Scripture: John 7:37-39
Observation: On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus cries out an invitation: "Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me, and let the one who believes in Me drink." (v.37, 38). To understand this, we need to know what was going on in the festival. Each day of the feast the priests would go to the pool of Siloam and draw water. They would take this to the temple, and a procession of priests would go around the altar chanting Psalm 113-118. Afterwards the water was poured out (see Isaiah 12:3). On the last day the procession would go around the altar seven times. It was on this seventh day that Jesus extended His invitation. However, the "water" Jesus was offering here was the Holy Spirit. Jesus was telling the people He can satisfy their thirst for God (see Psalm 63:1, 42:1-2). They could not receive the Spirit yet, though. This would take place after Jesus was glorified.
Application: Every single human being thirsts for God, whether they recognize it or not. It is part of our human nature to desire a relationship with God. Jesus offers water, living water, that can quench our thirst. When we receive Him and drink of Him, we are refreshed and renewed. Jesus extended this invitation to all, here and again in Revelation 22:17. It is a free gift from God. Yet many desire to relieve their thirst in other ways. What is the result? A thirst that never goes away, but instead gets worse and worse, until the soul dries up. How much better to drink (believe) and receive the water (Holy Spirit) that grace (our Heavenly Father) offers us!
Prayer: Father, You use water in Scripture to describe our thirst for You. The enemy wants us to believe that anything can quench our spiritual thirst, but the truth is, only You can. Help me to live a life that shows how You have refreshed me through the living water of the Holy Spirit. Spirit, use me to reach others with Your message of truth and freedom from thirst. It is Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
John 7, Part 3
Scripture: John 7:25-36
Observation: The crowd begins to question whether Jesus could possibly be the Messiah, and if that is the reason why the authorities want to arrest Him. He teaches openly and without interference from temple officials, giving the impression they either know Him to be the Messiah or believe His teachings are irrelevant. They decide that Jesus can't be the Messiah because the origin of the Messiah should be unknown, yet they know where Jesus is from (v.27). The problem, Jesus tells them, is that they think they know Him but they don't because they don't know the One who sent Him. This angers the Pharisees and chief priests, and they send the temple police to arrest Jesus. However, this isn't possible: Jesus' ministry is not complete, it is not His time. Jesus tells them He will be with them a short time, then return to the One who sent Him, where they cannot go or find Him. Again the Pharisees show they don't understand Jesus' words. They think He's going to the Greeks, to a place on earth, when Jesus is speaking of returning to the Father.
Application: It's difficult to speak God's truth to people and see the glazed disbelief in their eyes. It's painful to hear ourselves be mocked because we live by God's standards. Yet Jesus lived this also, and told us the reason why this happens: they don't know the Father (v.28). Without knowledge of truth, which is Jesus (John 14:6), they can't understand our life. But we must continue in our efforts to spread the Gospel, because even among these doubters many believed (v.31).
Prayer: Father, it's so disheartening to see disbelief, especially in those we love most, our family. How I'd like to make them see Your truth! I wish I could shake it into them. But that's not for me to do. I am to live my life for You, present the Gospel at every opportunity, and leave the rest in Your hands. Help me to be patient and wise, and to live a life that glorifies You, that those who observe me will not question who I serve. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Observation: The crowd begins to question whether Jesus could possibly be the Messiah, and if that is the reason why the authorities want to arrest Him. He teaches openly and without interference from temple officials, giving the impression they either know Him to be the Messiah or believe His teachings are irrelevant. They decide that Jesus can't be the Messiah because the origin of the Messiah should be unknown, yet they know where Jesus is from (v.27). The problem, Jesus tells them, is that they think they know Him but they don't because they don't know the One who sent Him. This angers the Pharisees and chief priests, and they send the temple police to arrest Jesus. However, this isn't possible: Jesus' ministry is not complete, it is not His time. Jesus tells them He will be with them a short time, then return to the One who sent Him, where they cannot go or find Him. Again the Pharisees show they don't understand Jesus' words. They think He's going to the Greeks, to a place on earth, when Jesus is speaking of returning to the Father.
Application: It's difficult to speak God's truth to people and see the glazed disbelief in their eyes. It's painful to hear ourselves be mocked because we live by God's standards. Yet Jesus lived this also, and told us the reason why this happens: they don't know the Father (v.28). Without knowledge of truth, which is Jesus (John 14:6), they can't understand our life. But we must continue in our efforts to spread the Gospel, because even among these doubters many believed (v.31).
Prayer: Father, it's so disheartening to see disbelief, especially in those we love most, our family. How I'd like to make them see Your truth! I wish I could shake it into them. But that's not for me to do. I am to live my life for You, present the Gospel at every opportunity, and leave the rest in Your hands. Help me to be patient and wise, and to live a life that glorifies You, that those who observe me will not question who I serve. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Monday, December 14, 2009
John 7, Part 2
Scripture: John 7:14-24
Observation: During the festival Jesus goes to the temple to teach (see Malachi 3:1). The Jews, in particular the teachers or rabbis, are astounded that Jesus is so knowledgeable even though He's had no formal teaching. According to Jewish tradition, all persons had to study under a rabbi, otherwise they were not keeping the law strictly. Jesus tells the crowd that His teacher is God Himself. To prove this, Jesus says it is necessary to do God's will, then it will be plain who His teaching comes from (v.17), because those who speak on their own do it for their own glory, but those who seek to glorify God speak truth (v.18). Jesus accuses these rabbis of not keeping the law, just as they are accusing Him, and He gives 2 examples. First, He says they're trying to kill Him. Some in the crowd cry out in disbelief, "You're demon-possessed! Who is trying to kill You?" (v.20). Yet those who are plotting know who they are. Jesus then gives the second example - their hypocracy with the Sabbath teaching. Jesus points to the fact that circumcisions are performed on the Sabbath in order to keep the law, yet they condemn Jesus for healing a whole man on the Sabbath.
Application: Jesus was not against the law. He was against the legalism of the rabbis who didn't understand why the laws existed. God gave the law to the Jews so that they would understand His mercy and grace, to teach them to do good in all occasion, and to make right judgment. It was meant to change them from the inside out. Instead, they were more concerned with outward appearances.
What about me? Am I more concerned with what people see on the outside, or with what God sees on the inside of me?
Prayer: Lord, giving my life to You should lead to total transformation. Like a caterpillar in its cocoon, I want to emerge changed from the inside out. Help me to become the woman You want me to be, and not to judge others by what I see, but by what You see. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Observation: During the festival Jesus goes to the temple to teach (see Malachi 3:1). The Jews, in particular the teachers or rabbis, are astounded that Jesus is so knowledgeable even though He's had no formal teaching. According to Jewish tradition, all persons had to study under a rabbi, otherwise they were not keeping the law strictly. Jesus tells the crowd that His teacher is God Himself. To prove this, Jesus says it is necessary to do God's will, then it will be plain who His teaching comes from (v.17), because those who speak on their own do it for their own glory, but those who seek to glorify God speak truth (v.18). Jesus accuses these rabbis of not keeping the law, just as they are accusing Him, and He gives 2 examples. First, He says they're trying to kill Him. Some in the crowd cry out in disbelief, "You're demon-possessed! Who is trying to kill You?" (v.20). Yet those who are plotting know who they are. Jesus then gives the second example - their hypocracy with the Sabbath teaching. Jesus points to the fact that circumcisions are performed on the Sabbath in order to keep the law, yet they condemn Jesus for healing a whole man on the Sabbath.
Application: Jesus was not against the law. He was against the legalism of the rabbis who didn't understand why the laws existed. God gave the law to the Jews so that they would understand His mercy and grace, to teach them to do good in all occasion, and to make right judgment. It was meant to change them from the inside out. Instead, they were more concerned with outward appearances.
What about me? Am I more concerned with what people see on the outside, or with what God sees on the inside of me?
Prayer: Lord, giving my life to You should lead to total transformation. Like a caterpillar in its cocoon, I want to emerge changed from the inside out. Help me to become the woman You want me to be, and not to judge others by what I see, but by what You see. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
John 7, Part 1
Scripture: John 7:1-13
Observation: Although the festial of Tabernacles is taking place in Judea, Jesus does not wish to go because the Jews want to kill Him (v.1,2). His brothers tell Him He should go to Judea and perform miracles there so His disciples can see. They tell Jesus He should show Himself to the world. This seems like a testimony of faith, but John clears up their intention in verse 5 - His own brothers do not believe in Him. Jesus tells His brothers to go on to the festival without Him. He knows, and tells them so, that He isn't wanted there because He exposes their evil and therefore is hated (v.7). However, Jesus ends up going to the festival in secret (v.10). He hears what the Jews are whispering about Him: some say He is a good man, while others call Him a deceiver (v.12).
Application: Jesus' brothers, who had grown up with Him and knew Him better than most, didn't believe His claims. Jesus didn't let that stop Him; He came to do the work of His Father, and not the opinion of His mother or brothers would change that. When God sent Him He went, not when others told Him. He wasn't about to let His earthly family members discourage Him from doing what He was sent to do.
My family also may reject me or what I tell them about Jesus. But my loyalty must remain with my King and Savior, regardless of what my loved ones may think. By following Jesus' example these too may be won for Christ.
Prayer: Father, it's easy to get discouraged when no one believes me, when I'm laughed at, ignored, or ridiculed. I need to remember, though, that Jesus was treated much worse yet never gave up. My focus can't be on those around me. You've give me truth and the task to share it. Please give me the courage to do just that. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: Although the festial of Tabernacles is taking place in Judea, Jesus does not wish to go because the Jews want to kill Him (v.1,2). His brothers tell Him He should go to Judea and perform miracles there so His disciples can see. They tell Jesus He should show Himself to the world. This seems like a testimony of faith, but John clears up their intention in verse 5 - His own brothers do not believe in Him. Jesus tells His brothers to go on to the festival without Him. He knows, and tells them so, that He isn't wanted there because He exposes their evil and therefore is hated (v.7). However, Jesus ends up going to the festival in secret (v.10). He hears what the Jews are whispering about Him: some say He is a good man, while others call Him a deceiver (v.12).
Application: Jesus' brothers, who had grown up with Him and knew Him better than most, didn't believe His claims. Jesus didn't let that stop Him; He came to do the work of His Father, and not the opinion of His mother or brothers would change that. When God sent Him He went, not when others told Him. He wasn't about to let His earthly family members discourage Him from doing what He was sent to do.
My family also may reject me or what I tell them about Jesus. But my loyalty must remain with my King and Savior, regardless of what my loved ones may think. By following Jesus' example these too may be won for Christ.
Prayer: Father, it's easy to get discouraged when no one believes me, when I'm laughed at, ignored, or ridiculed. I need to remember, though, that Jesus was treated much worse yet never gave up. My focus can't be on those around me. You've give me truth and the task to share it. Please give me the courage to do just that. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
John 6, Part 6
Scripture: John 6:60-71
Observation: Many of Jesus' disciples had trouble with what Jesus has just told them. They admitted the teaching was too difficult to accept (v.60). These were not strangers who were hearing Jesus for the first time; it was His disciples who were complaining. Jesus then told them if they were offended by these words they would certainly not understand His returning from where He'd come (v.61,62). His words are spirit and life (v.63), but many did not believe (v.64). Their hearts could not accept, therefore Jesus' teachings could not take root, and for this reason many chose to turn away from Him (v.66). Jesus now turned to the twelve, and asked they wanted to leave too (v.67). He put their hearts to the test, and Simon Peter responded for all: they recognized that Jesus' words are eternal life (v.68) and that He is the Holy One sent from God (v.69). Jesus acknowledged that He Himself chose them, but one of them, in His own inner circle, would betray Him.
Application: Jesus knew His message was a difficult one to hear. Yet He didn't water it down or make it "seeker sensitive". Jesus' teachings are sometimes hard to accept. He tells us adultery is not just a physical act but that lusting is equivalent to adultery. He tells us we must love our enemies and turn the other cheek. He tells us, "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33). Jesus never said being a Christian would be "fun". But He did promise a better life in the future, eternal life with the Father, if we believe and have faith in Him.
Prayer: Father, many preachers tell us what we want to hear, and we like having our ears tickled with lovely words and pretty pictures. But that's not reality. Teach me truth Lord, whether it's attractive or not, and help me live a life focused on You. When the teachings seem hard or I don't understand why my life turns out the way it does, remind me that You are in control and You see what is still invisible to me. My faith must always be firm in You, no matter what my circumstances are. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.
Observation: Many of Jesus' disciples had trouble with what Jesus has just told them. They admitted the teaching was too difficult to accept (v.60). These were not strangers who were hearing Jesus for the first time; it was His disciples who were complaining. Jesus then told them if they were offended by these words they would certainly not understand His returning from where He'd come (v.61,62). His words are spirit and life (v.63), but many did not believe (v.64). Their hearts could not accept, therefore Jesus' teachings could not take root, and for this reason many chose to turn away from Him (v.66). Jesus now turned to the twelve, and asked they wanted to leave too (v.67). He put their hearts to the test, and Simon Peter responded for all: they recognized that Jesus' words are eternal life (v.68) and that He is the Holy One sent from God (v.69). Jesus acknowledged that He Himself chose them, but one of them, in His own inner circle, would betray Him.
Application: Jesus knew His message was a difficult one to hear. Yet He didn't water it down or make it "seeker sensitive". Jesus' teachings are sometimes hard to accept. He tells us adultery is not just a physical act but that lusting is equivalent to adultery. He tells us we must love our enemies and turn the other cheek. He tells us, "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33). Jesus never said being a Christian would be "fun". But He did promise a better life in the future, eternal life with the Father, if we believe and have faith in Him.
Prayer: Father, many preachers tell us what we want to hear, and we like having our ears tickled with lovely words and pretty pictures. But that's not reality. Teach me truth Lord, whether it's attractive or not, and help me live a life focused on You. When the teachings seem hard or I don't understand why my life turns out the way it does, remind me that You are in control and You see what is still invisible to me. My faith must always be firm in You, no matter what my circumstances are. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.
Monday, December 7, 2009
John 6, Part 5
Scripture: John 6:52-59
Observation: The crowd disputes in disbelief. Jesus has said they must eat His flesh; how can this be so? Jesus makes it even more difficult as He continues to speak to them. He tells them there is no life in them unless they both eat His flesh and drink His blood (v.53). Those who eat the flesh and drink the blood are promised eternal life (v.54). Jesus tells us He is true food and drink (v.55), and that those who eat and drink of Him abide in Him, and He in them (v.56). Jesus is describing indwelling, a life mutually shared by Him and His followers. Yet it was too early for anyone to fully understand Jesus' words. Until His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, these words would remain a mystery. By saying we must eat of His flesh and drink of His blood, He is teaching that He must be in our deepest innermost being. We can't just know Jesus superficially. He must reach the most intimate part of our being.
Application: Jesus' words were too difficult to be understood at the time, yet those who put their faith in Him would later understand and accept this teaching. Today we have parts of Scripture that we don't fully understand, things that go beyond our finite minds. Should we doubt what we don't understand, or trust that at the proper time all will be revealed to us? Those that chose to believe were blessed with eternal life in heaven. Who do I trust more, the One who gave me life, or my own flawed mind?
Prayer: Father, so much has yet to be explained, so much yet to be learned. Just because I don't know or understand doesn't mean You're no longer in control. Help my unbelief, Lord. Keep my heart and mind focused on truth - You alone are true. May I always wait on You, and not trust in my own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: The crowd disputes in disbelief. Jesus has said they must eat His flesh; how can this be so? Jesus makes it even more difficult as He continues to speak to them. He tells them there is no life in them unless they both eat His flesh and drink His blood (v.53). Those who eat the flesh and drink the blood are promised eternal life (v.54). Jesus tells us He is true food and drink (v.55), and that those who eat and drink of Him abide in Him, and He in them (v.56). Jesus is describing indwelling, a life mutually shared by Him and His followers. Yet it was too early for anyone to fully understand Jesus' words. Until His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, these words would remain a mystery. By saying we must eat of His flesh and drink of His blood, He is teaching that He must be in our deepest innermost being. We can't just know Jesus superficially. He must reach the most intimate part of our being.
Application: Jesus' words were too difficult to be understood at the time, yet those who put their faith in Him would later understand and accept this teaching. Today we have parts of Scripture that we don't fully understand, things that go beyond our finite minds. Should we doubt what we don't understand, or trust that at the proper time all will be revealed to us? Those that chose to believe were blessed with eternal life in heaven. Who do I trust more, the One who gave me life, or my own flawed mind?
Prayer: Father, so much has yet to be explained, so much yet to be learned. Just because I don't know or understand doesn't mean You're no longer in control. Help my unbelief, Lord. Keep my heart and mind focused on truth - You alone are true. May I always wait on You, and not trust in my own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
John 6, Part 4
Scripture: John 6:41-51
Observation: The crowd begins to grumble, because Jesus has said He came from heaven. They don't believe this; they know who He is, the son of Joseph and Mary. How can He make such a claim? They grumble just as the Israelites grumbled in the desert. Jesus explains how His relationship with the Father is necessary for their own relationship with God: "Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." (v.45). Jesus again refers to the manna in the desert: those that ate from the manna eventually died. Jesus is the bread of life (v.48); those who eat of this bread will not die. Instead they will live forever (v.50, 51). He concludes by explaining how this is to be: "the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." (v.51). The Word that became flesh (1:14) will now give this flesh to the world, so that the world may have life.
Application: Jesus said that everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Him (v.45). If we seek Him truly, with our whole hearts, He will not turn us away. What a comforting thought! But this also means we must accept Jesus' exclusivity. Despite what our culture would have everyone believe, the truth is that Jesus is the Only Way to the Father. It is God's own teaching - everything the Father said and taught leads us to Jesus. We can't have one without the other.
Prayer: Father, You have given us such an amazing gift. Salvation through Jesus is that, a gift. Could I ever possibly earn my salvation? No! You sent Jesus to pay the ultimate price, and in this way gave us a wonderful gift. As the Christmas holidays approach and everyone is focused on gift-giving, I think of the greatest gift of all that can't be surpassed. Thank You for the gift of Jesus. May I never take this gift for granted. In His Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Observation: The crowd begins to grumble, because Jesus has said He came from heaven. They don't believe this; they know who He is, the son of Joseph and Mary. How can He make such a claim? They grumble just as the Israelites grumbled in the desert. Jesus explains how His relationship with the Father is necessary for their own relationship with God: "Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." (v.45). Jesus again refers to the manna in the desert: those that ate from the manna eventually died. Jesus is the bread of life (v.48); those who eat of this bread will not die. Instead they will live forever (v.50, 51). He concludes by explaining how this is to be: "the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." (v.51). The Word that became flesh (1:14) will now give this flesh to the world, so that the world may have life.
Application: Jesus said that everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Him (v.45). If we seek Him truly, with our whole hearts, He will not turn us away. What a comforting thought! But this also means we must accept Jesus' exclusivity. Despite what our culture would have everyone believe, the truth is that Jesus is the Only Way to the Father. It is God's own teaching - everything the Father said and taught leads us to Jesus. We can't have one without the other.
Prayer: Father, You have given us such an amazing gift. Salvation through Jesus is that, a gift. Could I ever possibly earn my salvation? No! You sent Jesus to pay the ultimate price, and in this way gave us a wonderful gift. As the Christmas holidays approach and everyone is focused on gift-giving, I think of the greatest gift of all that can't be surpassed. Thank You for the gift of Jesus. May I never take this gift for granted. In His Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
John 6, Part 3
Scripture: John 6:30-40
Observation: The crowds are willing to give Jesus a chance to prove who He is. They ask what works and signs He has, and compare it to their ancestors who ate manna in the desert. Jesus now focuses the attention on the fact that they must have faith in Him. "I am the bread of life," Jesus tells them (v.35). This is the interpretation He gives of feeding the 5,000, as God fed the Israelites in the desert. Unlike manna, though, Jesus Himself is the bread. The crowd doesn't understand. "Sir, give us this bread always," (v.34) indicates they're expecting something different. They're thinking of bread as sustenance; Jesus is offering eternal life. He explains that the bread sent from heaven gives life to the world (v.33), and He is that bread (v.35). In order to receive this bread and the benefits it gives, one must believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. That is God's will, and it is by His grace in our lives that we are saved.
Application: When God sent manna to the Jews in the desert, He was giving a sign of what was to come. Manna served to give life to the nation of Israel that otherwise would have starved; Jesus came that we may have life eternally through Him because our only other option is death and darkness far from Him. Had the Jews chosen not to eat the manna they would have perished for lack of food. Anyone who chooses to reject Jesus will also perish, for Jesus is the bread of life, and there is no other sustenance that can give us eternal life.
Prayer: Father, in these verses I can clearly see Your mercy and grace to humanity. As a loving Father You provide bread for Your children, but not just any kind of bread. You give us bread of life through Jesus. Help me to share this revelation of truth to everyone. It is the bread which takes away hunger and gives salvation! I pray all would reach out and take of this life giving bread. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.
Observation: The crowds are willing to give Jesus a chance to prove who He is. They ask what works and signs He has, and compare it to their ancestors who ate manna in the desert. Jesus now focuses the attention on the fact that they must have faith in Him. "I am the bread of life," Jesus tells them (v.35). This is the interpretation He gives of feeding the 5,000, as God fed the Israelites in the desert. Unlike manna, though, Jesus Himself is the bread. The crowd doesn't understand. "Sir, give us this bread always," (v.34) indicates they're expecting something different. They're thinking of bread as sustenance; Jesus is offering eternal life. He explains that the bread sent from heaven gives life to the world (v.33), and He is that bread (v.35). In order to receive this bread and the benefits it gives, one must believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. That is God's will, and it is by His grace in our lives that we are saved.
Application: When God sent manna to the Jews in the desert, He was giving a sign of what was to come. Manna served to give life to the nation of Israel that otherwise would have starved; Jesus came that we may have life eternally through Him because our only other option is death and darkness far from Him. Had the Jews chosen not to eat the manna they would have perished for lack of food. Anyone who chooses to reject Jesus will also perish, for Jesus is the bread of life, and there is no other sustenance that can give us eternal life.
Prayer: Father, in these verses I can clearly see Your mercy and grace to humanity. As a loving Father You provide bread for Your children, but not just any kind of bread. You give us bread of life through Jesus. Help me to share this revelation of truth to everyone. It is the bread which takes away hunger and gives salvation! I pray all would reach out and take of this life giving bread. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
John 6, Part 2
Scripture: John 6:25-29
Observation: The crowd finds Jesus, who is now on the other side of the sea, and they ask when He arrived there, as though He had secretly escaped them. Jesus sees their motive for seeking Him out, and He calls them on it. It isn't because of Jesus' signs or words that they've come after Him, but because He fed them. They are focused on being physically filled, but Jesus came that we may be spiritually filled. Jesus tells them to seek the food that doesn't spoil (v.27). This doesn't mean they shouldn't work for food; it's about getting their priorities straight. The physical life is temporary, while eternal life is what needs to be of highest value, and what should be strived for. "What must we do to do the works God requires?" they ask. Rather than telling them to obey laws, or do what is right, Jesus tells them what God's work entails: Believing in the One God sent.
Application: Why am I a Christian? Is it because God will bless me if I read my Bible everyday? Is it because He can do miracles in my life that no one else can? Or is it because I recognize that I'm a sinner, that on my own I cannot save myself? Have I realized and truly believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Perfect Lamb who gave His life sacrificially so that I may have a relationship with the Father and eternal life in heaven? If I'm a follower of Christ, I must believe in Him, otherwise I'm wasting my time.
Prayer: Father, many believe there are multiple roads that lead to heaven. I believe Jesus, Your own Son, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You sent Jesus, and Jesus is the only way to You. I believe there is no other way. Give me the courage to speak this truth to others, even when they don't want to hear it, or tell me I'm close-minded because I refuse to accept any alternates. You alone are God, and You alone decide who our Mediator is. You sent Him, and He is the only one by whom we may be saved. It is in His Precious Name, the name above all names, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.
Observation: The crowd finds Jesus, who is now on the other side of the sea, and they ask when He arrived there, as though He had secretly escaped them. Jesus sees their motive for seeking Him out, and He calls them on it. It isn't because of Jesus' signs or words that they've come after Him, but because He fed them. They are focused on being physically filled, but Jesus came that we may be spiritually filled. Jesus tells them to seek the food that doesn't spoil (v.27). This doesn't mean they shouldn't work for food; it's about getting their priorities straight. The physical life is temporary, while eternal life is what needs to be of highest value, and what should be strived for. "What must we do to do the works God requires?" they ask. Rather than telling them to obey laws, or do what is right, Jesus tells them what God's work entails: Believing in the One God sent.
Application: Why am I a Christian? Is it because God will bless me if I read my Bible everyday? Is it because He can do miracles in my life that no one else can? Or is it because I recognize that I'm a sinner, that on my own I cannot save myself? Have I realized and truly believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Perfect Lamb who gave His life sacrificially so that I may have a relationship with the Father and eternal life in heaven? If I'm a follower of Christ, I must believe in Him, otherwise I'm wasting my time.
Prayer: Father, many believe there are multiple roads that lead to heaven. I believe Jesus, Your own Son, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You sent Jesus, and Jesus is the only way to You. I believe there is no other way. Give me the courage to speak this truth to others, even when they don't want to hear it, or tell me I'm close-minded because I refuse to accept any alternates. You alone are God, and You alone decide who our Mediator is. You sent Him, and He is the only one by whom we may be saved. It is in His Precious Name, the name above all names, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.
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