John 19:7-11
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.” 8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
Jesus was killed for saying He is God's Son, equal to God and more than just a religious man or prophet. Pilate the was afraid because he was about to anger God - but still thought it was up to his will to bring life or death. Jesus mad it clear that He, God alone, has power over these and all else in creation. So we can rest in knowing Jesus Christ is God among us, bringing life according to His free will and not our own powerless will or effort.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 30, 2016
No Fault in Him
John 19:4-6
4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” 5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” 6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
The law could not accuse Jesus because He was most innocent. Yet the soldiers beat and humiliated Him, and the religious authorities demanded Jesus be put to death while blameless - He was so led as a sinless lamb to the slaughter to die in our place. The one without any fault, the Son of God, willingly died so we, every one sin-filled and deserving the wrath of judgment, might be made faultless in Him.
4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” 5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” 6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
The law could not accuse Jesus because He was most innocent. Yet the soldiers beat and humiliated Him, and the religious authorities demanded Jesus be put to death while blameless - He was so led as a sinless lamb to the slaughter to die in our place. The one without any fault, the Son of God, willingly died so we, every one sin-filled and deserving the wrath of judgment, might be made faultless in Him.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
What is Truth?
John 18:38 - 19:1
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. 39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. 1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.
Though Pilate could not grasp the higher truth of who Jesus is, he did see the truth of His innocence. But the will of the mob put on the robe of righteousness like wolf among sheep, a thief was released instead of the righteous and true one, and Jesus was whipped in preparation for death on a cross. Truth never changed.
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. 39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. 1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.
Though Pilate could not grasp the higher truth of who Jesus is, he did see the truth of His innocence. But the will of the mob put on the robe of righteousness like wolf among sheep, a thief was released instead of the righteous and true one, and Jesus was whipped in preparation for death on a cross. Truth never changed.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Not of This World
John 18:36-37
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Our kingdom is in the heavenly places before the presence of Almighty God Himself. So Jesus did not fight to create politics to gain an earthly throne, and we must follow Him, not fighting and entangling ourselves here. Jesus was born to bear witness to the truth, and we who are His hear His voice and so bear witness to that same truth as citizens of that kingdom.
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Our kingdom is in the heavenly places before the presence of Almighty God Himself. So Jesus did not fight to create politics to gain an earthly throne, and we must follow Him, not fighting and entangling ourselves here. Jesus was born to bear witness to the truth, and we who are His hear His voice and so bear witness to that same truth as citizens of that kingdom.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Knowing the King
John 18:33-35
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
Did Pilate know the King stood before him? He knew the Jews brought Jesus to be judged, so He asked Pilate if that was his belief also. Pilate said it was the charge brought to him and so asked what Jesus did to have them bring Him up on charges. So we must answer the question - do we know Jesus is the King of kings, or is it just what others tell us that we echo? Our answer is eternally significant.
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
Did Pilate know the King stood before him? He knew the Jews brought Jesus to be judged, so He asked Pilate if that was his belief also. Pilate said it was the charge brought to him and so asked what Jesus did to have them bring Him up on charges. So we must answer the question - do we know Jesus is the King of kings, or is it just what others tell us that we echo? Our answer is eternally significant.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Predestined Death
John 18:29-32
29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” 30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.” 31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.
Jesus was to be crucified, nailed to a tree and hung for all to see whom they pierced, just as God said would happen long before. In His sovereignty, God allowed His Son to be tried as a sinner while without sin, judged falsely by the law of God's word whom He was in the flesh, and put to death in our place to pay the price for us and take away God's just wrath from all who find Justification in Jesus Christ. Looking back, this is why we celebrate Christmas where God brought this plan into the world.
29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” 30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.” 31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.
Jesus was to be crucified, nailed to a tree and hung for all to see whom they pierced, just as God said would happen long before. In His sovereignty, God allowed His Son to be tried as a sinner while without sin, judged falsely by the law of God's word whom He was in the flesh, and put to death in our place to pay the price for us and take away God's just wrath from all who find Justification in Jesus Christ. Looking back, this is why we celebrate Christmas where God brought this plan into the world.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Denial Crowed
John 18:25-27
25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.
Peter was afraid and refused to be identified as Christ's; he outright denied Jesus to avoid being identified with and suffer with Him, even when he was seen with Jesus before. Then Peter remembered when the rooster woke him up in mourning. Do we openly identify with Christ, or do we hide until awoken to the great privilege we have as His children?
25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.
Peter was afraid and refused to be identified as Christ's; he outright denied Jesus to avoid being identified with and suffer with Him, even when he was seen with Jesus before. Then Peter remembered when the rooster woke him up in mourning. Do we openly identify with Christ, or do we hide until awoken to the great privilege we have as His children?
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Speak Openly
John 18:20-23
20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.” 22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”
Jesus spoke publicly of many things, yet was questioned what He said and taught by those set against the truth. He did not say anything evil, yet was hit for his answer of truthfulness. They did not want truth, but their religious views and control over the people, so they began to find a way to stop God's word from speaking further lest people tun and be set free. Any system that does not hear His word and attacks those who do is against Christ, the word and Son.
20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.” 22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”
Jesus spoke publicly of many things, yet was questioned what He said and taught by those set against the truth. He did not say anything evil, yet was hit for his answer of truthfulness. They did not want truth, but their religious views and control over the people, so they began to find a way to stop God's word from speaking further lest people tun and be set free. Any system that does not hear His word and attacks those who do is against Christ, the word and Son.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Expedient For One Man to Die
John 18:12-14
12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Jesus was taken to the high priest who was the father in law of the other high priest that spoke without knowing that Jesus would die for His people. Just as this was for God's chosen people of Israel, so He died for His chosen from every people and nation in the world. And so they began legal proceedings to put Him to death to bring it to pass - thinking they would stop Jesus, they fulfilled His will.
12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Jesus was taken to the high priest who was the father in law of the other high priest that spoke without knowing that Jesus would die for His people. Just as this was for God's chosen people of Israel, so He died for His chosen from every people and nation in the world. And so they began legal proceedings to put Him to death to bring it to pass - thinking they would stop Jesus, they fulfilled His will.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Drink Deeply of the Cup
John 18:8-11
8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
God already planned that Jesus would die and those given to Him would live in Him. We do not get lost again. Nothing could stop what He planned and written of - not fighting, but drinking deeply and fully according to plan. He is sovereign.
8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
God already planned that Jesus would die and those given to Him would live in Him. We do not get lost again. Nothing could stop what He planned and written of - not fighting, but drinking deeply and fully according to plan. He is sovereign.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
I AM
John 18:4-7
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
When the soldiers and religious leaders came to arrest Jesus to try Him for blasphemy, Jesus told them He was the I AM - God. This truth literally knocked them to the ground in the presence of almighty God. When we read Jesus' words, we must remember that they are God's and not a mere man's with power and authority.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
When the soldiers and religious leaders came to arrest Jesus to try Him for blasphemy, Jesus told them He was the I AM - God. This truth literally knocked them to the ground in the presence of almighty God. When we read Jesus' words, we must remember that they are God's and not a mere man's with power and authority.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Betrayal in the Garden
John 18:1-3
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Right after Jesus spoke with the disciples of His glory and their unity, He took them to the garden to deal with the sin of the original garden by offering up His life. He was betrayed as He said would happen long ago, being confronted with armies of soldiers and adversaries of religious leaders and teachers. They came armed for the One who allowed it to save all who were His. And Jesus willing and knowingly permitted it all to pay the price for our sin once and for all. This is why He came into the world, and we remember this at Christmas.
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Right after Jesus spoke with the disciples of His glory and their unity, He took them to the garden to deal with the sin of the original garden by offering up His life. He was betrayed as He said would happen long ago, being confronted with armies of soldiers and adversaries of religious leaders and teachers. They came armed for the One who allowed it to save all who were His. And Jesus willing and knowingly permitted it all to pay the price for our sin once and for all. This is why He came into the world, and we remember this at Christmas.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Loved Before Time Began
John 17:24-26
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
We know Jesus who was with the Father before the world was created, and who came into the same world as a man to bring us into His presence of that same glory. The word became flesh as a baby, grew in wisdom and stature, told us the good news, suffered, died, and rose again. So His love to come to us and which is now in us is what we tell others, good news to a wayward world heading only to destruction.
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
We know Jesus who was with the Father before the world was created, and who came into the same world as a man to bring us into His presence of that same glory. The word became flesh as a baby, grew in wisdom and stature, told us the good news, suffered, died, and rose again. So His love to come to us and which is now in us is what we tell others, good news to a wayward world heading only to destruction.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Faith Unites Us in Christ
John 17:20-23
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
Jesus prayed for His followers standing before Him then, but also for all through time called out who believe as well. Why? So we can all be united in God as Father and Son by His Spirit living in us. Then others see and give glory to God for this, knowing Jesus was sent to us to bring us, reconciled, to God in and through Him. That is the good news of God's love that Christmas begins.
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
Jesus prayed for His followers standing before Him then, but also for all through time called out who believe as well. Why? So we can all be united in God as Father and Son by His Spirit living in us. Then others see and give glory to God for this, knowing Jesus was sent to us to bring us, reconciled, to God in and through Him. That is the good news of God's love that Christmas begins.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Sanctified by Word of Truth
John 17:14-19
14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
We who belong to Christ are no longer part of this world - its ruler, system of morality and religion, or anything else opposed to God's law. As Jesus was while in the flesh, so do we follow, and so do we need protection from the evil ruler in the unseen realm. So we are made holy and set aside for our God by His word and will (seen by Jesus prayer here). The truth sets us free and guides our every step, so knowing we are not loved for truth and being conformed to Christ should bring joy and nothing else.
14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
We who belong to Christ are no longer part of this world - its ruler, system of morality and religion, or anything else opposed to God's law. As Jesus was while in the flesh, so do we follow, and so do we need protection from the evil ruler in the unseen realm. So we are made holy and set aside for our God by His word and will (seen by Jesus prayer here). The truth sets us free and guides our every step, so knowing we are not loved for truth and being conformed to Christ should bring joy and nothing else.
Friday, December 16, 2016
None is Lost
John 17:12-13
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
Jesus keeps those who are His, but not those who were set aside not to be of God, like Judas. He chooses and calls us from being lost to forever adopted as sons and daughters who cannot be cast out. This is unmerited favor, grace. This is a call we cannot initiate nor cancel. So we also have joy in this good news as the disciples did here. His word to us is all the authority and certainly we require, based on God's unchangeable and good character.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
Jesus keeps those who are His, but not those who were set aside not to be of God, like Judas. He chooses and calls us from being lost to forever adopted as sons and daughters who cannot be cast out. This is unmerited favor, grace. This is a call we cannot initiate nor cancel. So we also have joy in this good news as the disciples did here. His word to us is all the authority and certainly we require, based on God's unchangeable and good character.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Given to Christ
John 17:9-11
9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
Jesus prayed for those who are God's, the ones chosen by the Father to bring God glory. We are in this world that He came and ascended from, but the prayer is that we be kept by the Father for the Son (by His Spirit living in us as well). We are called and chosen, the church, and are one with each other as the Son and Father are. So He keeps us for His glory - we are never lost again...
9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
Jesus prayed for those who are God's, the ones chosen by the Father to bring God glory. We are in this world that He came and ascended from, but the prayer is that we be kept by the Father for the Son (by His Spirit living in us as well). We are called and chosen, the church, and are one with each other as the Son and Father are. So He keeps us for His glory - we are never lost again...
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Elected to Christ
John 17:6-8
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
God chose men and Jesus showed them who the Father is by words and deeds. They came to know God was with them, and so followed in obedience and with open ears and eyes. As they listened, they received faith to believe who He is and what He did for them after the resurrection. So we are called, chosen, and faithful to listen and follow our master's voice.
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
God chose men and Jesus showed them who the Father is by words and deeds. They came to know God was with them, and so followed in obedience and with open ears and eyes. As they listened, they received faith to believe who He is and what He did for them after the resurrection. So we are called, chosen, and faithful to listen and follow our master's voice.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Son Glorified in the Father
John 17:4-5
4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
Jesus glorified His Father by completing the work He had to do. His own glory was as God's Word from before time and creation, become flesh to complete our redemption and reconciliation by teaching, suffering, dying, and rising again to life from death for us. We who are called out glorify God in Christ's sufferings and for the gospel, the good news of God's work in Jesus and in us.
4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
Jesus glorified His Father by completing the work He had to do. His own glory was as God's Word from before time and creation, become flesh to complete our redemption and reconciliation by teaching, suffering, dying, and rising again to life from death for us. We who are called out glorify God in Christ's sufferings and for the gospel, the good news of God's work in Jesus and in us.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Know God and Jesus He Sent
John 17:1-3
1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
The Son of God glorified His Father through obedience to the cross so He could give unending life with God to all His Father gives to Him through the grace of faith. So we have eternal life in knowing (not facts alone, but intimate knowledge) Jesus Christ sent and so God in and through Him. There is no other God who is truth and life and so the only way - only knowing Jesus is knowing God.
1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
The Son of God glorified His Father through obedience to the cross so He could give unending life with God to all His Father gives to Him through the grace of faith. So we have eternal life in knowing (not facts alone, but intimate knowledge) Jesus Christ sent and so God in and through Him. There is no other God who is truth and life and so the only way - only knowing Jesus is knowing God.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Overcoming Trouble
John 16:32-33
32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Peace comes in the midst of hard times, not in good times alone. We have tribulations and trials because of being Christ's, yet can have great joy in knowing He overcame and continues to overcome all things of this world. We are so much more than conquerors in Christ!
32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Peace comes in the midst of hard times, not in good times alone. We have tribulations and trials because of being Christ's, yet can have great joy in knowing He overcame and continues to overcome all things of this world. We are so much more than conquerors in Christ!
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Gospel Spoken Plainly
John 16:28-31
28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.” 29 His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! 30 Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?
Do we believe as the disciples, only when it is clearly laid out for us by God and not in parables or allegory? Or do we trust that His word has both clear and hidden or hard to understand parts as well, and yet put our trust fully in Him in the known and unknown? Do we now believe....
28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.” 29 His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! 30 Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?
Do we believe as the disciples, only when it is clearly laid out for us by God and not in parables or allegory? Or do we trust that His word has both clear and hidden or hard to understand parts as well, and yet put our trust fully in Him in the known and unknown? Do we now believe....
Friday, December 9, 2016
Believe Jesus is from God
John 16:25-27
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
When Jesus was nearing the cross, He began speaking clearly and no longer with allegory or parables. He told them of God our Father and how they and we can pray to Him in Jesus' name because of the Father's love since they love the Son. If you see Jesus you see God. If you believe Jesus Christ is God's Son sent into the world (the Word become flesh), you are loved by God. This is the true God and eternal life.
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
When Jesus was nearing the cross, He began speaking clearly and no longer with allegory or parables. He told them of God our Father and how they and we can pray to Him in Jesus' name because of the Father's love since they love the Son. If you see Jesus you see God. If you believe Jesus Christ is God's Son sent into the world (the Word become flesh), you are loved by God. This is the true God and eternal life.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Ask in His Name for Joy
John 16:23-24
23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Jesus told the disciples many things, asking about some things - yet when He left and they received His Spirit, they would know and so ask less. But they could then ask for things that He would do while still walking with them. They could thus pray with confidence to Him, in His name, for God's will to be done as when Jesus was there with them. Joy flows from such prayer, not from selfish asking, but for the glory of God.
23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Jesus told the disciples many things, asking about some things - yet when He left and they received His Spirit, they would know and so ask less. But they could then ask for things that He would do while still walking with them. They could thus pray with confidence to Him, in His name, for God's will to be done as when Jesus was there with them. Joy flows from such prayer, not from selfish asking, but for the glory of God.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Joy Resurrected
John 16:19-22
19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’? 20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
The world rejoiced as Jesus died, but His followers were sad; after He arose, the situation was turned upside down with the world itself. We who are His now can also have great joy in His death because He arose from it. So will we. Nobody can take that deep seated joy from us.
19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’? 20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
The world rejoiced as Jesus died, but His followers were sad; after He arose, the situation was turned upside down with the world itself. We who are His now can also have great joy in His death because He arose from it. So will we. Nobody can take that deep seated joy from us.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Spirit of Truth Within
John 16:12-15
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
We can bear to hear some things only when God's Spirit lives in us, leading and guiding our understanding of the truth of God's word and its impact. His Spirit in us glorifies God as the things of Christ become real in our minds and hearts as God gives to His Son and on to us. We now can bear to hear many things, and more will follow in eternity. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
We can bear to hear some things only when God's Spirit lives in us, leading and guiding our understanding of the truth of God's word and its impact. His Spirit in us glorifies God as the things of Christ become real in our minds and hearts as God gives to His Son and on to us. We now can bear to hear many things, and more will follow in eternity. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Ruler of World is Judged
John 16:7-11
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Jesus left bodily so that God as Spirit could take over to help us by living in His whom He calls out. He also, through us, convicts those around us of their sin which we all have against a holy God, their need of righteousness found only in Christ, and their certain judgment apart from Jesus Christ taking their place to justify those repenting with faith in Him - this victory has overcome Satan's destruction of us by disobedience in Eden, leading to his absolute judgement and sentence in the end.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Jesus left bodily so that God as Spirit could take over to help us by living in His whom He calls out. He also, through us, convicts those around us of their sin which we all have against a holy God, their need of righteousness found only in Christ, and their certain judgment apart from Jesus Christ taking their place to justify those repenting with faith in Him - this victory has overcome Satan's destruction of us by disobedience in Eden, leading to his absolute judgement and sentence in the end.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Killing Christians
John 16:2-4
2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. 4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. “And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Followers of Jesus were excommunicated from the synagogues because of the testimony of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ Alone, apart from the works necessary in keeping the Law. Through time His followers were burned at the stake and drowned as witches for not adhering to church laws; yet they stood firm in God's grace in Christ when church leaders thought they did service to God in their religion. So we look back as the apostles to remember that Jesus said these things will happen. We stand valiant for the truth before Rome and others like them.
2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. 4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. “And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Followers of Jesus were excommunicated from the synagogues because of the testimony of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ Alone, apart from the works necessary in keeping the Law. Through time His followers were burned at the stake and drowned as witches for not adhering to church laws; yet they stood firm in God's grace in Christ when church leaders thought they did service to God in their religion. So we look back as the apostles to remember that Jesus said these things will happen. We stand valiant for the truth before Rome and others like them.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Helper Keeps Us
John 15:26 - 16:1
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. 1 “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.
God puts His Spirit in His children, the regenerated and reconciled ones called out to Himself. So we known Him and of Him by the inner testimony of God Himself living in us, and so we show this truth and reality to others - bearing witness. So we should also not stumble, to run into obstacles to continue to hold to truth and hold it out to others, no matter the verbal or physical assaults from those opposed to Jesus Christ we bear witness of.
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. 1 “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.
God puts His Spirit in His children, the regenerated and reconciled ones called out to Himself. So we known Him and of Him by the inner testimony of God Himself living in us, and so we show this truth and reality to others - bearing witness. So we should also not stumble, to run into obstacles to continue to hold to truth and hold it out to others, no matter the verbal or physical assaults from those opposed to Jesus Christ we bear witness of.
Friday, December 2, 2016
No Excuse for Sin
John 15:22-25
22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
Once God had shown us our sin by the inability to keep the Law, we have no excuse. And if we hate Jesus Christ, we hate God because we are accountable to Him and refuse to admit He is Lord of all. That is no good reason to hate God when we are the guilty ones; so Jesus said He was hated without a real reason. Ah, but when we admit our sin and turn from it to Him for who He is, then we love Him and are loved by Him forever.
22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
Once God had shown us our sin by the inability to keep the Law, we have no excuse. And if we hate Jesus Christ, we hate God because we are accountable to Him and refuse to admit He is Lord of all. That is no good reason to hate God when we are the guilty ones; so Jesus said He was hated without a real reason. Ah, but when we admit our sin and turn from it to Him for who He is, then we love Him and are loved by Him forever.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Hated Ambassadors
John 15:18-21
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Because the world hates good and denies accountability to God, it hates Jesus Christ who demands repentance and faith. So it hates and persecutes us who are His ambassadors, attacking the heavenly kingdom we represent. He chose us out of this world and so we are no longer its citizens, but those of a larger kingdom, without end. Why are we attacked? Because they do not know God through Christ and refuse to bow to the King of kings, at most having a form of religion but denying its source.
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Because the world hates good and denies accountability to God, it hates Jesus Christ who demands repentance and faith. So it hates and persecutes us who are His ambassadors, attacking the heavenly kingdom we represent. He chose us out of this world and so we are no longer its citizens, but those of a larger kingdom, without end. Why are we attacked? Because they do not know God through Christ and refuse to bow to the King of kings, at most having a form of religion but denying its source.
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