John 15:14-17
14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
We are Christ's friends when we obey, especially the commands to love each other. We serve, but are more than mere servants in Christ; we have been chosen, not choosing Christ ourselves, to be fruitful in a way that lasts. So in Him we ask for what is fruitful and God-honoring to receive those things for Him.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Abide in His Love
John 15:9-13
9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
To really dwell in God's love, we should be doing what He told us. This is Jesus' example as the Son of God, and as His sons and daughters we must be no different. So we are not only to love God, but to love each other even to the point of laying down our lives. But this is primarily possible only because we are abiding in God's love in loving obedience.
"He is committed to the display of his glory (Isaiah 43:7) and invites you to embrace that mission as one of utmost importance (1 Corinthians 10:31)."
9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
To really dwell in God's love, we should be doing what He told us. This is Jesus' example as the Son of God, and as His sons and daughters we must be no different. So we are not only to love God, but to love each other even to the point of laying down our lives. But this is primarily possible only because we are abiding in God's love in loving obedience.
"He is committed to the display of his glory (Isaiah 43:7) and invites you to embrace that mission as one of utmost importance (1 Corinthians 10:31)."
Monday, November 28, 2016
Vine of His Word
John 15:5-8
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
To abide or remain in Christ means we must grow in and out of Him, just as a branch does from a grape vine. If we are not getting nutrients from Him we wither, die, and are cast aside to be disposed of. But if we remain in Him then we listen and obey His words to us, and so are fruitful and can expect answers to prayer for those things He wants and not our own. This is how we glorify God in Christ, by remaining in His living and written word and communing with Him.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
To abide or remain in Christ means we must grow in and out of Him, just as a branch does from a grape vine. If we are not getting nutrients from Him we wither, die, and are cast aside to be disposed of. But if we remain in Him then we listen and obey His words to us, and so are fruitful and can expect answers to prayer for those things He wants and not our own. This is how we glorify God in Christ, by remaining in His living and written word and communing with Him.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Pruned for Fruitfulness
John 15:1-3
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
If we grow in Christ, we will be pruned in the areas needed - especially when we are not bearing godly fruit for eternity. If we do not conform to Him in character and obedience, that part must be cut off in order to grow back properly. Though we are already clean (pruned) in our position in Christ, sanctified in position, we must grow into His image daily. This means discipline and pruning by His hand from the Word and Spirit.
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
If we grow in Christ, we will be pruned in the areas needed - especially when we are not bearing godly fruit for eternity. If we do not conform to Him in character and obedience, that part must be cut off in order to grow back properly. Though we are already clean (pruned) in our position in Christ, sanctified in position, we must grow into His image daily. This means discipline and pruning by His hand from the Word and Spirit.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
That the World Knows
John 14:28-31
28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. 29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
Jesus went to His Father and returned after dying. We should all rejoice in this, for it is what we believe (the gospel), and we need reminding as the adversary stalks us a a lion without hope and without Christ. Jesus did His Father's will so we could follow from death to life so we can arise and go from here in this grace by faith in which we stand. And He is coming back for us again...
28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. 29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
Jesus went to His Father and returned after dying. We should all rejoice in this, for it is what we believe (the gospel), and we need reminding as the adversary stalks us a a lion without hope and without Christ. Jesus did His Father's will so we could follow from death to life so we can arise and go from here in this grace by faith in which we stand. And He is coming back for us again...
Friday, November 25, 2016
Holy Spirit Will Teach Us
John 14:25-27
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
When Jesus walked the earth with His disciples, He told them many things, many of which were written down for us. But when He left, God's Spirit came to His followers to not only remind us of all He said, but to teach us those things with understanding. The apostles then wrote down the rest of what we need for His Spirit to teach us. So we have God's peace and do not have to worry or fear - He lives in us who are called out and reborn.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
When Jesus walked the earth with His disciples, He told them many things, many of which were written down for us. But when He left, God's Spirit came to His followers to not only remind us of all He said, but to teach us those things with understanding. The apostles then wrote down the rest of what we need for His Spirit to teach us. So we have God's peace and do not have to worry or fear - He lives in us who are called out and reborn.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Obedience is Love
John 14:21-24
21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.
Do we follow Jesus Christ to put off sin and put on His righteousness? Or do we purposefully refuse out of a lack of love for Him? He called us out of sin into a life of following; that is how we really see Him, as we choose to read His word and - in His strength - then choose to not do what is dishonoring to instead do what honors Him who suffered and died for us. He shows Himself to us whom He calls out, and He alone gives the ability to follow. We do not work for faith, but work out this faith given to us with fear and trembling.
21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.
Do we follow Jesus Christ to put off sin and put on His righteousness? Or do we purposefully refuse out of a lack of love for Him? He called us out of sin into a life of following; that is how we really see Him, as we choose to read His word and - in His strength - then choose to not do what is dishonoring to instead do what honors Him who suffered and died for us. He shows Himself to us whom He calls out, and He alone gives the ability to follow. We do not work for faith, but work out this faith given to us with fear and trembling.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Indwelling Spirit of Truth
John 14:15-18
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
We who love God obey Him out of love and honor in return. He has even given His own Spirit to live in us forever, the same Spirit who moved on the face of the waters at creation and was around the disciples before being in them after Jesus arose at Pentecost. We are His children, never orphaned and never alone. The world around us cannot see or know Him unless we tell them and God opens their eyes; so we are driven by Him to them - as He commands and out of love.
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
We who love God obey Him out of love and honor in return. He has even given His own Spirit to live in us forever, the same Spirit who moved on the face of the waters at creation and was around the disciples before being in them after Jesus arose at Pentecost. We are His children, never orphaned and never alone. The world around us cannot see or know Him unless we tell them and God opens their eyes; so we are driven by Him to them - as He commands and out of love.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Greater Works of the Gospel
John 14:12-14
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
We do "greater works" to reach a greater part of the world with the gospel by Spirit's work (Ac.1:8), not works that are more miraculous or that have greater authority than Jesus's. So if we ask aligned with His will to accomplish His work (not indulging our own wants) of the gospel, we as the church will collectively reach more than Jesus within Israel at that time. He is the one who gets the attention of glory, that is what "in My name" means. We do not use prayer selfishly nor self-willed to get what we want by affixing "in Jesus name" to our demands.
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
We do "greater works" to reach a greater part of the world with the gospel by Spirit's work (Ac.1:8), not works that are more miraculous or that have greater authority than Jesus's. So if we ask aligned with His will to accomplish His work (not indulging our own wants) of the gospel, we as the church will collectively reach more than Jesus within Israel at that time. He is the one who gets the attention of glory, that is what "in My name" means. We do not use prayer selfishly nor self-willed to get what we want by affixing "in Jesus name" to our demands.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Show us the Father
John 14:9-11
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
Philip did not understand that seeing the Son of God meant he was also seeing the Father - they are the same God who said let Us make man in our image. All that time Jesus was with the disciples He spoke words as no mere mortal, just as He discussed detailed knowledge and understanding with scholars while only 12 years old. The living Word and Son in the Father and the Father in the Son spoke and did wonders that man cannot. So we see God in Christ, backed by all He said and did.
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
Philip did not understand that seeing the Son of God meant he was also seeing the Father - they are the same God who said let Us make man in our image. All that time Jesus was with the disciples He spoke words as no mere mortal, just as He discussed detailed knowledge and understanding with scholars while only 12 years old. The living Word and Son in the Father and the Father in the Son spoke and did wonders that man cannot. So we see God in Christ, backed by all He said and did.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
A Place Prepared For You
John 14:1-6
1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Why worry, unless we do not believe in Jesus Christ as we do God? He has made a place for us with Himself, and the only way there is through faith in Him. There is no other truth, and no other way to the life He is and offers. No other religion or work of the mind or hands can work up enough effort to go through death to life without end in God's presence. Jesus Christ is the absolute only way to be reconciled with God and remain with Him.
1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Why worry, unless we do not believe in Jesus Christ as we do God? He has made a place for us with Himself, and the only way there is through faith in Him. There is no other truth, and no other way to the life He is and offers. No other religion or work of the mind or hands can work up enough effort to go through death to life without end in God's presence. Jesus Christ is the absolute only way to be reconciled with God and remain with Him.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Follow Jesus into Life Everlasting
John 13:36-38
36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.” 37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.” 38 Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.
The disciples could not follow Jesus through the suffering and death and back, they could not lay down their lives to pay the price for others - only Jesus could do that as both man and God. Like Peter, we think we can perfectly obey and follow, but we stumble, and even more without His power and strength in and through us. However, the good news is that we can follow Him as the one who leads us through death into life unending. So daily we lay down our lives in picking up the cross to die to self and live to Him.
36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.” 37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.” 38 Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.
The disciples could not follow Jesus through the suffering and death and back, they could not lay down their lives to pay the price for others - only Jesus could do that as both man and God. Like Peter, we think we can perfectly obey and follow, but we stumble, and even more without His power and strength in and through us. However, the good news is that we can follow Him as the one who leads us through death into life unending. So daily we lay down our lives in picking up the cross to die to self and live to Him.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Love as He Loved Us
John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
To love others as Jesus loves us is a new command, since He loves us when we do not deserve it. We often love conditionally, seeking something in return or based on how someone measures up to a set of standards (often our own). Followers of Jesus reflect His love for each other. We must imitate Christ.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
To love others as Jesus loves us is a new command, since He loves us when we do not deserve it. We often love conditionally, seeking something in return or based on how someone measures up to a set of standards (often our own). Followers of Jesus reflect His love for each other. We must imitate Christ.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Jesus Glorified in the Father
John 13:31-33
31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you.
Jesus was glorified in Himself, which meant God was glorified in Him because they are God. Jesus said He would immediately or shortly be giving and given glory - He spoke of the suffering, death, and resurrection about to transpire. When leaving, the disciples could not yet follow into death and back. That would come only after Jesus had gone first as the first fruits of we who are His.
31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you.
Jesus was glorified in Himself, which meant God was glorified in Him because they are God. Jesus said He would immediately or shortly be giving and given glory - He spoke of the suffering, death, and resurrection about to transpire. When leaving, the disciples could not yet follow into death and back. That would come only after Jesus had gone first as the first fruits of we who are His.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Satan Entered Judas
John 13:21-28
21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” ... 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him.
Judas was prepared for perdition; it just took the right timing in God's plan to be known. Even the dipping bread to eat with Jesus was set in motion, and Jesus told the others about it. Then Judas was told to get it over with, to betray Jesus to begin the suffering, crucifixion, death, and resurrection to come. But still the others did not grasp all of God's plan until later - until He opens our eyes we cannot see His works. Ah, but when He opens our eyes with faith...
21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” ... 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him.
Judas was prepared for perdition; it just took the right timing in God's plan to be known. Even the dipping bread to eat with Jesus was set in motion, and Jesus told the others about it. Then Judas was told to get it over with, to betray Jesus to begin the suffering, crucifixion, death, and resurrection to come. But still the others did not grasp all of God's plan until later - until He opens our eyes we cannot see His works. Ah, but when He opens our eyes with faith...
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Chosen and Rejected
John 13:18-20
18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. 20 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”
Jesus spoke to those He chose out of the world, the ones He called out, so they could also see the one who was not called and how He knew the betrayal to come. But the ones called receive Him truly, even through them and us as we tell the good news of reconciliation with a holy God in Him. So we believe, and so we bear witness to all that some may receive Him through us.
18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. 20 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”
Jesus spoke to those He chose out of the world, the ones He called out, so they could also see the one who was not called and how He knew the betrayal to come. But the ones called receive Him truly, even through them and us as we tell the good news of reconciliation with a holy God in Him. So we believe, and so we bear witness to all that some may receive Him through us.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Wash One Another's Feet
John 13:12-17
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Jesus gave the example to serve, not to lord position or authority over others. We are not greater than Him who sends us, so humility should move us to do the things which fulfill the second greatest commandment, both to those within and without. Do we "wash each others' feet?"
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Jesus gave the example to serve, not to lord position or authority over others. We are not greater than Him who sends us, so humility should move us to do the things which fulfill the second greatest commandment, both to those within and without. Do we "wash each others' feet?"
Sunday, November 13, 2016
God's Planned Hour
John 13:1-4
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.
God had the plan in place before Jesus stepped into the world, and so the Son knew exactly when it was time to leave it to return to Father God. He loved those who were His fully, the enemy made desperate plans to vainly stop Jesus, and Jesus then demonstrated serving to those called out to Himself. God determined in advance all these things, calling some to Himself while knowing the gates of hell could not overcome His called out ones - the church. So we must continue to follow and serve as He demonstrated, knowing His call.
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.
God had the plan in place before Jesus stepped into the world, and so the Son knew exactly when it was time to leave it to return to Father God. He loved those who were His fully, the enemy made desperate plans to vainly stop Jesus, and Jesus then demonstrated serving to those called out to Himself. God determined in advance all these things, calling some to Himself while knowing the gates of hell could not overcome His called out ones - the church. So we must continue to follow and serve as He demonstrated, knowing His call.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Son has Father's Authority
John 12:47-50
47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”
Jesus has the authority as God to command we have life that cannot end - not just existing forever in hell, but eternally in God's very presence with joy instead of the torment we deserve. If we believe Him, we receive life; if we reject Jesus, we receive completed justice, the sentence on our sin from birth. We can therefore but turn and live by believing He died in our place by grace to find life.
47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”
Jesus has the authority as God to command we have life that cannot end - not just existing forever in hell, but eternally in God's very presence with joy instead of the torment we deserve. If we believe Him, we receive life; if we reject Jesus, we receive completed justice, the sentence on our sin from birth. We can therefore but turn and live by believing He died in our place by grace to find life.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Praise of Men, or God?
John 12:41-43
41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. 42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
The prophet Isaiah saw God's glory long before Jesus came to us, and many saw this and believed - but the religious leaders wanted their own importance and kicked out anyone who did not go along and reject Jesus. Even now some will go by the name of Christ, yet only as it profits them. Those disagreeing by believing what God said in the Bible they shun or attack. But those of us who were blind yet now see find joy in all God said and did for us, humbly receiving grace over judgment in knowing we deserve one and cannot attain the other.
41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. 42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
The prophet Isaiah saw God's glory long before Jesus came to us, and many saw this and believed - but the religious leaders wanted their own importance and kicked out anyone who did not go along and reject Jesus. Even now some will go by the name of Christ, yet only as it profits them. Those disagreeing by believing what God said in the Bible they shun or attack. But those of us who were blind yet now see find joy in all God said and did for us, humbly receiving grace over judgment in knowing we deserve one and cannot attain the other.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Blinded and Hardened to Signs
John 12:37-40
37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.”
Some cannot believe because God has closed their eyes and ears of their hearts, choosing to show Himself to the ones He chooses. This is a hard saying, and so many refuse to believe even when they see God working in front of them and hear of all He does around them. For those who believe what we hear God shows His power, mercy, and goodness because He opened our eyes and heart.
37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.”
Some cannot believe because God has closed their eyes and ears of their hearts, choosing to show Himself to the ones He chooses. This is a hard saying, and so many refuse to believe even when they see God working in front of them and hear of all He does around them. For those who believe what we hear God shows His power, mercy, and goodness because He opened our eyes and heart.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Walk in Light as Sons
John 12:35-36
35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.
We see clearly what is in front of us when light shines our way. So it is with Christ - we are blind to what is around us and above us until He opens our eyes to truly see. With opened eyes we know where we are going, for we have believed the light of the world and are God's children of His light. Jesus is only hidden to those unable to see.
35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.
We see clearly what is in front of us when light shines our way. So it is with Christ - we are blind to what is around us and above us until He opens our eyes to truly see. With opened eyes we know where we are going, for we have believed the light of the world and are God's children of His light. Jesus is only hidden to those unable to see.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Lifted Up to Lift Us Up
John 12:32-34
32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”
Jesus rose from death in order to draw people, not to offer a free deal to all. He calls and we respond as we are made able because He died to offer us life and righteousness. The Christ, the messiah, does exist forever - through death into eternity from where He came. As the Son of Man, Jesus provides this certainty of hope (no mere wish) because He died as one of us to make payment on God's just wrath to give deliverance and reconciliation to us who He calls and draws out.
32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”
Jesus rose from death in order to draw people, not to offer a free deal to all. He calls and we respond as we are made able because He died to offer us life and righteousness. The Christ, the messiah, does exist forever - through death into eternity from where He came. As the Son of Man, Jesus provides this certainty of hope (no mere wish) because He died as one of us to make payment on God's just wrath to give deliverance and reconciliation to us who He calls and draws out.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Saved for This Hour
John 12:27-31
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
Jesus as a man was troubled to go through the beatings and crucifixion, but as God knew the purpose to glorify the Father and defeat the ruler of this world in final judgment. So the Father spoke from above as thunder, promising glory through it all. So Jesus came, spoke good news, suffered, was beaten, hung on a tree to die, and then rose from the grave - that glorifies God and gives us a certain hope.
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
Jesus as a man was troubled to go through the beatings and crucifixion, but as God knew the purpose to glorify the Father and defeat the ruler of this world in final judgment. So the Father spoke from above as thunder, promising glory through it all. So Jesus came, spoke good news, suffered, was beaten, hung on a tree to die, and then rose from the grave - that glorifies God and gives us a certain hope.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Honored to Serve
John 12:24-26
24 Most assuredly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
We must all die to live. The old has gone and the new has come when we are reborn by faith in the Son of God alone. Only then can we bear true fruit of righteousness to Him, and that means giving up the hold on our life to live towards eternity. So serving Christ we honor and glorify the God who made and sustains us, and so are honored by Him.
24 Most assuredly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
We must all die to live. The old has gone and the new has come when we are reborn by faith in the Son of God alone. Only then can we bear true fruit of righteousness to Him, and that means giving up the hold on our life to live towards eternity. So serving Christ we honor and glorify the God who made and sustains us, and so are honored by Him.
Friday, November 4, 2016
Greeks Wish to see Jesus
John 12:20-23
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.
Those who were not Jews, God's people, wanted to talk with Jesus and asked His followers to see the men. But Jesus pointed beyond just seeing or speaking to the fact that He was about to be glorified in the torture, ridicule, death, burial, and resurrection. But even the disciples only vaguely knew what Jesus meant. The hour had come and Jesus had said most of what He came to tell the world. Now it was time to come and see Jesus glorified.
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.
Those who were not Jews, God's people, wanted to talk with Jesus and asked His followers to see the men. But Jesus pointed beyond just seeing or speaking to the fact that He was about to be glorified in the torture, ridicule, death, burial, and resurrection. But even the disciples only vaguely knew what Jesus meant. The hour had come and Jesus had said most of what He came to tell the world. Now it was time to come and see Jesus glorified.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Behold Your King!
John 12:12-19
12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” 14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey's colt.” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
Those seeing Lazarus brought to life came to see Jesus enter Jerusalem, putting down branches and quoting the Old Testament about the Messiah as King coming. Not even they probably knew who He was, but were moved to worship - and the Pharisees grew more afraid and frustrated as the world went after Jesus. Later the disciples understood as we can also look back to see God's sovereignty on display on the way to the cross. Our King came, died, and rose again to accomplish everything.
12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” 14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey's colt.” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
Those seeing Lazarus brought to life came to see Jesus enter Jerusalem, putting down branches and quoting the Old Testament about the Messiah as King coming. Not even they probably knew who He was, but were moved to worship - and the Pharisees grew more afraid and frustrated as the world went after Jesus. Later the disciples understood as we can also look back to see God's sovereignty on display on the way to the cross. Our King came, died, and rose again to accomplish everything.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Lazarus, Hope of Resurrection
John 12:9-11
9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.
While coming together to celebrate the week of Passover, Jesus sat with Lazarus - many came to see a dead man and the one who brought him back to life after being dead 4 days. The religious leaders looked for ways to kill the evidence as well as Jesus for claiming to be God and ruining their religious system with its power and control over others. So others like Hus were killed for revealing the truth of Christ and His work to justify us by faith alone. But we fight the good fight.
9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.
While coming together to celebrate the week of Passover, Jesus sat with Lazarus - many came to see a dead man and the one who brought him back to life after being dead 4 days. The religious leaders looked for ways to kill the evidence as well as Jesus for claiming to be God and ruining their religious system with its power and control over others. So others like Hus were killed for revealing the truth of Christ and His work to justify us by faith alone. But we fight the good fight.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Fragrance Filled the Air in Honor
John 12:3-8
3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
A gift for Jesus to honor His death was turned by Judas to disdain because he wanted the monetary value to take for himself. Even as the aroma of his perceived waste filled the room, personal gain filled his heart and crowded out any honor to glorify God. We can always earn money and help the poor; to honor God with our hearts and possessions reveals where our love lies.
3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
A gift for Jesus to honor His death was turned by Judas to disdain because he wanted the monetary value to take for himself. Even as the aroma of his perceived waste filled the room, personal gain filled his heart and crowded out any honor to glorify God. We can always earn money and help the poor; to honor God with our hearts and possessions reveals where our love lies.
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