Gospel of John

John’s Love Letter to God

Title: Genuine Faith Reveals a Family Affair, John 44-50
(This is Jesus’ rebuttal passage to John’s comments about the “heart of matter” and the depth and truth of our belief. Are we truly followers or trying to live a two-faced life out of convenience? Who knows if we are true believers or professed believers when it suits our needs?)

?Then Jesus cried out, “The one who believes in Me believes not in Me, but in Him who sent Me. And the one who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.

“I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me would not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

“The one who rejects Me and doesn’t accept My sayings has this as his judge: The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

“For I have not spoken on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a command as to what I should say and what I should speak. I know that His command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

Truth: The Good News that Jesus has declared all along His journey and now again is summarized reveals that the logos message from God exposes truth that resides in the hearts of all who claim a relationship with Christ.

Application: Jesus has been sharing God’s appointed logos message or the Good News (Gospel) repeatedly over His ministry travels, and here he takes the opportunity to punctuate the truth regarding those who are now following Him. Are they following because of the message and its power in their lives, or for the healing and miracle power of Jesus?

Everything that Jesus said always originated, flowed from and pointed back to the source: God the Father. God alone is the author, creator and sustainer of all things, and Jesus while on Earth was the appointed ambassador and herald of the message God wished all mankind to hear and respond to. His message was clear: “if you believe in Him, you must therefore believe in God the Father. Jesus was merely the revelation (the LIGHT) of God’s logos message to His people. God sent His Son so that the ignorance (darkness) of the people would be revealed. Jesus merely revealed that it was mankind’s selfish nature that caused their blindness to God’s truth. Eternal life was and continues to be the gift of God’s grace for all who would respond to the truth of the message by accepting God and His Son into their hearts.

This passage reminds us that our faith will reveal the family affair of the Father and Son, but also how we can take part in that family affair, if we will only open our hearts to hear and receive in our heart His message of God’s offer for salvation – the restored relationship as one of His children.

Is there evidence in your life of being adopted back into God’s family? Do you look to the Father for direction and correction in your life, and do you call on your Big Brother Jesus to look up to and to follow? What a smile you will see from the Father when He sees His family sharing and caring together as He intended it from the beginning! Or, does your life reveal a struggle with your siblings because of fights over position, power, and possessions? In God’s family there are no favorites; He has enough love to go around.

Gospel of John

John’s Love Letter to God

Title: Have Your Cake and Eat It Too, John 12:37-43
Even though He had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him.

But this was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet, who said: Lord, who has believed our message? And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to?

This is why they were unable to believe, because Isaiah also said: He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts, and be converted, and I would heal them.

Isaiah said these things because he saw His glory and spoke about Him.

Nevertheless, many did believe in Him even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so they would not be banned from the synagogue.

For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Truth: Is it possible to have selfish Christians? Is that an oxymoron? Can someone claim to be a Christian seeking the benefits of eternal life and yet still live to the standards of the world because they prefer that lifestyle and would not want to appear different or experience rejection? Can a Christian have his or her spiritual cake and eat it too?

Application: Why do we all desire to believe but hesitate to walk by faith? Why do we desire to believe in God but not want to upset the world around us by that decision? Why do we desire to believe but keep our belief to ourselves? To whose benefit does that serve? Is that “belief”? Or, are we just trying to have our spiritual cake and eat it too?

Just look inside of our churches to find the truth. Observe how they act and serve. Does your church membership try to blend and adapt to the world it is trying to reach and serve, or is it trying to impact and change the world it is surrounded by?

When you leave worship on a Sunday, how do you behave at home, at work, and to your friends? In fact, do you have a whole different set of friends that you blend in with Monday through Saturday. Do you find yourself seeking to please them as much as you seek to serve the Lord of heaven and earth? Or are you afraid you might lose your friends more than fearing the loss of your relationship with God?

Jesus saw such hypocritical self-serving cowardice and that is why He never trusted the hearts of those who claimed to follow Him. Yet He used their selfish nature to accomplish His mission on earth.

Where are you in this picture? Who do you fear more: God or the people you call friends in your life? Or, are you trying to have your cake and eat it too?

Gospel of John

John’s Love Letter to God

Title: Our Lives: For Our Glory or God’s Glory, John 12:20-36
?(After the jubilant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus walks among the throngs of people who have arrived also into the city for the Passover Festival celebration week – Jews, Gentiles, Greeks, etc.)

Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.”

Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. (Remember John 1:35-51, the roles Andrew & Philip served as Jesus’ first disciples to reach out to introduce Jesus to others.)

Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

“I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. The one who loves his life will lose it, l and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

“Now My soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save Me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again!”

The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.

Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for Me, but for you. Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. As for Me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to Myself.”

He said this to signify what kind of death He was about to die.

Then the crowd replied to Him, “We have heard from the scripture that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”

Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become sons of light.”

Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.

Truth: If we are seeking to serve our self, we will fail to recognize the Savior and His sacrifice to glorify our Father in heaven. This life we live is but the beginning of the life that God has planned for us, and here it clearly is intended for all, not just the religious.

Application: The scene in this passage is interesting to consider. The crowd that has gathered in preparation of the festival week in Jerusalem included faithful Jews, those who have been praying to see the Messiah in their lifetime to rescue them from their captivity, and many of the Greco-Roman culture who were curious about the God of the Jews. Many had heard about Jesus and His miracles and His message and they were hoping to find Him among the crowds as well.

This was a prime time for Jesus and His popularity among the people. For three years He had been preaching and teaching to the crowds. Miracles were realized, and thus His reputation had grown throughout the region. People of the faith and just the curious flocked to see and hear Him. Some came by faith, and some came seeking to determine if He was a liar, lunatic or really the Lord as many claimed.

Several Greeks came to Philip who brought them to Andrew who introduced them to Jesus, which ignites the discourse of this passage. Certainly Jews would have been in the crown but this message was directed to the philosophical and curious Greeks who sought Him. Jesus proclaimed His time is drawing near and unless the people seek the light (revelation of God’s truth, the logos message) the people will continue to stumble in the same darkness (ignorance) they have been walking in (living). But, He also reminded them that when He is lifted up to reveal the glory of God that will be the great event that must occur so that the hearts of the people will witness His true identity with God the Father; then they will truly believe and God will receive the glory He deserves from His people.

What about us today? We reside on the other side of all the events that are happening in this passage. We know the outcome, but what about those in the passage? Yet, what many of us desire to do is denounce and reject the historical events regarding Jesus, so they can justify denying Him as the Lord and Messiah of God. Where do you stand? Do you believe and seek the light of His Word while you have the opportunity, or do you desire to buy into the world’s effort to quiet His Word’s influence on the people, just as the self-righteous rulers did long ago.

Do you desire God’s glory or your glory in this life?

This is a post from several years ago… I dedicate it to my wife, and the mothers of my grandchildren, and of course my mom.

Godly Men Have Godly Mothers to Thank!

The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: What [should I say], my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows? Don’t spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings. It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers [to desire] beer. Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed. Give beer to one who is dying, and wine to one whose life is bitter. Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy. Prov 31:1-9 (HCSB)

Most men love their mothers but how many learned to listen to their mothers? Mothers through the ages have been caretakers of the family. They handle the basic needs of the household, and they feed the children, clean them up and after them, and they have kept us on schedule; but, how many have stopped to listen to the wisdom of their mothers? Consider carefully: who knows you better than your mother? Who has known you longer than anyone, including your father? Who has given so much of themselves to make sure you made it in this world? Who has more invested in you than your mother? In this world, what greater love exists than that of a mother and her children? Yet, after saying all that, how many believe and have listened to the wisdom of their mothers?

The mother in this passage is believed to be Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon. Considering the gift of wisdom that God bestowed upon Solomon, what could she possibly say to Solomon (a.k.a. Lemuel) that he should have known? Well, in looking back on the life of Solomon it was his “party hearty” attitude that got him in trouble. He took liberty with his libations, and also with the ladies, and his kingdom suffered and split after he was gone. Why didn’t he heed his mother’s wisdom? Now, it would be said from what we know that Solomon’s wisdom did help him to judge fairly and justly on the behalf of the poor and the rich in his kingdom, but evidently not in his own family.

The advice his mother did speak though he recorded for history to see. After learning how smart his mother was and realizing how things might have turned out had he listened he acknowledged her wisdom to be sound. Solomon realized there were times he passed over judging issues that may have been a nuisance and troublesome because other matters made more sense. However, he looks back and realizes even when it means taking a stand for what is right and just, and you have the authority and the ability, you need to make a difference, even when it is not always convenient or comfortable to do so.

Can you look back and hear the echoes of your mother speaking to you about what should matter most for you and your life? Have you heeded her words or just smiled and chosen to things your own way? I wonder when Solomon was told by God that he would receive the gift of wisdom, did God use his mother to be the bearer of much of the wisdom. Is the beginning of wisdom, learning to listen to those who love us the most? If you have or had a godly mother and she knew what it meant to seek after God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word – could she be God’s agent for sharing His wisdom to you? If so, tell your mother thanks for her faithfulness and how much she loved you.

Coach

I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my forefathers did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also. Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. 2 Tim 1:3-7 (HCSB)

Gospel of John

John’s Love Letter to God

Title: Pride, Power & Prestige Stir Jealousy & Fear, John 12:9-19
?(After the celebration of Jesus’ visit in Bethany before completing His journey to Jerusalem for the Passover…)

Then a large crowd of the Jews learned He was there. They came not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus the one He had raised from the dead. Therefore the chief priests decided to kill Lazarus also because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.

The next day, when the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took palm branches and went out to meet Him. They kept shouting: “Hosanna! He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One—the King of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written: Fear no more, Daughter Zion. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.

His disciples did not understand these things at first. However, when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.

Meanwhile, the crowd, which had been with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify. This is also why the crowd met Him, because they heard He had done this sign.

Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You see? You’ve accomplished nothing. Look—the world has gone after Him!”

Truth: Jealousy stirs fear when we find our positions of pride, power, and prestige are at risk. And that fear can stir us to take actions to remove the risk. Our response determines our faith in God.

Application:  The fear of the religious leadership became justified in their own minds. They knew Jesus’ influence upon the people was growing rapidly, and they were quickly losing their grip upon the people. They feared that they risked losing all their power and influence to Jesus. And their fear was evident when Jesus arrived into Jerusalem at the beginning of the Passover festival. The crowds cheered and celebrated Jesus’ arrival and they proclaimed Him as their Messiah and Lord.

To stir up the crowd, many who witnessed His miracle with Lazarus were running ahead as Jesus rode into the city. The crowd responded by acknowledging and proclaiming Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God. In the eyes of the people the donkey He rode was the valiant stead of a king leading a royal procession. (see the prophesy of Zechariah 9:9)

This procession enraged the religious leadership, and their plans to remove Jesus now also included killing Lazarus, and any others who stood in their way. They had become totally blinded by their pride, power and prestige they felt they deserved. Their positions of authority and power were theirs by tradition that dated back centuries in Jewish history. Thus their hearts grew cold and hardened just like the Pharaoh of Egypt 600+ years before in their history. God used the Pharaoh’s hard heart to free His people then when Moses was their savior and anointed savior. But now, the Messiah or anointed Son of God was about to free them in a way that no king or emperor could stop. Not even death could prevent this freedom from being realized for God’s people!

Even today, there are many who God uses by directing their blind anger, jealousy and hate for His greater purposes. Have you witnessed Christians threatened and persecuted, but in the end God’s message and truth prevailed?

Maybe you have personally felt threatened at work or in your community. Is the hate and jealousy focused upon you personally or the message you represent? When it is God’s name that is being persecuted, is God able to respond to fulfill His purposes, for His glory?

Do you believe that God still works in our world to glorify His name and build His kingdom? Does your life that faith in God, or do you stumble in the face of the risk stirring the fear and jealousy of others?

Gospel of John

John’s Love Letter to God

Title: What Offering Do You Bring? Fellowship, Service, Adoration or Judgment, John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of fragrant oil—pure and expensive nard—anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was about to betray Him), said, “Why wasn’t this fragrant oil sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?” He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it.

Jesus answered, “Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of My burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.

Truth: Our response to Jesus determines our relationship with Him. Our focus in life determines if we truly know Jesus or not. We can choose connecting with Him through fellowship, service, adoration or disconnect with judgment of others.

Application: Some time has passed since Lazarus was raised from his tomb by Jesus, but after a brief period away from the shadows of Jerusalem, Jesus brings His disciples back to Judea in preparation for the upcoming Passover Festival in Jerusalem. However, He stops in Bethany and is invited to dinner by Lazarus, Mary and Martha. It is interesting to see the characters present that night and their focus. Lazarus reclined with his guests at the table as the host; Martha is busy preparing and serving the meal; Mary is focused upon anointing Jesus’ feet. The disciples with Jesus are observing the actions, especially Judas, who is pointed out for his response to Mary’s actions.

How would you respond with Jesus arriving to your house shortly after you were saved from the death of sin and given a new life? Would you lounge alongside of Him at the table, serve Him, anoint Him, or judge the actions and attitudes like Judas?

Consider this specific dinner meeting. It surely was a curious time, full of very interesting conversation. (Can you imagine what was discussed? What would you want to know if you were there?) Would you ask the obvious question of Lazarus? “How did it feel while you were in the tomb? What did you see and feel before Jesus called you out?

Yet also, with the obvious questions about life and death, what about asking Jesus, “Aren’t You afraid of the death threats that the religious leadership has issued against You? We know you raised Lazarus from the dead, but what about raising yourself?”

Mary’s act of anointing Jesus seems very responsible and appropriate. Her brother was returned from death to life – a gift beyond her understanding and comprehension, even though that acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. Her gratitude of affection for Jesus, a good friend of her family before, and even more so now, was revealing her best response of praise and adoration for what Jesus had done. It was actually Jesus who turned the simple act of respect and adoration into something much deeper. Jesus revealed she was preparing Him for what lied ahead for Him in the coming days. This message was meant not for Mary, nor Martha, nor Lazarus, but the disciples who shared in the meal that evening.

The disciples should have easily made the connection of what Jesus was speaking about, but since their focus was upon the actions and attitudes of others, the message that Jesus was trying to convey seems not to have connected with the disciples. They were too busy judging and probably asking questions rather than being receptive to what Jesus was seeking to tell them.

What about you and I, what offering have we given to Jesus for giving us new life? His gift of salvation is free. It is given out of God’s grace by faith. However, should we not have an appropriate response of praise for what He has done? Have you taken the time to say thank you? Would you be comfortable reclining next to Jesus? Would you feel better serving Him? Or, would it better suit you to anoint Him with your adoration and praise? Or, would you be too busy judging the actions of all the others at the dinner party?

What offering would you bring? What are you currently offering to Jesus for the new life that He has given you?