The Gospel of John Lesson 35 (5-19-13) John 10:7-18

The Gospel of John Lesson 35 (5-19-2013)

Lesson 35 – John 10:7-18

In the beginning of chapter 10 we see Jesus have some definitive words describing someone coming attempting to take His position as Shepherd of His sheep. In the first six verses of chapter 10 we see Jesus being very possessive and protective of His sheep and His position. He does not think lightly of those who attempt to impersonate Him for their own prestige and/or gain. He uses strong words to describe them calling them ‘thieves’ and ‘robbers’.

Notice that in the descriptive words that He uses that He uses words that are plural telling us that there have been many that have attempted to disguise themselves and try to pass themselves off as the One, the Savior of the world, and there will be many more. But, in using the terms that He does to describe them He tells us the basis and motive for their trickery telling us that they in essence have come for personal gain and have come to steal and rob to attempting to take what isn’t theirs to use for their own benefit.

But, after explaining to them His position as the Chief Shepherd, and some of the parameters and details that went with this position, we find that what He had said to His disciples basically went right over their head. They all turned and looked at each other in bewilderment with the look of ‘What is He talking about?’ So, Jesus again in v. 7 begins to explain some of precepts and principles concerning His Kingdom and those who are part of it. In these verses that follow we see that Jesus uses a number of images and allegories to describe His position, His Kingdom and His work.

He begins in v. 7 by using two images to describe His work and His Kingdom. He uses the image of a single Door which provides the only true entry way to the Kingdom containing His sheep and the other image is one of sheep descriptive of the subjects that are found in His Kingdom. Over the next few verses He restates to His disciples the workings of the Kingdom in greater detail than He shared with them in the beginning of this chapter using images that are helpful and familiar to them in understanding the main points of His parable.

In v. 8 He reemphasizes the importance of the timing of the prophetic events found here at this time in history. We saw earlier in v. 3 that one designated as ‘the Porter’ had the distinct position and duty of guarding this place in history letting no one else pass through at this time and place in history except Jesus. Not only was the timing of this prophetic event important, but the One that would show up to enter through this door in history would need to also have all of the other prophetic details in order before He would be welcomed in. We see an example of this when John the Baptist met Jesus. John could identify and fully and completely endorse Jesus as the One having witnesses personally many things concerning Jesus including the Holy Spirit giving His affirmation by descending upon Him and remaining. Jn. 1:32-3

He tells us in v. 8 that there were others before this time that came with good looking, but false credentials claiming to be God’s man for the hour and Savior of God’s sheep Israel. They came attempting to make up for their deficiency in their ability to fulfill these prophetic details by using other means such as popularity, vain philosophy and religious coercion to attempt to validate their claim. But, as good as they looked; the prophetic timing and other prophetic details were not right and because of this they were proven as impostors. They were found to have an impure motive for taking this position, and because of this they proved themselves to be nothing but thieves and robbers looking only to profit by assuming this position. But, even though they were good impostors it also says in v. 8 that God’s true children were not fooled by their show and rhetoric, but knew enough to hold tight and wait for the Promised One that would only come at the appointed prophetic time. 

He continues in v. 9 having now being welcomed through the right prophetic Door. He presents Himself literally now as that Door to God’s sheepfold again stating to His disciples emphatically that He and only He is the entry point and path into the Kingdom. There is no other.

At first this may sound like a very narrow offer and approach, and…it is.  But, in reality there really is no other one that can do the job. All others that came before Jesus and those who will come after His coming were not capable and were not able to do the job. Over the next few verses he will give examples of others that may offer to do the job for pay referred to as hirelings, but as we will see they cannot measure up to or do the job of the Great Shepherd. Even though the way to God’s Kingdom may seem narrow to some, those who have come to Jesus through this so called narrow way have found it to not be narrow at all for attached to His offer are promises and ‘Great’ benefits which include privileges, security, safety and freedom. He begins to share some of these benefits with us in v. 9 and 10. In v. 10 He will tell us that what He gives us for following Him is equivalent and compared to ‘abundance’.

In v. 9 the first thing that He tells us that He gives to us for believing and receiving His message is salvation. If this were the only benefit that we received in receiving the Shepherds invitation it would be enough. This term ‘saved’ or ‘salvation’  is a broad term assuredly having the meaning of salvation of one’s soul from sin, but it can be taken to mean a even  more broad meaning incorporating the ideas of deliverance, safety, protection, preservation, healing and soundness.

He tells us that this salvation which is found in believing Him, believing in Him, and entering into His Kingdom by coming through Him leads to an open door to life for us. However, this open door is indeed the door and pathway to ‘life’ and not ‘death’ and therefore it incorporates a whole new lifestyle applying His ways and principles leading to greener pastures as we follow Him. This is the ‘abundant life’ referred to in v. 10. This does not mean that we will not have any difficulties in life, but as stated earlier in Jn. 4:14 Jesus promises us ‘living water’ that is always available when we thirst and will satisfy our thirsty soul when life presses hard on us.

Later in John chapter 15 Jesus will add to the picture of what this ‘abundant life’ is when He gives us the example of the vine and that by abiding and staying connected to the vine we are fed and constantly nourished sustaining us in abundance telling us that in doing so we will also bear much fruit, Jn. 15:5. The image in John 15 is similar to the image here in John 10:9 where it says the we will go in and out and find good pasture. Being connected to the vine we receive nourishment from the source of Life making for a green and productive life and lifestyle.

In the next few verses Jesus will give us two examples of those who desire or offer to oversee the sheep that will just not do. The first is found in v. 10. We have seen this example before. He refers to this person as the thief that comes to do damage to the flock coming to kill and to steal away some of the flock for his own benefit. He brings up and uses the example of the dangerous thief again to bring home a point that we must be ever cautious because there will be many that will come in His name in this way. We must always be looking to the Shepherd for only ‘the Shepherd’ is able to protecting His sheep from such dangerous and deceptive threats.

Over the next few verses, vs. 11-5, He will also tell us why a ‘hired hand’ will also just not do. He starts out in v. 11 by showing us what level of commitment the Good Shepherd has for us telling us that He is more than willing to commit the ultimate sacrifice of giving up His own life to protection of His sheep. We saw David do this when he was tending his sheep in the wilderness when a lion and a bear attacked the fold on two separate occasions carrying off one of the sheep which they were intending to rip apart for food. However, we see David willing to risk his life to save the sheep.

Here in v. 11 we see that Jesus is willing to do far greater for us willing to not only risk His life for us, but also being willing to voluntarily lay down His life giving His life in ransom for many. This is something that no hired hand would do. As a matter of fact in v. 12 Jesus makes the point that a hired hand wouldn’t think if putting himself in harm’s way when a real threat appears on the scene. He tells us that such a hired hand would flee at the first sign of danger leaving the flock totally unprotected and vulnerable to the full wrath of such a powerful foe. Such a situation would be devastating.

In v. 13 Jesus gives us the reason why such a thing would happen. He tells us that the reason that the hireling would not stay and fight to protect the sheep is that he does not ‘care for the sheep’. The sheep really mean nothing to him. He is only a hireling and is only in it for the money, or pay.

But, in v. 14 Jesus says that He is the good Shepherd and has a personal interest in His sheep being related to them. He tells us that He is not only familiar with His sheep but says that He knows them intimately being known also by them. This goes back to the comment Jesus made earlier in this chapter saying that His sheep know His voice and they follow Him.

In v. 15 He takes this metaphor and example a notch higher. After using all these metaphors and pictorial examples He creates an even more secure image by reminding us that He is intimately connected also with the Father God. It is interesting that He combines His relationship with the Father and the laying down of His life in the same verse offering it as assurance to us meant to comfort His sheep. Jesus knew what was coming and that He would indeed eventually lay down His life literally for His sheep. Knowing this it appears that He wanted to remind those present that the Father is still watching over and caring for them when this happens.

In v. 16 He makes an interesting statement. Up until this point it was generally understood by His listeners that all of the references concerning the sheep and pasture and protection were directed toward those who would believed His message that were Jews. However, in this verse He implies that there would be others that would come into His pasture and fold that were not of Jewish origin.

Some Bible commentators make the point that the word fold is inaccurately translated in some translations and a more accurate translation would be found in using the word flock instead. The point is made that the use of the word fold implies that those who will be brought in will be brought into the one fold indicating or meaning the Gentiles being brought into Israel’s fold whereas the use of the word flock would mean that the two, Israel and the Gentiles, would be made one flock coming from the folds of many nations. This gives a more accurate picture of Christ’s work during this Church age saving many, bring in many from many nations into His Kingdom.

In vs. 17-8 Christ makes an interesting prediction and prophecy. In reality there are actually two prophetic statements found here in these verses. The first we have already heard previously in this chapter. He tells us in v. 17 that the Father is pleased with Jesus and that this satisfaction with Him is expressed in love that Jesus was willing to voluntarily lay down and give His life for His sheep. It says that this brought Great joy to the Father’s heart. He tells us in v. 18 that no one took His life from Him or made Him do it. It was done by Him willingly and totally of His own decision and power.

However, He goes on to say that following His death that He is also willing and able to raise Himself back up to life again by His own power. This was a concept that would have been totally foreign to those who heard Him that day. He says in v. 18 that He has the power to lay down His life, which He will do willingly, and that He also has the power to raise it back up again. In saying this He is not only telling them of His death, but is also foretelling to them of His resurrection. He ends v. 18 telling His followers that what He had shared with them came directly from the Father.

However, in the next few verses that follow, v. 19-21, we find that what He had said did not bring comfort to all present. What He had shared with those present did not bring everyone there closer to Him. It tells us in v. 20 that actually many present formed an opposite opinion of Him saying that He was mad and did not know what He was talking about. What He had said, as usual, caused a division among the people. This is a real and living example of what He had shared with His followers and those present just previous to this when He told them that His sheep would hear and understand His voice, but those that were not of His fold would not understand His sayings and would see Him as a threat.

The Gospel of John Lesson 34 (5-12-2013) John 10:1-6

The Gospel of John Lesson 34 (5-12-2013)

Lesson 34 – John 10:1-6

In John chapter 10 we come to an extremely important section of Scripture. This is the watershed to all who claim to know the way or be the way to God. Many claim to know the way to God. Most of us have at least some opinions of how to get there. Some are more confident of what they proclaim as the path to God than others. They offer what they call ‘my thoughts’, my beliefs, opinions, suggestions, strong urgings, documented proof, so called scientific evidence, confident proclamations, another person’s opinion and yes, near death experiences often using as their source their experience or philosophies on life, using sources other than the Bible to back them up. Quite often they state such things with the perspective and attitude that the Bible needs to prove its claims and measure up to their personal belief instead of them measuring their belief according to what God says in the Bible.

But here in John chapter 10 Jesus Himself makes some definitive statements that will virtually eliminate all but One possibility. You can deny the absoluteness of the details and statements of what is said here appearing to be so called ‘broad minded’, but in doing so you are making the claim that in reality you do not really believe what Jesus is saying at all. In essence one would be saying that they believe some of the facts concerning Jesus, choosing which ones they decide to believe or not believe, but, in essence in doing so in reality they have chosen not to believe what Jesus says here.

Many choose to pass by this section of Scripture quickly and or tend to avoid it altogether because what Jesus says here leaves only One option. To believe in Jesus and His claims and Message one must also believe what is found here in the beginning of John chapter 10. You can choose to believe exactly what He says here as a foundational truth to Him and His message or you can essentially reject His claim and message considering it too narrow for your thinking. However, one cannot just deny Jesus’ comments and declarations found here in chapter 10 for in doing so they will deny the ‘Purpose of His coming’, I.e. coming and presenting Himself as the only true Savior of the world.

Most will readily accept many of the claims concerning Jesus, His good life, His example, His acts of compassion and even His miracles, but the attribute of Savior requiring a humbled response from them is not easy for many to accept. But, for those who are His sheep they find His Voice and His claims, including this one, comforting. His sheep are willing to embrace all of Him, including all of His claims, leaving nothing out, for in doing so they find forgiveness and true ‘Peace’.

In John chapter 10 verse 1 the Apostle John representing God makes a very important statement. He tells us that we need to evaluate all claims to the Throne of God or claims claiming the way to God using only one process, judging what they say according to the claims found in Scripture. In v. 1 the Apostle John makes the statement that all other claims no matter what their source or basis that do not meet the Bible’s criteria are deception and lies, and in doing so John warns God’s children, His sheep, to beware and not be fooled.

In v. 1 John makes the statement that we should beware of those who would attempt to claim not only the way to God, but actually attempt to assume the position of the Great Shepherd of God’s elect by using alternative philosophies or other means that do not match the claims that are found here in Scripture as their basis. He does not say that we cannot support the claims of Scripture using other honest and objective means such as science and objective philosophy. All truth has only One source…Jesus, and even nature itself if approached with an honest and open heart will find its end and conclusion in a creator God, Jesus being the ending conclusion. Objective and honest evaluation can in the end only support the claims of Christ and may often be one of the witnesses to the truths found in Scripture that can prompt deeper faith in these claims. This is especially true in the case of someone that has not yet fully believed these truths.

But, in John’s statement in v. 1 he cautions us to not be so easily deceived making the assumption that God needs to validate Himself by other measures, for in doing so we must not forget that in reality God is the only constant, and it is inherent and easy to come up with flawed answers and thinking being part of an imperfect world, being imperfect ourselves.

In v. 1 He uses the imagery of a thief that comes to steal a prize or treasure that to them represents Great opportunity. It says that this thief would not use the main entrance or gate, but looks for another way to get in attempting to secure and steal away the treasure. To attempt to even think of entering in through the main gate would be pure suicide for this deceiver for in v. 3 it tells us that the main gate is guarded by a Porter who has specific instructions to open to no one else but the Great Shepherd, God’s Chosen One. This gate is the window to Eternity. This event must come out right. God Himself stands on guard for this one.

 Jesus tells us that there is no way that He could enter through this portal of time in prophetic history if He were not the Elect and chosen One. God Himself would not allow it. God’s opening the door and letting Jesus pass through this opening in history and time is proof to Israel, and to all in this world, that Jesus is indeed the One. The only question left is, ‘Do you believe this??’. Measure your beliefs and your Messiah against this section of Scripture and then ask yourself if the Bible supports them as being a possibility. Jesus made the claim here that anyone that does not come through this Door is a thief and a liar. There is only One possibility and Jesus claims that position. Do you believe Him? The choice is yours…but the consequences of this decision are eternal.  

There is no way that this Porter can be overcome, tricked or fooled into letting anyone else through. It all comes down to this one event,… this one place in history. Jesus is telling us that the Messiah, God’s Elect must come through this gate. This is the front gate of Scripture concerning the Promised One and there is none else. God is the guard of this gate and He is vigilant and ruthless in His protection, He never sleeps at His post. Everything hinges, no pun intended, on this gate in time and in actuality it is the ‘door to all that is eternal’. For this to go wrong would be disastrous. But, not to worry. God is able. Jesus has arrived and the door has been opened to Him. He has met all the requirements necessary to this point and is in the process of meeting all the requirements, some yet to be fulfilled.

Jesus Himself when debating with the Pharisees stated plainly that Moses spoke of Him in his writings which they claimed to know and claimed to obey. Jn. 5:46 All they really needed to do was to read what was recorded with an open heart and He would be plainly seen there by them.

There are over 300 prophecies of the First Coming of Christ that were literally fulfilled.  Look at some of the fulfilled prophecies of the First Coming.

1.     Isaiah 7:14                    Born of a virgin
2.     Micah 5:2                      At Bethlehem
3.     Jeremiah 31:15              Slaughter of children
4.     Hosea 11:1                    Called out of Egypt
5.     Zechariah 9:9                Entry into Jerusalem
6.     Isaiah 11:2                    Anointed with the Spirit
7.     Psalms 69:21                 Gall and vinegar
8.     Exodus 12:46 & Psalms 34:20     Not a bone broken
9.     Isaiah 53                      Death, Burial, Resurrection
                                           Christ became sin for us
                                           Forgiveness through his death
10.     Daniel 9:24-27            Date of First Coming
11.     Isaiah 9:6                   God taking on human flesh
12.     Psalm 41:9; 55:12-14  Betrayed by a friend
13.     Zechariah 13:7            Disciples forsake Him
14.     Zechariah 11:12           Sold for 30 pieces of silver
15.     Zechariah 11:13           Potter's field
16.     Isaiah 50:6                  Spit on and scourged
17.     Psalms 22:16               Hands and feet pierced
18.     Psalms 22:18               Garments parted lots cast

The Gospel of John Lesson 33 (5-05-2013) John 9:35-41

The Gospel of John Lesson 33 (5-05-2013)

Lesson 33 – John 9:35-41

As we come to our study today I want to bring to you a challenge and an admonition. It may seem to you that we are by some people’s standards creeping through this Gospel going at a snail’s pace in our effort to study this book. And, I am sure that some of us at times get a bit restless and wish that we would pick up the pace and travel faster to accomplish what could be a self imposed goal of just completing a rather large study of this book maybe so we can assure ourselves that we have done it, we have studied John’s Gospel. Let me assure you that it is our goal to finish this study, and even if we traveled a lot faster through this book we could be assured that we would get something out of this study.

But, for those who have been here for many of our studies I believe that you would have to admit that there is benefit to going slower and in essence mining and digging through God’s Word instead of doing a more surface hit the high points overview. I have seen things in this study of John’s Gospel that I have never seen before and for me I have found deep spiritual truths in this Gospel in what could be considered the most obscure places that if I did not slow down and meditate on a particular passage or section that I surely would have missed them altogether.

I must admit that at times my flesh is not in the effort that it takes to dig a little, or in some cases to dig a lot, deeper to find these treasures. But, when I put the effort into it, even though I don’t feel like doing so in the beginning, in the end I am so glad that I took the time.

My admonition to you is to not get too anxious and to breeze through even familiar passages. Be sure to ‘slow down’ and learn the art of meditating on God’s Word. Biblical meditation is a lost art in our day. Meditation is not a ‘push button’ or instantaneous process. It takes time. Also, meditating on God’s Word is not only instructional, but is in actuality a time of communion and fellowship with the Living God Himself as any time that we study and meditate God is also very present with us.

Also, I would like to take a moment and make a point of and to encourage us to remember that this study has had a special benefit and application by studying God’s Word together as a group. There is great value in individual study and prayer alone with God, but there is also something to studying God’s Word together in this fashion that we are doing here in our Sunday mornings class. In other words, meeting together and intelligently studying God’s Word as a group also has great benefit and is not an option being indispensable.

The third admonition that I would have is to be sure to not let this time go by being unproductive in your personal life. We meet together to learn so that we can apply, and, in doing so making our life better. Don’t pass by this opportunity to make upgrades and changes in your daily life according to insights that God may reveal to you during our time together. These may be insights in our relationship with God, with others or just practical insights that may apply to discipline and daily life tasks.

As we pick up our study in v. 35 we remember that in v. 34 the religious leaders had cast out the man born blind who had received his sight. They had done this because they, the religious leaders, had become incensed with anger at the man for stating the obvious truth to them in a public venue that they had refused to receive due to their pride and belligerence. A humble man would have come to himself in such an encounter, for the man born blind was in no way antagonistic, but was only trying to speak and state the truth. However, as stated in the previous studies, the Pharisees were not looking for the truth, but were proud to the core.

Not being able to face the truth concerning Jesus and themselves they cast the man out of their accepted world. But, in v. 35 it tells us that when Jesus had heard that this had happened it tells us that He went and sought out the man as a shepherd would seek out one of his lost sheep. This is a great preface to what is coming next in John chapter 10. The man as yet has not completed his journey to Christ. As yet he is a lost sheep still searching for the one that is his Answer. We will see in the dialog that is coming up that the man’s spiritual antennas, however, were up waiting for a signal to receive the correct message giving him direction to find his way home. So he was on the path…headed in the right direction, but not home yet.

We know that he was looking for and open to the truth when it came his way by the response that he gave Jesus when Jesus asked him a very precise and practical question concerning the One that he should be looking for if he was indeed looking for salvation. We will see in this next chapter that there is only one answer to this man’s question and to his quest for what had happened to him causing him to seek out the only reality that there is for his honest desire to give God praise and to know this God who had touched him.

In asking the right question and seeking the truth we see him give the only correct answer possible when Jesus asked the pointed question ‘do you believe on the Son of God?’ When seeing the man’s answer we see the man’s heart which contained his search for the real truth. In v. 35 Jesus asks the man, ‘Do you believe on the Son of God?’ for salvation. The man’s answer is classic from someone truly seeking God. He replies, ‘Tell me who He is that I might know where to place my desirous faith’.

It is interesting to watch this man’s faith grow and mature throughout this chapter. At the beginning of this chapter this man was just a man sitting by the side of the road. He appeared to be a man not even looking for the answer to life as far as we can tell. One thing that we can be pretty sure of is that he was most likely not thinking that this would be his special day that he would receive his sight. Prior to Jesus’ touch, at least at this present time, the man had no thought of seeing. Being blind was just the reality of his world, something that he just had to cope with on a daily basis.

But, for some reason God in His mercy decided to tap him on the shoulder and enter into his world turning on the light and causing the man to begin or focus his journey or quest on God. Light came into his world. Who knows what he was really thinking before Jesus came by. But, Light came into his world and in watching this man’s journey in chapter 9 we see that now he had become engaged in searching for answers and not just letting life happen. Jesus had essentially ‘turned him on’ by touching him and now this man became alive and began actively and desirously searching for answers when before he was just sitting by the road.

So who do we pass by in our journey and daily life that’s waiting for us to pause as we pass them and turn on the switch that turns on the light in a dark existence beginning their journey to the reality of the need for a Savior, letting them know that God does care about them? We often forget that all too often one’s journey begins seemingly out of nowhere, the reality of their need for God being brought on by a touch, a word, an action or a specific event that comes from the Master through us or life’s circumstances designed to wake up or quicken that person who was blind to the reality of God just moments before.

All such journeys must begin if they are going to eventually reach their destination and we often forget that for most there is an encounter that ‘just so happens’ comes into their life that is the bump that often begins the start of their quest looking for the answer of life which has its ending in God. Some just prior to this bump or beginning, so to speak, had no inclination of God’s true existence or reality, their need for Him or His Presence in their life. Such an encounter ,however, is just the switch that turns on the light opening their eyes and understanding to a whole new world that just moments ago they could not see.

As the man nears his destination Jesus asks him a question that helps him to see and focus clearly now on the destination that he is really seeking guiding the man safely home. Jesus asks him ‘Do you believe on the Son of God?’ The man’s response in v. 36 is interesting. The man asks in reply Who Jesus is referring to telling Him that he is willing and desirous to place his faith in the Son of God, but in his response there is a question as to who that might actually be. The man, however, may have had an inclining because in his reply to Jesus he also addresses Jesus as Lord indicating his now present perception of Christ.

In v. 36 we see the man figuratively at the shore of his destination in reality asking to be sure ‘Is this it!’ Jesus in v. 37 in essence tells the man to step off the boat and come onto the shore…that he is now home! In v. 38 the man’s journey to God is complete. It is true that his journey in life was not over, but his journey to find God coming into safe harbor was now complete. In v. 38 we find the man praising Jesus for much more than just receiving his sight.

But, in the next three verses we see an interesting dialog that raises some questions that requires some thought and inquiry into the mysteries of God. In v. 39 Jesus makes a statement that gets the religious leaders attention. Prior to this point Jesus has made it clear that His primary purpose in His ministry at this time was to offer mercy to a world that was already in darkness shedding light, offering those in that darkness forgiveness of their sins. But, here, to these religious leaders He does not state the same. He makes a clear and straightforward statement in v. 39 that ‘He’ will judge, and it appears that He is making it clear to them that for them He has come to judge. It is clear all the way through this Gospel that the only posture of these religious leaders is one pride and self righteousness, and for such, there is only one option left and that is judgment.

However, in v. 39 Jesus says something that catches their attention. Essentially He makes a public statement using what happened to the blind man as a picture of the spiritual condition of man’s heart. A blind man sees. Those who were ignorant when they are offered the truth, being offered the answer to life, are often humble enough to receive it. But those who have already been taught and should have recognized God’s offer in Jesus when He appeared were again too proud and arrogant to see and receive, choosing to be blind, and therefore the only option remaining was judgment. It is sure that the watershed of the Gospel is found right here. The blind man chose to receive the truth and now sees, and the Pharisees who knew the truth rejected it becoming blind to it.

In v. 40, however, they perceived that Jesus’ statement in v. 39 included them and in actuality may have been in reality intend for and directed toward them. This was proof that they did indeed have the capacity to believe Jesus if they had chosen to do so because truly they did understand what He was referring to. They just chose to reject it.

However, in v. 41 Jesus indeed makes an interesting statement. He says in essence that if they were truly blind that they would have no sin. What did He mean by saying this? We see a similar statement found in John chapter 15 verses 22-4 where Jesus says that they are without excuse now that He has come and that if He had not come and made plain to these religious leaders and to the world Who He was their sin would not be imputed to them.

I believe that this statement is one of the mysteries of God that it is not easily understood or explained except to say that the judgment of man and the judgment of God’s universe and His creation belongs in God’s realm or arena and is entirely between Him and His creation. It is not for us. It is not ours. That is not to say that we cannot know the principles and the boundaries and reasons that are involved in God executing His judgment and holding us and others accountable, but in the end judgment is His. We can speculate and assume, but in the end God’s judgment is between Him and His creation.

In v. 41 He presents us with a mystery concerning judgment that is not easy for us to comprehend and fully understand. It appears in this verse that the judgment of man’s sin has some connection with his ability to be accountable, and that a Just God has made previsions to make this accountability possible. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 1:20 that throughout time God has given us a witness of His Presence and existence clearly seen in His creation so much so that man in the end has no excuse. But, is there a place in man’s relationship with God where he becomes accountable for his sin or iniquity. Only God knows, and if so, only God knows where that accountability begins. This is a mystery and some have some very strong beliefs in this area, but it is not a question that is easily answered. All enter this world with original sin, but where and when does God hold them accountable.

There is no clear reference only clear questions concerning this matter, and I will not attempt to confuse the issue by giving yet another opinion as if I have some inside connection more than others having figured it all out. But, we do have Scripture references that appear to indicate that God does have a place in our relationship with Him where we become accountable to Him for our sin. One of the most pondered areas of this accountability is concerning young children and with those mentally impaired. Where does their accountability begin? Where does God begin to hold them accountable? The answer is the same as stated above, ‘God knows’. It is for Him.

One of the most commonly quoted passages of Scripture concerning this matter is found in the Old Testament where David lost his child that was born by Bathsheba. II Sam. 12:21-3 In this passage David made a statement that clearly indicates his perspective concerning his young child that had died. He tells us with confidence that he, David, will see him again and will go to him when he, David, dies indicating that his child will meet him in heaven. It is clear from David’s perspective that he was convinced of God’s mercy concerning the death of his young child and where he would end up.

We also find another interesting passage in the book of Jeremiah where in Jer. 31:15 we find reference to Rachel weeping bitterly for her children who were no more. We know from the reference to this passage found in Matthew chapter 2:16-8 that this passage was fulfilled following Jesus’ birth when King Herod went and slew all of the young children under the age of two when he was mocked by the wise men for their not revealing the location of the Christ child. However, in this reference in Jeremiah instead of being sympathetic and comforting Rachel we find the Lord telling Rachel to refrain her voice from weeping and to restrain her eyes from tears promising her that these children will return from the land of the enemy, v. 16, and will come again to their own border, v. 17. The impression given here is that the children spoken of are not lost, but are safely kept in God’s arms and will be reunited one day with God’s children that are left behind.

Believers and unbelievers alike have honest questions concerning one’s final verdict and outcome in certain situations, such as the death of a young child, a mentally challenged person or someone that has not been given the chance to respond to the Gospel. Even Abraham who probably knew God and His character better than most had real questions concerning God’s actions when God was about to pass judgment on Sodom and was found asking’ ‘will not the God of all the earth do right? Will God judge the righteous along with the wicked?’ Some situations do not fit our capacity of understanding and bring up questions that are not easy for us to answer with our limited knowledge and ability. But, we can be assured that our God is totally capable of being fair and righteous in his judgment and is indeed capable of passing judgment that is completely right. Found here in v. 41 of chapter 9 as well as in Jn. 15:22-4 God does take into consideration details that are fair and just when passing judgment. This does not mean, however, that God will or can just overlook our sin. God is able to figure and sort it all out no matter how complex the situation might be doing that which is completely right and fair in the end. No one will be able to accuse Him of being unfair or partial concerning His judgment in the end. He is indeed a Judge like no other.

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Jeremiah 31

 There is hope concerning children removed by death that they shall return to their own border, to the happy lot assigned them in the resurrection, a lot in the heavenly Canaan, that border of his sanctuary. We shall see reason to repress our grief for the death of our children that are taken into covenant with God when we consider the hopes we have of their resurrection to eternal life. They are not lost, but gone before.

The Gospel of John Lesson 32 (4-28-2013) John 9:11-34

The Gospel of John Lesson 32 (4-28-2013)

Lesson 32 – John 9:11-34

V. 11 Even though the man had received a healing from the Lord it appears that he had yet to not only figure out who Jesus was, but also apparently had not yet believed in Jesus putting his faith in Him as his personal Savior. At this point we find him simply amazed with Jesus and what He had done to and for him, but he was unclear as to actually who Jesus was.

Over the next few verses we see this man’s faith progress in steps or stages appearing to fully mature at the end of this chapter. Everyone should be completely happy with what had happened to this man in receiving his healing, right? The man who was blind from birth receives his sight and in the end gives credit to the right and appropriate source in the end committing his life to Christ. This should be a happy ending. It doesn’t get much better than this.

But not so fast. Not everyone was happy about what had happened and how it went down. The people that had encountered the now seeing formally blind man were not only amazed at what had happened, but they were also perplexed having no way to explain what had happened. In looking for answers they turn to one of the very few sources that they have for answers taking the now seeing blind man to the temple hoping to get input that might be helpful. But, instead in the end they end up in a conflict that I am sure that they did not actually anticipate.

The people clear and simple had no doubt that this was a full fledged miracle. However, when discussing the matter with the Pharisees they found out that these religious leaders were concerned with other details.

To begin with as these religious leaders begin to question them the first thing that they find out is that this miracle had been performed on the Sabbath. Talking about starting on the wrong foot. Right here no matter what had happened the religious leaders had already come to a conclusion in their mind that what had happened could not be of God because this miracle had happened on the Sabbath. They had viewed performing a miracle as work and to them doing work on the Sabbath was a violation of the Law. Obviously to them in doing so whoever did such was a sinner having done such a sinful act violating their version of God’s Law and could not truly be of God.

However, the people disagreed. They looked at it from another perspective. They had viewed it from the perspective that a miracle had happened that had God’s name on it and they could not deny that it was of God no matter what day that it had occurred on. They apparently disagreed so strongly that in the end of v. 16 it tells us that it ends up causing a division among the people. It is not completely clear as to what two groups formed as a result to this encounter. It would be safe to assume, however, that there was at least a division formed between the religious leaders and the people, but some translations make it clear that even the religious leaders were not all on the same page indicating that even among the Sanhedrin there was sharp division.

In v. 15 the Pharisees at least ask further questions asking the man born blind to review the details of the miracle with them. One might question however their motive in doing so. It seems from all indications here as was their usual custom that they in reality had already made up their mind having already formed their opinion and appraisal of what had happened as seen in v. 16. In v. 17 the Pharisees in looking for a way to discredit Jesus’ work and what had happened turn again to the man that had been born blind and foolishly and in all probability reluctantly ask the man his opinion of what had happened and what he thought of Jesus. It was a foolish and risky move on their part.

The man instead of backing down from the peer pressure of these religious leaders and lessening his opinion of what he thought of Jesus as seen earlier in this chapter seems to raise the bar appearing to be developing a more sure opinion of who he thought Jesus was. In doing so, we find him elevating his opinion from Jesus as a man to Jesus a prophet of God, v. 17. To the Pharisees this answer was not good. This was not what they were looking for or what they were expecting the man to say. Instead of the blind man’s testimony helping them to discredit Jesus it did the opposite. Now they were desperate.

In v. 18 we see the Pharisees not willing to accept the former blind man’s opinion of Jesus now look for ways to not only discredit Jesus, but now also the man. In doing so, they declare publicly that they even doubt that this man had ever been born blind in the first place. In attempting to get to the bottom of this they call for his parents and begin to question them now also.

In v. 19 they ask his parents 2 questions. The first question they ask them is if this man was indeed their son. To this his parents answer in the affirmative, v. 20. The second question to them was how did this happen? By what method did their son regain his sight? They had already asked this same question of the man that had been born blind in v. 15. The second part of their questioning to his parents, however, did not come without its share of intimidation and potential consequences. This was a loaded inquiry or question. Answering this question in the wrong way could make life difficult for the man and his parents.

In v. 21 we see his parents use a bit of wisdom in answering them by essentially sidestepping the question deferring them to the source, i.e. the blind man, saying that he was of age to answer his own questions. It is likely that this inquiry was at least somewhat of a public discussion and dialog between the religious rulers, the man born blind and his parents. In all likelihood it was set up this way by the religious leaders to be used as a form of intimidation to encourage the man and his parents to respond in their favor making them look good attempting to discredit the miracle that Jesus had just performed. In v. 22 the Apostle John tells us that there is indeed a cover-up and that the Pharisee’s intention and desire was not to obtain the truth, but was to manipulate the facts using them for their own benefit.

In v. 24 out of frustration they begin to again further question the man born blind using leading questions telling the man exactly what to say. They tell him that he had better give God the praise for his healing and make a public statement supporting their opinion and verdict on Who Jesus was. However, the man wanting to give an accurate account boldly answers them back un-intimidated choosing not to give into their intimidation stating again the truth of what had happened. As yet he had not made a firm decision as to who he thought that Jesus was, but does state to them the fact that he does know for sure, that he was once blind and now he can see.

Still not believing that a miracle had indeed occurred, v. 26, the Pharisees ask the man again to explain the mechanics and details of what he claimed had happened. In asking the man this question again in all likelihood what they were actually looking for was not the truth of what had actually happened, but were in actuality looking for something that they could use to discredit what had occurred.

In v. 27 the man born blind begins to get annoyed with their continual interrogation and insinuation. This is the third time that we see in this chapter that they ask for an account of the details of what had happened. In replying to their request in v. 26 he replies with a bit of sarcasm asking them if the reason that they continue to ask him these questions is possibly because they also want to become His disciples.

We know that this is a poke at them by the man because a couple of verses earlier the religious leaders made it clearly known what they thought of Jesus declaring Jesus a sinner to the man born blind telling him to give the credit to God instead. In doing so, from their point of view, it was clear that Jesus was not connected to God in any way and that there was no way that they would even remotely want to be Jesus’ disciple. But, the man born blind couldn’t help himself. To him what they were saying was so ridiculous that he begins to mirror their cynicism back at them from the other side of the table so to speak by asking them if they too wanted to become Jesus’ disciples.

The Pharisees respond back furiously in v. 28 to the man’s comment about their possibly wanting to be Jesus’ disciples explaining their response the KJV uses the terminology ‘reviling him’ as they respond. The NIV translates their response as ‘they hurled insults’ at the man. The International Standard Version says that ‘they turned on him in fury’. The Net translation says that they ‘heaped insults’ on him. The Living Bible paraphrase says that they ‘cursed’ the man. And, the God’s Word translation says that they ‘yelled’ at him. They were hot! They were not getting the response that they were looking for and they were done messing around.

In v. 28 they draw a line in the sand now more distinctly than ever creating two distinct camps, those for Jesus or those who at least believe the details of the miracle that had happened and the other side aligning with the view and opinion of the Pharisees believing that Jesus is in actuality a deceiver of the people of God and therefore making Him out to be a sinner.  

However, now in this verse they not only try to discredit and in actuality defame Jesus, but now they create the standard of either ‘guilty’ or ‘good’ by association, placing those accepting Jesus’ miracle as valid on the so called ‘sinner side’ and those who reject Jesus along with the religious leaders on the God or good side. However, the religious leaders throw in one more detail. They weight the outcome putting their thumb on the scale so to speak claiming Moses as the basis for their conviction. It is interesting that in this verse they claim Moses as their justification, but the question to them should be turned around asking them ‘Would Moses claim them’. They had claimed to be connected with Moses, but would Moses have agreed. It is unlikely. Their actions here proved otherwise!

In v. 30 the man born blind annoyed with their logic and attitude replies to them putting his spin on what had happened. He reminds them of the caliber of the miracle that had occurred. They were supposed to know everything important and yet they were clueless as to where Jesus received His power. The man was speaking from firsthand experience. The miracle had happened to him!

He proceeds in v. 31-4 outlining the working of God in essence telling them that there is no mistaking what had happened. What had happened had the signature of God on it. His rational was that Jesus had to get His power from somewhere. Something like this doesn’t just happen and the only logical source for such power was God Almighty. He makes the point that God does not just give out this kind of power to just anyone, especially to one who was considered a sinner.

In v. 34 we see that the man’s comments did not go over too well. The religious leaders end this discussion by essentially calling the man one of the worst sinners that ever existed and that because of this that he, the man, could not possibly have anything that he could share with them that could be of benefit. They forget that they were the ones that began this dialog at least appearing to want some answers. In the end they end up casting the man out of the Temple and Temple life. Now being an outcast Jesus comes to claim him…