The Gospel of John Lesson 56 (12-22-2013) John 14:12-7

The Gospel of John Lesson 56 (12-22-2013)

Lesson 56 – John 14:12-7

In vs. 12-4 Jesus makes a clear and clean offer…a promise, to whosoever desires to receive His offer. He tells them that this is an unbelievably offer telling them that they will be allowed to do some of the great works that they saw Him do. No small potatoes offer.

I wonder as He made this statement to them if their minds did not begin to bring to mind the different events that they saw Jesus do as He demonstrated the Father’s power wondering what it would be like for them to be able to do the same. I am sure that as their minds began to imagine the possibilities of Jesus’ offer that the first thoughts that came to their minds were the powerful and more dramatic acts of God that they saw Jesus do. However, as they thought of these things it might have been a good idea to remind them that what they were offered was God’s works to do which was more about purpose and substance than drama and show.

Taking Jesus’ offer seriously one could ask what exactly was Jesus offering them?? Over this is great debate. However, it appears very straightforward and clear as to who will do these works…those that believe, and, what they are offered to do! It appears from His statement in v. 12 that His comment here is all inclusive including all that believe.

All too often vs. 12-4 of John chapter 14 are pulled out and used as if they were stand alone verses. It is difficult to receive and apply the fullness of what Jesus actually meant here especially when taking this section of scripture in its context.

We are indeed often found to be people of extremes. On the one side we could view these verses as ‘a free pass’ to be used on a whim whenever and however we choose… in our way, at our discretion, much like a wish granted by rubbing a genie bottle. On the other hand some would strap this promise down with so many restrictions and rules of acting on them that it becomes practically unusable making it of little to no value at all in our realm of real life application.

Some of the stipulations that are put in the instruction manual on how to effectively apply these verses, or as some would say if they are even to be used in our day at all, were not meant or even implied by Jesus when He was giving this promise to His followers. I don’t mean to be too critical, but some seemingly have the view that if you don’t hold your tongue just right Jesus will not honor His promise found here.

So often we are so quick to just tack on “in Jesus Name” at the end of our request expecting somehow to magically force God to tilt in our direction and answer our request no matter what our request may be, even if we desire an outcome that God would not be fully pleased with.

However in looking at these verses and their application we must remember that Jesus is our example of how these verses are applied. When looking at His example, looking at His life and how He made requests to the Father, we find Him applying them in a practical way. We really do not find Him tacking on ‘in the Father’s Name’ at the end of all of His prayer requests, nor do we see Him making foolish or selfish requests. His requests were always according to what the Father would want. We do, however, find Him asking some interesting and amazing requests.

When He makes His requests to the Father He made them in His, the Father’s, Name or in other words acting on the Father’s behalf as if the Father Himself were present acting on His own behalf. This is what Jesus offers us. He offers us the ability to act on God’s behalf, with all the power and authority that goes with Him or His Name. Jesus did not offer us an open door to allow our self centered life to become a reality. His offer was to act in His Name…asking the Father…seeing the Father grant our requests so that the Father continues to be Glorified in the Son. The Father receives no glory from the fleshly part of our life. He is only honored by those acts done by the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ Name.

In these verses, vs. 12-4, is the power to establish the coming Church eventually bringing forth the fullness of His Kingdom, and the promise given here is still, even in our day, the power to work the works of God on His behalf. This offer was meant to be extremely practical and useful for God’s work and for our life as His children and was not meant to be utilized on the only rare occasion. The way I read this promise is that it was meant to be applied to our daily life including all parts of it, little and big. Any request concerning the daily function and the establishment of His Kingdom is offered here big or small.

In v. 12 Jesus says something meant to get their attention. What He says here was not meant for the few, but was meant for the many for in the first part of v. 12 He makes the statement “whoever…” meaning all who are willing and believe in Jesus, taking Jesus at His Word.

What He offers to them is the opportunity to work the works of God. It is good to notice that He does not offer them the opportunity to work the works of man or man’s will with the power of God behind them. To do so would create a comic book superhero found having more power than mortal man performing his selfish desires causing more destruction than he already does.

However, these are works of God, accompanied by God’s power to make them happen. They are offered to man to perform as God’s ambassador or representative carrying His full authority. All works of God are available and permissible here in this offer. All the works of God are on the table...great or so called small. God is willing and able to perform any work of God through man that He, God, chooses or ordains. God is able, and, I might add, willing to make it so.

However, it is important to notice what Jesus offers. In v. 12 He offers them the works that He did or does, and the greater works that He offers them are works that He would have continued to do if He remained. I believe that these are the continued, even greater, works necessary to bring about and fully establish His Kingdom.

This is an interesting thing to ponder and consider. For Jesus to do the works of God was easy or natural. Later in this chapter, v. 29, He will tell His disciples that the prince of this world has no part of Him, Jesus always able to do the Father’s will. But, for man to do the works of God as Jesus, man being imperfect, well that is something to be discussed and pondered. Yet, that is what He offered. There is no way to connect the two. Man doing God’s works together outside of Christ? A miracle must take place.

In vs. 15-7 Jesus announces that miracle to them. Later in the book of Galatians, chapter 5, the Apostle Paul will give us further instructions to be applied to the promise found in these verses. In sending the Spirit of Truth or the Holy Spirit as our helper we would receive guidance and assistance helping us to do the works of God better on the execution side and cleaning up even our imperfect works once done making them indeed the very works of God. What an offer.

As Jesus performed the works of God He not only performed the actions and tasks that were given to Him, but He was found to do them in the letter and spirit of the Law also. He was found to execute the Father’s request in the right spirit, at just the right time, in the right context, exactly as the Father wanted it done as if the Father Himself were doing it. This offer or arrangement was good and appropriate for Jesus being the Son of God, but what about us? Somehow Jesus saw his offer in v. 12 still as a viable and realistic offer to us. He would ask the Church to be a real part of the establishment of His Kingdom doing His work. But, it was obvious that we would indeed need some help. God’s Holy Spirit was the answer.

In this and the next couple of chapters Jesus will explain how this is possible. In reading vs. 12-4 in context it is obvious from Jesus’ conversation which includes the next couple of chapters that to apply His offer properly as intended that He needed to give them a framework to do so. It is good again to remember that although it may seem unfair to some to include chapters 15 and 16 in a discussion as applying to this promise, that this extended section of Scripture does appear to be one continuous conversation with His disciples beginning in the end of chapter 13 in the Upper Room and continuing as they change locations talking to them as they go to or toward Gethsemane.

We see as Jesus continues His conversation with them following this promise that the first thing that He tells them is to remind them that this is not a superficial offer. What He offered them was a relationship, and, it comes with some commitment or as some would say with some skin in the game.

At this point in for some reason I personally am not convinced that they are fully committed to what Jesus is offering or doing yet. Yes it is true that these guys have stayed with Him the longest and were indeed close to Him. Peter summed up their level of commitment to the Savior when all had left Him but them, Jesus asking them if they were going to leave Him also. Their response was, “to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Jn. 6:68

Yes, they were committed to Him, but were still pretty much on the receiving end and they would remain there until after the coming of the Spirit of Truth or the Holy Spirit which He tells them about in vs. 16-7. However, in v. 15 He wanted them to be sure that they understood what real love and commitment was. Here in v. 15 Jesus makes a statement that is really a question to them. It was meant for and to them to answer themselves, telling them that the proof of genuine love for Him is not what you say, but that you take serious His commandments and His way of living, applying His beliefs to their life. He would ask the same question or requirement of any of those who would follow Him.

Now Jesus is getting real with them here. He wasn’t being critical or judgmental with them. This was a call to them for a deeper commitment in essence telling them that the easy stuff is over. Jesus was moving into a real world set before Him and even though He knew that they would come, they would personally have to make that decision and commitment. Jesus knew that they were in. But, were they aware of it? Had they recognized the practical application of their commitment and relationship? Love for the Savior means commitment to Him and His ways. However, with deeper commitment also came greater benefits as we will see as His dialog with them continues.

One of these benefits, the Greatest, was the promise found in v. 16 of the coming Comforter that would abide with them forever! Wow, what a promise! The next few verses are rich in promise and substance. He tells them that He will pray with the same authority He just promised to them knowing that the Father would answer Him asking the Father to send this Comforter to them on His behalf. Jesus knew that He, the Father, would do it for He knew that the Father always heard His requests and answered them, and, that this Comforter would abide in His absence with them forever!

He goes on in v. 17 telling them that this Comforter that He will send to them is the one and only Spirit of Truth in essence telling them that He can be trusted above all other sources. He further tells them that this is a Source that is only for them, His followers. Those who do not receive His words do not and cannot access this Source. He makes it clear that the world which is foreign to His Kingdom cannot receive the Spirit’s wisdom and cannot hear it for if it did they too would hear and receive it and also be His followers. The world cannot receive His guidance, nor do they want too. This was reserved just for His followers.

Jesus ends v. 17 with a couple more significant promises. He goes on to tell them that when this Spirit of truth comes that they will come to know Him and His presence and that that Spirit that was once guiding and protecting them once being external to them would soon find His home in them dwelling in them. The Spirit would not just be guiding them from the outside, but then would be prompting them directly in their heart as explained by Paul in Romans chapter 8:1-11.

The Gospel of John Lesson 55 (12-08-2013) John 14:7-12

The Gospel of John Lesson 55 (12-08-2013)

Lesson 55 – John 14:7-12

In our last lesson we saw Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure and for the task that was ahead of them. We remember that their reaction to His statement that He was going away was one of bewilderment and fear of their being left alone without Him, probably having the feeling of abandonment. Peter had voiced their true desire wondering why they could not just go with Him. But, Jesus had other plans for them, important plans that they had not yet understood.

They had been enjoying the ride so to speak, the excitement of the moment with Jesus present, and, from Jesus’ statement they thought that their ride was about to end. They did not realize that Jesus still had plans for them…big plans.

It is important to mention at this point that the next few chapters actually consist of less than 24 hours and that Jesus does most of the talking. He addresses them on many levels building a framework on how they should see and relate to Him, God the Father and to each other. In essence He lays down the framework of the Church.

Some of His instruction is more on a personal level, one to one or small group orientated, such as John 15 where He talks about abiding in the vine and a little later in that chapter He calls them friends letting them know that they are not just servants, that their relationship is with Him and each other is personal.

However, also, if we were to step back and take a so called aerial view, His overarching theme is one of His being One with the Father and at the same time one with His Church, the Church being also one with the Father as it is with Him, Jn. 17:21.

As we study the next few chapters it is helpful to construct our understanding in the parameters of the relatively short time frame that Jesus’ words were given and in the parameters of the overarching theme of unity or oneness with Jesus and the Father. The purpose of having a personal relationship with Jesus is to be a part of the big picture being one with Jesus, the Father and the Church and the purpose of being a part of the big picture is to have a personal relationship with Jesus and the Father. They are mutually inclusive. You cannot have one without the other. The Church was meant for fellowship… As we continue this study, especially over the next few chapters, be sure to think on these things letting God’s Spirit speak to us concerning these things.

We saw that the first thing that Jesus did to reassure and strengthen their faith after they found out that He was leaving was to reassure them that He was not leaving them for good and that He was committed to them for the long haul. We saw in our last study that He assured them that they did indeed belong…belong to Him. So much so that He tells them that part of His leaving is that He is leaving to prepare a permanent home for them.

However, the second thing that Jesus does in preparing them for His departure and the task ahead of them is that He connects them to their power source. Peter, at the end of chapter 13, was still trusting in himself to establish the Kingdom. (This is a good question for us. Are we trusting in our strength or God’s strength to establish the Kingdom?)

They basically had operated on the principle ‘if it is going to be it is up to me’. This would not work for what was ahead of them. It was going to take more than any ability or power or force found on earth or in man to overcome the power of sin and death found on earth. Only God could do this. And, only God and His Power could establish His Kingdom using His Church in the process. Without God’s power working in them the task ahead of them would not be possible. They would need to see their source of strength clearly, being able to resort to it and rely on it if they were going to be able to perform and establish God’s plan for them. Human effort would not be enough.

It is clear from their reply in v. 8 that as yet they did not see the full picture. In v. 7 Jesus begins to sharpen their focus of reality. He in essence tells them to look again…to take a closer look, that they were not paying close enough attention.

They were living too fast, riding high on the wave of excitement. They did not slow down and pay attention and get to know the real Jesus. He actually tells them at the beginning of v. 7 that if they had really known Him that they would have not only seen the Family resemblance between Him and the Father, but they would have literally seen and known the Father Himself.

Most of their relationship at this point was centered on their benefits in this relationship. Life was good with Jesus and even though they did have a relationship with Him it was one mostly centered on the benefits of being with Him. As yet they had not understood fully what Mary had seen and understood when she found herself at His feet unashamedly worshiping Him as she would God the Father.

Mary saw no difference between Jesus and the Father. As a matter of fact, she saw Them in reality and perception as One in the same. It was evident that His disciples were not there in practice as yet. If they had been watching they could have learned something from Mary. What Mary did went right over their head.

However, now it was time for them to get it. We in reality cannot fault them too much. They did recognize and acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah who was the chosen One of Israel, the coming Savior of the world. But, for some reason they still for the most part saw Jesus and the Father as separate entities. They saw Jesus as great and coming from God and as the Messiah, but somehow still they did not quite see the Father.

This is not totally unusual. It is easy for us to do this too. To see the God of the universe and the power of all of creation seemingly squeezed into one man is difficult for anybody to see and acknowledge, even if it appeared to be so. Even we as His followers have the same trouble.

However, most of the world, like the Pharisees, were way behind them at this point. They saw Jesus as special, but refused to accept what they were seeing concerning Him being God. His disciples had missed what Jesus was saying all along, that one must choose to believe what they saw to come to where Mary found herself, seeing clearly that there was no difference between Jesus and the Father.

Vs. 9-11 is a wake up statement for Phillip and the other disciples. Many of our failures or shortcomings as followers and members of the Church are found here. Much of the time we are found wanting to use Jesus, or our perception of Him, for our benefit when in reality our real benefit and power comes from seeing Jesus for who He really is and aligning ourselves with that truth.

He was telling them that there was Power in this knowledge that Jesus is indeed as much God as the Father, seeing and acting upon them as One. They would need to draw and depend on this power when He left and they were left with the task of establishing the Church.

When we see the Supernatural we tend to want to put it in a box instead of receiving it and letting it overcome us prompting us to actions that are not normally our own. These are actions that are not contrived by us, but are truly acts initiated and performed by God. Mary was a good example of this. Her sincere act of worship was God generated. She allowed God to overcome her moving her to act in sincere worship. Her faith in Jesus as God including the fullness of the Father was what prompted her act of worship.

Peter voices somewhat the disciple’s perspective at this point found  in Matthew chapter 17 when he wanted to put the supernatural into 3 boxes or booths to somehow manage what he experienced better. Jesus was telling them that if they would/could see Him for who He really was, One and the Same as the Father, then they would let God overcome them and they would ask the things of God, v. 12, that they may be done. When we truly see the reality of Jesus and the Father being One we are then offered the opportunity to abandon our self and to join with them being one with them also.

The power found in the answers to prayers is found in doing the works of the Father performed and prompted by Him as exemplified and demonstrated by Jesus. It was imperative that they see and recognize the fullness and completeness of the Father in Him being able to act in full faith on Jesus’ teachings and instructions as from God the Father Himself. The potential of God’s power being performed on their request depended on it.

The Gospel of John Lesson 54 (11-23-2013) John 14:1-6

The Gospel of John Lesson 54 (11-23-2013)

Lesson 54 – John 14:1-6

Chapter 14

In chapter 14 Jesus turns from His personal but not private conversation with Peter and continues to inform them about His departure. Even though Jesus is leaving temporally, He will not leave them without words of comfort, nor would He leave them without instruction. (What words of comfort and instruction has He left us/you with till His return?) In the next few chapters we will see Him prepare them for His departure and the task ahead of them with not only words of comfort, but also with promises and words of hope.

It is good to remember that at this point Jesus is less than 24 hours from the Cross. In the next few chapters of John’s Gospel we will see that He will cover an unbelievable amount of detail and information with His disciples in such a short time. It reminds me of a weekend seminar in which at the beginning of the weekend you are only aware of the basics related to the area of study, but at the end of the weekend you somehow now become an expert on the topic. Information overload! They will have to work out these details over time. Jesus knew that they would not understand all these important topics that He would share with them at this time, but He also knew that they would get it later, completing the course, truly becoming an expert with the ongoing help of the soon coming Holy Spirit.

The first thing He tells them is to not let their hearts be troubled and that He indeed can be trusted. He did not lead them here with false intentions to just abandon them now. He tells them that He is worthy of their trust. They can trust Him as they would put their trust in God. Good advice, even in our day.

Fear, worry and concern dominate this life. These emotions would be the obvious first response from them when Jesus told them that He was going to leave. Their response like ours would be, “Oh, no, what are we going to do now!” Jesus knew that ‘fear’ can in some cases motivate, but He also knew that more times than not fear can also cripple and defeat us. A large part of Jesus’ ministry and ministering to us is to help us see things clearly and to have courage to act and move forward and not be afraid reminding us that He is leading the charge.

We remember the disciple’s earlier response to Jesus’ majesty was one of fear of Him. At that time He told them and helped them to not be afraid of Him as they saw Him perform the mighty works of God. Now, He would tell them to not be afraid of the real dangers that are found in this world which would lie before them while He was gone. In their eyes they would have to face these dangers seemingly without Him. It’s a scary world out there. But, would they be facing it alone? Even though He was leaving, would they be facing the whole world without Him? Alone? On their own? Jesus will show them that there is more to this life than literally meets the eye. And, He will not just give them an empty pep talk to temporarily pump them up, but will share with them realities that they did not know even existed.

The first thing that He does is that He tells them that they have a place and that they still belong to Him even though He is leaving for a season. Down deep inside this is the longing in our heart, first that we have a purpose for our life, but also that we have the knowledge that we belong. You can do a lot with that!

He says to them in v. 2, “In my Father’s house are many mansions (or rooms or dwelling places).” However, in the next part of the verse He tells them something that can be translated in at least two different ways, and, we see different translations do just that. We see the NIV translate the next part of this verse, “if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” and the NASB translate the same passage as “if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”

In essence the outcome and practical application of what Jesus was saying to both His disciples and to us in meaning is essentially the same. However, one translation would indicate that He was sharing this truth with them at the moment, essentially saying that they should have assumed this, while the other translation indicates that He had previously told them about this, having discussed this promise with them at an earlier time.

Having shared His leaving with them previously makes sense since He had discussed and talked about His leaving much earlier in John’s Gospel in Jn. 7:33-6 and 8:21 their being present at the time. It is likely and actually probable that at least some of the disciples would have picked up on His comments at the time and would have asked Him more questions about what He had said. If so, Jesus’ comments here would have been a reminder about what He had discussed with them earlier, letting them know plainly that now was the time that He had been referring too.

He tells them, “If it were not so I would have told you.” Wow! In one short sentence, in just a few words, He gives them not only hope and purpose, but He also gives them a destination that is definite and sure to shoot for. He tells them, “I am going someplace, and you may not be going there now, but you will be joining me there later!” He tells them in essence “You belong to Me!” This is what they wanted and needed to hear.

Prior to this when Jesus had shared that He was leaving they were thinking abandonment, possibly wondering if they would ever see Him again. Now they were assured that this was not true. He made it very clear that He was committed and connected to them even though He was leaving for a season. Very soon they would need to know this as the events of the next few days will challenge their faith in all that He had told and taught them. In this John 13:1 is made clear…He loved them to the end. As yet they did not know the mechanics and the details of how their future would actually play out, but their hearts were very comforted in this statement by Jesus knowing that He was not abandoning them.

In v. 1 He had reminded them that they should believe and trust in God during this time. Jesus knew the sadness that was in their heart because of His leaving, but He also knew the difficulties that lie ahead of them. He also told them that they should put that same trust and assurance in Him, and, that they should not doubt, resting fully in what He was telling them. They were assured of the ultimate outcome. They were assured of a home with Him. In this we see that Jesus did indeed love them, and us for that matter, to the very end. He had promised. It was belonging to Him that comforted them. This also is our comfort.

At the end of v. 2 and into v. 3 He shares with them some of the details of what He will be doing while He will be away. He was going to prepare a place for them. These details are brief, but are more than enough for them at this time. When hearing this, in their mind, I am sure that they were not thinking 2000 plus years. It would seem to me that their perception would have been more short term, days, weeks, months or even a year or two in an extreme case. It was not uncommon for a master to leave for a season to conduct business or to visit someone like a relative or dignitary. In their mind I am sure that they were thinking more short term.

We remember at the end of chapter 13 that Peter had the impression that he would travel with Jesus to where He was going. It is sure that their perception of Jesus leaving did not include ‘death’, and, surely did not include death on a cross. In less than 24 hours, what He tells them here will definitely add to their confusion concerning what to make of what He was saying to them. But, for now, He assures them with these few words of the promise of His return and their eventually being reunited with Him.

However, in v. 4 He says something that is confusing to them. He tells them that unlike the religious rulers found in chapter 7 and 8 of John who did not know the destination and the way to where Jesus was going that they supposedly knew where He was going and the way to get there. We remember that Jesus had said to the religious rulers that they did not know where He was going and that they did not know the way. What Jesus said here in John 14:4 was meant to reassure them that His relationship with them because of their belief in Him was different. But, apparently it had confused them instead. Had they been listening? Had they been paying attention? (Had Jesus also told us the Way? Why then is there so much confusion?)

In v. 5 Thomas asks Jesus to make the way clear to them. Thomas clearly and openly tells Jesus that he does not understand and that he and the others are confused as to the destination where they will meet up with Him and join Him. Do we say the same today in our day?

 Jesus’ reply to them in v. 6 is that it is as plain as the nose on your face, saying that He Himself is the Door to Heaven. Thomas and the others were still thinking earthly thinking that to rejoin with Jesus in His Kingdom they would have to physically travel to where He was. They did not realize that they were already there… at the Door, and, that the Door to their home with Him was right before them. Had they not been listening? They lacked what Mary had learned, ‘a little less me and a lot more You’. They lacked the spiritual part of the equation. They were still thinking time and space. They did not know and realize that time and space stood before them. But, there is more to the equation that Mary paying attention understood and they as yet did not see as yet. In our next lesson we will see Jesus give them the rest of the equation helping them to come up with the right answer that they will need to apply to the difficult days ahead.

The Gospel of John Lesson 53 (11-10-2013) John 13:36-8

The Gospel of John Lesson 53 (11-10-2013)

Lesson 53 – John 13:36-8

Jesus having given them a new commandment capable of keeping them in His absence tells them of His departure. Again, we read, that this departure from them was not permanent. However, as we have found out, His departure was indeed for an extended season. They would have to live in His absence as if He were present. This was only possible if they would apply the new commandment that they had been given by Him in v. 34 telling them to not only love, but to Love as He had…that was, as only God could. This was humanly impossible. But, as we saw in our last study, this new commandment was not given ale cart, but was packaged with the ability to perform it given with the Power of God to do it contained in it, given with the soon coming Holy Spirit.

Jesus now begins to build on this foundation of this new commandment, in essence telling them that He was indeed leaving them and that they would have to not only behave in His absence, but would have to treat each other right also, applying God’s love in the process. It is interesting to note that at this time even though some of these disciples would eventually take a more lead role in the Church, that He did not leave any one in charge during His absence. He would still be the Shepherd, even in His absence. The Holy Spirit would accomplish this in His absence. The Holy Spirit would fit their different personalities and gifts together as if it were one Body representing the Person of Christ. This would be a mystery that would be visible to the world and that would have no other explanation except that Christ Himself must in some way be alive and still present with them.

In v. 36 we see a very intimate moment. Jesus tells them that He is going away. Peter opens his heart wide, uncaring and unafraid of who is listening and looking at the moment, which is typical for Peter.  It is a tender moment even though the discussion eventually ends up in a rebuke. The first part of their discussion appears to be genuine, Peter not wanting to be separated from his Lord. In this Peter’s emotion is true, and, he is to be commended for it. His Lord is leaving, and he will miss Him. We find Peter verbally expressing what they all must have been feeling concerning Jesus’ statement of His departure. This was a very difficult moment for all of them. It is only natural for Peter and the others to want to go with Him.

However, as the discussion continues we see another trait of Peter’s expressed…pride. Peter was always talking and rarely if ever listening. In v. 36 Jesus answers Peter’s question giving him and the others a promise that they would eventually join Him later. However, as often is seen with Peter, this answer was not good enough for him. Instead of asking Jesus what He wanted him to do in His absence, Peter in essence tells Jesus that he has a better plan and that he cannot understand why he can’t go with Him right now.

It is apparent from Peter’s reply that Peter thought that the reason that Jesus would not let him go with Him at this time was that the task ahead was too big or difficult for Peter. Peter as yet did not understand the concept of the Lord seeing the ‘bigger picture’, so to speak, and, clearly was still in the mindset of advancement of the Kingdom using earthly means such as force and power. In this Peter saw himself as the obvious choice, or, in other words, ‘God’s man’ for the job. Peter will remain in this mindset until after the Cross.

Peter was not ready to truly ‘follow’ his Lord. His response to Jesus’ beginning to prepare him and the others for the task ahead was still one of dominance. It was a selfish and prideful response saying in essence that I am your man. The new commandment just given to him had gone right over the top of his head. Peter had not as yet bought into Jesus’ plan.

In reality Peter did not even know what Jesus’ plan was. Jesus had not fully revealed the plan to them as yet. He was just beginning to do that. However, it was obvious that Peter had a plan. His own plan of how this should go. We will see Jesus instruct and teach them the plan and strategy in the next few chapters, however, it was obvious from Peter’s response that Peter thought that he had it all already figured out and that Jesus could not accomplish this task without him.

Before we criticize Peter too quickly, however, it would be good for us to recognize and acknowledge that we are often found to be like Peter. This all too often is a common pattern and problem with Jesus’ followers. If we were more careful to listen and then follow God’s prompting in many of our endeavors we might be more fruitful. It is true much of the Church in our day is found sitting doing nothing so we must give Peter some credit. However, just as much potential damage can be done, accompanied with a lot of wasted effort and activity in acting and doing without knowing God’s plan or seeking His direction in a matter.

Peter’s response in v. 37 tells us that he thought that he knew the plan or at least had his own plan of how to make this work. He saw no need to just hang out doing menial tasks of what he considered to be of lesser importance and value.

The word that describes how Peter saw staying behind was ‘boring’. He wanted to be where he thought the action was. At this point he was not thinking Heaven. Jesus had not yet explained that to them. Peter was thinking and wanted to be a part of God establishing and setting up His Kingdom on earth. Peter thought, “That’s where the action is”. Staying behind was for someone of lesser ability and strength. What Peter did not realize at that time was that there would be plenty of action found in staying behind.

In looking at our position today in God’s plan we find ourselves in a similar mindset as was Peter in some ways. The common thought or desire is that we want to leave this place and go to ‘be with Jesus’. We think ‘that’s where the action is’. However, we couldn’t be more mistaken. Although Jesus is at work right now doing whatever He is doing (He is at work doing many things), the ‘action’ so to speak is right here on earth, right now, where we are.

To be sure God’s attention is on this place right now, and, He is very much at work right here in our world. I believe that there is no place right now that receives more of God’s attention and action and work in His creation than planet earth. Our preoccupation with Heaven, although it is eventually our Blessed Hope and promise, so often can distract us from our present task and mission on the earth here and now. These twelve men had task ahead of them and although they needed a hope for their ultimate future, which Jesus is about to share with them, they also needed to be focused on the task before them that was of critical important. In the next few chapters we will see Him ready them for the task at hand while also planting in their heart the hope of their ultimate destination when their work is done, that of being with Him in Heaven.

For the moment, Jesus is helping Peter with His perception of reality concerning himself. In v. 37 Peter’s perception of why Jesus would not let him go with Him was that he was not ready to commit to the difficulty that might ahead. Peter assuring Jesus that he is able and worthy of the task tells Jesus that he would be willing to lay down his life…if need be.

However, Jesus questions him on this, knowing the reality of Peter’s true and not perceived ability. Jesus knows in reality who we are and what we are capable of doing or not doing as the case may be. It is interesting that Jesus’ statement to Peter concerning his willingness to lay down his life is quite direct and clear. Jesus did not beat around the bush concerning this issue. Peter’s pride and his desire to be preeminent with respect to all the others would not only dramatically affect Peter’s ability to have an effective ministry, but it could also injure the Church at large. Personalities such as this often crush or discourage good collateral ministries in the process seeing themselves as the only possible option or answer. Jesus had big plans for Peter, but He could not realize them in him like this. Peter’s pride had to be dealt with. Jesus will continue to point this out to Peter in the remaining chapters of John’s Gospel.

When Peter would finally deny even knowing Jesus these words found here in v. 38 will play back to him loud and clear concerning his inability to do Jesus’ will in his own power. To Peter there will be no denying what Jesus was referring to. Even as Jesus was speaking these words to Peter, I am sure that Peter already knew that Jesus was right. However, again, this would not be the last confrontation that Jesus would have with Peter concerning this issue. We will see Jesus again pointedly dealing with Peter concerning his pride even at the end of this Gospel in Chapter 21.

The Gospel of John Lesson 52 (11-03-2013) John 13:33-5

The Gospel of John Lesson 52 (11-03-2013)

Lesson 52 – John 13:33-5

In v. 33 Jesus reminds them of something that He had said much earlier. He tells them that soon He would leave them. He had made this statement much earlier when He was debating with the Pharisees concerning God and what was to come found in Jn. 7:34 and 8:21. At that time He had addressed His audience telling them if they did not believe His message they would not join Him again later when He had gone to the Father. In other words, they would not be able to rejoin Him or God the Father in His Kingdom.

However, this was different. Here in Jn:13:33 he was addressing His followers, and even though He would also be leaving them, His message to them of leaving was temporary. Through the end of this chapter the Disciples and Jesus would discuss His leaving, but as we will see it would not be forever. His admonition to them was not one of farewell or complete departure never to meet again, but was instead one of representing Him in His absence until He returns and reunites with them.

After v. 33 Jesus says something interesting. He tells them that since He is leaving them for a season that they will need something to help get them through during His absence till He returns. While Jesus was with them He was able to preside over the selfish conflict and ambition that frequently dominated their relationship together. While they traveled together there were some power struggles and personal conflicts and personal ambition moves that occurred that could have easily divided them if Jesus had not been there. However, soon Jesus would not be there to preside and guide them concerning their differences and selfish desires.

It would be like a parent leaving their children for a season, leaving them to work it out on their own. Disastrous. Not always a pretty situation. Conflict can escalate quickly, in a moment, if a parent is not present. In v. 33 He actually addresses them as ‘little children’ interestingly enough. Yes, He would be sending them some help eventually sending them the Holy Spirit, but what He shares with them in the next few verses, with the Holy Spirit’s help, would be enough to keep them till He returned.

He tells them that this is a ‘New Commandment’ that He was giving unto them. I question, “Was this really new?” Hadn’t He been teaching them all along to do this? Many would say yes, saying that this was just a more pointed and more direct emphasis on what He had been trying to get them to understand and practice all along. Others, however, would actually pause and say, “No. I really think in some way this is actually a New Commandment”, having a different and deeper meaning than anything that He had ever said to them before, although… His meaning was not fully clear to them.

Some would argue that everything that Jesus taught and demonstrated was based on this precept and principle. However, was it? Was there something different to what Jesus was saying and teaching them this time that was indeed different and ‘new’?

If you were to think about it, much of what Jesus had taught them in the past was based on their doing it, doing good or doing the right thing. It is true, that what He was asking them to do or what He was showing them was based on God’s principles, but there was only one problem, in showing them God’s ways He was asking them to do what they by themselves were unable to do.

In much of Jesus’ teachings Jesus showed them the standard of giving and caring and doing. But, in doing so, the response that He expected was at best their best attempt, in reality, falling short of the full performance and intent of the act, ending up short of the intent and standard that Jesus requested.

In considering Jesus’ examples and lessons as He demonstrated them to us while with us, to me what we saw paralleled in relationship, when considering our performance ability, that of our being able to perform and keep the Old Testament Law.

Yes, what Jesus was showing us actually superseded the O. T. Law requirements being founded on grace, but as yet what we were being shown to do, what and how, was as yet by our own power, being unable to perform them as shown by Jesus, being in our own power.

Even the Golden Rule, as good as it is, Jesus telling them that on this rule was founded the foundation of all the Law and the prophets, when Jesus told them told them to do it, ‘to do unto others as you would have them do unto you’, was not practical for man in man’s present state. To perform what God was asking was in and of itself difficult. But, also,when considering this commandment, even as good as we would treat ourselves, when it was all said and done how we even treat ourselves  would be found lacking.

This commandment found in John 33:33-5 was indeed different. It would be based fully on the complete and prefect standard of God’s Love, coming from God Himself, making up for our insufficiency or inability. He knew that soon the Holy Spirit would come giving them the power to do it.

Prior to this they were always on the receiving end of Love, always getting, never truly giving it. Now He was not just telling them to do a good deed for someone now and again or even frequently. He was telling them to Love first, knowing that the real need would indeed be met by their action that followed if they did it in God’s power and love.

As good as the Golden Rule of service was it could not match ministering and caring in ‘God’s’ Love as Jesus Himself did. I believe that these are the ‘greater works’ that Jesus was referring to in John 14:12. We read that passage and immediately think that Jesus was referring to the supernatural miracles such as the calming of the sea or raising the dead. But, I don’t think so. I do not deny that God can and has chosen to show His power through His disciples at times in that way, but I believe that in Jn. 14:12 Jesus was referring more to His acts of love performed toward man as only God could go tntm.

The Apostle Paul put it this way in I Cor. Chapter 13:

1 Corinthians 13

New International Version (NIV)

13 If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

It appears to me that yes, this really was a ‘new commandment’, and, it was delivered to His disciples with something else in the box or package, the Power that would soon come to do it..the coming Holy Spirit. This commandment this time was not based on man’s ability. It came packaged with the Power of the Holy Spirit covered in ‘Grace’. This was what man was waiting for to finally work the works of God.

This commandment of ‘Loving one another’ packaged with God’s ability and Power was enough to keep them and the Christian Church while Jesus was away, and, would keep them till He came back. To me, this commandment supersedes the Golden Rule being given in God’s ability and power and not man’s. In v. 34 we read the commandment as given. It is important to remember that He did not simply tell them to ‘love one another’. If He had this commandment would be no greater than any other commandment given making it in essence no different than even the Golden Rule.

This commandment was stated that they were to ‘love one another as He had loved them’. To do this it would take an ‘act of God’ or God acting on man’s behalf in their action for this to happen. Only God could love like God. Soon He would tell them about this Power that was to come to help them to do this.

It is important to mention that these verses are also the missing link in most of our evangelism, Jn. 13:33-5. (Show Billy Graham trailer) ‘Doing this’ or performing this commandment as instructed was what Jesus said no man could mistake for God’s love and His work in this world for it contained God. This visual representation would have the biggest impact on those around us not only marking us as to Who’s we are, but also would talk loudly to those around of that same Love that could be for them.

In looking at this, a large part of our Christian life and experience comes into consideration here. The area that comes to mind is our ‘Fellowship’ with one another. The complete topic of fellowship is much too large for us to deal with at this point in our study, but at the same time it must be mentioned because it is the foundation of what Jesus is talking about here. Without fellowship, none of what Jesus is telling us to do here matters. In other words, it is impossible to obey this commandment without the application of God’s koinonia ‘in fellowship’ with one another. It is in fellowship that the benefits of this commandment are derived. It is in our meeting, ‘in fellowship’ with one another, availing ourselves of God’s power to love as only He could love that shows the world our God and their need for Him. (Heb. 10:25)

The Gospel of John Lesson 51 (10-27-2013) John 13:18-32

The Gospel of John Lesson 51 (10-27-2013)

Lesson 51 – John 13:18-32

In v. 18-20 Jesus says to them that He is telling them beforehand about His betrayal and crucifixion because when it happened it will appear like He/they had lost it all and that all He had taught and told them would appear invalid. He tells them in these verses in essence not to be shaken, encouraging them to go in the position and power of ambassador given to them and that this position is given and bestowed on them with such authority and power it is as if Jesus Himself were present as they went. In these verses He also reminds them to receive others that will come to them in the same position for they too are coming to them as if it were Christ. In saying this it is good to be reminded of Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 12:26 that in doing so we come ministering as if Christ was ministering His will and not our own.

In v. 21 He comes back to the betrayal. After sharing with His disciples great Kingdom principles that are to come, He comes back the realities at hand… the nitty-gritty and difficulties of the present realities of this fallen world. Soon this reality would be over and finished for Jesus, for soon He will have completed His work going on to better things so to speak. But, for now, choosing to be a part of, and living in this fallen world, this was His reality…betrayal, rejection, death and suffering.

In considering this, a question comes to mind. ‘What are we looking and striving for?’ At times I think that so much of our efforts and pursuits are focused on trying to find that elusive supposedly ‘sweet spot’ for life, that ‘life is good’ place having all or almost all of the pain and difficulty of this present world removed. It is as if we are looking for Heaven on earth in this present age. Although, trying to improve our place in life is not a bad idea, going after and pursuing what could be called ‘the prefect life’ may prove to be not only futile, but also frustrating. It has been said that the definition of happiness is when reality exceeds expectations. For myself, I have come to a realization that the sweet spot of life does not exist during this time… at this moment… on planet earth.

At this point in John 13 v. 21 for Jesus He knew all too well of the reality of colliding with this world in its present state. There was no external environmental peace to be found for Him in ‘this’ present world. He would soon find His peace in the pain of Cross. For now, He was at war with the world around Him. Jesus did not live in a bubble of bliss while here on earth. However, soon He would be fully free of this world’s difficulties having fully conquered them in the Cross.

Like Jesus we need to be careful not to expect to find external peace here. It is true that we are promised peace in our heart from God that passes all understanding (Jn. 14:27), but bliss or external peace should not be expected here… yet… at this time for us.

Hebrews chapter 11 verses 13-6 makes it clear that we will not find our place of rest here at this time. Jesus soon would complete His work, but at the end of this chapter and the beginning of chapter 14 He will tell His followers the even though He would leave for a season they would remain, in a world that would be hostile to them yet for a season. Jesus’ work would soon be complete, but our work in this hostile world environment would continue. We should not expect it to be without difficulty. Even as such, however, He would not leave us alone or abandon us completely.

Again, in v. 21, Jesus tells them that someone at the table would betray Him. In vs. 22-5 the disciples doubting their own faithfulness question who it would be that would betray Him. In v. 24 Peter, not wanting to ask the Lord directly probable for fear of Jesus saying that it was him, asks the one sitting next to Jesus to ask Him who He was referring to. I have wondered at times why Peter did not receive a reply back from this person telling him to ask Him himself. But, instead he decides to carry out Peter’s request.

In v. 26 Jesus plainly tells them how to identify the one who the betrayer would be. However, in the verses to follow we read that they apparently miss it all together. The way John chapter 13 verses 26-9 read it seems that it should have been easy to identify the person that Jesus was referring to, but to them it was not that obvious. Maybe they were preoccupied with other things at the dinner table.

In v. 26 Jesus dips the morsel or sop and gives it to Judas. This is a turning point in Judas’ life. It appears to be a point of no return for him. After dipping the sop and handing it to Judas, v. 27 tells us that the seduction of Judas is now complete opening him fully to the work and will of Satan. What a dark moment!

Jesus knowing what is about to happen tells him to go and do what is intended in his heart telling him to carry out his plan quickly. Apparently what Jesus had said to Judas was loud enough for the others to hear for they took note of it. However, it appears that they really didn’t understand the intent with which it was spoken. Some at the table actually assumed that Jesus was giving Judas some last minute instructions concerning the Passover dinner or had asked him to go buy something that they had need of for the poor. V. 30 tells us that after receiving the sop that Judas went out quickly into the night to do the evil that was now firmly planted in his heart. It is interesting that when he went out that it was dark, Judas himself going out into the darkness.

One would think that now that the wheels were set in motion, Jesus knowing what was about to happen, would just seemingly helplessly wait out His fate. But, the verses that follow do not give us that impression. Vs. 31-2 give us a different perspective giving us unique insight into Jesus’ perspective. Jesus’ death on the Cross is often referred to as His Passion and these verses bear that out telling us that from His perspective that He saw it as His moment of glory and was one not of defeat.

What we might see as a moment of defeat He saw as His reward now receiving His crown of what He called ‘His glory’. It is interesting that what He would receive as His crown would be a crown of thorns. He had finally won. This moment was what He had been waiting for throughout all history and time. In the verses that follow we find that not only was He Himself finally glorified in what was about to happen, but so was the Father also glorified in it. Even though He all too well knew the pain that was before Him He embraced His position and what Judas was about to do as a win. How do we see the difficulty found in our life as a follower of Christ in this world? I am not one to willingly receive pain when it is coming my way. Maybe Jesus’ example could teach us something.

The Gospel of John Lesson 50 (10-20-2013) John 13:15-17

The Gospel of John Lesson 50 (10-20-2013)

Lesson 50 – John 13:15-17

Meanwhile, other forces were at work at the table. They did not go unaware or unnoticed by Jesus even though the rest of the disciples were oblivious to the happenings. The disciples were caught up in the moment of fellowship with their Lord, but even though Jesus was also thoroughly enjoying the moment with them He was not unaware of what was happening in the background.

 In v. 2 John tells us that the devil was continuing to work out his plan in seducing Judas. Judas’ heart had already decided that he wanted more than Jesus was offering willing to do anything to get it, even if it meant betraying Someone very close to him.  However, in v. 2 of chapter 13 Judas had not been fully seduced over to complete darkness as yet. I personally cannot even imagine how he could have sat at the dinner table with the Lord knowing what was in his heart all along intentionally and purposely planning within moments to betray Him. What a picture of the heart of man and the darkness that it is capable of. We like to point the finger at Judas, but the truth is that any one of us is capable of such and in reality could have been chosen for this task. Without God’s intervention men’s hearts are capable of such being seduced by the darkness of sin that is found there.

In a broad look at chapter 13 the others at the table even though they were committed to the light that Jesus spoke of understood the possibility of giving into the darkness and its temptation and seduction. John and the other Gospel writers record the response of the other Disciples to Jesus’ comment concerning someone at their very table betraying Him. Later in John’s Gospel, 13:22, we see the Apostle John record the disciples’ response. They were found looking at each other wondering who Jesus could be referring to as He told them of this betrayal.

However, in the other Gospels, the other writers make it even more plain and descriptive, Matt. 26:22, Mark 14:19 and Lk. 22:23, telling us that their response was a response of even doubting themselves concerning this statement. They like us probably considered themselves basically to be pretty good people. However, in these passages we find them one by one asking if it was them that would be the one and only that would betray Him. In other words, it seemed that everyone at the table understood the possibility of letting Jesus down and possibly going against Him in this fashion. Down inside even though they innately knew that they could conceivably do such a thing in reality they had hoped that they were not that evil.

Jesus’ statement, however, was not meant to cause all at the table to doubt their commitment to Him at all. His comment was instead more of a warning to the one that would actually end up betraying Him. In all probability it was meant more as a judgment upon their would be action. It should be remembered that there was two things going on at the table at one time. Yes Judas was heading toward betraying our Lord, but at the same time Jesus was finishing up His final moments with His Disciples instructing them in the remaining details that He had to share with them before His departure. He was encouraging them, not discouraging them, to fully commit to what was before them.

In v. 17 of chapter 13 He tells them something that is extremely important. He tells them the ‘Secret of the Kingdom’. In essence He tells them if they study and learn this Kingdom principle that He has shown to them, and apply what they have seen that they will experience something that cannot be obtained by the practices of their former lifestyle…happiness or Joy!

Nothing satisfies the soul like giving and caring for another that has a real need denying yourself in the process. There is something about giving in that way that is extremely satisfying and fulfilling. Jesus shared with them the example of a seed that dies to self producing much fruit in the process in chapter 12 vs. 24-5. We often think of the fruit that sacrificial giving produces in others when we give to them, but forget that it also produces fruit in us bringing us much Joy, pleasure and satisfaction in this present life. Later we see the Apostle John go further in sharing what he had learned that night found in the writings of his first epistle. He shared further and expounded on this principle telling them in I John 1:4 that in knowing and applying these things that their Joy would indeed be full.

Jesus’ comment in verse 17 concerning service and the Joy that it produces begs a question. ‘Are we experiencing Joy in our life?’, and, if not, why not? When one first begins to think about and answer this question we automatically do a life check asking ourselves how busy we are in doing things supposedly for those around us. But, foot washing is different. It is not done out of the duty of ‘how much’, or just doing the deed, but is done out of love, caring for the one in need completely. ‘How much’ has an element of pride associated with it, being proud of how much we give. In Jesus’ example He was not necessarily telling us to give more and more. His example, like that of the Good Samaritan, was to have more care and compassion in our giving, focused more on the one we are giving to than ourselves for giving.

In reading about Jesus’ example in John 13 the thing that does not necessarily come through the words to us is Jesus’ technique for foot washing. I can only imagine the job that He did on His disciples that night in washing their feet. All I can say is that it must have been a special time of ministry. On the receiving end…wonderful, on Jesus’ end Joyfull! Jesus was not just giving them the textbook version of foot washing. He enjoyed ministering to them being the perfect example of selfless service. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 49 (10-06-2013) John 13:1-15

The Gospel of John Lesson 49 (10-06-2013)

Lesson 49 – John 13:1-15

Over the next few chapters Jesus will demonstrate and teach His disciples what this new Kingdom will look like. As yet, these are foreign principles to them. After finishing dinner, vs. 3-6, Jesus does something very strange and out of character to them. It wasn’t out of character to Jesus, but it was definitely out of character to them and the world system that they were use to.

Dr. Luke records some interesting details in his gospel that are not found in John’s account concerning this event and this dinner. I have at times been curious as to why Jesus chose this time to demonstrate this principle of servant hood by washing the disciple’s feet. I understand the need for Jesus to teach this principle to His followers, but have always been somewhat curious as to ‘why now’?

It is true that the hour was late and teaching this principle to them was important, but was this just one of those must teach principles to share and teach them prior to His departure, or, was there something that prompted Him to demonstrate this very important Kingdom principle? After all in just a few hours He would tell them that He had many other things to instruct them in that they were not ready to understand and receive as yet, but the time being so short they would be taught to them later by the Holy Spirit of Truth who was to come soon after Jesus’ departure. Why was this lesson not included in the ‘to be taught later’ group? As we will see Jesus will show them in action this principle now, but they will really not be able nor ready to practically apply it without the help of the yet to come Holy Spirit.

In Luke chapter 22 we get what Paul Harvey would call the rest of the story. In Luke 22:24-7 we read the background conversation that went on that night. While Jesus was sharing with them important and timely things like what was soon to come and instructing them in things like the institution the Lord’s Supper, what were His disciples doing and talking about? V. 24 of Luke 22 tells us that there was actually strife at the table and that they were having somewhat of a heated debate at the table at that moment. What were they debating about that was more important than what Jesus had to share with them?? Luke tells us that they were debating about who would be the greatest among them in the Kingdom that was shortly to come.

Imagine that! Here Jesus was trying to share with them such incredible principles concerning His coming Kingdom and they were more concerned with who was going to have the most prominent and visible position in that Kingdom. In knowing this as background it makes good sense for Jesus seeing these actions get up from the table and demonstrate to them servant hood as found in John chapter 13.

This was not apparently an isolated incident concerning debating this topic with these guys. They appeared to debate this topic quite commonly. We see Jesus address this issue with them in the beginning of Matthew chapter 18 where they come to Him asking Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. One could take the request from His disciples here in Matthew 18 a couple of ways. One might think that they were asking this because they were aspiring to do a good job and succeed at hitting the mark and please the master wanting to know what others have done making them great in the Kingdom and then following them trying to emulate them and their example.

However, it appears that this was not the case. It appears that their request here in Matthew 18 had the same basis and intent as their question to Jesus in Luke 22:24 during their last supper together. They were wanting to know in reality which of them would be honored as number one…the top of the heap…the head cheese…the one closest to God in ability…better than the rest… receiving top honors.

They must have been very surprised at Jesus’ response in Matthew 18 not recognizing their great ability and promise, but instead telling them in essence that all that ability is worthless unless there be found in their essence and actions the humility and simplicity of intent of duty of a child, who does something not for being recognized or seen, but just because its natural right for the present. I am sure that the Disciples like me had trouble fully understanding Jesus’ example and analogy of the child and the Kingdom hearing what He said, but then remarking something like ‘I know that there is something important here that He is trying to teach and say to me, but what is it?’ Understanding and applying this Kingdom principle of being as a child in a practical way is not easy. Its practical meaning is often illusive and vague in meaning to us.

It is so natural for us, as it was for the Disciples, to want to be recognized by the Master or others for our stuff…our abilities, making sure to be seen and recognized for it. It makes us even think more highly of ourselves if we are a grade above those around us. It appears that this topic was a frequent point of conversation and discussion as we find reference to it also in Mk 10:35-45 and Mt. 20:20-8 seeing even the family members got into the debate. Less than a day before the Cross the debate concerning this important topic to the Disciples continues and would continue to come up with Jesus’ disciples and followers throughout the history of the Church.

Did His Disciples finally get the point Jesus was making here at this late hour found in chapter 13 of John? You would have to say not yet, for we see Simon Peter’s response which is usually representative of the group in Jn. 13:6-10. In these verses we see him in essence arguing with Jesus about the details of His example.

Usually what Peter was saying out loud was what the others were thinking. However, Jesus’ response to Peter is somewhat stern and pointed. He was not so patient with him. In essence He tells Peter to be quiet and get it! It was time for Peter to be quiet and for a change be humble and heed Jesus’ instruction for there was an important lesson in what Jesus was doing. Again time was indeed short. This was not a time to argue methodology. Peter needed to understand and get the intent or His example.

The Disciples would eventually get it however. In a short time we will see the tables turn and find the Disciples in Jesus’ position finally understanding Jesus’ example of humility and servant hood attempting to teach the same principle to a new crop of followers that were to come after them. Jesus would leave them with the example. The events that were to follow and the advent of the Holy Spirit’s coming would perfect His examples, purpose and meaning in them.

But, there is possible even more meaning, symbolism and deep truth in the interaction and dialog that went on between Peter and Jesus in vs. 6-10 in chapter 13. In these verses Jesus made some strong comments to Peter concerning what He was doing and Peter’s relationship with Him. The deeper truth that may be evident here was that Peter even at this point did not fully understand and receive Jesus’ offer of pardon and forgiveness evident to his reaction to Jesus serving Peter in this manner.

Even though his reaction would have probably been a common one, it was still a prideful one, not accepting the Lord’s work on his behalf. At first he did not want to receive Jesus’ work on his behalf and then after arguing with Jesus about what He was doing he wanted to accept what Jesus was offering on his terms, essentially in reality still not receiving what Jesus was offering at all.

Jesus says something significant in v. 10. He says, “The one that has bathed does not need to wash except for his feet” and He continues by telling Peter and most of the others that they were already clean, that is all except one. He repeats in v. 11 that not all have been washed.

Some Bible commentators believe that the bath that He is referring to here is the full cleansing of salvation and that the washing of the feet could possibly refer to the ongoing and continual cleansing of the believer that is needed following conversion. This analogy seems to correlate to John’s message found in another one of his letters in I John chapter 1 where in vs. 5-7 John talks about Jesus’ blood cleansing us from all sin establishing salvation followed by vs. 8-10 advocating continued confession of sin restoring fellowship. If this symbolism is what Christ was referring to then His example also infers that we are to help each other to be clean and to stay pure.

We do not know who Jesus started with when He began this example of servant hood washing their feet. Many scholars have offered their opinion, some saying that He probably started with Judas, others say that He probably started with several other disciples before reaching Peter and others still believe that it was Peter himself that Jesus began with. However, if the former analogy stated in the previous paragraph is accurate saying those being clean need only to have their feet washed then the question that I would pose is…Did Jesus actually end up washing Judas’ feet at all for it was clear that Jesus was referring to him as not being clean? We can only speculate.

In reading John’s Gospel it appears that Peter may not have been first in getting his feet washed, v. 5, but the Gospels do not exactly record this detail making it fully clear. However, many scholars believe that Jesus’ choice of washing one of the dirtiest parts of the body may have paralleled the Cross and by Peter’s reaction it was unthinkable that the Lord would even consider dealing with such a despised area of the body. Peter’s denial of Jesus’ offer implied self sufficiency of a cleansing that he desperately needed. It is true that this act was symbolic, but it did contain meaning that had a practical application. Without receiving its paralleled meaning Peter would miss eternal truths.

In vs. 12-7, after giving them this example of cleansing Jesus gets back up and resumes His rightful place of Master at the table. This indeed has striking symbolism to the work on the Cross and after Jesus’ resurrection being an example of Him resuming His rightful place at the right hand of the Father. However, in sitting down at the table He leaves nothing to chance and explains the meaning of His actions to them. He tells them that this was an example of servant hood and that if He was willing to do this for them that they should also be willing to follow His example and serve each other in the same fashion.

But, one point still remains concerning Jesus’ foot washing example. If His example here truly was analogous to His work and cleansing on the Cross then in this servant example a death to self would be implied. We remember in the middle of chapter 12 that Jesus shared this example with them, Jn. 12:23-6. In this example of servant hood of washing their feet He in essence was calling them to die to self so that another may receive cleansing and live. As stated in a previous lesson all of them with the exception of John would in the end die a martyr’s death for their faith so that others receiving the Gospel would indeed live. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 48 (09-29-2013) John 12:44-13:1

The Gospel of John Lesson 48 (09-29-2013)

Lesson 48 – John 12:44-13:1

In our last lesson we saw Jesus make His last public offer and plea to Israel’s religious leaders and those at large. We see John tell us that largely again His message was rejected, as was prophesied by Isaiah, those rejecting His message choosing rather to remain in darkness (Jn. 12:27-41). However, in v. 42 of John chapter 12 John tells us that Jesus’ message and plea was not totally unprofitable. John tells us that even though many rejected His offer many also even of the authorities believed. However, of those that believed they resisted to come out boldly and publically in declaring their faith because they loved the praise of men more than the encouragement and praise from God.

But, in v. 44 Jesus begins to lay down the foundation of their faith challenging them with the truth calling them to come out of the darkness of the praise of man. He gives them a much bigger picture to hold onto stating boldly that if they receive Him in reality they are receiving God the Father. This is a bold statement separating the claims of the two sides for both sides cannot legitimately claim connection to the Father. Only one can. By making this claim Jesus challenges them to make up their mind and embrace the truth calling them out of the false security of the praise of men essentially saying that you cannot serve two masters and that He offered in reality the only way to the Father.

In v. 44 His claim was that He had been send directly from the Father. The other choice, the other side, offered an opinion about God filtered through the darkness of man’s heart which Jesus Himself renounced. In v. 45 He goes right to the top. Some would say that He was claiming to be the exact replica of God, but this was not so, for in claiming to be a replica as exact as it may be it still would not be an original.

 Jesus’ claim and call to them was much higher than this. Jesus’ call to them was to believe on Him in the highest and most genuine way claiming not only to be an ambassador for God, but claiming to be God. This was the belief that He was calling these new immature believers too, for in receiving this message the praise of man would not be so important.

In v. 46 again He challenges them to step forward and make a definite and decisive move into the light telling them that He is the way of light and if they truly were His followers then they must move from the darkness of their old dead ways into the light. Same action same result, different action different result. For those who had truly believed their life must change being transformed into a life of light.

This was His call to them! And, it was a call given to them with emotion. V. 44 says that He cried this out so that all could hear. Can you imagine what this scene looked like? Those that had truly believed would hear His challenge and move to the light even though for some it took some time to get there. He would lead, but they must follow. His call was to a new life clearly leaving behind their old dark ways. (Eph. 2:1-10)

In vs. 47 and 48 He reminds them of His purpose in coming at this time. He tells them that there will definitely be a judgment day, but that that is not His purpose in coming at this time. He tells them that His purpose in coming at this time was to offer them Hope. That was why He came to them, to Jerusalem and the nation Israel. He came with an offer of peace riding on a donkey a symbol of peace. He tells them that the words of light that He has spoken to them will in the end judge all that reject it, that is rejecting His offer, and that doing nothing does nothing, allowing one to remain in the darkness that they are presently in. Again, it is interesting that the word itself that declares God’s standard will be the measure and the judge.

The Apostle John made this clear earlier in chapter 3 of this Gospel, vs. 17-21, telling us clearly that God did not send His Son into the world at this time to condemn those in the world telling us that His coming at this time was to offer a way of salvation, in other words, a way out.

In John 3:17-21, as is the theme throughout this Gospel, even though Jesus did not come at this time to pronounce and pass judgment that they all already stood condemned being already in darkness. The condition was present, for those who continued to reject His message judgment would indeed eventually come. His call or message in John 3 is the same as here in the end of chapter 12…calling those in darkness to come…come to the light of God who came with an offer of a pardon and the passage into a new life before… it is too late.

In the remaining part of chapter 12 of John He again tells them that it is these words of light that will judge those who reject His offer and not move into the light. He tells them that’s where these words and message came from…from the Light. He tells them that the Father Himself had sent Him and that the message, even though He was in complete agreement with it, originated with the Father, the one they claimed to know. Jesus was the Messenger and was a completely obedient servant speaking only the message given to Him to declare. No more, on less. They needed to listen.

In v. 50 Jesus says something that is very powerful. He tells us that the commandment and message that He was given is Life…Forever…Eternal, containing no darkness at all and that they should not take His offer lightly. Did they realize what He was really offering? Do we?? We, as they were, are much too casual concerning His offer and the difference that it can make in our life as well as others. Jesus makes it clear that doing nothing only allows one to remain in darkness awaiting, in the end, God’s judgment.

John Chapter 13

These are exciting times in the Gospel of John. Now only one day or literally hours away from the cross Jesus has His final meal with His disciples. Even with so much before Him He doesn’t lose a moment in laying down and leaving with them the key principles of living in His Kingdom. We know from Jn. 12:31 that the Kingdom now is as good as here. True, the final blow has not been dealt as yet, but in Jn. 12:31 the Apostle John tells us that to Jesus it was as good as done. It is like an election that is over in November. The final vote has been cast and the outcome has been tallied so the outcome is complete and sure even though the one elected and his administration will not officially assume office until January.

However, unlike our example, in Jesus’ case in Jn. 12:31 He was only a few days away from assuming the office given to Him by the Father. He and His Kingdom would very soon take its rightful position on earth, a position and change that the old ruler and administration would not easily give up.

Over the next few chapters we will see Jesus share with His disciples and followers some incredible principles concerning how this new Administration will function and work. It will be a Kingdom and Administration like no other. Unlike the present government and world system that is largely self serving, this new government and administration will truly be for the benefit of the people being founded on laws and principles that are good and right having practical application and benefit, i.e. love your neighbor as yourself and the Ten Commandments.

The prophet Isaiah warned us of this in Is. 9:6-7 telling us that this Kingdom to come would be an everlasting one, never ending, established by God Himself. This was the Kingdom also that our Lord taught His disciples to pray for when He taught them to pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven”. His disciples understood what Jesus was saying concerning this coming Kingdom for we see them ask Him plainly of this after Jesus’ resurrection in Acts 1:6. Now the Kingdom is literally at the doorstep awaiting those for who it was prepared.

He begins in v. 1 of chapter 13 by making a distinction between what is termed as His own or subjects of His Kingdom and those that are of this world. In our world, as it has been throughout time, the message of this world is that we are all one…all brothers, all members of one family. However, over the next few chapters Jesus again will make the clear distinction that this is not so, making the distinction between those that are His, children of the Kingdom, differentiating them from those that are truly of this world and its system who are following the prince referred to in Jn. 12:31. This is not the first time that Jesus has made this distinction in this Gospel.

The Gospel of John Lesson 47 (09-22-13) John 12:27- 43

The Gospel of John Lesson 47 (09-22-2013)

Lesson 47 – John 12:27- 43

In v. 27, Jesus sensing the reality of what is about to happen was overcome with the enormity of what was before Him and wrestles with Himself. In Heb. 4:15 it tells us that Jesus was tempted in all ways like us yet without sin. Jesus here prays to the Father, depending upon Him for strength and support. Even Jesus relied and depended on the Father. This will not be the only time that we see Jesus wrestle with the enormity of the Cross. We will see Him wrestle with it again in a real way in the Garden just prior to His trial, conviction and execution.  

He prays a simple prayer here, v. 28, giving the situation to the Father asking Him to use what is about to happen for His Glory. Jesus knew the outcome, the cross, that it would not be positive from a purely human perspective. But, He asked the Father to use it to bring glory to His Name.

It was a simple prayer, one of the shortest prayers ever recorded, or prayed for that matter. But, it was a real prayer prayed from the heart of Jesus to the Father and even though Jesus’ prayer was very short the Father not only heard it, but also answered it…audibly! Those that were there also heard God’s answer not knowing what to make of it. In attempting to analyze it some called it thunder; others said that an angel had spoken to Him out loud.

In v. 30 Jesus tells them that the audible voice spoken by the Father was not spoken to reassure Jesus that the Father was with Him through the difficulties before Him, but instead was a message and warning to those present that they need heed Jesus’ words and warnings for the time for them to act was short. In v. 30 He tells them that this voice came for their sakes and follows this statement to them with a warning and a sign…a sign that was to come soon that would be unmistakable. Jesus had a sense of urgency as He proclaimed this. It would be a sign that would be a call to action, if they would come.

In v. 31 He warns them that the judgment of them and this world was only moments away. A new world order was about to step forward and emerge. The King of the Kingdom had come forward just a day ago and they had gone through the motions of welcoming and receiving Him, but did they? Did they accept His offer? Did they welcome and receive Him or were they just caught up in the excitement and emotion of the moment?

His warning in v. 31 was that they had better be sure of they’re motive. Things were about to change. The prince of this world was about to be judged and cast down…the prince that they now served and gave allegiance to even though they did not recognize such. John 8:44. Eph. 2:2-3 II Cor. 4:4 Jn. 14:30 Jn. 16:8-11 Rev. 20:7-10 (Dan. 10:13)

In v. 32 He gives them the sign that they should be looking for and that they should heed. He makes it clear to them exactly what this sign is. It is so clear to them that they question Him about this in v. 34. They are confused about what He says and their perception of what they had been taught about the coming Messiah. It is clear from their response in v. 34 that they were looking for a messiah that was going to show up and stay for a while, conquering their enemies, abiding forever.  After all, was this not what had been prophesied? However, even though they got part of it right they were about to miss the most important part, His death on the cross, the part that they needed to acknowledge and receive. .

But, they were also confused about one other item…His use of the term Son of man. Jesus uses this reference to Himself in v. 23 and they are puzzled by it. It seems that the parable concerning the grain of wheat falling to the ground dying was not given just to His disciples, but was taught publically to those that were there. To use the term God and man connected as one was unthinkable to them. They knew that He had claimed to be the Messiah and as such these two items to them did not fit or go together, God and man as one and God and death. Jesus was preparing them for what was to come as foreign as it was to their belief system.

He warns them in v. 35 that they needed to take heed and give some effort to attempt to understand what He was saying. He makes reference to Himself as being the Light distinguishing Himself from the darkness that was around them. It was clear that they had seen the difference between Jesus and the status quo. But, He tells them in essence that they had gotten comfortable in the darkness of their beliefs and their doctrine, and in order to escape this darkness they would have to think and see things differently thinking in terms of light, His light.

In v. 36 He invites them to come on over to His side giving them the option to be the sons of the Light He was proclaiming to them. This indeed would be a big change from the way they were living and would be a large step for them to take. The question is would they accept His offer?

At the end of v. 36, however, we have an indication of their response. It says that after saying these things Jesus departed and hid himself from them. It does not tell us exactly the reason for His departure and why He hid Himself, but most often this response was a reaction to hostile opposition. Although it does not exactly say this, in v. 37 it does indicate their response to His offer. His offer was not a come if you what to offer to them, but was a call to action, telling them that now was the accepted time to decide, there was not much time left. This would be Jesus’ last public offer and address to come. For those who were in darkness and desired to stay there His sense of urgency would have offended them, probably making them angry and possibly hostile.

But, for many their heart was hard even though Jesus had done many miracles before them witnessing that His message was true. John had begun this Gospel with Light coming to a dark world. Vs. 38-41 tells us that God had previously prophesied through Isaiah that much of the darkness would remain unmoved by His offer. This is a mystery of God. But, the time of darkness was now past, v. 31, and God had begun to separate the darkness and the light.

In v. 42 John declares that even though those in darkness became more resistant to the message of the Light that many chose the opposite coming to the Light instead. But, it also tells us that even though they had made a decision to come to the Light that they had yet to become strong in their commitment. They had many more lessons to learn and their faith being yet immature still gave into public opinion. At this point v. 43 says that they still loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.