Before the Lord Jesus went to the cross, the Holy Spirit did not permanently dwell in his disciples. The Holy Spirit gave them faith to believe, but he did not indwell them. In the old testament the Holy Spirit came upon people such as Elijah and David for specific tasks or as a sign of God's favor upon that person. In the Psalms David prays that the Lord "take not thy holy spirit from me". But since the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit now indwells those who by faith believe on Jesus as their Saviour and are saved by grace. In John 14, after speaking about heaven and that He is the way to heaven, Jesus tells his disciples of the Comforter to come, the Holy Spirit.
V15-18 "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he........ shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
Jesus' new commandment was for the disciples to love each other. Not in a romantic way, but in an action way, of serving each other, helping each other, bearing each other's burdens, encouraging each other. Jesus had just finished telling the disciples that he was leaving them, and going to heaven. During his earthly ministry, Jesus was a comfort to his disciples. The one they loved, trusted, the one they believed on as the Son of God, the Christ, the promised Redeemer. Now Jesus tells them that another Comforter would come, this being the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be in them, and in Acts 2 the Holy Spirit comes as with tongues of fire and "they were filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:4) Jesus promises that his disciples would not be comfortless. He says that "I will come to you." the Holy Spirit will come, and Jesus will, as he has already said in V3, Jesus will come again to receive those who believe on Him.
Showing posts with label gospel of John. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gospel of John. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Daily Bible Reading: John 12:1-11 - Mary Annoints Jesus and Judas Protests
John chapter 12 follows the raising of Lazarus from the grave in a mighty display by the Lord Jesus. After this Lazarus returned to his home and his sisters where a dinner was made for Jesus. Lazarus was there as well. It was at this dinner that Mary, the one who sat at Jesus' feet and learned of him, anointed him. This is where the true personality of Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus, begins to show itself.
V1-2 "Six days before the feast of Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was which had been dead. There they made him a supper and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him."
To learn where Passover originated, please read Exodus 12. One cannot help but marvel that Lazarus who had been in the grave for four days was raised free of the illness from which he had died, his body restored. This time Martha is willingly serving, and does not complain to the Lord about Mary not helping her as she did on a previous occasion. (Luke 10:38-42)
V3 "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."
For an excellent explanation of what Spikenard is, please follow this link to Got Questions. It is speculated that this spikenard might have been Mary's dowry. She wanted only the best for Jesus. It is fitting that the one who sat at the feet of Jesus and learned of him would be the one to anoint his feet and dry them not with a towel but with her hair. In these times hair was the woman's glory and Mary did not hesitate to use her hair in this manner, showing her love and respect for Jesus. The odour of the ointment was so strong and beautiful that it filled the house, thus Mary's act of love for Jesus had an effect on the whole house.
V1-2 "Six days before the feast of Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was which had been dead. There they made him a supper and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him."
To learn where Passover originated, please read Exodus 12. One cannot help but marvel that Lazarus who had been in the grave for four days was raised free of the illness from which he had died, his body restored. This time Martha is willingly serving, and does not complain to the Lord about Mary not helping her as she did on a previous occasion. (Luke 10:38-42)
V3 "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."
For an excellent explanation of what Spikenard is, please follow this link to Got Questions. It is speculated that this spikenard might have been Mary's dowry. She wanted only the best for Jesus. It is fitting that the one who sat at the feet of Jesus and learned of him would be the one to anoint his feet and dry them not with a towel but with her hair. In these times hair was the woman's glory and Mary did not hesitate to use her hair in this manner, showing her love and respect for Jesus. The odour of the ointment was so strong and beautiful that it filled the house, thus Mary's act of love for Jesus had an effect on the whole house.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Daily Bible Reading: John 11:32-57 Jesus Raises Lazarus and the Response of the Priests
In my last two posts from the gospel of John chapter 11, the first was concerning the death of Lazarus, the second was concerning Jesus teaching Martha about the resurrection, specifically that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. In this post, Mary comes to Jesus, and with power, Jesus raises Lazarus from the grave in the witness of many people.
As the section starts, Martha has gone home and told secretly told Mary that Jesus "calleth for thee" (V28)
V32-36 When Mary came to Jesus and saw him, she fell down at his feet saying "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died" Mary had faith the Jesus could have healed her brother. She did not know the wonder and mercy she was about to witness. When Jesus saw her weeping, and that those who came with her were also weeping, he groaned in the spirit and was troubled. Jesus asked "where have ye laid him?" and they said to Jesus "Lord, come and see." Then we have the shortest verse in the bible, powerful in its meaning, "Jesus wept" These two words show the compassionate heart of Jesus. Some of the people said "behold how he loved him" but others said "could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind have caused that even this man should not have died?" Referring to Jesus as "this man" reveals that they did not believe on Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.
As the section starts, Martha has gone home and told secretly told Mary that Jesus "calleth for thee" (V28)
V32-36 When Mary came to Jesus and saw him, she fell down at his feet saying "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died" Mary had faith the Jesus could have healed her brother. She did not know the wonder and mercy she was about to witness. When Jesus saw her weeping, and that those who came with her were also weeping, he groaned in the spirit and was troubled. Jesus asked "where have ye laid him?" and they said to Jesus "Lord, come and see." Then we have the shortest verse in the bible, powerful in its meaning, "Jesus wept" These two words show the compassionate heart of Jesus. Some of the people said "behold how he loved him" but others said "could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind have caused that even this man should not have died?" Referring to Jesus as "this man" reveals that they did not believe on Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Daily Bible Reading: John 11:17-31 - Jesus Assures Martha of the Resurrection
There is so much in John 11 that I am breaking it up into 3 posts. The first was posted earlier, verses 1-16, The Death of Lazarus. This second post concerns Lazarus' sister Martha who went to meet Jesus on his way to Lazarus. Verses 17-31 give assurance of the resurrection, not only of Lazarus but of all who believe on Jesus: then, now, and until the Lord comes again.
V17-20 As Jesus was coming, he found that Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. Many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary to comfort them concerning their brother. Since they were offering comfort, it seems likely that they had heard of the death of Lazarus and that is when they came to comfort Martha and Mary. As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him but her sister Mary sat still in the house.
V21-24 Martha speaks to Jesus: "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died". Martha had faith that Jesus would have been able to heal Lazarus of his illness. She further says "I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." To this Jesus answers "Thy brother shall rise again." Martha thinks that Jesus is speaking of the future resurrection at the last day and so she says "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
V25-27 It is at this point that Jesus tells Martha a wondrous truth. "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this?" And next we have Martha's confession of faith, "Yea, Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." In these verses Jesus is saying that all those who believe on Jesus, though their earthly bodies will die, yet they shall live. Paul the apostle said that he would rather be absent from the body and present with the Lord.
V28-31 When Martha had finished her confession of faith, she went home and called Mary secretly, saying "the Master is come, and calleth for thee." And as soon as Mary heard that, "she arose quickly and came unto him." Martha went to Jesus as soon as she heard he was coming and she received a glorious truth about the resurrection, but Mary chose to stay home until she was called by Jesus. Perhaps it was better to do as Mary did, and wait to be called by Jesus but it was in being alone with Jesus that Martha received her comfort concerning the resurrection of her brother.
Jesus had not yet come to the town of Bethany but was still in the place where Martha had met him. But something more happened, the Jews that had been with Martha and Mary to comfort them saw that Mary got up hastily and went out, and so they followed her thinking that she was going to the grave to weep. They did not suspect the great wonder that was about to behold them.
The next post will be the raising of Lazarus.
__________________________________
vcg
V17-20 As Jesus was coming, he found that Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. Many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary to comfort them concerning their brother. Since they were offering comfort, it seems likely that they had heard of the death of Lazarus and that is when they came to comfort Martha and Mary. As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him but her sister Mary sat still in the house.
V21-24 Martha speaks to Jesus: "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died". Martha had faith that Jesus would have been able to heal Lazarus of his illness. She further says "I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." To this Jesus answers "Thy brother shall rise again." Martha thinks that Jesus is speaking of the future resurrection at the last day and so she says "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
V25-27 It is at this point that Jesus tells Martha a wondrous truth. "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this?" And next we have Martha's confession of faith, "Yea, Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." In these verses Jesus is saying that all those who believe on Jesus, though their earthly bodies will die, yet they shall live. Paul the apostle said that he would rather be absent from the body and present with the Lord.
V28-31 When Martha had finished her confession of faith, she went home and called Mary secretly, saying "the Master is come, and calleth for thee." And as soon as Mary heard that, "she arose quickly and came unto him." Martha went to Jesus as soon as she heard he was coming and she received a glorious truth about the resurrection, but Mary chose to stay home until she was called by Jesus. Perhaps it was better to do as Mary did, and wait to be called by Jesus but it was in being alone with Jesus that Martha received her comfort concerning the resurrection of her brother.
Jesus had not yet come to the town of Bethany but was still in the place where Martha had met him. But something more happened, the Jews that had been with Martha and Mary to comfort them saw that Mary got up hastily and went out, and so they followed her thinking that she was going to the grave to weep. They did not suspect the great wonder that was about to behold them.
The next post will be the raising of Lazarus.
__________________________________
vcg
Daily Bible Reading: John 11: 1-16 -The Death of Lazarus
John chapter 11 is full of teaching: Firstly is the raising of Lazarus. This is not the first time that Jesus has raised the dead; previously he raised the dead son of a widow while on his way to burial, also the daughter of Jairus, a child of 12. But Lazarus is different. He was raised to show forth the glory of God. Lazarus, unlike the previous two, was already in the tomb, and had been for several days. He was a person well known to Jesus and loved by him. Many people witnessed the raising of Lazarus. Jesus did it in a very public manner while the first two were in a more quiet way.
The raising of Lazarus takes place after the teaching of Jesus that he is The Good Shepherd. That his sheep hear his voice, that they follow him, Lazarus heard the voice of Jesus calling him and he came forth.
Also in this chapter is Lazarus' sister Martha. Jesus gives Martha the assurance of resurrection. Also here is the shortest verse in the bible "Jesus wept."
V1-3 A certain man named Lazarus was sick. He was of the town of Bethany, as were his sisters Martha and Mary. They sent word to Jesus saying "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick."
From this we know that Martha and Mary were well acquainted with Jesus as they did not hesitate to send word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick. It is likely that they believed that Jesus would come and heal Lazarus as he had done to so many others.
V4-7 Jesus said to his disciples "this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." This verse is confirmation of the close relationship that they had. But Jesus did not immediately go to Lazarus, he stayed two more days in the same place because the death of Lazarus was to be very significant.
V7-16 After the two days were up, Jesus told his disciples "let us go to Judea again." His disciples were surprised at that because the Jews had wanted to stone Jesus there. But Jesus said to them "our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep." His disciples did not understand that Jesus was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, they just thought that Lazarus was sleeping as restful sleep so Jesus told them "Lazarus is dead." Then Jesus told them that he was glad that he was not there when Lazarus died because it was because of this that they would believe. Jesus said "nevertheless let us go to him."
My next post will be about Martha, and her assurance of the resurrection of Lazarus.
______________________________
vcg
The raising of Lazarus takes place after the teaching of Jesus that he is The Good Shepherd. That his sheep hear his voice, that they follow him, Lazarus heard the voice of Jesus calling him and he came forth.
Also in this chapter is Lazarus' sister Martha. Jesus gives Martha the assurance of resurrection. Also here is the shortest verse in the bible "Jesus wept."
V1-3 A certain man named Lazarus was sick. He was of the town of Bethany, as were his sisters Martha and Mary. They sent word to Jesus saying "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick."
From this we know that Martha and Mary were well acquainted with Jesus as they did not hesitate to send word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick. It is likely that they believed that Jesus would come and heal Lazarus as he had done to so many others.
V4-7 Jesus said to his disciples "this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." This verse is confirmation of the close relationship that they had. But Jesus did not immediately go to Lazarus, he stayed two more days in the same place because the death of Lazarus was to be very significant.
V7-16 After the two days were up, Jesus told his disciples "let us go to Judea again." His disciples were surprised at that because the Jews had wanted to stone Jesus there. But Jesus said to them "our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep." His disciples did not understand that Jesus was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, they just thought that Lazarus was sleeping as restful sleep so Jesus told them "Lazarus is dead." Then Jesus told them that he was glad that he was not there when Lazarus died because it was because of this that they would believe. Jesus said "nevertheless let us go to him."
My next post will be about Martha, and her assurance of the resurrection of Lazarus.
______________________________
vcg
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Daily Bible Reading: John 10: The Good Shepherd
For Christians, the gospel of John, chapter 10 is surely one of the
most comforting and encouraging chapters in the bible for here we have
the security of the believer. Here also are Jew and Gentile coming
together into one fold. And here we have proof positive that the Lord
Jesus lay down his life for his sheep, those that are and will be his.
In chapter 8 and chapter 9 Jesus presented himself to be the "light of the world" and he healed a man born blind. After the healing Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and he continued to do so as chapter 10 begins. And as Jesus often did, he begins this new teaching with a parable, which is putting a great truth into things that happen to everyone. In this case Jesus spoke of the shepherd and his sheep and of those who did not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbed up some other way, this person is a thief and a robber. But the person who entered by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The sheep heard the voice of the shepherd because the shepherd called them by name and led them out of the sheepfold. The sheep followed him because they knew his voice. They would not follow a stranger.
Those who heard the parable did not understand what Jesus was saying to them.
Then Jesus began his great teaching:
V7 ...verily, verily (truly, truly) I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (the sheep arehis own, those given him by the Father, those who will be saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus)
V8 "All that ..came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them". As Jesus said in a previous chapter, "I am the light of the world". The thieves and robbers are those who taught that the people should follow the law rather than follow Jesus.
V9 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture." Jesus is the only way to salvation. In John 14:6 we have these words: "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
V11 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." This verse foretells Christ's death on the cross, shedding his precious blood and taking upon himself the penalty for sin for his sheep, for all those who would be saved. Many people believe that Jesus died for all people, but this verse clearly states that Jesus would give his life for the sheep, for those who belong to his flock.
In chapter 8 and chapter 9 Jesus presented himself to be the "light of the world" and he healed a man born blind. After the healing Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and he continued to do so as chapter 10 begins. And as Jesus often did, he begins this new teaching with a parable, which is putting a great truth into things that happen to everyone. In this case Jesus spoke of the shepherd and his sheep and of those who did not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbed up some other way, this person is a thief and a robber. But the person who entered by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The sheep heard the voice of the shepherd because the shepherd called them by name and led them out of the sheepfold. The sheep followed him because they knew his voice. They would not follow a stranger.
Those who heard the parable did not understand what Jesus was saying to them.
Then Jesus began his great teaching:
V7 ...verily, verily (truly, truly) I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (the sheep arehis own, those given him by the Father, those who will be saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus)
V8 "All that ..came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them". As Jesus said in a previous chapter, "I am the light of the world". The thieves and robbers are those who taught that the people should follow the law rather than follow Jesus.
V9 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture." Jesus is the only way to salvation. In John 14:6 we have these words: "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
V11 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." This verse foretells Christ's death on the cross, shedding his precious blood and taking upon himself the penalty for sin for his sheep, for all those who would be saved. Many people believe that Jesus died for all people, but this verse clearly states that Jesus would give his life for the sheep, for those who belong to his flock.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Gospel of John: The Marriage in Cana
John 2:1-11
The Lord Jesus was with his disciples among the other guests at the marriage in Cana of Galilee. As the invited guests arrived there would have been servants at the door, and on either side of the door there were 3 great big stone waterpots. As the guests filed in, the servants would splash water on the hands and feet of every guest. After a short ceremony the wedding feast would begin.
This passage concerning the marriage in Cana teaches us that Jesus is God and he has great power. In this account of this wedding feast, the apostle John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, furnishes us only with the essential details. When: it was on the third day. Where: Cana of Galilee Who: Jesus, his mother and some of the disciples.. Why: they were at a wedding.
The teaching on marriage: V1-2 Marriage is honourable. One of the first public events of the Lord’s ministry was to attend a wedding because marriage is honourable and good or else Jesus wouldn’t have been there. Those who lightly esteem marriage have not the mind of Christ. Marriage is hallowed because Jesus was there. This an important point because marriage is lightly esteemed in these days. But in this passage, marriage is honourable. It’s all too common nowadays to hear even believers saying to a young couple who are engaged and who are so close, “it will all end once you are married” it happens all the time. Marriage sometimes becomes the butt end of jokes. There is always some one to comment. But the bible says that marriage is honourable in all. The closeness of engaged people does not end once you are married, but it becomes stronger as the years go by. A properly cultivated marriage grows as the years go by. God ordained marriage. Christ graced marriage by his presence at Cana of Galilee. When somebody starts to make jokes, the question to ask is this: Was God wrong? was Christ wrong on the area of marriage? of course he wasn’t.. so why do some Christians make fun of something that God has ordained? The flippant attitude concerning important things comes from worldly attitudes towards serious things. Unbelievers do not hold marriage as God does. How does a Christian make sure they are not worldly? Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. It’s a different mindset. Let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus. A Christians outlook to life and all important things including marriage is the same as Christ’s outlook, not the worlds. Christ was invited to the wedding in Cana and he agreed with the wedding, and he came to the wedding.
The Lord Jesus was with his disciples among the other guests at the marriage in Cana of Galilee. As the invited guests arrived there would have been servants at the door, and on either side of the door there were 3 great big stone waterpots. As the guests filed in, the servants would splash water on the hands and feet of every guest. After a short ceremony the wedding feast would begin.
This passage concerning the marriage in Cana teaches us that Jesus is God and he has great power. In this account of this wedding feast, the apostle John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, furnishes us only with the essential details. When: it was on the third day. Where: Cana of Galilee Who: Jesus, his mother and some of the disciples.. Why: they were at a wedding.
The teaching on marriage: V1-2 Marriage is honourable. One of the first public events of the Lord’s ministry was to attend a wedding because marriage is honourable and good or else Jesus wouldn’t have been there. Those who lightly esteem marriage have not the mind of Christ. Marriage is hallowed because Jesus was there. This an important point because marriage is lightly esteemed in these days. But in this passage, marriage is honourable. It’s all too common nowadays to hear even believers saying to a young couple who are engaged and who are so close, “it will all end once you are married” it happens all the time. Marriage sometimes becomes the butt end of jokes. There is always some one to comment. But the bible says that marriage is honourable in all. The closeness of engaged people does not end once you are married, but it becomes stronger as the years go by. A properly cultivated marriage grows as the years go by. God ordained marriage. Christ graced marriage by his presence at Cana of Galilee. When somebody starts to make jokes, the question to ask is this: Was God wrong? was Christ wrong on the area of marriage? of course he wasn’t.. so why do some Christians make fun of something that God has ordained? The flippant attitude concerning important things comes from worldly attitudes towards serious things. Unbelievers do not hold marriage as God does. How does a Christian make sure they are not worldly? Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. It’s a different mindset. Let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus. A Christians outlook to life and all important things including marriage is the same as Christ’s outlook, not the worlds. Christ was invited to the wedding in Cana and he agreed with the wedding, and he came to the wedding.
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