Click here for the John 11:5-16 PODCAST
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” 8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” 11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” ~ John 11:5-16
The Lord Jesus deliberately waited going to Bethany. And, Mary and Martha's hearts were breaking. Had the Lord Jesus been there with them, presumably, He would have prevented Lazarus from dying. Yet, it was God's will for Lazarus to die. And, according to v.5, "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." What an odd way to express love!
Now, since the Lord Jesus loved this family, according to v.6, He stayed up north two days longer. When we come to God for help which we feel we need, our hearts are broken when God doesn't work according to way we think He should. The question at this point is: who is God in this context?
Sometimes God says, "yes", and sometimes, "no." Sometimes He doesn't immediately answer, He delays. And, most often we conclude God's delays are His denials. Sometimes, if we wait, He has been known to do the unbelievable. In this context, very often we conclude prayer doesn't work.
To my shame, I have to admit that I have reached the wrong conclusion about God from time to time. In fact, I did it this past February when my middle son flatlined and was in a coma for two days. I have learned that there is a good part of this. It is this: this is how we grow, sometimes by failing. And, the beauty is there is a loving God who doesn't give up on us. No, He trains us to grow in our trust in Him.
This is one of the many expressions of God's love. The delay helps us. It will not hurt us. It will make us stronger. So the Lord Jesus deliberately delayed because He loved them and knew this would strengthen their faith as they learned the ultimate outcome when God would raise Lazarus from the dead.
This is a hard lesson to learn. I have struggled over this many times myself, but it is true. Painful experiences are God's gifts to drive us to His heart, to increase our capacity for Him. Once seized, the disciplines are useful to us, helping others find their way in their pursuit of the Lord Jesus.
When the messenger returned, he delivered the message from the Lord Jesus. He said, "This sickness will not end in death." Yet, Lazarus had already been dead for two days. On that day, doubt probably was at an all time high in Bethany. Obviously the Lord Jesus was mistaken. We have all been there. The disappointment is crippling to our faith. And yet, we must arrive in this place from time to time.
In v.7, the Lord Jesus then said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." According to v.8, the disciples balked at His words. To this in v.9-10, the Lord Jesus emphasizes the key to success. The key is the light. And, this type of light is made more prominent to us in the darkest of times.
In v.10-16, we learn the disciples are baffled by the Lord Jesus' actions. They had just left Judea, a week or so before, because of the fear that the Jews were about to put the Lord Jesus to death. Leaving must have relieved them. But now the Lord Jesus wants to go back.
In v.11-16, according to the Lord Jesus, death is a form of sleep. Death is not final. It is a doorway to a greater experience. Death leaves us heart-broken and lonely, but it is a must to get us to view life from the viewpoint of eternity.
In v.15, the Lord Jesus says He was glad He was not there when Lazarus died. Notice why; "for the sake of the disciples." The Lord Jesus delayed going to Bethany so that His followers' faith might be strengthened by the delay. Their doubts and questions would serve their faith, but they had to go through the pain before God showed up.
Notice Thomas' words in v.16, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” We are just like Thomas. When God does not work according to the way we think He should, we get sarcastic. The arrogance of the human mind that thinks it knows better than the Almighty, never fails to amaze me. The antidote to this: believe His word. Trust His word. It will not fail.
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Friday, November 15, 2019
Thursday, November 14, 2019
John 11:1-4
Click here to access the John 11:1-4 Podcast
1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” ~ John 11:1-4
This, the seventh miracle in John's Gospel, is without a doubt, the greatest of the miracles of the Lord Jesus. Similar to the healing of the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda in John 5, and the opening of the eyes of the man born blind in John 9, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, results in people believing the Lord Jesus as the Messiah.
Mary, Martha and Lazarus were very good friends of the Lord Jesus. Mary and Martha's brother, Lazarus, was really sick. So sick, he could die. And, these two women send a message to the Lord Jesus: "Lord, the one you love is sick." You will remember that He had traveled back to the northeast, about a two-day journey from Jerusalem.
In v.2, the sister of Lazarus, Mary, is going to, in the next chapter, anoint the Lord with her hair. The Apostle John is reaching forward to use a remarkable moment in the life of this woman who’s going to love Jesus in a unique way. This is John's way of pointing us to one of the two main themes in this story.
This is what our pain does for us, if we let it. Our pain modulates our hearts in such a way that we begin to see how big God's heart is for us. Not many think this way, but we must. I'm convinced, most theological shallowness that we see in modern day christianity is due to the fact that we do not value pain appropriately.
Our pain potentially puts us in a posture to grow in our understanding of God's love. And, His love postures us to give glory to God. When we encounter unwanted pain, when life does not go the way we think or want, He is positioning us to go deeper with Him. Love is not a minor theme in this story, it is huge in this story. And, our understanding of God's love for us is crucial for the depth that God wants to forge into our souls.
When the message from these two sisters reached the Lord Jesus, He said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it." Now, Lazarus was already dead when the message reached the Lord Jesus, and it took two days for the messenger to get to the Lord Jesus. So when He returned to Bethany, Lazarus had been dead four days. This is why He said, "This sickness will not end in death."
The answer of the Lord Jesus smacks in the face of the claim by many that sickness is never the will of God for the believer. They say, "it is wrong for the believer to be sick. The sickness is due to lack of faith, some hidden sin or judgment from God." No, trouble is one half of our deepening, and its absence is undermining to our heart's ability to see God.
Notice the end of v.4, "No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it." This sickness was not a sign of some sin in Lazarus' life, or a lack of faith on the part of Mary and Martha or Lazarus. It was allowed to spotlight the glory of God. That is not saying, of course, that there is no such thing as sickness that results from sin. Other passages indicate that some sickness does result from sin. But we must never take the position that all illness is a sign of unbelief and a lack of faith. This response is not biblical.
The unwanted pains of this life will not make sense if we have ourselves at the center of our world. If we are our treasure, we will miss the brilliance of God. On the other hand, if God is our treasure, we will grow in His wisdom. We will understand what love is because we understand His glory. And, His glory will increasingly show up at the center of our lives.
Our problem is with our trust of God. Does He really have our best in mind? And, this trust is crucially linked to our definition of love and glory. Love is not the removal of pain. It’s not the removal of death. We were made for the glory of God, not just the removal of pain. If we walk through life thinking that minimizing pain is the essence of love, God will be foreign to us. The glory of God in the Lord Jesus is the only thing that can satisfy our souls. We were made for this. Sometimes God must take away our health for us to see this.
BYM Praise/Prayer Update
1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” ~ John 11:1-4
This, the seventh miracle in John's Gospel, is without a doubt, the greatest of the miracles of the Lord Jesus. Similar to the healing of the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda in John 5, and the opening of the eyes of the man born blind in John 9, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, results in people believing the Lord Jesus as the Messiah.
Mary, Martha and Lazarus were very good friends of the Lord Jesus. Mary and Martha's brother, Lazarus, was really sick. So sick, he could die. And, these two women send a message to the Lord Jesus: "Lord, the one you love is sick." You will remember that He had traveled back to the northeast, about a two-day journey from Jerusalem.
In v.2, the sister of Lazarus, Mary, is going to, in the next chapter, anoint the Lord with her hair. The Apostle John is reaching forward to use a remarkable moment in the life of this woman who’s going to love Jesus in a unique way. This is John's way of pointing us to one of the two main themes in this story.
This is what our pain does for us, if we let it. Our pain modulates our hearts in such a way that we begin to see how big God's heart is for us. Not many think this way, but we must. I'm convinced, most theological shallowness that we see in modern day christianity is due to the fact that we do not value pain appropriately.
Our pain potentially puts us in a posture to grow in our understanding of God's love. And, His love postures us to give glory to God. When we encounter unwanted pain, when life does not go the way we think or want, He is positioning us to go deeper with Him. Love is not a minor theme in this story, it is huge in this story. And, our understanding of God's love for us is crucial for the depth that God wants to forge into our souls.
When the message from these two sisters reached the Lord Jesus, He said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it." Now, Lazarus was already dead when the message reached the Lord Jesus, and it took two days for the messenger to get to the Lord Jesus. So when He returned to Bethany, Lazarus had been dead four days. This is why He said, "This sickness will not end in death."
The answer of the Lord Jesus smacks in the face of the claim by many that sickness is never the will of God for the believer. They say, "it is wrong for the believer to be sick. The sickness is due to lack of faith, some hidden sin or judgment from God." No, trouble is one half of our deepening, and its absence is undermining to our heart's ability to see God.
Notice the end of v.4, "No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it." This sickness was not a sign of some sin in Lazarus' life, or a lack of faith on the part of Mary and Martha or Lazarus. It was allowed to spotlight the glory of God. That is not saying, of course, that there is no such thing as sickness that results from sin. Other passages indicate that some sickness does result from sin. But we must never take the position that all illness is a sign of unbelief and a lack of faith. This response is not biblical.
The unwanted pains of this life will not make sense if we have ourselves at the center of our world. If we are our treasure, we will miss the brilliance of God. On the other hand, if God is our treasure, we will grow in His wisdom. We will understand what love is because we understand His glory. And, His glory will increasingly show up at the center of our lives.
Our problem is with our trust of God. Does He really have our best in mind? And, this trust is crucially linked to our definition of love and glory. Love is not the removal of pain. It’s not the removal of death. We were made for the glory of God, not just the removal of pain. If we walk through life thinking that minimizing pain is the essence of love, God will be foreign to us. The glory of God in the Lord Jesus is the only thing that can satisfy our souls. We were made for this. Sometimes God must take away our health for us to see this.
BYM Praise/Prayer Update
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
John 10:40-42
Click here to access the John 10:40-42 PODCAST
40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, 41 and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” 42 And in that place many believed in Jesus. ~ John 10:40-42
The Jewish religious leaders saw the confirmation of the word of God in the works of the Lord Jesus. Yet, they concluded He was of the Devil. I find it interesting that nobody today ever seriously makes the claim that the Lord Jesus was a mad man! I have never seen any serious attempt to claim that He was out of His mind. The rightful conclusion is that He is who He claims to be: the Son of God become man.
The sad irony of this is that the rejectors of the gift of eternal life will spend eternity in a place quite the opposite to heaven. And at the moment of their final breath, God will honor their request: “Get away from me, you who do evil. I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23). This verse escorts us to the most somber of Christian realities: hell.
Hell is most awful. Those who penned the Scriptures utilized the darkest of ink to describe its nature. It is described as the “blackest darkness” (Jude 13), “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9), “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12).
As mentioned yesterday, John 10 ends across the Jordan where, before, the people believed. And, why did John not end the chapter with the unbelief of the rejectors? He ends John 10 with the faith of those on the other side of the tracks. With this, John is giving us a clue to what opens the door to a personal relationship with God.
The key is the greatest onslaught on that which inaugurated sin. The key is humility, the kind of humility which prompts us to cry out for a personal relationship with the God of the Bible. This kind of humility gives way to the growth of faith, which, when appropriated correctly in the God of the Bible, results in eternal life.
In John 10:40-42, John the Baptist is referenced. His ministry was unpretentious. He did not exist for the fame that causes members of the US congress to clamor for the fame of TV time. He cast the spotlight utterly on Jesus. And wherever that mindset is admired and embraced, faith in the Lord Jesus flourishes. It didn’t flourish in Jerusalem. They rejected John and his message.
But where John’s humble, self-effacing mindset was embraced, people recognized the Lord Jesus. They heard His voice, and as a result, they became His sheep. They end up uttering that most famous saying of John the Baptist, "Jesus Must Increase, I Must Decrease."
The Lord Jesus Christ emerged from Satan’s domain with this declaration: “I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Revelation 1:18). He is the warden of eternity. The door He shuts, no one opens. The door He opens, no one shuts (Revelation 3:7).
Thanks to the Lord Jesus, this earth can be the nearest we come to hell. But apart from the Lord Jesus, this earth will be the nearest we'll come to heaven.
This past Spring, I reconnected with a young man who had grown up in a Christian home, yet he was not a believer. He had concluded that there was no God. To make a long story of a wandering ragamuffin short, I saw this young man go from the darkness to the light, partly as the result of my middle son flat-lining and spending a day over a week in the hospital. This once atheist is now studying to be a minister of the Gospel at Columbia International University.
Contrast the Christ-deniers with the Christ-followers, and what do we get? The religious leaders made no secret of their disbelief in the Lord Jesus, whereas the Christ-followers can not wait to tell others of the life-changing encounter they have had with the risen Lord Jesus. I know of no better reality to invest my life. I trust you have passed from the darkness to the light.
If you have not, let me encourage you to talk to Him right now about it. Admit to Him that you are a sinner who has rebelled against Him, and ask Him to come into your life to be your Savior and your constant companion. If you prayed this prayer, please send me an email to this fact. My email is byoungministry@gmail.com
40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, 41 and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” 42 And in that place many believed in Jesus. ~ John 10:40-42
The Jewish religious leaders saw the confirmation of the word of God in the works of the Lord Jesus. Yet, they concluded He was of the Devil. I find it interesting that nobody today ever seriously makes the claim that the Lord Jesus was a mad man! I have never seen any serious attempt to claim that He was out of His mind. The rightful conclusion is that He is who He claims to be: the Son of God become man.
The sad irony of this is that the rejectors of the gift of eternal life will spend eternity in a place quite the opposite to heaven. And at the moment of their final breath, God will honor their request: “Get away from me, you who do evil. I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23). This verse escorts us to the most somber of Christian realities: hell.
Hell is most awful. Those who penned the Scriptures utilized the darkest of ink to describe its nature. It is described as the “blackest darkness” (Jude 13), “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9), “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12).
As mentioned yesterday, John 10 ends across the Jordan where, before, the people believed. And, why did John not end the chapter with the unbelief of the rejectors? He ends John 10 with the faith of those on the other side of the tracks. With this, John is giving us a clue to what opens the door to a personal relationship with God.
The key is the greatest onslaught on that which inaugurated sin. The key is humility, the kind of humility which prompts us to cry out for a personal relationship with the God of the Bible. This kind of humility gives way to the growth of faith, which, when appropriated correctly in the God of the Bible, results in eternal life.
In John 10:40-42, John the Baptist is referenced. His ministry was unpretentious. He did not exist for the fame that causes members of the US congress to clamor for the fame of TV time. He cast the spotlight utterly on Jesus. And wherever that mindset is admired and embraced, faith in the Lord Jesus flourishes. It didn’t flourish in Jerusalem. They rejected John and his message.
But where John’s humble, self-effacing mindset was embraced, people recognized the Lord Jesus. They heard His voice, and as a result, they became His sheep. They end up uttering that most famous saying of John the Baptist, "Jesus Must Increase, I Must Decrease."
The Lord Jesus Christ emerged from Satan’s domain with this declaration: “I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Revelation 1:18). He is the warden of eternity. The door He shuts, no one opens. The door He opens, no one shuts (Revelation 3:7).
Thanks to the Lord Jesus, this earth can be the nearest we come to hell. But apart from the Lord Jesus, this earth will be the nearest we'll come to heaven.
This past Spring, I reconnected with a young man who had grown up in a Christian home, yet he was not a believer. He had concluded that there was no God. To make a long story of a wandering ragamuffin short, I saw this young man go from the darkness to the light, partly as the result of my middle son flat-lining and spending a day over a week in the hospital. This once atheist is now studying to be a minister of the Gospel at Columbia International University.
Contrast the Christ-deniers with the Christ-followers, and what do we get? The religious leaders made no secret of their disbelief in the Lord Jesus, whereas the Christ-followers can not wait to tell others of the life-changing encounter they have had with the risen Lord Jesus. I know of no better reality to invest my life. I trust you have passed from the darkness to the light.
If you have not, let me encourage you to talk to Him right now about it. Admit to Him that you are a sinner who has rebelled against Him, and ask Him to come into your life to be your Savior and your constant companion. If you prayed this prayer, please send me an email to this fact. My email is byoungministry@gmail.com
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
John 10:31-39
Click here for the John 10:31-39 PODCAST
31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” 33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’? 35 If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— 36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? 37 Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” 39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. ~ John 10:31-39
In the middle of the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), when the people consecrated and rededicated the Temple to the Lord, the Lord Jesus tells the people that He was consecrated and set apart by the Father to be the Messiah.
In John 10:31, the Jewish religious leaders are out to get the Lord Jesus once again, and since the Law directed the Jews to put to death anyone claiming to be God, they pick up stones.
Then, in v.32, the Lord Jesus asks them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” With these words, He wisely disarms them in their tracks. Of course, they could not stone Him. And, do not miss the fact that these religious leaders do not negate the fact that He was producing good works.
The Lord Jesus quotes Psalm 82 v.34-36, where He says to the religious leaders, "you are “gods”’? 35 If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— 36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?"
At the end of v.35 there is a great claim for which we should be ever grateful. Notice it. It reads, "—and Scripture cannot be set aside." The word of God cannot be nullified. This means that which is true and substantive, that which we are dependent upon, will endure.
The implications of this are huge, because this is why we have such hope, despite the fact that there are times when our hope looks threatened. We live in a world wherein that which is a lie appears to be winning. God is subtly telling us to hold onto the truth which will not be set aside. We can absolutely trust Him to do what is right for us and those whom we love.
The whole point of Psalm 82 is that earthly judges must act with impartiality and true justice, because even judges must stand someday before the Judge. This is a warning to human authorities that they, too, will be judged. God has appointed men to positions of authority in which they are considered as gods among the people. They are to remember that, even though they are representing God in this world, they are mortal and must eventually give an account to God for how they use that authority.
Here in John 10, the Lord Jesus is claiming to be God by saying He is the Son of God. And, the Jews clearly understood His claim, therefore they wanted to stone Him for blasphemy. Then, in v.37, the Lord Jesus gives these religious leaders evidence for His claim.
In v.37-38, the Lord Jesus brings attention to His ability to do the works of God. He is extraordinary and to ignore Him is to embrace rebellion in the darkness. These religious leaders are fixated on killing Him, and He responds to their absurdity by offering them one more opportunity to believe in Him.
During Hanukkah, the Jews rededicate the Temple to God to celebrate God’s forgiveness. It was a type of the ultimate forgiveness which came in the arrival of the One who was sacrificed on the cross. The cross of Christ is God's way of taking away all of our accusations, excuses, and arguments. “Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” (John Stott) This obviously was the problem for these religious leaders.
Sadly, our text ends with opposition and unbelief. The more the Lord Jesus proved His deity to these religious leaders, the more hard-hearted they became. They simply did not want His light to shine on them or their deeds. They wanted Him to go away and they were prepared to kill Him to make that happen.
Finally, John could have stopped here and turned to the story of Lazarus in chapter 11. But he didn’t. For some reason, the apostle gave another snapshot of the Lord Jesus going back to the Jordan River, to the northeast where many had believed in Him. We will consider tomorrow why this happens.
31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” 33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’? 35 If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— 36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? 37 Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” 39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. ~ John 10:31-39
In the middle of the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), when the people consecrated and rededicated the Temple to the Lord, the Lord Jesus tells the people that He was consecrated and set apart by the Father to be the Messiah.
In John 10:31, the Jewish religious leaders are out to get the Lord Jesus once again, and since the Law directed the Jews to put to death anyone claiming to be God, they pick up stones.
Then, in v.32, the Lord Jesus asks them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” With these words, He wisely disarms them in their tracks. Of course, they could not stone Him. And, do not miss the fact that these religious leaders do not negate the fact that He was producing good works.
The Lord Jesus quotes Psalm 82 v.34-36, where He says to the religious leaders, "you are “gods”’? 35 If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— 36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?"
At the end of v.35 there is a great claim for which we should be ever grateful. Notice it. It reads, "—and Scripture cannot be set aside." The word of God cannot be nullified. This means that which is true and substantive, that which we are dependent upon, will endure.
The implications of this are huge, because this is why we have such hope, despite the fact that there are times when our hope looks threatened. We live in a world wherein that which is a lie appears to be winning. God is subtly telling us to hold onto the truth which will not be set aside. We can absolutely trust Him to do what is right for us and those whom we love.
The whole point of Psalm 82 is that earthly judges must act with impartiality and true justice, because even judges must stand someday before the Judge. This is a warning to human authorities that they, too, will be judged. God has appointed men to positions of authority in which they are considered as gods among the people. They are to remember that, even though they are representing God in this world, they are mortal and must eventually give an account to God for how they use that authority.
Here in John 10, the Lord Jesus is claiming to be God by saying He is the Son of God. And, the Jews clearly understood His claim, therefore they wanted to stone Him for blasphemy. Then, in v.37, the Lord Jesus gives these religious leaders evidence for His claim.
In v.37-38, the Lord Jesus brings attention to His ability to do the works of God. He is extraordinary and to ignore Him is to embrace rebellion in the darkness. These religious leaders are fixated on killing Him, and He responds to their absurdity by offering them one more opportunity to believe in Him.
During Hanukkah, the Jews rededicate the Temple to God to celebrate God’s forgiveness. It was a type of the ultimate forgiveness which came in the arrival of the One who was sacrificed on the cross. The cross of Christ is God's way of taking away all of our accusations, excuses, and arguments. “Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” (John Stott) This obviously was the problem for these religious leaders.
Sadly, our text ends with opposition and unbelief. The more the Lord Jesus proved His deity to these religious leaders, the more hard-hearted they became. They simply did not want His light to shine on them or their deeds. They wanted Him to go away and they were prepared to kill Him to make that happen.
Finally, John could have stopped here and turned to the story of Lazarus in chapter 11. But he didn’t. For some reason, the apostle gave another snapshot of the Lord Jesus going back to the Jordan River, to the northeast where many had believed in Him. We will consider tomorrow why this happens.
Monday, November 11, 2019
John 10:22-30
To access the JOHN 10:22-30 PODCAST, click here
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:22-30
After the previous encounter with the religious leaders at the Temple in Jerusalem, about three months has elapsed. The events of John 10 took place in Jerusalem in connection with the Feast of Tabernacles (which is held in early October), while the opening words of our text today are, "Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter." That Festival is known today as "Hanukkah," which is celebrated in late December.
Most likely, the Lord Jesus had returned to Galilee to minister there, as indicated by Luke in his gospel account.
In v.22 we discover the record of a quick return trip to Jerusalem which the Lord Jesus made, following which he traveled to the area of Perea, in the region of the Jordan River, between Galilee and the Dead Sea. It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem.
To this day, winter is the rainy season in Israel. "Solomon’s Colonnade" was a large roofed-in enclosure supported by beautiful columns that filled one side of the temple arena. There, sheltered from the rain, the Lord Jesus resumed his teaching ministry during the Feast of Hanukkah which celebrates the rededication of the temple.
According to v.24 the Jews are wondering if the Lord Jesus was about to plainly and opening announce that He was the Messiah. He answered in v.25-26, telling them, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep."
The Jews deliberately encircle Him, forcing Him to answer their question about His identity. I find it interesting that He never plainly said, "I am the Messiah." He did say to the woman at the well and to the man who was born blind, "I am the Son of God," but to these Jewish leaders, these Pharisees, he had never said, "I am the Messiah."
The reason, of course, they pictured the Messiah as a conquering hero who would drive out the Romans. But He wasn't here to do that. To say to them, "I am the Messiah" would have stirred up false hopes in their minds.
His answer in v.25-30, provides three reasons the religious leaders did not believe in Him.
First, these experts in the Law, had such a twisted idea of what the scriptures said about the Messiah. They did not let God define Him for them. Somewhere along the way, they defined God, which is always dangerous. They expected a military leader who would free them from the rule of Rome, but He came as the Suffering Servant to give Himself on behalf of the sins of man and break through the stranglehold of evil which Satan has upon our race.
Second, in v.25, we read, "I did tell you, but you do not believe." Though He had told them, they had rejected the evidence He gave. They only believe what they wanted to believe.
The third reason is found in v.26-27: "you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. " This is the reason why many people never find God, because they refused to investigate with an open heart.
Had these religious leaders honestly come to Him, they would have found Him.
In v.27, we discover the three signs that we are believers in the Lord Jesus. First, we read, "My sheep hear my voice." We believe that what He says is the truth, and we long to hear more.
The second, "I know them." When we hear His Word and we continue to hear His word, we know we have a personal relationship with Him. Learning to hear God with our hearts is what faith really is about. This ability comes to us as a result of the abiding Holy Spirit leading us and training us to hear the Father's voice. As this happens, we grow in the assurance that we are children of God.
The third, "They follow me." This does not mean that we always follow Him, there are times when we lose sight of Him. We do not follow the world, we follow the Lord. When the choice is made, it is a choice in favor of obeying the Lord Jesus.
In v.28-30, the Lord Jesus highlights three things that He has done that causes His sheep to follow Him. This is not a chronological succession here; it is an explanation of what lies behind the actions of the sheep. We do not earn these things, they are givens for us.
First, "I give them eternal life." This sentence is written in the present indicative tense. Literally it reads, "I keep on giving to them eternal life." This eternal life is Him, and it includes His peace, His joy, His heart. And, it produces the sense of inner security, forgiveness, belonging and family.
Second, "they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." This means our relationship with Him will never end. We live in a world that is perishing, a world that is headed for judgment, for ultimate destruction. We have either eternal life or eternal death.
Third, "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all." The Lord Jesus came to reveal to us the Father's heart. The Father is one third of the Godhead. The Father sent the Son to lay down His life for the sheep. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus was the Father's way of authenticating all of the truths that were declared by the Lord Jesus.
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:22-30
After the previous encounter with the religious leaders at the Temple in Jerusalem, about three months has elapsed. The events of John 10 took place in Jerusalem in connection with the Feast of Tabernacles (which is held in early October), while the opening words of our text today are, "Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter." That Festival is known today as "Hanukkah," which is celebrated in late December.
Most likely, the Lord Jesus had returned to Galilee to minister there, as indicated by Luke in his gospel account.
In v.22 we discover the record of a quick return trip to Jerusalem which the Lord Jesus made, following which he traveled to the area of Perea, in the region of the Jordan River, between Galilee and the Dead Sea. It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem.
To this day, winter is the rainy season in Israel. "Solomon’s Colonnade" was a large roofed-in enclosure supported by beautiful columns that filled one side of the temple arena. There, sheltered from the rain, the Lord Jesus resumed his teaching ministry during the Feast of Hanukkah which celebrates the rededication of the temple.
According to v.24 the Jews are wondering if the Lord Jesus was about to plainly and opening announce that He was the Messiah. He answered in v.25-26, telling them, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep."
The Jews deliberately encircle Him, forcing Him to answer their question about His identity. I find it interesting that He never plainly said, "I am the Messiah." He did say to the woman at the well and to the man who was born blind, "I am the Son of God," but to these Jewish leaders, these Pharisees, he had never said, "I am the Messiah."
The reason, of course, they pictured the Messiah as a conquering hero who would drive out the Romans. But He wasn't here to do that. To say to them, "I am the Messiah" would have stirred up false hopes in their minds.
His answer in v.25-30, provides three reasons the religious leaders did not believe in Him.
First, these experts in the Law, had such a twisted idea of what the scriptures said about the Messiah. They did not let God define Him for them. Somewhere along the way, they defined God, which is always dangerous. They expected a military leader who would free them from the rule of Rome, but He came as the Suffering Servant to give Himself on behalf of the sins of man and break through the stranglehold of evil which Satan has upon our race.
Second, in v.25, we read, "I did tell you, but you do not believe." Though He had told them, they had rejected the evidence He gave. They only believe what they wanted to believe.
The third reason is found in v.26-27: "you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. " This is the reason why many people never find God, because they refused to investigate with an open heart.
Had these religious leaders honestly come to Him, they would have found Him.
In v.27, we discover the three signs that we are believers in the Lord Jesus. First, we read, "My sheep hear my voice." We believe that what He says is the truth, and we long to hear more.
The second, "I know them." When we hear His Word and we continue to hear His word, we know we have a personal relationship with Him. Learning to hear God with our hearts is what faith really is about. This ability comes to us as a result of the abiding Holy Spirit leading us and training us to hear the Father's voice. As this happens, we grow in the assurance that we are children of God.
The third, "They follow me." This does not mean that we always follow Him, there are times when we lose sight of Him. We do not follow the world, we follow the Lord. When the choice is made, it is a choice in favor of obeying the Lord Jesus.
In v.28-30, the Lord Jesus highlights three things that He has done that causes His sheep to follow Him. This is not a chronological succession here; it is an explanation of what lies behind the actions of the sheep. We do not earn these things, they are givens for us.
First, "I give them eternal life." This sentence is written in the present indicative tense. Literally it reads, "I keep on giving to them eternal life." This eternal life is Him, and it includes His peace, His joy, His heart. And, it produces the sense of inner security, forgiveness, belonging and family.
Second, "they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." This means our relationship with Him will never end. We live in a world that is perishing, a world that is headed for judgment, for ultimate destruction. We have either eternal life or eternal death.
Third, "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all." The Lord Jesus came to reveal to us the Father's heart. The Father is one third of the Godhead. The Father sent the Son to lay down His life for the sheep. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus was the Father's way of authenticating all of the truths that were declared by the Lord Jesus.
Friday, November 08, 2019
John 10:14-21
To access the John 10:14-21 PODCAST, click here
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
19 The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” 21 But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” ~ John 10:14-21
Christianity is more than being saved from sin and death and judgment, it is a personal relationship with the living God who leads the believer through the darkness of this world. The words of v.14 are astonishing and quite revealing. The Lord Jesus offers His sheep a relationship with Him which is on par with His eternal relationship between God the Father and God the Spirit.
In v.14, we read, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." The Greek word used here for "know" is "gnosko," which is experiential, relational knowledge. The order here is very important for we do not come to know Him first. No, our knowledge of Him is in response to His of us. We know Him for He first knew us. This intimate knowledge renders for us a relationship that is eternal life.
No one else can satisfy the human heart, no one else can solve the problems of the human mind, no one can answer the questions about life after death like the Lord Jesus. No one can deal with human conflict and strife and bring healing and deliverance like the Lord Jesus. He is the only one because He only is God.
In v.16, the Lord Jesus says, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen." The sheep He speaks of is found in the nations of the earth. From the beginning, He had a heart for all ethnicities. In Genesis 12, He told Abraham, He would bless all mankind by blessing Abraham. This provides for us God's ultimate purpose for our lives: to be a blessing.
Four times, in today's text, Jesus says he "lays down his life" for the sheep. (v.11,15,17,18). The Lord Jesus is not a hired hand, because the sheep belong to Him and because he loves the sheep more than he loves His own life. When the Lord Jesus sees the wolves coming, he does not leave the sheep to be destroyed. He fights the wolves and saves the sheep. And in doing it, he lays down his life for the sheep.
According to v.19-21, disputes began over the identity of the Lord Jesus. The picture given in these verses provides a realistic look at how people respond to the claims of the Lord Jesus. For most, His free offer of forgiveness of sin and a personal relationship with Him is too much. While, for some, He is the God to be worshipped. For those who believe, once He is experienced by them, they want others to know about Him for themselves. Therefore, having entered into a personal relationship with God, believers engaged in opportunities to make Him known to others.
Finally, there are two large bodies of water in Israel, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is found in the north. The sea to the south is called the Dead Sea, and for good reason. Geographically, these two seas are only 63 miles apart. If we look closely at the map, we’ll notice one distinct difference between these two bodies of water. The sea of Galilee is fed from the north and in turn feeds the famous Jordan River to the south. Water comes in, water goes out. However, the Dead sea is in “receive only” mode. All water flows in, and none flows out. One sea receives and gives, while the other sea only receives.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
19 The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” 21 But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” ~ John 10:14-21
Christianity is more than being saved from sin and death and judgment, it is a personal relationship with the living God who leads the believer through the darkness of this world. The words of v.14 are astonishing and quite revealing. The Lord Jesus offers His sheep a relationship with Him which is on par with His eternal relationship between God the Father and God the Spirit.
In v.14, we read, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." The Greek word used here for "know" is "gnosko," which is experiential, relational knowledge. The order here is very important for we do not come to know Him first. No, our knowledge of Him is in response to His of us. We know Him for He first knew us. This intimate knowledge renders for us a relationship that is eternal life.
No one else can satisfy the human heart, no one else can solve the problems of the human mind, no one can answer the questions about life after death like the Lord Jesus. No one can deal with human conflict and strife and bring healing and deliverance like the Lord Jesus. He is the only one because He only is God.
In v.16, the Lord Jesus says, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen." The sheep He speaks of is found in the nations of the earth. From the beginning, He had a heart for all ethnicities. In Genesis 12, He told Abraham, He would bless all mankind by blessing Abraham. This provides for us God's ultimate purpose for our lives: to be a blessing.
Four times, in today's text, Jesus says he "lays down his life" for the sheep. (v.11,15,17,18). The Lord Jesus is not a hired hand, because the sheep belong to Him and because he loves the sheep more than he loves His own life. When the Lord Jesus sees the wolves coming, he does not leave the sheep to be destroyed. He fights the wolves and saves the sheep. And in doing it, he lays down his life for the sheep.
According to v.19-21, disputes began over the identity of the Lord Jesus. The picture given in these verses provides a realistic look at how people respond to the claims of the Lord Jesus. For most, His free offer of forgiveness of sin and a personal relationship with Him is too much. While, for some, He is the God to be worshipped. For those who believe, once He is experienced by them, they want others to know about Him for themselves. Therefore, having entered into a personal relationship with God, believers engaged in opportunities to make Him known to others.
Finally, there are two large bodies of water in Israel, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is found in the north. The sea to the south is called the Dead Sea, and for good reason. Geographically, these two seas are only 63 miles apart. If we look closely at the map, we’ll notice one distinct difference between these two bodies of water. The sea of Galilee is fed from the north and in turn feeds the famous Jordan River to the south. Water comes in, water goes out. However, the Dead sea is in “receive only” mode. All water flows in, and none flows out. One sea receives and gives, while the other sea only receives.
Thursday, November 07, 2019
John 10:7-13
To access the John 10:7-13 PODCAST, click here
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. John 10:7-13
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. John 10:7-13
There are seven "I am" statements mentioned by the Lord Jesus throughout John's gospel. Again, the theme of "His fullness" is highlighted with the number seven being the number for fullness or completion.
In v.7, the third of these seven statements is used. The Lord Jesus is the Shepherd of the sheep. In our text, the Lord Jesus uses certain characteristics of a shepherd to impart understanding of His identity. In so doing, He is clearly contrasting Himself with the false shepherds who are challenging Him.
Today's text follows the healing of the man born blind, who had been cast out of the synagogue because of his faith in the Lord Jesus. These religious leaders had taken the truth and twisted it to mean something different than intended by God. Thus, they valued the Sabbath more than the welfare of a man born blind.
The Lord Jesus identifies Himself as "the gate for the sheep." After shepherding the sheep for the day, in the evening, the shepherd would lead His flock to the holding pen. The pen was a corral-type structure within which the sheep was protected from danger during the night. The pen had an opening across which the shepherd himself would lie across so that the sheep would be protected from any dangerous animal that would want to ravage the sheep. This is why the sheep love the shepherd so much, He lays down His life for the sheep.
In v. 9, the Lord Jesus said, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." This is similar to what the Lord Jesus said in John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He is saying I am the door. If you believe in me, and trust me to be the only path to God, I promise you two things (John 10:9): You will be saved; and you will go in and out and find pasture.
We were created for more than to be protected by the Shepherd, we were created to "go in and out, and find pasture." To find pasture is to experience "eternal life." This eternal life is an intimate, personal relationship with God.
To go into the fold means to find security in the Lord Jesus. There is no security to be found in this world. But the wonderful thing is the danger and the lack of security is a means to getting to know Him more. All things out there outside the pen are to be viewed as a means of anticipating the arrival of the Shepherd. This is where real life, real security, is found.
But more than that, we will experience the freedom that enables us to go out into the dangerous world again. The Shepherd is with us, He owns us, thus we have the freedom to move out into life, into any dimension. And, it is exciting because He is with us and we discover Him more deeply.
In v.10, we read, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Full life, not just surviving, barely making it from day to day, but a life filled with joy and peace and love. Full life, of course, means a life filled with excitement and adventure with Him. The full life is filled with constant expectation of what is coming next. Sometimes it is dangerous, sometimes it hurts, but it is filled with a sense of adventure. That is what Jesus means by "the full life."
According to v.11, the good shepherd loves the sheep unto death. This is what lures our hearts, His heart for us. The, religious leaders are thieves who are in it for selfish gain. They want something for themselves. They regard the sheep as something to be exploited, to be used to advance and to build themselves up. When the sheep get into trouble, they run, leaving the sheep to fend for themselves.
Incidentally the Lord Jesus uses the word "own" in v.12. The Greek word used for "own" is the word from which we get our English word "idiot." As Bob Dylan so long ago sang, "you're gonna have to serve somebody." We serve that which owns us.
Finally, the abiding presence of the Shepherd comforts the sheep. It is His presence in our lives which causes us to abide with Him. Without His abiding presence, we would be hopeless. Watchman Nee once said, “I must first have the sense of God's possession of me before I can have the sense of His presence with me.”
Wednesday, November 06, 2019
John 10:1-6
To access the JOHN 10:1-6 PODCAST, click here
1 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. ~ John 10:1-6
In the days when the Lord Jesus walked this earth, shepherds brought their flocks into one central sheepfold every evening where half-a-dozen flocks gathered together and were guarded by a gatekeeper behind locked doors. In the morning the shepherds returned and each called his own sheep. Although the flocks had been mingled together, each flock knew its own shepherd's voice, and each would follow its own shepherd and no other.
In today's text, we learn the marks of the True Shepherd of the sheep.
The first is given in v.1 which reads, "who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber." The true Shepherd of the sheep enter by the door. He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. He was born in Bethlehem predicted by the prophet Micah in Micah 5:2. He was also born of a virgin as predicted by Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14. The Lord Jesus followed the complete path as laid out by His Father in the Old Testament.
The second mark of the True Shepherd is found in v.3 which reads, "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him." The "gatekeeper," of course, was John the Baptist. He opened the door. He was the "voice crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord,'" (John 1:23). John the Baptist identified Jesus in the words, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," (John 1:29).
The third mark of the True Shepherd is also found in v.3 which reads, "the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." His own recognize His voice, and the more time we read His word, the more we will recognize His voice.
In addition, today's text reveals the process involved in following the Lord Jesus.
In John's gospel, every encounter with the Lord Jesus is on a personal basis. In John 3, the Lord Jesus met Nicodemus alone at night. In John 4, He met the woman at the well after His disciples went to town. In John 9, He met the man born blind alone. In each of these encounters he met the individual personally, alone.
The significance of this is we come to know the Lord Jesus on a one on one basis. The Lord Jesus never takes a group in at once. It is always one at a time. What we believe in the silence and loneliness of our own hearts about Him is what makes the difference.
At the end of v.3, we read, "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." When the Lord Jesus called me, He led me out of my blindness. He gradually corrected my thinking as to what was real reality. In addition, He slowly showed me that He had the best life for me. And, in time, He has showed me that my life is about sharing with others that He can be trusted.
In v.4, we read, "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." When He leads us out He does not leave us alone; He goes ahead of us. There have been many times over my thirty eight years of following the Lord Jesus that I have wanted to stop following Him. But, I could not, largely because He is with me. His abiding presence does not leave us by ourselves.
According to v.5, the sheep "But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice." The sheep will recognize the voice of danger because he is getting to know the voice of the Shepherd. The nearest example of this is found in John 9 where the man born blind recognized the false voices of the religious leaders.
Finally, as indicated in v.6, those who are not following the Shepherd will not understand His leading. The Pharisees, whom he had called "thieves and robbers," had stolen the truth. In the case of the man born blind they had robbed him of the true meaning of the Sabbath, the true meaning of the Law, and the meaning of the shepherd. So here the Lord Jesus is saying, "I am the way to understand truth about life."
1 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. ~ John 10:1-6
In the days when the Lord Jesus walked this earth, shepherds brought their flocks into one central sheepfold every evening where half-a-dozen flocks gathered together and were guarded by a gatekeeper behind locked doors. In the morning the shepherds returned and each called his own sheep. Although the flocks had been mingled together, each flock knew its own shepherd's voice, and each would follow its own shepherd and no other.
In today's text, we learn the marks of the True Shepherd of the sheep.
The first is given in v.1 which reads, "who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber." The true Shepherd of the sheep enter by the door. He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. He was born in Bethlehem predicted by the prophet Micah in Micah 5:2. He was also born of a virgin as predicted by Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14. The Lord Jesus followed the complete path as laid out by His Father in the Old Testament.
The second mark of the True Shepherd is found in v.3 which reads, "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him." The "gatekeeper," of course, was John the Baptist. He opened the door. He was the "voice crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord,'" (John 1:23). John the Baptist identified Jesus in the words, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," (John 1:29).
The third mark of the True Shepherd is also found in v.3 which reads, "the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." His own recognize His voice, and the more time we read His word, the more we will recognize His voice.
In addition, today's text reveals the process involved in following the Lord Jesus.
In John's gospel, every encounter with the Lord Jesus is on a personal basis. In John 3, the Lord Jesus met Nicodemus alone at night. In John 4, He met the woman at the well after His disciples went to town. In John 9, He met the man born blind alone. In each of these encounters he met the individual personally, alone.
The significance of this is we come to know the Lord Jesus on a one on one basis. The Lord Jesus never takes a group in at once. It is always one at a time. What we believe in the silence and loneliness of our own hearts about Him is what makes the difference.
At the end of v.3, we read, "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." When the Lord Jesus called me, He led me out of my blindness. He gradually corrected my thinking as to what was real reality. In addition, He slowly showed me that He had the best life for me. And, in time, He has showed me that my life is about sharing with others that He can be trusted.
In v.4, we read, "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." When He leads us out He does not leave us alone; He goes ahead of us. There have been many times over my thirty eight years of following the Lord Jesus that I have wanted to stop following Him. But, I could not, largely because He is with me. His abiding presence does not leave us by ourselves.
According to v.5, the sheep "But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice." The sheep will recognize the voice of danger because he is getting to know the voice of the Shepherd. The nearest example of this is found in John 9 where the man born blind recognized the false voices of the religious leaders.
Finally, as indicated in v.6, those who are not following the Shepherd will not understand His leading. The Pharisees, whom he had called "thieves and robbers," had stolen the truth. In the case of the man born blind they had robbed him of the true meaning of the Sabbath, the true meaning of the Law, and the meaning of the shepherd. So here the Lord Jesus is saying, "I am the way to understand truth about life."
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
John 9:35-41
35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” 37 Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” 38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. ~ John 9:35-41
The Lord Jesus had given to this formerly blind man physical eyesight. Now, in today's text, He gives him spiritual eyesight by saying in v.37, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you." I love the man's response in v.38, "Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him."
As illustrated here, the biggest issue in our lives is that of worship. And yet, there are so many competitors in life for our worship. This is why the first commandment informs us to have no gods BEFORE Him. You see, that preposition "before" is of major importance. Whether we admit it or not, we have many gods. I believe the number one god in America is "comfort." So, what we worship the most is of most importance in our lives.
Then follows the Lord's next comment in v.39, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." We live among the most educated group of young people ever in this country, and yet, they largely do not believe in the Lord Jesus. Millenials illustrate this adage: when we begin to think that we do not need the Lord, we are in the most danger. To put is another way, "Once we reach the top, take care as the only way left to go is down."
Some of the Pharisees near the Lord Jesus heard these things, and said to Him, “Are we blind, too?” In v.41, the Lord Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."
This chapter began with Jesus healing a man born blind. A physical miracle happened. Jesus did it on the Sabbath, and He did it by making clay which He applied to the blind man's eyes. And so a conflict is unleashed. And as the conflict progresses, it becomes clear that the blind beggar is seeing reality more and more clearly, and the Pharisees are seeing reality less and less clearly.
The blind man moves from seeing Jesus as a man (v.11), to seeing Him as a prophet (v.17) to worshiping Him (v.38). But the Pharisees move the opposite direction. In v.16: “This man [Jesus] is not from God.” In v.22: “If anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.” Then, in v. 24: “This man [Jesus] is a sinner.” Finally, in v.34, to the formerly blind man: “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?”
And what becomes plain as we come to the last three verses is that what began as a miracle of healing physical blindness has become (as so often in this Gospel) a picture of healing spiritual blindness.
The mission of the Lord Jesus was not to condemn us. However, as people believe in the Lord Jesus, a division happens and those who do not believe are revealed by their unbelief.
The Lord Jesus saves by being the truth and speaking the truth and doing the truth. And those who are not of the truth refuse to embrace Him as Savior, and therefore are condemned.
So, in v.39, the Lord Jesus explains how He has come into the world for judgment. He has come for judgment “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” On the one hand, the judging sword of the Lord Jesus is going to cut away the blinding calluses of the heart, and the blind will see. But on the other hand, there is a blinding effect of this saving work. According to v.39: “and those who see may become blind.”
For the spiritually blind, blindness is a condition of the mind, whereas the Lord Jesus is saying spiritual blindness is of the heart. So, in v.41, the Lord Jesus says, "your guilt remains." Our sin condemns us if we do not turn to the Lord Jesus for forgiveness.
Those who have perfectly good eyes, who can think and reason, who can see the evidences, and hear the sermons, and read the Bible, and get acquainted with the Lord Jesus, but who will not admit they are blind and need to be born again with spiritual life and light, they are blind, their blindness is revealed and the more light that they resist, the harder and deeper becomes their blindness.
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Monday, November 04, 2019
John 9:13-34
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13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath.
15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.
17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” 18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” 20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.”
22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” 25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
26 Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” 28 Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.”
30 The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. 32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. ~ JOHN 9:13-34
Today, we continue in the story of the man born blind. All that the healed blind man knew of the Lord Jesus was His name. He had heard His name, but he knows nothing more about Him. This underscores the fact that nothing happens to us, it happens for us. In this man's case, his blindness happened to him so that He would be able to experience the Lord Jesus. Ninety percent of life is how we respond to the ten percent that happens to us.
Then a trial ensues for this changed man. What a picture for us. Be reminded there are two things in the scripture that causes our faith in the Lord Jesus to grow: trials which cause us to turn to Him, and the spoken word of God which is what is needed for a deepening personal relationship to take place. No wonder this man faces a trial with the religious leaders.
Now, when the Lord Jesus healed the blind man, in the eyes of the religious leaders, He broke the Sabbath. Spitting on the ground violated the Sabbath because it was work, and work was forbidden on the Sabbath.
According to v.18-21, the Jews did not believe that the formerly blind man had been blind and had received his sight, until they called his parents, and asked, "Is this your son?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind."
In v.22, we read "His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue." This man's parents were very careful how they told their version of this story, fearing the religious leaders would prevent them from worshipping in the temple.
According to v.24-27, the formerly blind man's parents are fearful, but the healed man is not! The religious leaders summon the healed blind man again to appear before them. These religious leaders are not seeking truth. In fact, they have already reached a conclusion. So, they are seeking evidence to discredit the story of the formerly blind man and the Lord Jesus.
Perhaps, one of the most often quoted verses in the Bible is found in v.25, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" No one can take away a person's personal testimony. This guy did not know much, but what he knew, he was not giving up, based upon what he did not know. This man's eternal ability to see was conditioned upon his inability to see for a time.
Then, in v.26, the religious leaders ask the same questions again, trying to bully the man into saying something against the Lord Jesus. But the once blind isn't intimidated. Rather, he accuses the Pharisees of not listening, and, he suggests that maybe they are inquiring again because of spiritual interest in becoming Jesus' disciples.
Then in v.28-29, we see the religious leaders respond to his sarcasm by insulting him. Then, they say too much: "we don’t even know where he comes from." (v.29). Their problem is that more and more of the people are believing in the Lord Jesus. Not even in the Old Testament was one born blind ever healed to see again. And, they see Him as a nobody. The faith of the people informs them that they know better.
In response, the once-blind man, can't resist pointing out in v.30-33 the faulty logic of these blind religious leaders. His logic: Jesus healed my eyes. God doesn't listen to sinners (so Jesus can't be a sinner). If Jesus isn't from God, He couldn't do such a miracle. (Therefore Jesus is from God!)
To this they replied in v.34, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out." These religious leaders were not in a pursuit of truth, they were in pursuit of power steeped in selfish gain. They were not willing to acknowledge their blindness. On the other hand, those who acknowledged their blindness, who know their inadequacy in themselves, and are convinced they need God are granted sight by the One who seeks out the blind.
13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath.
15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.
17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” 18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” 20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.”
22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” 25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
26 Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” 28 Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.”
30 The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. 32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. ~ JOHN 9:13-34
Today, we continue in the story of the man born blind. All that the healed blind man knew of the Lord Jesus was His name. He had heard His name, but he knows nothing more about Him. This underscores the fact that nothing happens to us, it happens for us. In this man's case, his blindness happened to him so that He would be able to experience the Lord Jesus. Ninety percent of life is how we respond to the ten percent that happens to us.
Then a trial ensues for this changed man. What a picture for us. Be reminded there are two things in the scripture that causes our faith in the Lord Jesus to grow: trials which cause us to turn to Him, and the spoken word of God which is what is needed for a deepening personal relationship to take place. No wonder this man faces a trial with the religious leaders.
Now, when the Lord Jesus healed the blind man, in the eyes of the religious leaders, He broke the Sabbath. Spitting on the ground violated the Sabbath because it was work, and work was forbidden on the Sabbath.
According to v.18-21, the Jews did not believe that the formerly blind man had been blind and had received his sight, until they called his parents, and asked, "Is this your son?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind."
In v.22, we read "His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue." This man's parents were very careful how they told their version of this story, fearing the religious leaders would prevent them from worshipping in the temple.
According to v.24-27, the formerly blind man's parents are fearful, but the healed man is not! The religious leaders summon the healed blind man again to appear before them. These religious leaders are not seeking truth. In fact, they have already reached a conclusion. So, they are seeking evidence to discredit the story of the formerly blind man and the Lord Jesus.
Perhaps, one of the most often quoted verses in the Bible is found in v.25, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" No one can take away a person's personal testimony. This guy did not know much, but what he knew, he was not giving up, based upon what he did not know. This man's eternal ability to see was conditioned upon his inability to see for a time.
Then, in v.26, the religious leaders ask the same questions again, trying to bully the man into saying something against the Lord Jesus. But the once blind isn't intimidated. Rather, he accuses the Pharisees of not listening, and, he suggests that maybe they are inquiring again because of spiritual interest in becoming Jesus' disciples.
Then in v.28-29, we see the religious leaders respond to his sarcasm by insulting him. Then, they say too much: "we don’t even know where he comes from." (v.29). Their problem is that more and more of the people are believing in the Lord Jesus. Not even in the Old Testament was one born blind ever healed to see again. And, they see Him as a nobody. The faith of the people informs them that they know better.
In response, the once-blind man, can't resist pointing out in v.30-33 the faulty logic of these blind religious leaders. His logic: Jesus healed my eyes. God doesn't listen to sinners (so Jesus can't be a sinner). If Jesus isn't from God, He couldn't do such a miracle. (Therefore Jesus is from God!)
To this they replied in v.34, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out." These religious leaders were not in a pursuit of truth, they were in pursuit of power steeped in selfish gain. They were not willing to acknowledge their blindness. On the other hand, those who acknowledged their blindness, who know their inadequacy in themselves, and are convinced they need God are granted sight by the One who seeks out the blind.
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