The Gospel of John Lesson 61 (01-26-14) John 15:6-10

The Gospel of John Lesson 61 (01-26-14)

Lesson 61 – John 15:6-10

As we begin our study this week I think that it would be good to weave in some of last week’s study because it is difficult to apply correctly what Jesus will say here unless we lay what He says on the previous week’s study as a foundation.

Last week we saw that Jesus placed Himself essentially in the nation Israel’s most prominent position referring to Himself as the True Vine. In last week’s lesson we made reference to Isaiah chapter 5, verses 1-7, making mention that Jesus’ reference to the True Vine and the vineyard would have connected directly with His audience here in John chapter 15. They would have understood the reference to the vineyard as Jesus referring directly to the nation Israel.

It would have been clear to His disciples that in saying that He was the True Vine He was placing Himself as the intermediary between the nation Israel and God the Father. His reference to being the True Vine would have connected with His disciples as they would have understood the position that He took in being the connection for the people of Israel to God the Father who was referred to as the husbandman or owner of the vineyard in the Isaiah chapter 5 passage. In doing so and saying this He made the statement that He, and not the religious leaders of Israel at that time, was the path to the Father and He made it plain that they, His disciples and His followers, needed to find their connection and home in Him if they wanted to know God the Father.

In the first 6 verses of chapter 15 Jesus made some interesting statements to them that may have challenged their thinking, challenging their thinking concerning their commitment and relationship to God. At that time in the hierarchy of their society every part of their society funneled through the activities of Israel’s religious practices and perspectives as dictated by the priests.

This was not supposed to be a bad thing. When done right this system was suppose to point to God. However, nothing could have been further from the truth. Israel at the time was under Roman rule so oppression and oversight of these religious practices were influential on how they were carried out and performed.

The original laws and practices that Israel had been given by God to observe were bold and God honoring. However, the priests had changed them and their intent, selfishly manipulating them and their intent for their own benefit. Add to this the fear of over stepping the line with their Roman captors, the priests would omit or water down practices that might offend or get too much of what they would call the wrong attention from their captures.

If you think of it the picture found here in John 15 has an amazing similarity to the picture that Isaiah paints in Isaiah chapter 5 of not resembling God’s vineyard at all. Jesus rightfully placing Himself into the position of the True, and, One and only Vine offered His disciples and followers hope. But, they would have to make some changes. Their focus and practices would have to be focused on Jesus and not the religious leaders and their practices, and, on Jesus’ teachings and example and not on the formality of their religion. But, isn’t that the way it should have been?

Jesus’ message in John 15 was one of division, one of separating out, separating out the bad from the good that was found in Israel, God’s vineyard. It is interesting that Jesus does the separating out, being the Judge of the vines and branches. However, He does tell us His standard or measure for this judgment or evaluation and His standard may surprise some.

It is true that at first glance it appears that this division that He makes is one of those bearing fruit or not bearing fruit. However, in reality it is more than that. His standard for pruning the dead or unproductive out was one of whether or not one was abiding in or not abiding in the True Vine. In other words, it was based on whether you were abiding in Jesus or not. Bearing fruit was the end result of those truly abiding in the Vine. Those of Israel who were not found abiding in the precepts and message of the Law and O.T. which clearly pointed to Jesus were found withering and in need of being cast off even though they were part of Israel as a nation.

It is safe to say that most of Israel did not pass the test of abiding at this point. It is true that many, especially of those of the common folk, were considering following Jesus, committing to Him and His teachings, but there was still too much controversy surrounding Him to make an abiding commitment.

It could be said that even His closest friends, His disciples, were at this point not fully abiding in Him either…the reason for this conversation with them. This was indeed a call to them for a deeper relationship and commitment to Him. The vast majority of His disciples would not make this type of abiding commitment until after Jesus’ resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

But, in referring to the branches that were to be pruned away Jesus was in all probability more referring to the religious leaders and their dead ways and practices. It is ironic that in a short time all of what His disciples saw with their eyes that looked so ominous at the time would crumble and fall, eventually leaving Jesus in clearer view. Even the Temple as amazing as it was would be brought down, eventually not leaving one stone upon another.

But, another branch had been excised or pruned out that may also have been what Jesus was referring to. Judas, who at the time looked so good that he even fooled those that were close to him, was revealed and had been pruned out of those who had been chosen by Jesus. As you remember Judas was indeed that unprofitable servant that like the priests of the Temple selfishly served himself. Having the way of perdition, Judas left Jesus and the other disciples performing his selfish acts and as such was pruned away from the others. Jesus goes on in v. 3 reassuring the other disciples that they were indeed abiding in Him calling them clean because His teachings and ways were abiding in them.

Jesus goes on in vs. 4-6 not giving them a list of things that they need to do to stay clean, but instead shares with them what will be the secret to their success. In doing so He tells them that they will have to get their strength and life by abiding in Jesus the Vine. He tells them that this abiding is not only the source to their life or being alive in Him, but He tells them that it is also the source of their being productive and bearing fruit. Jesus makes it clear just how important this abiding is.

At the end of v. 5 Jesus essentially tells them that all of their grand plans and self efforts will be for naught, making a clear statement that without His direction and involvement in what we are doing it will not produce the fruit that He spoke of in these verses. (Read Scofield 15:4 footnote on abiding)

In v. 7 Jesus comes back to a discussion and a promise He gave them that occurred in the upper room. In John 14:12-4 Jesus had given them a new privilege and promise. In those verses He had promised that they would do great and mighty works honoring Him doing them for His glory, telling them that anything that they would ask ‘in His name’, that He would honor their request and do it.

However, His offer did not come without stipulations or some conditions. Actually, it did not come with condition(s) or stipulation(s), in reality came with only one condition. That was, that the request would be made with Christ and His will in mind, making the request in Jesus’ name.

He will make this offer and promise to them several times in this section of John, once in John 14:13-4, here in v. 7 of chapter 15 and again at the end of v. 16 in this same chapter. Here in v. 7 of chapter 15 He makes it clear what He was referring too when He told them in Jn. 14:14 to ask in His name. He makes it clear here that what He was referring to when making requests in His name was to abide in Him and His ways, making requests as He would do with others and not with ourselves in mind. In doing so it says in v. 8 that we will bear much fruit glorifying the Father in the process.

In the next few verses Jesus gets pretty mushy, especially for guys. He keeps talking about this love thing and He actually tells this group of guys, I mean telling them verbally, that He…loves them. What’s up with that? But, somehow in watching their response it appears that they weren’t offended. They had actually felt and experienced Jesus’ love and compassion for them before this and actually had grown accustom to it.

He tells them that the treatment and love that He has shown or demonstrated to them is the same love that He had received from His Father. Jesus knowing the Father’s love had no choice but to pass it on, giving it to those whom He loved. Now, at the end of v. 9, He says to them ‘It is your turn…pass it on’.

We know that His disciples took these words to heart because we read at a later time what the
Apostle John wrote to the then newly established Church that they too, John’s disciples, had received the love that Jesus had passed onto them from the Father sending Jesus’ commandment further on down the line, commanding those in the newly formed Church to do the same.

John repeats this commandment to ‘love one another as Jesus did numerous times in I John, and at least once in II John:

I John 3:23-4…23This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 24The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

I John 4:10-1…10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.…

I John 4:19, 21…We love because he first loved us….And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

I John 5:1-3…1Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.…

II John v. 5…And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

It appears that the entire book of I John is built on the trio principle as found here in the first part of John chapter 15, namely love one another as Christ loved us, ask anything in Christ’s Name while abiding in His commandments and the promise of the coming Holy Spirit who will witness that Jesus is indeed the Christ. John chapter 16 will give further detail of the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in identifying that Jesus is indeed the One and only Messiah or Christ. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 60 (01-19-14) John 15:1-6

The Gospel of John Lesson 60 (01-19-14)

Lesson 60 – John 15:1-6

Jesus starts out in John 15, Jn. 15:1, asserting His authoritative position in the hierarchy of the nation Israel, the nation that God called from among the nations. In using the symbol of the vine He identifies with the heritage and symbolism of the nation Israel and in doing so states and assumes His rightful position as the True Vine or source of Israel’s strength, power and connection to God the Father. It was a power source, which we might add, that they were not recognizing at the present time.

In making this statement Jesus was reminding His disciples that He and not the religious hierarchy was God’s representative and connection to God and that all other assertions, inferences or claims that others may make had no basis at all, Jn. chapter 10. The religious hierarchy with all of its pomp, prestige, history and assertion was difficult to reckon with. It looked so good. And, because of the way Jewish society was constructed it demanded participation and allegiance. It was no different than some of the so called ivory towers in our society that we struggle with when we are called to make a full commitment to the True Vine.

In making this statement Jesus was saying that He was at the center of all that their nation had been given by God. The religious rulers had assumed their position as gatekeeper to God using their position for their own benefit instead of recognizing and honoring Jesus, who was the reason for their position, when He had arrived. In saying that He was the True Vine He was reminding His disciples not to mix allegiance to Him with unprofitable things of this world no matter how good they look.

At the end of v. 1 Jesus reminds them that His Father is the owner of the vineyard making Him directly related to the vineyard’s owner and not just appointed to a position. Being directly related He assumes the position of His inheritance. In saying this He also reminds them that His Father is the Father of their nation, i.e. the vineyard Israel.

As Jesus continues His conversation with them He will do so from the perspective of His relation with them as Jews and His relationship with His nation Israel. Jesus’ perspective was not that someday He wanted to be president, but was that He was in reality already Israel’s One and only True King. Some of His conversation here, especially in the opening verses of chapter 15, can be confusing doctrinally if not seen through the eyes of the symbolism used here referring to Israel, His vineyard, Isaiah 5:1-7. In other words, He is speaking primarily concerning His relationship with the nation Israel and His relationship with its people.

Read Isaiah 5:1-7. In the first couple of verses of that passage the owner of the vineyard, who is also by the way the husbandman or gardener, did everything possible to make this vineyard the most fruitful and abundant of all vineyards. It tells us that he had chosen the ideal location for this vineyard, choosing the most fertile soil. He goes on to say that he tilled the soil, not only removing the surface rocks, but even digging out the rocks that were below the surface that could hampered the roots from going deep, not allowing the vines to take in the rich nutrients of that land.

He continues by saying that the husbandman used the choicest of plants in planting his vineyard providing protection and all the TLC possible to insure an abundant and flavorful harvest. He was so sure of the crop that would be produced because of all that he had done that he even built a winepress in the midst of it anticipating the abundant and tasteful crop that would be harvested, looking forward to enjoying it himself as well as sharing its prize winning taste with whomever he pleased. However, at the end of Isaiah 5:2 it tell us that even though the owner of the vineyard expected to see the choicest and most flavorful grapes for all his labor…instead he got sour wild grapes.

The remainder of the verses of this section of Isaiah chapter 5, v. 3-7, is quite sad. In reading these verses you can feel the sadness and disappointment that the owner of the vineyard has seeing the outcome of all his effort. He continues in these verses by saying that the owner of the vineyard, because of such a poor end result, stops caring for the vineyard and plants, letting it go its wild way, actually eventually tearing down its protection, letting it deteriorate beyond recognition. It says in Isaiah 5:7 that in all that the Lord did to and for Israel that He looked for and expected the end result to be justice, ending up with oppression, and, had expected His righteousness to be demonstrated and instead He heard cries of violence and distress due to injustice out of her.

The instruction and teaching from our Lord in John 15 concerning God and His vine and vineyard must have been refreshing to the disciples as they traveled toward Gethsemane. It is very likely that they were well acquainted with the Isaiah passage seeing Jesus step in and assume His rightful position as the True Vine giving them hope for the coming of a just and righteous kingdom, a little different picture than found in the Isaiah chapter 5 passage.

In assuming this position as the True Vine, Jesus in v. 2 begins to build a more accurate and trustworthy image and illustration of how things should be. In v. 1 He says that He is indeed the True Vine and now in v. 2 referring to the nation of people Israel He makes the reference that the unprofitable and profane part or branches of Israel will begin to be pruned out and cast aside. Although these branches were technically a part of the nation Israel, in reality they were dead and unprofitable, needing to be pruned away. I am sure that as He made this statement and placed Himself in this position as the vine that the first group of people that came to the mind the disciples was Israel’s religious leaders.

Some have been troubled by this section of Scripture saying that it appears to them that there may be reference here to those who were once in the faith and were unprofitable and because of their being unprofitable were pruned out and cast away, v. 2. It is even more troubling to read in v. 6 that those who are not connected to the vine will eventually wither and die being gathered and are thrown into the fire to be burned, v. 6, having eternal implications.

In v. 7 Jesus comes back to His discussion and promise that occurred in the upper room. In John 14:12-4 Jesus had given them a new privilege and promise. In those verses He had promised that they would do great and mighty works honoring Him and for His glory telling them that anything that they would ask ‘in His name’ that He would honor their request and do it. However, His offer did not come without stipulations or some conditions. Actually, it did not come with condition(s) or stipulation(s) it really came with only one condition, that the request would be made with Christ and His will in mind making the request in Jesus’ name.

Here in v. 7 of chapter 15 He makes it clear what He was referring too when He told them in Jn. 14:14 to ask in His name. He makes it clear here that what He was referring to when making requests in His name was to abide in Him and His ways making requests as He would do with others and not with ourselves in mind. In doing so it says in v. 8 that we will bear much fruit glorifying the Father in the process.

However, the reference here appears to be more specifically to Israel as a nation and as such we know from the O.T. account that not all of Israel lived up to God’s desire…sour grapes, Is. 5:2. Jesus openly pronounced certain members of the nation Israel as dead. He told them that they were actually followers of their father the devil and that they would in no way inherit His Kingdom, eventually being separated out and cast into the fire.

However, at the end of v. 2 Jesus also makes reference to those branches of this vine that are profitable saying that He will also prune them making them even more productive, bearing even more fruit than they already are. It is not that Jesus is all about more, more, more, but by virtue of what He has made us to be, why not be all that you are able. Many things in life suck energy and life out of us, hampering our effectiveness that is intended for bearing fruit for God’s Kingdom. Every profitable work and action for God and His Kingdom has the benefit of not only producing fruit in our life, but also in the lives of those around us. Pruning us and our lives naturally produces more good and better tasting fruit.

In v. 3, reassuring them that they are not unprofitable, He tells them that they have been cleansed by the words that He has spoken to them. You will remember just a short time before this that they were unsure of where they stood with Christ, at that time doubting themselves. During the dinner that they had just completed just a short time ago, Judas being present, He, Jesus had made the statement that not all of them were clean. Even though at that time Jesus was referring to Judas, they had doubted themselves wondering if one of them might be that unprofitable branch. However, now, Judas being pruned or cast out He reassures them that they were not an unprofitable branch and that they stood connected firmly to the Vine.

But, He warns them or maybe admonishes them that they need to remember to stay attached to their source of life…the Vine. He tells them in v. 2 that the Father or the Husbandman will prune them for the purpose of bearing more fruit; however, He reminds them in v. 4 that even a pruned branch will wither and die if not properly attached to the life giving source of the vine.

He tells them that they will need to stay connected to the Vine, but He does so by using the relational word ‘abide’. In essence He does not tell them to stay glued or welded or riveted to this Vine, just being attached to it, but refers to their connection in a relational way, telling them to find their home in Him.

In the remaining moments before the Cross He will continue His conversation with them using even stronger images and words to relay to them just how deep this abiding that He is talking about in reality is. He will use terms such as ‘friends’ and the image of family in doing so. In doing this He reminds them that this is not a surface relationship containing a weak bond or commitment. Abiding may at first give the image of comfortable resting in the relationship, but we must not forget that it also calls for deeper commitment to that Person in that relationship. Jesus was telling them that He was committed to them. In calling them to abide He was calling them and asking them to be strongly committed to Him and their relationship to that same degree.

In a real abiding relationship there is commitment and trust to the relationship that will see you through the difficult times. Soon what they will see in the Cross will test their level of commitment testing their relationship. After Jesus’ resurrection Jesus will question Peter several times about his level of abiding, asking Peter if he really loves Him, asking him to commit to this abiding relationship.

In v. 5 Jesus reminds His disciples that there are benefits to this relationship, so put everything you got into it. Just as in every relationship He tells them that there is benefit to everyone involved. There are great benefits derived from a deep and abiding relationship, but it doesn’t come without work. A relationship is like compound interest, the longer and more enduring a real relationship is the greater the benefits. Superficial relationships or relationships built on the wrong foundation provide fleeing pleasures and only moments of glory. In a real relationship there is deep treasure and plenty to glean for everyone including those near as well as far. Not enough commitment and stock is put into so called committed relationships these days.

Again in v. 5 He uses the word ‘abide’ warning them in v.6 of the grave consequences of passing by this kind of relationship. Judas would eventually all too late find out the depth of this remark that Jesus made in v. 6…how sad!

The Gospel of John Lesson 59 (01-12-13) John 14:30-1

The Gospel of John Lesson 59 (01-12-14)

Lesson 59 – John 14:30-1

Things are about to come to a close, at least on this side of the Cross. Jesus lets them know that other events that are beginning to press in will preoccupy His time and attention, v. 30. The contenders are in the ring and the final battle is about to take place. The stakes are high. Winner takes all. All creation is involved here…

But, we already know the outcome, Jn. 12:31-2. Even though the prince of this world is no match for Jesus, blinded by pride he will show up for the fight believing that he will indeed win. He has devised a plan. He has stacked the deck of this world and other parts of God’s creation against Jesus, believing that in the end that he will be the victor somehow diminishing or defaming a Holy God by what is about to happen. His only hope of even having a chance of winning would be to diminish God in some way. By Jesus taking on flesh Satan believed that Jesus became venerable. He, Satan, had fallen, maybe God could be brought down too.

It will be a fight to the death, in the end appearing that he, Satan, the prince of this world will have won. This, death, was Satan’s last strategy, or it may have been his primary strategy all along. In looking back at the other Gospel records we see that this was not his first attempt to diminish God or bring Him down. Satan had made attempts before this…essentially tempting Jesus to disobey the Father, disobeying His will. If Jesus had succumb and done so He would have been no better than the first Adam who suffered severe consequences for his disobedience.

We remember in chapter 4 of Matthew’s Gospel when the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by Satan. Satan tempted Him putting Him to the most rigorous and real temptations or tests only to find the truth of John 14:30 that the essence of God has no evil or potential of evil in Him at all.

However, Satan had another plan thinking that he could bring God down to his level…putting Him to death on the Cross. Death is God’s enemy’s territory or result, not God’s. God was/is the author of life. Death and God had no connection in the same sentence. However, this was Satan’s plan, to see God suffer and die.

This brings up an interesting point to ponder. Somehow, now, on this side of the Cross we see the death of Jesus as something natural to Him, if not occurring on the Cross then at least a reality at some point in His life. But, the question that I wonder about is, was death the eventual and natural end of Jesus if He had not been required to have gone to the Cross. In other words, would Jesus have died if He had not chosen the Cross.

We know that in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus agonized over what was set before Him asking the Father in Matthew 26:39 if in the mystery of the knowledge and essence of God there was another way to accomplish the task that God had set before Him. In that verse we see that even in the request that Jesus continued to be obedient and wanted to obey the Father’s will because He included in the request “yet, not my will, but Thy will be done.”

We know the outcome or answer to His request because we know that the Father did not give Him another option. However, had there been another answer, that there was another way, and, Jesus had not had to die on the Cross, the question that I have is “Would Jesus have died a natural death?” Before we too quickly give an answer to this question let’s consider a few things.

Jesus did include in His request found in Mark 14:36 the statement that all things were possible with the Father, so, this line of thinking or wondering about the ‘what if’s’ is not unreasonable. His request to the Father tells us that before the Cross He was thinking the same thought, wondering if death on the Cross was the only answer to man’s dilemma and His only option.

I know that this sounds like a lot of hypothetical’s sounding like the what if’s of trivial pursuit, but there may be some important points or details about our Lord and His relationship with us that could be gleaned here and these details do relate to what Jesus says  in John 14:30.

Jesus says here in Jn. 14:30 that the prince of this world was indeed coming and that in whatever was associated with Satan and his coming that Jesus had no connection to it or part of it in any way. Very soon Jesus’ followers would see Him suffer and die a sinner’s death. Death on a cross was not only offensive to those living in that society and in that culture, those suffering this fate being the worst of the worst of that culture, but was also a curse to God, the Jewish nation being aware of this, read Deuteronomy 21:22-3, Gal. 3:13. What Jesus would be suffering was a sinner’s death and they would be wondering how this could be possible knowing Jesus’ claims.

However, Jesus assures us in John 14:30 that none of what is about to happen is in any way deserved. The fate and the suffering and the humiliation that He will willing suffer for will be seen by the Father as if it were all His even though it is in reality all ours or all our doing. In other words, Jn. 14:30 reminds us that He indeed was the perfect sacrifice deserving none of what He is about to receive. II Cor. 5:21 makes it plain to us when it says “For He had made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him”.

So the question comes up again, would Jesus have eventually suffered death had not the Cross been required to deal with our sins and our iniquities? In some ways this is a mute point knowing that it was indeed eventually His only option. But, it is good to point out that nothing that Jesus did gave Him the sentence of death which is reserved for all who sin and are disobedient to God.

Even man in his original un-fallen state was not subject to dying or physical death. Death for man only entered after his disobedience then becoming subject to the consequences of his action(s) resulting eventually in death, physical and spiritual, and, a curse of the same for all mankind following his original offense.

Even in this, even though Jesus was born of a woman, He was conceived of God by the Holy Spirit, and as such was not even in His birth spoiled or affected by the stain of man’s fallen nature.

In saying all of this you may ask okay, so what’s the point. Well, for me the point is that when it is all said and done that Jesus on His own really did not have death in His future, even at a later date, and that He really did choose to die when death was not His natural end at all. It was His choice to die…instead of live, severing willingly, of His own choice or volition, His relationship with the Father, for us, death never ever being His natural end.

In the end, when it is all said and done, it was indeed His choice to die, telling us this in passages such as John 10:17-8 (For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.) In the end, there could only be one reason for His choice of action to go to the Cross. That was that He chose to die because He really did Love us. There really is no other reason.

But, in telling them all that He, Jesus, has told them, He tells them to believe and trust in what He has said, resting in the promise of the peace that is to come to sustain them when they see what they are about to witness.

Jesus reminds them to not believe what they will initially see. Initially from all appearances it will appear like He has failed in His mission in establishing the Kingdom as the Promised Messiah. However, He tells them to not give up and to watch on, being sure to watch the final minutes of play.

All is done according to the Father’s will, v.31. Jesus will end up giving His life for the Father’s will proving and showing this world His love for the Father, and for us. As we will see in Gethsemane, even though Jesus, when seeing the enormity of what is before Him will ask the Father if there is not another solution to this problem, He will complete His mission because the Father wills it. The world will see the love Jesus has for the Father demonstrated on the Cross.

The Gospel of John Lesson 58 (01-05-14) John 14:27-9

The Gospel of John Lesson 58 (01-05-14)

Lesson 58 – John 14:27-9

In v. 27 Jesus continues His dialog with them again telling them things that would not normally be a part of a conversation such as this. Normally you would tell someone in this situation to toughen up, be strong, prepare for the worst…brace yourselves for what is coming. In the other Gospels and in the coming chapters of John’s Gospel He will do some of that, but here in v. 27 He tells them to recognize and not miss a very important and practical gift that He will leave behind with them…His Peace.

This is a Powerful attribute and is mentioned in Galatians in chapter 5 as one of the fruits of the Spirit and should not be underestimated. This Peace that He offers them here coupled with the perspective of faith that He has shared with them concerning His being One with the Father will sustain them through unimaginable situations and circumstances.

He shares this with them just before their departure to the Mount of Olives seemingly as His last thought before they leave the Upper Room. This was important for them to hear! It’s like sharing the last, but most important thing with them that He wants them to remember and count on. In essence He tells them that He is leaving behind or giving them a gift…something that they presently do not have and that it is a gift that originates from and with Him. It must be received from Him and it cannot be just willed by mere focus or human determination. This is a very special gift He is giving them.

In v. 27 He tells them that He is leaving this peace behind with them. It is the same peace and assurance based and founded on God’s truths and principles that comforted Jesus as He walked through this difficult, dark and unwelcoming world.

His peace was not just a presence. Yes, it is true that He was sending the very present Comforter to them who was in essence that peace, but there was more to understand than that. The peace that God would offer was something to be received by them, receiving and appropriating it by faith.

In this verse He promised that the same peace that comforted Him in difficult times would be left behind and given to them if…they would reckon upon it and receive it. That means that they would need to recognize it and receive it, resting in it to enjoy its true benefit. They would have to make a decision as stated in Galatians chapter 5 to receive and rest in the peace that His Spirit would offer them after He arrived, i.e. choosing between walking in His Spirit or trusting in their own self abilities and confidence that in the end would fail them.

This peace was different than the false or temporary peace that this world offers and promises. The world promises fulfillment, security and peace in things, but in reality it does not deliver. It promises peace telling us that we will find it when we buy something, having a certain produce or thing, or if we make or have enough money saved in the bank for the so called good life of retirement or enough to provide for our needs and wants. However, once obtained we find that in reality it offers only temporary satisfaction or security (peace) finding that once obtained the benefit of what we just worked so hard to get by our self efforts offers only marginal  support or fulfillment.

What this world has to offer seems to never be quite enough. In reality, the answers that this world offers always seems to have wrapped in it a piece of the solution, but also seems to contain another element or degree of difficulty coupled with it that must be also dealt with..i.e. cost, availability, breakage,  not quite the right fit or difficulty of application, etc.

In making this statement in v. 27 Jesus is actually saying that any and all that this world can offer, whatever it is, does not match what He is offering them here. This world will offer us peace in its devises such as wealth, relationships, success, achievements, intellect, and, of course pleasures, but when we get there it will not be quite what we thought it would be.

Those of this world will offer us the best that they have making promises to us that they cannot actually deliver on. Some in doing so will honestly mean well, but will not be able to give us what they are promising. They will repeat what they too have been told or promised, but have yet to obtain, having false hopes of fulfillment themselves.  

In doing so those that promise such things are not being totally honest with us. This world states such things as if it were fact when although there is some benefit to what is offered, those things gained in this world are in reality insufficient in the ability to meet our needs and satisfy us.

It may sound harsh, but the Bible tells us that in saying such things those that make such claims are promoting false claims in reality lying to us deceiving many. Jesus tells them here to beware of such claims. Solomon in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes also warned of such.

In saying this, it is important to say that the use of such things in and of themselves is not evil, but the false hope, putting trust in them is. In reality what this world offers and desires of us are complacency, contentment and compromise, a snare making us unfulfilled and ineffective in our mission for His Kingdom. Jesus was telling them to use the things of this world wisely using them only for what they are meant to be and not trusting in them more than we should.

What Jesus had to offer was real and would not let them down. His Peace was real and could be trusted. What is found here in John 14:27 is akin to something that Jesus said earlier found in Matthew’s Gospel in chapter 11 v. 29 where Jesus tells His followers to “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest in your souls.” This is what He is offering them…rest and peace, even in extremely difficult times or situations.

At the time that Jesus made this statement to them He knew that He was only hours away from being beaten and tortured and would be hung on a cross, and, yet, the peace that He offered them here was the same peace that He would experience while facing the difficulties just ahead of Him. He assured them that they would have the same peace as they faced the difficulties that were ahead of them also. This has proven to be true over the centuries since His departure.

In v. 28 He reminds them that they will even have this peace in His absence as He reminds them of His departure for a season. It is understandable that they would be troubled because of His leaving, but Jesus’ coming back to the Father is important. His doing so was for their/our benefit. In doing so it means that Jesus has completed His work and having done so the power of the Father would be unleashed protecting His purchased possession, the Church.

The power of the Father was great and Jesus was telling them that they have not seen anything yet, just wait, v.29. They would see the truth of Jesus’ words in reality and in action. More so than even what they had seen Him do. Remember, the power of the Father will be demonstrated in the establishment of Christ’s Bride, the Church. But, in saying so in v. 28-9, it appears that He is also telling them to be alert and watching that they don’t miss it. Pay attention!

The Gospel of John Lesson 57 (12-29-2013) John 14:18-26

The Gospel of John Lesson 57 (12-29-2013)

Lesson 57 – John 14:18-26

In v. 18 of chapter 14 of John’s Gospel Jesus further affirms His promise to them telling them that although He is leaving that He will not leave them without guidance and support. He uses an interesting word in making this promise. In making His promise to them He not only tells them that He will give them the physical tools and capability to accomplish the task(s) that will be set before them, but in giving them what they will need He promises that He will also be their coach, moral support, adviser and helper, comforting them when faced with doubts and difficult times.

At the end of v. 18 He makes a statement that is puzzling to them. He had told them earlier in this chapter that He was going away, and, that the world would not see Him anymore, that He was also leaving them for a season. However, at the end of v. 18 He tells them that even thought He is going away that in some mysterious way that at the same time He would visit them even though absent from them. Putting myself in their shoes, I understand their confusion when first hearing this. This indeed would have been a strange concept to them at the time.

However, in v. 19 Jesus goes on to explain further what He is talking about. In v. 19 Jesus essentially divides the human race into two groups. He divides them as those that are what He terms to as belonging to the world or this world’s system and organization and those that are His. This is not a new concept. It is a theme found throughout all of Scripture. Later in this chapter, v. 30, Jesus will reference to this making the statement that He and the prince of this world have nothing in common at all.

To those that give allegiance to the prince of this world spoken of in v. 30 Jesus says in v. 18 that He will not be known to them. When He would leave after His ascension, to them He indeed would be gone, no more to be seen until He returns in judgment. This indeed is a sobering thought! Think of it. To be alive in this world and not know or recognize the presence of God in while going through this life…how empty and lonely could it be.

However, He goes on to say to His disciples, and also future followers of Him, that even though He would be leaving them physically that in reality He would in no way be leaving them. In other words, His Person and Presence would still continue to be known to them in spite of His physical absence for a season. In some mysterious way, this is the mystery of the Holy Spirit, He would continue to be with them, a mystery that those of this world will not in any way know or be able to experience.

But, in v. 19 He also assures His followers of something else. Although the main reference to the point that He is making in v. 19 may be to His final act of physically leaving, occurring at His ascension, He also makes reference to what they will also soon see, i.e. His death… on the Cross. Soon as they will see Him physically die and they will be devastated thinking all is lost.

However Jesus knows the final outcome. In just a short time after His death on the Cross they will see Him come back to life again… rising from the dead. I believe that in His statement found in v. 19 He challenges them, and yet, reassures them, that they also will be challenged to give their life for the Gospel, and, that they should be reassured that death will not be their end either. Not too many days from now all but the Apostle John will be called to eventually suffer the same fate as Jesus, dying, only to be Promised life after their death.

Jesus talks to them in these remaining hours concerning many seemingly different things, i.e. prayer, the Holy Spirit, the Father and His relationship…Their being One, His departure and even beginning concepts concerning His union with the soon to emerge Church, v. 20. At times He appears to jump around from this topic to that. However, in these remaining hours He continues to share with them the nuts and bolts that will make up and bring about the coming Kingdom of God.

But, how do you explain the Kingdom in words? God’s Kingdom is better experienced than understood. It is hard to fully explain the Kingdom on paper. These are mysteries that defy human logic and intellect. It is not possible to fully understand the Kingdom when using intellect and human reason alone. The mind of man by itself is no match for the mind and wisdom of God in practical application of the reality of God. That is why these concepts were at times confusing to His disciples.

However, in explaining the things of the Kingdom to them He does it in an interesting way. In telling them these things He is not just giving them the A. B, C’s or just the facts of the Kingdom, but in essence tells them to embrace the Kingdom not only with their mind, but also with their being. To do so they must receive His words in relationship test driving what He is saying experientially. He was telling them the details, but asking them to taste the Kingdom to better understand what He is saying to them.

As yet, they did not fully understand the mystery stated in v. 20. This concept of the Kingdom that Jesus and the Father were fully and completely One was indeed a difficult concept to grasp. Now Jesus adds another twist to this mystery…Jesus telling them that they were part of this union. It was difficult enough to conceive of Jesus and the Father being One, but a union with sinful man…this was too much.

In making this statement in v. 20 Jesus eludes to the Body of Christ or the reality of the Church of Christ being united with Him and the Father in some again mysterious and yet real way. In v. 20 He assures them that they will know this reality and truth inferring that they will know this to be true by them having experienced it to be so. In other words, there will be no doubt of its reality. They will not know this in concept or theory only. God will literally show them the reality of this being true eventually giving them firsthand experience of this truth.

He continues in v. 21 finishing the picture for them of what this will look like and how it will be so. Their union with Jesus and the Father will not happen without change, bringing about a change in their focus and actions. Instead of them being focused on their self centered and selfish life they will adopt Jesus’ focus and perspective, desiring to do the Father’s will also.

In the next few verses He will make this distinction between His true followers and those firmly held in the grasp of this present world. Those who truly love Jesus will follow His example being truly desirous to do the Father’s will doing His work. Those who are not His followers will do their own thing, in reality looking out for number one even though at times their actions may appear similar to those that are true followers of Christ. Remember, even Judas put on a good show fooling even those that were near.

In v. 22 we find Judas, not Iscariot, in all probability expressing the question that is on everyone’s mind. He asks for a little more practical explanation of the reality and mechanics of how they will know His presence and those who are not His followers will not. What Jesus said to them seemed quite strange to him. The practical application of what Jesus had just said did not in any way fit into the world that he had been experiencing.

In saying this or asking Jesus this question we can see that Judas understood what Jesus was saying to them. What Jesus was promising and telling them was that His Presence would be known so real that it would be as if Jesus were in actuality physically present. This is what prompted Judas’ question. For Jesus to come to them as if physically present and the world not have this privilege to know or see Him would be difficult to understand.

Jesus’ answer to Judas was an interesting one. In v. 23 He does not begin to explain the mechanics of how they would know His presence and those of the world would not, but begins to answer Judas by explaining what will happen in the terms of a relationship, telling them that His presence will be known by those who honor their relationship with Him in obedience to His words or commandments. In saying this Jesus was saying that the answer to Philip’s question was not a riddle to be solved by logic or the laws of physics, but is found in the experience and reality of a relationship…a relationship with Jesus and the Father. The world unable to do this will not and cannot participate in knowing or experiencing His presence in this manner.

Obedience to the will of Christ is not possible, however, for the unregenerate person. But, those who are part of His family, having family traits and resemblance Jesus tells them is different. As stated by John the Apostle in I John 5:3, the love for God is demonstrated in keeping His commandments, even going one step further saying that doing so is desirous and not a burdensome task to those that love Him. When this is so…because this is so, v. 23 tells us that the literal Presence of Jesus and the Father will appear, so much so that God will literally be Present making His home or abode not only with, but in His followers. His Presence will be real. It will not even be some virtual perceived reality. Christ will literally be present. This is what prompted Judas’ question in v. 22.

In v. 24 Jesus reminds His disciples that He did not just invent or come up with what He is saying, being the man with the plan, because He knew that the Cross was near and/or inevitable. In essence He tells them that this was the plan all along, since the beginning of time. He was continuing to implement and teach them the Father’s plan, continuing to be obedient to the Father, sharing and speaking the Father’s plan with them while present with them, v. 25.

In v. 26 He tells them that there is so much more that He would like to share with them, but time and events are closing in. It is amazing all that Jesus does indeed share here with them in chapters 13-7 just hours before He is crucified. But, not to worry, Jesus tells them that He and the Father have also made plans for this moment, sending the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit, to them shortly after His departure.

In essence in v. 26 Jesus tells them that He knows that He has given them a crash course and that He will not be there to instruct them further on how to practically apply what He has taught them. But, He tells them that Someone is coming to guide and further, instructing them as they begin to take the wheel, being sure that they get it right.

He tells them that they have received the education, but now they must learn to practice what he has taught them. They will receive further guidance in this, and, also be taught even more as they embark on their journey.

He ends v. 26 by reassuring them not to worry. He knows that He is sharing a lot with them in these remaining moments before His death, but this Comforter who will come will not only teach them further but will bring to their remembrance these things that He had said to them. Jesus has thought of everything. He really does love us.