John 6:16-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Walks on Water
16 That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. 17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. 18 Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. 19 They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, 20 but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” 21 Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!
I have never been on a lake, in the middle of a storm, in a small boat. I can’t speak, first hand, to the conditions or to their terror. I can speak to my own storm and my own terror. The storm was brain surgery and the terror was tremendous (but only for a moment).
“Don’t be afraid. I am here!”
When Jesus walks into your storm, there is no room for fear. He walks in through the promises found in His Word … through the intercessory prayers of family, friends and the Body of Christ … through the quiet in your personal prayer closet … through the always present Holy Spirit.
There is no storm through which Jesus can’t show up and show out!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
MORE THAN ENOUGH
John 6:8-14
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.
14 When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!”
In the hands of Jesus, five loaves and two fish is more than enough!
What if the young boy had been selfish? “This is my lunch. I only have enough for me and my family.” Instead the lad gave up his lunch and let the Master use it to bless the crowd.
You may think what you have wouldn’t make much of a difference. You’re probably right when left in your hands but if you release your resources to Jesus … your time … your treasure … your talents … He can take them, miraculously multiply them and it will be more than enough.
What will you do with your five loaves and two fish? Keep them for yourself or give them to Jesus?
PRAISE: Several of you have already been like the young lad and contributed to this years Kids Across America trip. We will be leaving for kamp this coming Sunday and return in a week. God has blessed us this year with 43 kampers and 7 kaleos (adult leaders). Please pray for our final days of preparation for departure, traveling grace to and from kamp, and a blessed week for the 900 we will be a part of when we get to KAA.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.
14 When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!”
In the hands of Jesus, five loaves and two fish is more than enough!
What if the young boy had been selfish? “This is my lunch. I only have enough for me and my family.” Instead the lad gave up his lunch and let the Master use it to bless the crowd.
You may think what you have wouldn’t make much of a difference. You’re probably right when left in your hands but if you release your resources to Jesus … your time … your treasure … your talents … He can take them, miraculously multiply them and it will be more than enough.
What will you do with your five loaves and two fish? Keep them for yourself or give them to Jesus?
PRAISE: Several of you have already been like the young lad and contributed to this years Kids Across America trip. We will be leaving for kamp this coming Sunday and return in a week. God has blessed us this year with 43 kampers and 7 kaleos (adult leaders). Please pray for our final days of preparation for departure, traveling grace to and from kamp, and a blessed week for the 900 we will be a part of when we get to KAA.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
John 6:1-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
1 After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. 3 Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. 4 (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) 5 Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.
7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”
Philip responded to Jesus in much the same way as most of us would have responded to His question. Philip saw the crowd. Philip knew the status of his bank account. He recognized the gap between the need and his resources. His response was a natural one.
What Jesus knew was that He didn’t have to operate in the natural. The Jesus we know, love and serve is God of the super-natural. He was about to again show His disciples His divinity, the unlimited extent of His resources.
When faced with a gap between our needs and our resources, we can call on a God who has all we would ever need. Don’t limit your thinking to the natural. Our God operates in the super-natural.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
1 After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. 3 Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. 4 (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) 5 Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.
7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”
Philip responded to Jesus in much the same way as most of us would have responded to His question. Philip saw the crowd. Philip knew the status of his bank account. He recognized the gap between the need and his resources. His response was a natural one.
What Jesus knew was that He didn’t have to operate in the natural. The Jesus we know, love and serve is God of the super-natural. He was about to again show His disciples His divinity, the unlimited extent of His resources.
When faced with a gap between our needs and our resources, we can call on a God who has all we would ever need. Don’t limit your thinking to the natural. Our God operates in the super-natural.
Monday, May 26, 2008
HONORING MAN
John 5:39-47
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Witnesses to Jesus
39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.
41 “Your approval means nothing to me, 42 because I know you don’t have God’s love within you. 43 For I have come to you in my Father’s name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them. 44 No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God.
45 “Yet it isn’t I who will accuse you before the Father. Moses will accuse you! Yes, Moses, in whom you put your hopes. 46 If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. 47 But since you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”
There is great danger in lifting up mortal men too high. Many are the examples of men who, when exalted, fall for the schemes of Satan.
Jesus warned Israel that when they honor each other it blocks their ability to believe in the one true God. God has not given us messengers to worship. Even Moses was only a messenger who pointed Israel to God.
While we keep our focus on God and His Son, Jesus Christ, how then ought we handle His witnesses? Pray! Pray for your spiritual leaders, that Satan’s fiery darts will miss their target. Pray that his evil schemes will be thwarted. Pray a hedge of protection (Job 1:10) around them. Don’t lift them up before the world. Lift them up before the throne of grace.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Witnesses to Jesus
39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.
41 “Your approval means nothing to me, 42 because I know you don’t have God’s love within you. 43 For I have come to you in my Father’s name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them. 44 No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God.
45 “Yet it isn’t I who will accuse you before the Father. Moses will accuse you! Yes, Moses, in whom you put your hopes. 46 If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. 47 But since you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”
There is great danger in lifting up mortal men too high. Many are the examples of men who, when exalted, fall for the schemes of Satan.
Jesus warned Israel that when they honor each other it blocks their ability to believe in the one true God. God has not given us messengers to worship. Even Moses was only a messenger who pointed Israel to God.
While we keep our focus on God and His Son, Jesus Christ, how then ought we handle His witnesses? Pray! Pray for your spiritual leaders, that Satan’s fiery darts will miss their target. Pray that his evil schemes will be thwarted. Pray a hedge of protection (Job 1:10) around them. Don’t lift them up before the world. Lift them up before the throne of grace.
Friday, May 23, 2008
GOD’S MESSENGERS
John 5:31-38
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Witnesses to Jesus
31 “If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. 32 But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. 33 In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. 34 Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. 35 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. 36 But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, 38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you.
God chose long ago to use ‘… human witnesses…’ to reach mankind with His message of love, His invitation to relationship. Today we call them preachers, pastors, elders, priests, missionaries or ministers. The task given to these human witnesses is to witness to Jesus.
For the most part, these human witnesses do well as long as they keep to their assigned focus. When we lose focus is when we get in trouble (yes, I are one of them so I can speak to this). All too often these human witnesses end up as front page stories themselves. Today it is Rod Parsley and John Hagee. Yesterday it was Jeremiah Wright. Note that in each case they were talking about something other than Jesus when they inserted their foot in their mouth.
The world may get excited about other front page news but the greatest story ever told remains Jesus Christ … Him lifted up … His sacrifice on the Cross … His resurrection … Him glorified!!! Witnesses, stick to THE story.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Witnesses to Jesus
31 “If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. 32 But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. 33 In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. 34 Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. 35 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. 36 But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, 38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you.
God chose long ago to use ‘… human witnesses…’ to reach mankind with His message of love, His invitation to relationship. Today we call them preachers, pastors, elders, priests, missionaries or ministers. The task given to these human witnesses is to witness to Jesus.
For the most part, these human witnesses do well as long as they keep to their assigned focus. When we lose focus is when we get in trouble (yes, I are one of them so I can speak to this). All too often these human witnesses end up as front page stories themselves. Today it is Rod Parsley and John Hagee. Yesterday it was Jeremiah Wright. Note that in each case they were talking about something other than Jesus when they inserted their foot in their mouth.
The world may get excited about other front page news but the greatest story ever told remains Jesus Christ … Him lifted up … His sacrifice on the Cross … His resurrection … Him glorified!!! Witnesses, stick to THE story.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
TWO KINDS OF DEATH
John 5:24-30
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Claims to Be The Son of God
24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
25 “And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. 26 The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. 27 And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. 28 Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, 29 and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment. 30 I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.
It appears in this passage, Jesus speaks of two kinds of dead. First, He speaks of the dead who will hear His voice now. These are those who are alive in the flesh but dead in sin. If they will only listen to The Son, they will experience His life-giving power. This is new life in the right now … the present … today. When you and I listen to Jesus, our today is set free from our past. We don’t have to live in the bondage of our past sins. “…those who listen will live.”
Jesus then speaks of “… the dead in their graves…”. He speaks of these dead in relation to a time that is coming, a future day when His voice will call them from their graves. This call will be the judgment call. For the good … eternal life. For the evil … eternal judgment.
Listen today … avoid hell tomorrow.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Claims to Be The Son of God
24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
25 “And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. 26 The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. 27 And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. 28 Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, 29 and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment. 30 I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.
It appears in this passage, Jesus speaks of two kinds of dead. First, He speaks of the dead who will hear His voice now. These are those who are alive in the flesh but dead in sin. If they will only listen to The Son, they will experience His life-giving power. This is new life in the right now … the present … today. When you and I listen to Jesus, our today is set free from our past. We don’t have to live in the bondage of our past sins. “…those who listen will live.”
Jesus then speaks of “… the dead in their graves…”. He speaks of these dead in relation to a time that is coming, a future day when His voice will call them from their graves. This call will be the judgment call. For the good … eternal life. For the evil … eternal judgment.
Listen today … avoid hell tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
MODELED BEHAVIOR
John 5:16-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Claims to Be the Son of God
16 So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules. 17 But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” 18 So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God.
19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. 21 For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants. 22 In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, 23 so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.
Have you ever seen the TV stop smoking commercial where the little girl is playing dress up while her parents watch from the living room? The girl starts a monologue about how she looks, dressed up in Mom’s clothes. She raises her fingers to her lips and puffs on an imaginary cigarette. Mom drops her head and says, “I really do have to stop smoking.” The little girl is modeling the behavior of the parent.
That is what Jesus is explaining to the Jewish leaders. Speaking of His relationship to His Father, God, Jesus points out that “He only does what he sees the Father doing.” Jesus models the behavior of His Father. He loves … heals … raises the dead … gives new life … judges right and wrong … honors His Father.
Parents, what behavior are you modeling which your child will mimic? Set the right pattern early. Don’t wait until they are older. Your real opportunity to influence their life direction is in the early, formative years. A godly model established early on will bear fruit later in their lives. Don’t let the opportunity slip away. You will regret it later.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Claims to Be the Son of God
16 So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules. 17 But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” 18 So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God.
19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. 21 For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants. 22 In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, 23 so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.
Have you ever seen the TV stop smoking commercial where the little girl is playing dress up while her parents watch from the living room? The girl starts a monologue about how she looks, dressed up in Mom’s clothes. She raises her fingers to her lips and puffs on an imaginary cigarette. Mom drops her head and says, “I really do have to stop smoking.” The little girl is modeling the behavior of the parent.
That is what Jesus is explaining to the Jewish leaders. Speaking of His relationship to His Father, God, Jesus points out that “He only does what he sees the Father doing.” Jesus models the behavior of His Father. He loves … heals … raises the dead … gives new life … judges right and wrong … honors His Father.
Parents, what behavior are you modeling which your child will mimic? Set the right pattern early. Don’t wait until they are older. Your real opportunity to influence their life direction is in the early, formative years. A godly model established early on will bear fruit later in their lives. Don’t let the opportunity slip away. You will regret it later.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
FOCUS ON THE MAIN THING
John 5:9-15
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Heals a Lame Man
9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”
11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”
12 “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded.
13 The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.
What is the main thing here? Is it the healing performed by the Son of God or is it the man carrying his sleeping mat on Sunday? The Jewish leaders, while focused in on the law, missed the main thing … the grace in the healing.
When Jesus and the man talked again, Jesus changed the focus. The healing was the old news. The man was now well. Jesus told him to focus on that which separates man from God … SIN. “…stop sinning…” What is the something worse which faced this man if he continued to sin? Jesus wants the man to avoid eternal separation from God. The main thing in their conversation became a lesson on how to miss hell. Stop sinning! Get to know the One who healed you. Fall in love with Him. Tell the world the name that is above every name … JESUS!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Heals a Lame Man
9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”
11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”
12 “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded.
13 The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.
What is the main thing here? Is it the healing performed by the Son of God or is it the man carrying his sleeping mat on Sunday? The Jewish leaders, while focused in on the law, missed the main thing … the grace in the healing.
When Jesus and the man talked again, Jesus changed the focus. The healing was the old news. The man was now well. Jesus told him to focus on that which separates man from God … SIN. “…stop sinning…” What is the something worse which faced this man if he continued to sin? Jesus wants the man to avoid eternal separation from God. The main thing in their conversation became a lesson on how to miss hell. Stop sinning! Get to know the One who healed you. Fall in love with Him. Tell the world the name that is above every name … JESUS!
Monday, May 19, 2008
TROUBLED WATER
John 5:1-9a
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Heals a Lame Man
1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches waiting for a certain movement of the water,4 for an angel of the Lord came from time to time and stirred up the water. And the first person to step in after the water was stirred was healed of whatever disease he had. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”
7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!
Jesus spotted one man in the crowd and moved in his situation. The man had come to the healing pool, the place where miracles occurred. He had been sick, wanted to get well but his infirmity prevented him from doing that which was necessary to received the healing miracle he so desired.
We serve an all-knowing God. He is aware of the needs, the infirmities of all mankind. While He is omniscient, His response is individual. Jesus saw the crowds at the pool but responded to the needs of this one lame man. Scripture teaches us that healing was an integral part of Jesus’ ministry. He may well have healed others at the pool that day. Someone else may have gotten healed when the waters got stirred up that day.
What is important for you and I to see is that Jesus knows about the one. He knows about you. He knows about me. When you are sick … broken … lonely … angry … unable to get in the pool alone … Jesus knows. Jesus doesn’t need troubled waters. He just speaks a word. “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Heals a Lame Man
1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches waiting for a certain movement of the water,4 for an angel of the Lord came from time to time and stirred up the water. And the first person to step in after the water was stirred was healed of whatever disease he had. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”
7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!
Jesus spotted one man in the crowd and moved in his situation. The man had come to the healing pool, the place where miracles occurred. He had been sick, wanted to get well but his infirmity prevented him from doing that which was necessary to received the healing miracle he so desired.
We serve an all-knowing God. He is aware of the needs, the infirmities of all mankind. While He is omniscient, His response is individual. Jesus saw the crowds at the pool but responded to the needs of this one lame man. Scripture teaches us that healing was an integral part of Jesus’ ministry. He may well have healed others at the pool that day. Someone else may have gotten healed when the waters got stirred up that day.
What is important for you and I to see is that Jesus knows about the one. He knows about you. He knows about me. When you are sick … broken … lonely … angry … unable to get in the pool alone … Jesus knows. Jesus doesn’t need troubled waters. He just speaks a word. “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
Thursday, May 15, 2008
BELIEVING WITHOUT SEEING
John 4:43-54
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Heals an Official’s Son
43 At the end of the two days, Jesus went on to Galilee. 44 He himself had said that a prophet is not honored in his own hometown. 45 Yet the Galileans welcomed him, for they had been in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and had seen everything he did there.
46 As he traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die.
48 Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?”
49 The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.”
50 Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home.
51 While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. 52 He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” 53 Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. 54 This was the second miraculous sign Jesus did in Galilee after coming from Judea.
“I’ll believe it when I see it!” That’s what I told a business associate a couple weeks ago. I had no faith that the promised transaction would ever come through.
The government official did not have to see his son alive and well. He heard the words of Jesus. “Your son will live.” And he believed. That’s faith … believing without seeing (Hebrews 11:1).
The Bible IS God’s Word. When you read … when you hear … do you believe? Or do you have to see?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Heals an Official’s Son
43 At the end of the two days, Jesus went on to Galilee. 44 He himself had said that a prophet is not honored in his own hometown. 45 Yet the Galileans welcomed him, for they had been in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and had seen everything he did there.
46 As he traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die.
48 Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?”
49 The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.”
50 Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home.
51 While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. 52 He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” 53 Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. 54 This was the second miraculous sign Jesus did in Galilee after coming from Judea.
“I’ll believe it when I see it!” That’s what I told a business associate a couple weeks ago. I had no faith that the promised transaction would ever come through.
The government official did not have to see his son alive and well. He heard the words of Jesus. “Your son will live.” And he believed. That’s faith … believing without seeing (Hebrews 11:1).
The Bible IS God’s Word. When you read … when you hear … do you believe? Or do you have to see?
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
OF THE WORLD
John 4:39-42
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Many Samaritans Believe
39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”
The Samaritans believed that Jesus was “… the Savior of the world.”
It started with a conversation at the well between two persons. They had ethnic differences and a history of non-communication. They were different genders, a big deal in their culture. Their values were as contrasting as night and day. The woman was morally corrupt. Jesus was without sin.
What happened at the well to bring about this communities conversion? In the lyrics from the Mississippi Mass Choir … They Got The Word.
The Samaritan woman heard Jesus’ words and spread her testimony throughout her village. They came to Him and heard His message for themselves. And they believed … not that He was the Savior of the Jews … not that He was the Savior of the Samaritans … but rather that He is “… the Savior of the World.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Many Samaritans Believe
39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”
The Samaritans believed that Jesus was “… the Savior of the world.”
It started with a conversation at the well between two persons. They had ethnic differences and a history of non-communication. They were different genders, a big deal in their culture. Their values were as contrasting as night and day. The woman was morally corrupt. Jesus was without sin.
What happened at the well to bring about this communities conversion? In the lyrics from the Mississippi Mass Choir … They Got The Word.
The Samaritan woman heard Jesus’ words and spread her testimony throughout her village. They came to Him and heard His message for themselves. And they believed … not that He was the Savior of the Jews … not that He was the Savior of the Samaritans … but rather that He is “… the Savior of the World.”
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
THE DESIRE
John 4:31-38
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
31 Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.”
32 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.”
33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other.
34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”
Jesus tells His disciples that others have already planted. His nourishment comes from finishing the work that His Father sent Him to do.
I believe there is a seed of desire planted in the heart of every person to know God. They desire to know about their creation and the Creator. They desire for a relationship with the One who is above all others. They have questions about life, the end of life and what is beyond the end. They desire eternal life.
God has planted this seed and Jesus has sent His followers, you and I, to gather in the harvest. This desire is satisfied fully only by Jesus. Like the Samaritan woman, run and tell the story. “The fields are ripe for the harvest.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
31 Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.”
32 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.”
33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other.
34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”
Jesus tells His disciples that others have already planted. His nourishment comes from finishing the work that His Father sent Him to do.
I believe there is a seed of desire planted in the heart of every person to know God. They desire to know about their creation and the Creator. They desire for a relationship with the One who is above all others. They have questions about life, the end of life and what is beyond the end. They desire eternal life.
God has planted this seed and Jesus has sent His followers, you and I, to gather in the harvest. This desire is satisfied fully only by Jesus. Like the Samaritan woman, run and tell the story. “The fields are ripe for the harvest.”
Monday, May 12, 2008
A QUESTION REMAINS
John 4:25-30
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”
27 Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.
Even after Jesus makes the declaration, “I AM…”, the Samaritan woman still has a question. “Could he possibly be the Messiah?”
She didn’t come to the well that morning expecting an encounter with the “I AM”. She certainly didn’t anticipate that the Messiah would have a conversation with her about drinking water. Yes, maybe about her sin but not about thirst quenching living water. Even though the question remained, she knew something was special about this one who said, “ I AM.” She left her water jar. She ran all the way back. She told everyone. Her excitement must have been contagious. The people came to see.
Are you excited when you tell people about Jesus? Is your enthusiasm about your Savior contagious? Do you not let questions from your human limitation stand in the way as you run to tell others about what you do know … what you believe … about the Son of God?
We certainly would not want to follow the example of the lifestyle of the Samaritan woman but we can all benefit from the example of her response to the “I AM.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”
27 Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.
Even after Jesus makes the declaration, “I AM…”, the Samaritan woman still has a question. “Could he possibly be the Messiah?”
She didn’t come to the well that morning expecting an encounter with the “I AM”. She certainly didn’t anticipate that the Messiah would have a conversation with her about drinking water. Yes, maybe about her sin but not about thirst quenching living water. Even though the question remained, she knew something was special about this one who said, “ I AM.” She left her water jar. She ran all the way back. She told everyone. Her excitement must have been contagious. The people came to see.
Are you excited when you tell people about Jesus? Is your enthusiasm about your Savior contagious? Do you not let questions from your human limitation stand in the way as you run to tell others about what you do know … what you believe … about the Son of God?
We certainly would not want to follow the example of the lifestyle of the Samaritan woman but we can all benefit from the example of her response to the “I AM.”
Friday, May 09, 2008
CHANGING THE SUBJECT
John 4:16-24
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
16 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.
17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.
Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
19 “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. 20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”
21 Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
Did you notice that the Samaritan woman does what we so often do when the conversation is not going in the direction we want it to go? We are quick to change the subject. Jesus was stepping on her toes when her immoral living was exposed. She never denied it but quickly wanted to focus on something else. That was OK with Jesus. He had made His point.
He was also ready to give an answer to the challenge presented in the new topic. 1st Peter 3:15 tells us to be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. It sounds like the Samaritan woman had one of those canned challenges to faith questions. It was a question from her church … her culture … her denomination. She says, “…we Samaritans…”. Jesus responded with the message of Christian unity. “…the time is coming when it will no longer matter…” Your focus on issues or things that separate will not count for anything because, “…true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.”
The day has come … “…indeed it is here now…” … for the Body of Christ to quit arguing among itself and worship God as Jesus directed, “… in spirit and in truth.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
16 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.
17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.
Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
19 “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. 20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”
21 Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
Did you notice that the Samaritan woman does what we so often do when the conversation is not going in the direction we want it to go? We are quick to change the subject. Jesus was stepping on her toes when her immoral living was exposed. She never denied it but quickly wanted to focus on something else. That was OK with Jesus. He had made His point.
He was also ready to give an answer to the challenge presented in the new topic. 1st Peter 3:15 tells us to be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. It sounds like the Samaritan woman had one of those canned challenges to faith questions. It was a question from her church … her culture … her denomination. She says, “…we Samaritans…”. Jesus responded with the message of Christian unity. “…the time is coming when it will no longer matter…” Your focus on issues or things that separate will not count for anything because, “…true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.”
The day has come … “…indeed it is here now…” … for the Body of Christ to quit arguing among itself and worship God as Jesus directed, “… in spirit and in truth.”
Thursday, May 08, 2008
GIVE ME THIS WATER
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”
13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
15 “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”
No well thought out three point sermon. No three month study of the Gospel of John, six months in the Pauline Epistles or year long walk through the Bible. No multi-year course of study at the prestigious seminary. All these are good and I would say necessary in some circumstances.
But for the Samaritan woman, it only took a few minutes of conversation with the Master by the local watering hole. “Give me this water!” she declared. She had a spiritual thirst and found relief in the only One who can quench that eternal spiritual thirst … that relationship with Almighty God.
When we allow God to come near … when we open our heart to God’s word … when we receive what He has to offer … it doesn’t take a whole bucket of water. It only takes a sip. “Give me this water!”
But for the Samaritan woman, it only took a few minutes of conversation with the Master by the local watering hole. “Give me this water!” she declared. She had a spiritual thirst and found relief in the only One who can quench that eternal spiritual thirst … that relationship with Almighty God.
When we allow God to come near … when we open our heart to God’s word … when we receive what He has to offer … it doesn’t take a whole bucket of water. It only takes a sip. “Give me this water!”
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
LETTING DIFFERENCES STAND IN THE WAY
John 4:9-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
This Samaritan woman and I’m sure many from her country, her culture, her race, had a mindset about Jews. She was raised to believe certain things. She jumped to the conclusion of her stereotypes when she encountered Jesus at the well.
Without being political, watching the election results last night and listening to the news analyst, they were consumed with our differences. How did the working class vote? How did those with college degrees cast their ballot? How did women vote? Who got the majority of the male vote? How did the vote break down by race? Are we a nation where the only things that are important is our differences?
Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, “If you only knew…”. She was letting her focus on their differences stand in the way of God’s blessing.
What blessings are we missing when we only focus on what separates us rather than that which unifies? The Body of Christ should be united in Christ! There is a blessing when we love and share without regard to our differences.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
This Samaritan woman and I’m sure many from her country, her culture, her race, had a mindset about Jews. She was raised to believe certain things. She jumped to the conclusion of her stereotypes when she encountered Jesus at the well.
Without being political, watching the election results last night and listening to the news analyst, they were consumed with our differences. How did the working class vote? How did those with college degrees cast their ballot? How did women vote? Who got the majority of the male vote? How did the vote break down by race? Are we a nation where the only things that are important is our differences?
Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, “If you only knew…”. She was letting her focus on their differences stand in the way of God’s blessing.
What blessings are we missing when we only focus on what separates us rather than that which unifies? The Body of Christ should be united in Christ! There is a blessing when we love and share without regard to our differences.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
JESUS – THE MAN
John 4:1-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). 3 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee.
4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.
Some days are worse than others. You’ve been running all day. The old folks might say something like ‘sun up to sun down’ or ‘stem to stern’. After going all day you find yourself, tired, weary and maybe thirsty too. That’s how we find Jesus.
It is a great reminder of His humanness. While Jesus is divine, the second person of the Trinity … God. When He was here on earth, God with us, He was a man. That humanness came with all it’s characteristics … feelings … emotions … hunger and thirst … weariness. All it’s characteristics except one. Jesus experienced everything we experience, went through all the stuff we go through and was able to do it without sinning.
When you get tired, sit down and take a rest. When you need a drink (or have some other physical need), don’t hesitate to ask for help. That’s exactly what the Son of Man did.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). 3 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee.
4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.
Some days are worse than others. You’ve been running all day. The old folks might say something like ‘sun up to sun down’ or ‘stem to stern’. After going all day you find yourself, tired, weary and maybe thirsty too. That’s how we find Jesus.
It is a great reminder of His humanness. While Jesus is divine, the second person of the Trinity … God. When He was here on earth, God with us, He was a man. That humanness came with all it’s characteristics … feelings … emotions … hunger and thirst … weariness. All it’s characteristics except one. Jesus experienced everything we experience, went through all the stuff we go through and was able to do it without sinning.
When you get tired, sit down and take a rest. When you need a drink (or have some other physical need), don’t hesitate to ask for help. That’s exactly what the Son of Man did.
Monday, May 05, 2008
GREATER THAN
John 3:31-36
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
John the Baptist Exalts Jesus
31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! 33 Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. 34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”
Jesus Christ is greater than anyone else, first, because of where He comes from. All the rest of us can only claim an earthly origin. Jesus is greater because He comes from heaven.
Secondly, Jesus is greater because of the word’s He speaks. Whatever we speak is limited by our ability to understand. Some things are beyond our ability to comprehend. We also are limited by our sin nature. Jesus’ testimony is what He has personally seen and heard and therefore true. Jesus speaks God’s words without any limitation.
Finally, Jesus is greater because of the gift He offers. No one else who can offer us eternal life. The cost of this gift you ask? Our belief in the Son… our obedience to the Son.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
John the Baptist Exalts Jesus
31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! 33 Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. 34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”
Jesus Christ is greater than anyone else, first, because of where He comes from. All the rest of us can only claim an earthly origin. Jesus is greater because He comes from heaven.
Secondly, Jesus is greater because of the word’s He speaks. Whatever we speak is limited by our ability to understand. Some things are beyond our ability to comprehend. We also are limited by our sin nature. Jesus’ testimony is what He has personally seen and heard and therefore true. Jesus speaks God’s words without any limitation.
Finally, Jesus is greater because of the gift He offers. No one else who can offer us eternal life. The cost of this gift you ask? Our belief in the Son… our obedience to the Son.
Friday, May 02, 2008
THE SPOTLIGHT
John 3:22-30
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
John the Baptist Exalts Jesus
22 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.
23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
It is not easy to give up the spotlight. When you have been on top, out front, in the lead, it is difficult to step back and allow someone new on the scene to get all the attention.
John the Baptist is a great example for us when we face a challenge like this in our lives. He knew his role was to “… prepare the way…”. When the Messiah came, his role had been fulfilled. He continued to point others to Jesus but willingly stepped into a lesser role.
Our situation may not have the clarity that John the Baptist enjoyed. We may struggle with when the right time is to step aside. Too often we see situations in ministry, in work, in sports, where someone holds on too long. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be obedient to His prompting.
If your role is the one that is emerging, pray for the one who must give up the reigns. It is not easy to give up the spotlight. Pray for them to have John the Baptist wisdom.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
John the Baptist Exalts Jesus
22 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.
23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
It is not easy to give up the spotlight. When you have been on top, out front, in the lead, it is difficult to step back and allow someone new on the scene to get all the attention.
John the Baptist is a great example for us when we face a challenge like this in our lives. He knew his role was to “… prepare the way…”. When the Messiah came, his role had been fulfilled. He continued to point others to Jesus but willingly stepped into a lesser role.
Our situation may not have the clarity that John the Baptist enjoyed. We may struggle with when the right time is to step aside. Too often we see situations in ministry, in work, in sports, where someone holds on too long. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be obedient to His prompting.
If your role is the one that is emerging, pray for the one who must give up the reigns. It is not easy to give up the spotlight. Pray for them to have John the Baptist wisdom.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
DOING WHAT IS RIGHT
John 3:18-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and Nicodemus
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
My heart always races a little when I encounter that Highway Patrolman as I drive down the interstate. I see those blue lights and I jump. Speeding is not a major problem with me but sometimes I find myself over the posted limit. I hit my brakes to slow down even before I’ve checked to see how fast I was going. My wife always tells me, “Don’t brake.” Your taillights will advertise the fact that you were speeding and you’re trying to slow down. Blue lights on the police car. Red brake lights. These lights expose when I’m doing wrong. My heart quickly settles down however, when I find I was not speeding in the first place. I am no longer concerned about the blue lights when I am doing what is right.
“God’s light (Jesus) came into the world…” His light shines on the good and the evil alike. In Him we can’t hide our sin. Likewise, in Him our good is not hidden. It shines to draw the lost to Jesus. Let His light in you shine for all the world to see the good work He is doing through you.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus and Nicodemus
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
My heart always races a little when I encounter that Highway Patrolman as I drive down the interstate. I see those blue lights and I jump. Speeding is not a major problem with me but sometimes I find myself over the posted limit. I hit my brakes to slow down even before I’ve checked to see how fast I was going. My wife always tells me, “Don’t brake.” Your taillights will advertise the fact that you were speeding and you’re trying to slow down. Blue lights on the police car. Red brake lights. These lights expose when I’m doing wrong. My heart quickly settles down however, when I find I was not speeding in the first place. I am no longer concerned about the blue lights when I am doing what is right.
“God’s light (Jesus) came into the world…” His light shines on the good and the evil alike. In Him we can’t hide our sin. Likewise, in Him our good is not hidden. It shines to draw the lost to Jesus. Let His light in you shine for all the world to see the good work He is doing through you.
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