
When Jesus was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast many people believed in His name when they saw the miraculous signs He was constantly performing. But Jesus would not trust Himself to them, for He knew what was in a man. He knew they were not ready for fellowship with Him. Later He would confide in His disciples who were following Him. But these people who believed in His name had become children of God as explained in John 1:12: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
John 3:1-21
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews [Nicodemus was one of the 70 members of the Jewish ruling council.]:
2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we [Nicodemus was a representative of the ruling council] know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 3:14-15 “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness” refers to an event in Numbers 21:9 that took place while the Israelites were wondering in the desert between Egypt and Palestine. Nicodemus was very familiar with this story, since he was a ruler and a teacher of Israel. The people had complained against God and Moses saying, “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul detests this worthless bread [manna].” So the LORD sent fiery serpents that bit the people, and many of the people of Israel died. Therefore the people confessed their sins to Moses and asked him to pray to the LORD to take away the serpents. The LORD instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole; everyone who was bitten, when he looked upon the bronze serpent, he lived.
John 3:14-15 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the Son of man be lifted up; That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal live.” Looking at the bronze serpent on the pole is an illustration of believing in Jesus Christ.
Summary
Nicodemus was motivated to talk to Jesus because of all the miraculous signs He kept on performing. After Jesus died on the cross Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea put His body in a new tomb. Nicodemus was born again, born spiritually, having received the gift of eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ.
Application
In John 1:12 and 3:14 are two illustrations of how a person believes in Jesus Christ. In John 1:12 “receive” is defined as “believe.” We receive something when we accept it for ourselves. In John 3:14 believing in Jesus Christ and receiving eternal life is similar to the Israelites in the desert looking at the bronze serpent and continuing to live in time. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” [Romans 6:23]
Scripture in Lesson four is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 5, 3:22-36
Introduction
In lesson four we read about Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, who came to talk with Jesus. He said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God because no man can do these miracles that you do unless God is with him.” So the “teacher from God” taught Nicodemus that he must be born again. And He told him how; He must believe in Jesus. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Continuing the Story in John 3:22-36
22After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24For John was not yet cast into prison.
25Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying (referring to baptism).”
.
26And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Application
John the Baptist’s job is in its final phase. Remember he told the Pharisees, “I am ‘the voice of one crying out: “Make a straight road in the desert for the Lord”’ – just as the prophet Isaiah said.” John the Baptist had been pointing his disciples and everyone else to Jesus the Christ, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Now John’s disciples express concern to him that Jesus “is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” as if this is taking people from John’s ministry. John responds saying, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” Then he says, “He [Jesus] must increase but I [John the Baptist] must decrease.”
Main Theme and Sub Theme in the Gospel of John
Main Theme: Evangelism [John 20:30-31: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The verb believe is used 98x in John, only 11x in Matthew, 10x in Mark, and 9x in Luke.]
Sub Theme: Fellowship, Intimacy [John 13-16. In this section we have Jesus telling his 12 disciples minus Judas, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (13:34-35) 14:21 Jesus says, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.]
Jesus “did not commit Himself” to the believers in John 2:23 “because He knew all.” What did He know that motivated Him to “not commit Himself” to them? I think they did not love Him, since He later said “he who loves Me … I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”
John 3:22-36 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
John 13:34-35, 14:21, 20:30-31 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Gospel of John – Lesson 6, 4:1-42
Introduction
In lesson five we read about John the Baptist’s disciples expressing concern to him that Jesus “is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” as if this is taking people from John’s ministry. John responds saying, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” John also tells his disciples, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John the Baptist closed his comments with John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Continuing the Story in John Chapter 4
1When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
3He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
4And he must needs go through Samaria.
5Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
7There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
8(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
13Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
16Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
27And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
28The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
30Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
31In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
32But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
33Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
39And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
40So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
41And many more believed because of his own word;
42And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Summary
Jesus offered to give the Samaritan woman “living water.” He told her, “Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never thirst again – forever! On the contrary, the water that I will give him will become within him a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” She drank the “water” and now she never thirsts. This drink became in her a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. She was convinced that Jesus is the Christ and received the gift of eternal life. She told the men in Sychar to come and see Jesus and said, “Could this be the Christ?”
When the people from Sychar were coming towards Jesus, He said to His disciples, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” The woman had planted the seed when she said, “Could this be the Christ?” Now the disciples had opportunity to reap the harvest, the harvest of souls of the people of Sychar.
Application
One believer plants the seed (the word of God), another believer waters it, but God gives the increase. We should be ready to plant the seeds of the gift of eternal life, which God gives to all who believe in Jesus Christ. [There are more thoughts on this in 1 Corinthians 3:5-15.]
John 4:1-42 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
John 3:36 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To get your free copy of the Gospel of John go to website below.
http://www.livingwater.org/
Gospel of John – Lesson 7, 4:43-54
Introduction
In lesson six we read about Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman while He was sitting by a well. She had come to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” This surprised her because the Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus responded to her question by saying, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” At the end of their conversation the woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming. When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
Then the woman left her waterpot, went back to the city of Sychar, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” Then many of the Samaritans of Sychar believed in Him. Jesus stayed in Sychar two days. Many more believed in Him. They said to the woman, “… this is indeed the Messiah, the Savior of the world.”
Continuing the Story at John 4:43
43Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
45Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
46So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
47When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
52Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
53So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
54This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.
Review Highlights of John 1 – 4 with Emphasis on the Miracles
John 1:1-18 is the prologue to this Gospel. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [the Word is Jesus Christ]. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men.” Skipping to verse 12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us [virgin birth], and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Skipping to verse 18, “No one has seen God [the Father] at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”
In John 2 Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Sometime later while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover festival (8 days), many believed in His Name when they saw the miraculous signs He was performing. In John 3 Nicodemus thought that Jesus had come from God because of all the miracles He was doing. In John 4 a Samaritan woman and many from her city of Sychar believe Jesus is “the Christ, the Savior of the world.” After Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee He healed a nobleman’s son who was ill at Capernaum. The nobleman and his whole household believed. This was the second miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John. These miraculous signs fulfill the purpose given in John 20:30-31, “… these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
Application
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” [1 John 5:1]. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, has eternal life [John 20:31]. Jesus’ closest 12 disciples saw many of the miraculous signs performed by Him. Eleven believed in Him and Judas Iscariot did not. [Jesus knew that Judas was “unclean” in the upper room, while the 11 were clean all over, John 13:10-11.] I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the One who died on a cross 2000 years ago and rose again the third day.
John 4:43-54 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
John 1:1-4, 12-14, 18 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Gospel of John – Lesson 8, 5:1-23
Introduction
After Jesus stayed two days in Sychar He departed and went into Galilee. A nobleman’s son was sick, at the point of death, at Capernaum. Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” Healing the nobleman’s son is the second miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John that Jesus did.
Continuing the Story at John 5:1
1After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
10The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
11He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
12Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
14Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
15The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
19Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Summary
Jesus healed a man who had an infirmity 38 years that limited his ability to walk. This is the 3rd miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John. The Jews (probably leaders who were members of the council) sought to kill Him because
(1) He healed a man on the Sabbath and
(2) He said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. [John 5:18]
God told Moses on Mount Sinai (1400 years before Jesus was born) to tell the children of Israel, “Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh (Saturday) is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.” For example they were not to gather food [example: manna] on the Sabbath. Over the years, the Jewish leaders had amassed thousands of rules and regulations concerning the Sabbath. According to them, carrying furniture and even providing medical treatment on the Sabbath were forbidden.
“Jesus asserts His authority” in this passage [5:17-47], “which He bases on His special relation to the Father.” [The Ryrie Study Bible]
1. Jesus said, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
2. Jesus also said, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”
3. Again Jesus said, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”
Application
Jesus claimed to be God, equal with the Father. His deeds testified to this fact. This passage supports John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word is Jesus Christ; [John 1:14] “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, …” refers to His virgin birth. Jesus is God the Son and equal with God the Father. They both have the same characteristics (Essence).
John 5:1-23 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 9, 5:24-47
Introduction
Last week we saw Jesus heal a man on the Sabbath who had an infirmity 38 years. The Jews (probably leaders) sought to kill Him because
(1) He healed a man on the Sabbath and
(2) He said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. [John 5:18]
This is the first record in the Gospel of John of the desire of some Jews to kill Jesus. Jesus responded to them asserting His authority based on His special relation to the Father.
1. Jesus said, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
2. Later Jesus said, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”
Continuing Jesus’ Response to the Jews at John 5:24
24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
31If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
32There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
33Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
34But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
35He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
37And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
38And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
39[You] Search the [Old Testament] scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41I receive not honour from men.
42But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.
47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Summary
Some of the Jews want to kill Jesus because He claims to be equal with God. In this passage He calls on three witnesses to prove the Father sent Him: (1) John the Baptist (2) the works of Jesus and (3) the Father. 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah predicted that God would come and deliver His people [Isaiah 35:5, 6]. Isaiah said, “the eyes of the blind shall be opened,” “the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped,” the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing.” These are some of the works that Jesus did.
Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures (Old Testament) …and they testify of Me.” For example Psalm 16:10, written by David 1000 years before Jesus was born, was quoted by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. Peter explained that David was referring to “the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.” [Acts 2:31] Isaiah 53 also refers to Jesus, which was confirmed about two years after the resurrection of Jesus. The Treasurer of Ethiopia had come to Jerusalem to worship, and was returning to Ethiopia, Africa. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah, written by the prophet 700 years before Jesus was born. Philip, one of the first 7 deacons in the Jerusalem Church [Acts 6:5], was sent by the Holy Spirit to the Treasurer of Ethiopia who was reading Isaiah 53:6, 7, 8 [Acts 8:32-33]. The Ethiopian asked Philip, “Of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man.” Then Philip, beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
Application
Obviously, we also should search the Scriptures (the Bible) to learn about Jesus.
John 5:24-47 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 10, 6:1-21
Introduction
Last week we saw Jesus continue His response to the Jews in Jerusalem who wanted to kill Him. Jesus asserted His authority based on His special relation to the Father.
1. Jesus said, “As the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.”
2. Then Jesus said, “I do not seek my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me.”
3. Later Jesus said, “You search the scriptures (Old Testament), for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
Continuing the Story at John 6:1
The events in chapter 6 take place just before the Passover feast. Two years have past since Jesus was talking with Nicodemus in Jerusalem at the Passover.
1After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
3And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
4And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh [near].
5When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
7Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
9There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
10And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would [desired].
12When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
14Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
15When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
16And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
17And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
18And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
19So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs [about three or four miles], they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
20But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
21Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
Summary
Eight miraculous signs are recorded in the Gospel of John. The purpose for recording these signs is given in John 20:30-31: “Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” Feeding the 5000 and walking on water are the 4th and 5th miraculous signs recorded in the Gospel of John. Jesus feeds 5000 men (plus women and children) starting with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 small fish. “Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, ‘This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.’” At that point they were about to take Him by force and make Him king. Truly He was a king as He later told Pilate, but it was not the time to set up His kingdom on earth. He is the king in the line of King David who will rule forever. The LORD told David that He would make him a house, a royal dynasty. The LORD said to David, “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” [2 Sam 7:12,13] One thousand years later the angel Gabriel said to Mary, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” [Luke 1:31-33]
Application
In conclusion, Jesus Christ is the King of kings. Since He is the King of kings, He is my King. His kingdom will have no end and I have a responsibility to obey His commands.
John 6:1-21 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 11, 6:22-59
Introduction
Last time we read about Jesus feeding 5000 men (plus women and children) starting with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. This is the 4th miraculous sign recorded in John’s gospel. When the men had seen the miracle, they said, “This man really is the Prophet who was to come into the world!” When Jesus knew that they were about to come and take Him by force and make Him king, He went away to the mountain by Himself. That evening His disciples got into their boat, and started to cross the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. After they had rowed 3 or 4 miles they saw Jesus coming toward them walking on the water; and they were afraid. Jesus said, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they took Him on board – and at once the boat was at the shore where they were heading. This is the 5th miraculous sign out of eight that are recorded in John’s gospel. Quote 20:30-31.
Continuing the Story at John 6:22
22The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
23(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
24When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
25And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
28Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
30They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
31Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
34Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
36But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
39And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
41The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
43Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
46Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
48I am that bread of life.
49Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
50This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
52The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
58This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
59These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
Summary
This is a life and death issue. Either eternal life with God or the second death, which is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. Jesus is the Bread of life, living bread from heaven. He said, “He who believes in Me has eternal life [6:47].” He also said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” “Eating” the Bread of life is a figure of speech. It is a picture of believing in Jesus Christ. Eating is a common thing; and believing is a common thing. I believe in a lot of things (George Washington, God, etc.) but these beliefs do not provide me eternal life. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, stands behind His promise, “He who believes in Me has eternal life.”
Application
Why can Jesus offer eternal life to anyone who believes in Him? John the Baptist introduced Jesus to his disciples as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus did this when He was on the cross barring our sins. During His first three hours on the cross those who passed by blasphemed Him saying, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” But if Jesus had come down from the cross, then He would not have finished His work of paying the penalty for their sins and ours. During His second three hours on the cross, from noon until 3 p.m. there was darkness over all the land. And about 3 p.m. Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Then He said, “It is finished!” He was the sacrifice for sin once and for all; the Lamb of God who has taken away the sin of the world! Then He said, “Father, into Your hands I dismiss My spirit.” He did not bleed to death; He died by choice because His work was finished.
He paid the penalty for sins, satisfying God’s Justice. God has reconciled all people to Himself. God’s love flows to every member of the human race; His arms are open ready to receive each one who comes through His Son. Those of us who are believers in Jesus Christ have a responsibility as ambassadors for Christ to tell people God loves them and wants to give them eternal life. As Jesus said to Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting live.” John 3:16
Gospel of John – Lesson 12, 6:60-7:24
Introduction
Last time we read about Jesus teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum [in Galilee]. He said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” Eating the “living bread” is a figure of speech. It means believing in Jesus Christ. The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” Then Jesus said, “…unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven – not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”
Continuing the Story at John 6:60
60Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
61When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
62What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
66From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
70Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
71He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
John 7
1After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
2Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand.
3His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5For neither did his brethren believe in him.
6Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
8Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.
9When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
10But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
[Jesus went up to the Feast of Tabernacles (15th to 21st day of the 7th month, about 6 months after chapter 6). This feast commemorated the days when the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and lived in tents (Leviticus 23:40-43)]
11Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
12And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
13Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
14Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
15And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
16Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
19Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
20The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
21Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
22Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
23If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Summary
Jesus had many disciples in addition to His closest 12 [A disciple is a learner]. But at this point many of them did not believe in Him and no longer walked with Him. Even His brothers (James, Joses, Simon, and Judas: Matthew 13:55) did not believe in Him. In the middle of the Feast of Tabernacles (7-day feast) Jesus went up into the temple and taught [The temple is in Jerusalem, 75 miles south of Galilee]. He said, “If anyone wills to do His [the Father’s] will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority.” He also taught them that it’s okay to heal a man on the Sabbath (Some Jewish leaders wanted to kill Him for doing this!), just as it’s okay for them to circumcise a man on the Sabbath.
Application
If anyone of us desires to do God’s will, we shall know about the doctrine that Jesus taught, whether it is from God or whether He spoke on His own authority. Therefore we who desire to do God’s will should read the Bible and study it to learn His will and then do it.
John 6:22-7:24 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 13, 7:25-8:1
Introduction
Map(1) 84 [Jesus traveled from Capernaum in Galilee to Jerusalem, 80 miles]
Last week in the Gospel of John we saw that Jesus had many disciples in addition to His closest twelve. But many of them did not believe in Him and no longer walked with Him. Even His brothers did not believe in Him. Jesus departed from Galilee and went to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Some people said, “He is good;” others said, “No, He deceives the people.” Jesus went up to the temple and taught. He said that if anyone wills to do His Father’s will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether Jesus was speaking on His own authority.
Continuing the Story at John 7:25
25Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
26But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
27Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
28Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
29But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
30Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
31And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
32The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
33Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
34Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
35Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
36What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
40Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
41Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
42Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
43So there was a division among the people because of him.
44And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
45Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
49But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
50Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)
51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
53And every man went unto his own house.
John 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Summary
The crowd in the temple debated who Jesus was. Some thought He could be the Christ, the Messiah, descended from King David. Others said no. But many believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” The Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. But they did not take Him and said, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” [7:37-39] On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink [picture of faith in Jesus Christ]. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” This He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were going to receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Less than one year later after Jesus Christ was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Application
Let us study the Bible so that we can be confident and constantly aware that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Then we will always be ready to give an answer to anyone who wants to know why we believe in Jesus Christ and why we are convinced that He has given us eternal life. Nicodemus was convinced was convinced sometime after Jesus said to him, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Historical Context
On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in Me out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” This He spoke concerning the Holy Spirit. The LORD established the Feast of Tabernacles to begin on the 15th day of the 7th month and continue for 7 days, Leviticus 23:33. “For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it [also on the first day, 23:35],” Leviticus 23:36. On both the first day and the eighth day (the concluding day of the annual feasts following the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles), the Israelites were to hold a sacred assembly and were to do no occupational work. “You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt [from approximately 1446 to 1406 B.C. (2)]: I am the LORD your God,” Leviticus 23:42, 43. On each day of the feast there was a solemn procession from the temple to the Gihon Spring. A priest filled a gold pitcher with water while the choir sang, Isaiah 12:3. Then they returned to the altar and poured out the water. This ritual reminded them of the water from the rock during the wilderness wonderings (Num. 20:8-11; Ps. 78:15-16). It also spoke prophetically of the coming days of Messiah (cf. Zech. 14:8, 16-19). The Feast’s seventh and last day was its greatest (cf. Lev. 23:36). Jesus stood, in contrast with the Rabbis’ usual position of being seated while teaching. Said in a loud voice (cf. John 1:15; 7:28; 12:44) was a way of introducing a solemn announcement. His offer, Come to Me and drink, was an offer of salvation (cf. 4:14; 6:53-56). The notes in italics under Historical Context are from The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Leviticus 23:35-36 and John 7:37.
Footnotes:
1. Barry J. Beitzel, The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands, 1985
2. Earl D. Radmacher, General Editor, The Nelson Study Bible, 1997
John 7:25-8:1 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 14, 8:2-32
Introduction
Last week in the Gospel of John the crowd in the temple debated who Jesus was. Some thought He could be the Christ, the Messiah. Others said no. But many believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” The Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. But they did not take Him and said, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” This He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Less than one year later after Jesus Christ was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Continuing the Story at John 8:2
2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
13The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
20These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
21Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Summary
Today I quoted Jesus four times saying “the Father who sent Me” or its equivalent “He who sent Me.” Jesus is attempting to convince those listening that He is the Christ, the deliverer God promised to Israel. As He spoke to them many believed in Him. He encouraged those new believers to be His disciples. He said to them, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ['Abide' means to dwell for a long time; I think of daily reading the Bible.] And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Application
You become a child of God by simply believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him to them gave He the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Those who are born of God have the life of God, eternal life, now and forever. Once you are a child of God, you should grow and be a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple of Jesus is a child of God who is learning about Jesus and following Him. We learn about Jesus and what He wants us to do by studying the Bible. A disciple is striving to please Jesus in all that he does. [Sing this song]
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee;
For Thou, in Thy atonement,
Didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ for Thee alone.
I sang this song because the words seem to describe what a disciple should be like. But I am not comfortable singing the last sentence, because I don’t really live for Christ alone. But I am comfortable with the first sentence: “Living for Jesus a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free, this is the pathway of blessing for me.”
John 8:2-8:32 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 15, 8:33-8:59
Introduction
Last week in the Gospel of John as Jesus was teaching in the temple some scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery as a test for Jesus, hoping to find something they could accuse Him of. But Jesus said nothing against the Mosaic Law and also protected the woman from being stoned to death. Then Jesus continued teaching, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Jesus predicts His departure. Four times He tells them that the Father sent Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you really are My disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Continuing the Story at John 8:33
33They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? [The unbelieving part of the crowd responded to what Jesus said to the new believers. Their response is not true; they were in bondage to the Roman Empire and slaves to sin.]
34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
50And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
52Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
53Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
54Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Summary
Jesus is in the temple speaking to a large crowd. Many people believed in Him and believed what He said. But another part of the crowd did not believe in Him and debated with Him. They claimed Abraham for their father, but they did not do the works of Abraham. Abraham believed in the LORD and it was credited to his account for righteousness, Genesis 15:6. Jesus said to them, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do your father’s desires.” They accused Jesus of having a demon. Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor My Father … if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” They said, “Abraham is dead …Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead?” … Jesus finally said, “Before Abraham was I AM.” Jesus was saying that he always existed before Abraham, i.e. He is God. Therefore they took up stones to throw at Him in an attempt to kill Him.
Application
2000 years before Jesus was born Abraham believed in the LORD and it was credited to his account for righteousness. 2000 years after Jesus was born we who believe in Him also are accounted righteous. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 Paul writes, “For He has made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Now we like Abraham should do good works so that people may see and know that we are following our Lord.
“Living for Jesus a live that is true, striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free, this is the pathway of blessing for me.”
John 8:33-8:59 is taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 16, 9:1-34
Introduction
Last week we were in chapter 8 of the Gospel of John. Jesus was speaking to a large crowd in the temple, where many people had just believed in Him. But the other part of the crowd did not believe in Him and debated with Him. They claimed Abraham for their father, but they did not do the works of Abraham. Jesus said to them, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.” They accused Jesus of having a demon. Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor My Father … if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” They said, “Abraham is dead …Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead?” … Jesus finally said, “Before Abraham was I AM.” Jesus was saying that he always existed before Abraham, i.e. He is God. Therefore they took up stones to throw at Him in an attempt to kill Him.
Continuing the Story at John 9:1
1And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
2And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
6When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
7And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
8The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
9Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
10Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
11He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
12Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
13They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
14And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
15Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
16Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. [Observation: It seems everywhere Jesus goes He divides the crowd in two, those for Him and those against Him.]
17They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
18But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.
19And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?
20His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
21But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
23Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
24Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
25He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
26Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
27He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
28Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
29We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
30The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
31Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
32Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
33If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
34They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Summary
The 6th miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John is giving sight to the man who was born blind. This man was born blind not because he or his parents had sinned, but to glorify God. Jesus used this man’s blindness to demonstrate that He is the Messiah, the one sent by God to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. The man born blind believed that Jesus was sent from God. Some of the Pharisees who heard the former blind man’s testimony also believed Jesus was from God. Two years earlier Nicodemus had believed Jesus was sent from God when he said to Him (John 3:2), “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, because no one can do the miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.” The leaders among the Pharisees did not believe Jesus was from God because He healed a blind man on a Sabbath day, which was against their interpretation of the Mosaic Law. And since the former blind man believed Jesus was sent from God, the Pharisees excommunicated him, kicking him out of the synagogue.
Application
In closing, let’s go back to the beginning of our story. The disciples asked Jesus, “… who sinned, this man or his parents?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.”
Bad things or suffering comes to all of us some time. We may jump to the conclusion that it is because we have done something wrong. But this may not be the case. The purpose of our suffering may be to glorify God, just as this man was born blind to glorify God.
Gospel of John – Lesson 17, 9:35-10:21
Introduction – [In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”]
Last week we were in chapter 9 of the Gospel of John. On a Sabbath day Jesus gave sight to a man who was born blind. Some of the Pharisees said, “He is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Other Pharisees said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. But the dominate group of Jewish leaders did not believe that he had been blind and received his sight, so they asked his parents. His parents feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed to put anyone out of the synagogue who confessed that Jesus was the Christ. The man born blind testified before the Pharisees again, saying, “If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” And they excommunicated him, kicked him out of the synagogue.
Continuing the Story at John 9:35
35Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
36He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
37And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
38And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
39And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
40And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
41Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
John 10
1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
19There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
20And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
21Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
Summary
The Gospel of John records seven “I am” statements by Jesus; two are in chapter 10.
1. “I am the door [of the sheep]. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (10:7; cf. 10:9)
2. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (10:11). This refers to Jesus bearing our sins in His body on the cross and dieing as a substitute for us. After Jesus told them that He is the good shepherd and that the good shepherd gives His live for the sheep there was a division again among the Jewish leaders. Many of them said, “He has a demon and is crazy.” Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Application
1. “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Life here refers to eternal life, God’s life. It speaks not only of life that continues forever, but of quality of life. With Christ, life on earth can reach much higher quality, because we can live pleasing to Him with eternal importance and lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. When we are finished with these bodies we will be absent from the body and face to face with the Lord. If we have lived our lives in a manner pleasing to Him, then He may say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” [Matthew 25:21]
2. Those of us who have believed in Jesus Christ and his promise of eternal life are children of God now and forever. We have everlasting life. We should tell people who Jesus is so they may believe in Him also. (9:35-38) Jesus said to the blind man, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” Replying, he said, “Who is He?” Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and He is the One who is speaking with you.” So he said, “Lord, I believe!” At that moment the former blind man became a child of God, having received the gift of eternal life.
Gospel of John – Lesson 18, 10:22-42
Introduction – [In John 10:30-31 Jesus said, “I and My Father are one.” Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.]
Last week we were in chapter 9 and 10 of the Gospel of John. Jesus asked the former blind man, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He responded, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said, “You have seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
Then Jesus said to the Pharisees, “I am the door of the sheep.” “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” [Jesus is referring to the fact that He is going to bare our sins in His body on the cross as a substitute for all people.] There was a division among the Jews because of these sayings. Many of them said, “He has a demon and is crazy.” Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Continuing the Story at John 10:22
22And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication [today Feast of Lights or Hanukkah], and it was winter.
23And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
24Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
30I and my Father are one.
31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
36Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
37If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
38But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
39Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
40And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
41And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
42And many believed on him there.
Summary
Jesus is encouraging the people to believe that He is the Son of God, but many do not. And when He tells them, “I and My Father are one,” they attempt to stone Him. But because of the miraculous signs Jesus performed, many believed in Him. This is a recurring theme that fulfills the purpose of miraculous signs in the Gospel of John, which is: “Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have [eternal] live in His name (John 20:30-31).”
Application
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice … and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” We who have received the gift of eternal life are eternally secure; nothing can remove us from our Father’s hand. “But as many as received Him [Jesus Christ], to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13, one sentence). When you believe in Jesus Christ you become a child of God; this is a spiritual birth. You have the life of God which never ends. Once you become a child of God there is nothing you or anyone else can do to change it. But it is up to you how you live this life you have been given. You can be a child who loves and honors his Father in heaven or you can be a rebellious child. The choice is yours!
John chapters 9 and 10 are taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 19, 11:1-44
Introduction
Last week we started at chapter 10, verse 22. It was in the winter and the time of the celebration of Hanukkah. Jesus was in the temple responding to comments from the Jews who surrounded Him. They said, “If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life and they will never ever parish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” And when He told them, “I and My Father are one,” they attempted to stone Him, because He was saying in effect that He is God like the Father. But many others believed in Him, because of the miraculous signs He did.
Continuing the Story at John 11:1
1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
6When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
7Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
8His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
19And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
[Martha believed in Jesus Christ; therefore she has eternal life. Do you believe?]
28And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
29As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
30Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
31The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.
34And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
35Jesus wept.
36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
37And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
38Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Summary
Observation #1: Jesus often referred to “the Father who sent Me” (5:24, 36, 37, 38; 6:29, 38, 39, 40, 44, 57; 8:18, 26, 29, 42; 9:4; 10:36, 11:42)
Observation #2: The raising of Lazarus from the dead is the 7th miraculous sign recorded in the Gospel of John to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. The previous 6 signs are:
1. changing water to wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee (2:9)
2. healing a nobleman’s son at Capernaum (4:51-54)
3. healing a man who had been sick 38 years (5:5-9)
4. feeding 5000 men plus women and children with 5 loaves and 2 small fish (6:10)
5. walking on water on the Sea of Galilee (6:19)
6. giving sight to a man born blind (9:1-7)
Application
Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick. They had hoped that Jesus would come quickly to heal him, but He didn’t. He purposely waited until after Lazarus had died. He had a purpose for Lazarus’ death that He did not reveal to Mary and Martha until He accomplished it. This can happen in our lives. We may ask God to help us in a difficult situation, but the help may not come as soon as we want it and it may come in a different form than we have requested.
John chapters 11:1-44 are taken from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Gospel of John – Lesson 20, 11:45-12:11
Introduction
Last week we were in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Jesus waited until Lazarus died before going to Judea. When He came to the tomb He said, “Take away the stone.” Martha said, “Lord, by this time he stinketh, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Then they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” Lazarus came out bound hand and foot, and his face was wrapped. Jesus said, “Loose him, and let him go.”
Continuing the Story at John 11:45
The Plot to Kill Jesus
45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” 49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. 55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
The Anointing at Bethany
12:1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
The Plot to Kill Lazarus
9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.
The Passover Feast
Since the Passover is only six days away in our story and it is the last Passover in the Gospel of John, let’s go back 1400 years to the first Passover. The first Passover was instituted in Egypt when the Lord told Moses to tell the congregation of Israel this: “… every man shall take for his household a male lamb without blemish. Keep it until the 14th day of the first month. Then kill it at twilight. And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. … For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. … Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations [Exodus 12:1-14].” Jesus is going to keep the Passover with His 12 disciples just six days from this point in our story.
Application
The purpose for raising Lazarus from the dead was fulfilled at the time Jesus did it; namely, many believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God [John 11:45, 12:11]. The purpose for raising Lazarus from the dead is fulfilled today when people hear about it or read about it and believe in Jesus. And more important is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because He is alive today and seated at the right hand of God the Father. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ we would not have the Gospel of John and we would not be talking about
Scripture in Lesson 20 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Gospel of John – Lesson 21, 12:12-36
Introduction – Sing “The Bible Tells Me So” written by Dale Evans, © 1955
Have faith, hope, and charity.
That’s the way to live successfully.
How do I know? The Bible tells me so.
Do good to your enemies
and the blessed Lord you’ll surely please.
How do I know? The Bible tells me so.
Don’t worry ‘bout tomorrow.
Just be real good today.
The Lord is right beside you.
He’ll guide you all the way.
You must have faith, hope, and charity.
That’s the way to live successfully.
How do I know? The Bible tells me so.
The Lord will take your problems and work them out for you.
But He wants you to love Him and trust Him right on through.
You must have faith, hope, and charity.
That’s the way to live successfully.
How do I know? The Bible tells me so.
Last week we saw in the Gospel of John that many people believed in Jesus after He raised Lazarus from the dead. Then the chief priests and Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many miraculous signs. If we let Him alone … everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will … take away our place and nation.” And Caiaphas, the high priest, prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation. Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus and some of His disciples were having supper with Lazarus. The chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many Jews believed in Jesus.
Continuing the Story at John 12:12
The Triumphal Entry
12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “ Hosanna! ‘ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” 14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “ Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
The Fruitful Grain of Wheat
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
Jesus Predicts His Death on the Cross
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.
Summary
A great many people had come to Jerusalem for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. They took palm branches and went out to meet Jesus, and shouted, “Save now! Deliver now! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” Later Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” But the people did not understand this, because they had learned from the Old Testament Scripture that the Messiah would rule forever. They didn’t realize that the Messiah would be killed and then resurrected on the third day.
Application
Jesus said something in this passage that I want to apply to us today. He said, “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”
We should serve Jesus. How? Love one another, help each other, and do what the Bible says to do. Why?
1st Reason: Because we love Jesus! We love Him because He first loved us and gave Himself for us.
2nd Reason: Because each believer must appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Each believer’s work will be tested by fire. If anyone’s work endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. [1 Corinthians 3:11-15] We are saved, given eternal life, simply by believing in Jesus Christ; but the rewards we have in the kingdom of God are based on our service to Jesus Christ in this present life.
Scripture in Lesson 21 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Gospel of John – Lesson 22, 12:35-50
Introduction
Last week we saw in the Gospel of John that many people had come to Jerusalem for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Five days before Jesus was put on the cross they took palm branches and went out to meet Jesus, and shouted, “Save now! Deliver now! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” Many people wanted Jesus, their Messiah, to deliver them from the Roman Empire and set up His Kingdom. Later Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” But the people did not understand this, because they had learned from the Old Testament Scripture that the Messiah would rule forever. They didn’t realize that the Messiah would be put upon a cross to die, where he would pay the penalty for all our sins, and then be resurrected on the third day before He set up His kingdom on earth and then rule forever. In the future Christ will set up His kingdom on earth and rule forever.
Continuing the Story with John 12:35-50, a Summary of His Public Ministry
Who Has Believed Our Report?
37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:
“Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?”
39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:
40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.”
41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
Walk in the Light
42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”
A Five-Point Summary of Jesus’ Public Ministry
1. A great many people did not believe in Jesus.
2. But many did believe in Him.
3. Those who believe in Him should not remain in darkness.
4. The words that Jesus spoke will judge those who reject Him, when they meet Him at the Great White Throne judgment.
5. He who believes in Jesus has everlasting life. The purpose for His miraculous signs: 20:30-31, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”
A Five-Point Summary of Jesus’ Public Ministry
1. A great many people did not believe in Jesus.
2. But many did believe in Him.
3. Those who believe in Him should not remain in darkness.
4. The words that Jesus spoke will judge those who reject Him, when they meet Him at the Great White Throne judgment.
5. He who believes in Jesus has everlasting life. The purpose for His miraculous signs: 20:30-31, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
What was the purpose of Jesus’ healing ministry? To demonstrate that He is the Messiah, the Son of God.
Application
We who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ should not be silent about Him because of what other people may do or say about us. Many of the Jewish rulers believed in Jesus, but would not tell others about their faith because they did not want to be put out of the synagogue; “for they loved praise from men more than the praise from God.” We should seize our opportunities to tell others about Jesus.
Scripture in Lesson 22 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Application
We who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ should not be silent about Him because of what other people may do or say about us. Many of the Jewish rulers believed in Jesus, but would not tell others about their faith because they did not want to be put out of the synagogue; “for they loved praise from men more than the praise from God.” We should seize our opportunities to tell others about Jesus.
Scripture in Lesson 22 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Gospel of John – Lesson 23, The Great White Throne Judgment
Introduction
Last week we read John 12:35-50, which summarizes Jesus’ Public Ministry. A great many people did not believe that Jesus is the Messiah who would rule forever. But many did believe in Him. The words that Jesus spoke will judge those who reject Him, when they meet Him at the Great White Throne (GWT) judgment. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in Me has eternal life.” At the GWT judgment anyone whose name is not found written in the Book of Life is cast into the lake of fire. When does the GWT judgment occur? The answer is in The Revelation of Jesus Christ, the last book in the Bible. Let me share with you an overview of this Book.
Overview of The Revelation of Jesus Christ
The purpose of this overview is to show where the Great White Throne judgment fits into the future. Jesus was crucified and resurrected in 33 AD. In 95 AD He appeared to the Apostle John and told him, “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”
Chapter 1 of the Revelation contains an introduction, John’s greeting to seven churches in Asia Minor, and a description of Jesus Christ as John saw Him.
Chapters 2 and 3 contain letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (Turkey today).
Chapter 4: John is taken up to the throne room of heaven.
Chapter 5: John saw the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ, take a “scroll out of the right hand of Him [God the Father] who sat on the throne” [Revelation 3:21, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Also, Rev. 5:7, The Nelson Study Bible].
Chapters 6 to 18 describe the Lamb opening the scroll and showing John events that will take place in the future Great Tribulation – resulting in great loss of life (9:15).
Chapter 19 describes Christ on a white horse in heaven and the armies in heaven following Him on white horses; and the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, came together to make war against Christ and His army. Revelation 19:20, “Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.” This ends the Great tribulation.
Chapter 20 describes what will happen next. Satan will be bound for 1000 years; Christ will reign on earth for 1000 years; at the end of the thousand years “Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations … to gather them together to battle.” Then Satan with his army taken from the four corners of the earth will surround “the camp of the saints and the beloved city [Jerusalem, Walvoord – The Bible Knowledge Commentary].” And fire will come “down from God out of heaven and” devour them. The devil will be “cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,” joining the beast and the false prophet. “And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
The Great White Throne Judgment
Revelation 20:11-15: “Then I saw a great white throne and Him [Jesus Christ: John 5:22, 27 and The Bible Knowledge Commentary] who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Chapters 21 and 22 describe the new heaven and the new earth [2 Peter 3:10-13] which are created after the Great White Throne Judgment.
Summary
Unbelievers will be resurrected to face the Great White Throne Judgment, where Jesus Christ is the Judge. They will be judged according to their works. Their works are not good enough to save them. Paul writes in his letter to the believers in Ephesus, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Since no ones works are good enough to save them and the unbelievers’ names are not in the Book of Life [Philippians 4:3, Revelation 17:8, 20:15, 21:27], they will be cast into the lake of fire.
Application
The solemn fact of the eternal separation of unbelievers from God in the lake of fire should motivate us to inform and challenge people to receive Christ before it is too late. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all who will listen. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Revelation 20:11-15: “Then I saw a great white throne and Him [Jesus Christ: John 5:22, 27 and The Bible Knowledge Commentary] who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Chapters 21 and 22 describe the new heaven and the new earth [2 Peter 3:10-13] which are created after the Great White Throne Judgment.
Summary
Unbelievers will be resurrected to face the Great White Throne Judgment, where Jesus Christ is the Judge. They will be judged according to their works. Their works are not good enough to save them. Paul writes in his letter to the believers in Ephesus, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Since no ones works are good enough to save them and the unbelievers’ names are not in the Book of Life [Philippians 4:3, Revelation 17:8, 20:15, 21:27], they will be cast into the lake of fire.
Application
The solemn fact of the eternal separation of unbelievers from God in the lake of fire should motivate us to inform and challenge people to receive Christ before it is too late. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all who will listen. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
#
Scripture in Lesson 23 is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
#
For addition lessons in the Gospel of John go to the following website:
http://www.billsbibleblog1.blogspot.com/
To get your free copy of the Gospel of John go to website below.
http://www.livingwater.org/
To get your free copy of the Gospel of John go to website below.
http://www.livingwater.org/
