John 16, Part 3

Scripture: John 16:16-21

Observation: Jesus told His disciples about a time of mourning, of upcoming trials and persecution. Now He is telling them this will only be for a little while, and then they will experience joy. The disciples begin to question amongst themselves what Jesus' words mean. They realize this message is important, but they're confused about Jesus going away for a little while and coming back for a little while. Jesus explains there will be mourning (as in a death ) and worldwide rejoicing (in the belief that their enemy is gone), but this grief will be short-lived and will be turned into joy. Jesus uses the pains of labor and childbirth as a picture of what they will experience. After great pain and suffering, the birth of a child makes a woman forget her anguish. So will the disciples also experience the joy of new life.

Application: What a beautiful promise to read and absorb during Holy Week! Jesus is explaining something profound that His disciples can't yet understand. But we know what He's talking about: His death and resurrection. Like labor pains, which at the moment seem to last forever, the suffering is short and the prize enough to make us forget. Even this life we lead now is short compared to eternity. Any suffering we go through now is worth the eternal gift of salvation, thanks to our Savior.

Prayer: Father, these are words I need to meditate on this day that starts Holy Week. Knowing what was coming You promised joy in the end. And what great joy it is! Our Savior is Risen, He is Alive! We have great hope because of this. I pray that I will remember these words in times of trouble and anguish. Anything we experience now is short-lived. I need to trust in Your promise and not sweat the little things. You are in control. Thank You Father for the greatest gift of all - salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is in His name I pray, Amen.

John 16, Part 2

Scripture: John 16:4b-15

Observation: Jesus goes into detail about the coming of the Counselor. Jesus has been preparing His disciples for ministry without Him, and now the time has come for His departure. Jesus explains that it is necessary for Him to return to the Father before the disciples can receive the blessing of the Spirit. It is to their advantage (and ours as well) that Jesus complete the task that awaits Him, for their salvation and also so that the Counselor can lead them into a more complete understanding of Christ's glorification. There is another three-fold purpose for the coming of the Holy Spirit: to convict the world of their sin of disbelief in Jesus, to show that the world is wrong about righteousness (or justice) as they condemn Him, and that the world is wrong about judgment, since the evil one is condemned by Jesus' glorification.

Application: Timing is everything. Many of the things Jesus spoke of made no sense to the disciples at this point, but in time the full truth would be revealed, through the Holy Spirit. Today, life has all kinds of twists and turns, and we await a promise without fully knowing all that will happen. Just as the disciples chose to believe and have faith in Jesus even though they didn't know what He was talking about, so we also must trust in the Lord and in His Word even when the answers seem unclear.

Prayer: Father, trust is a very important part of my relationship with You. I can't see into the future, nor can I say what will happen tomorrow, or next week, month or year. But You know all, and You're in control. When the world says I'm crazy for believing, I must still trust in You. When I don't understand and can't explain what's going on, I will still trust in You. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 16, Part 1

Scripture: John 16:1-4

Observation: Jesus warns His disciples of the upcoming persecution. They will be expelled from the synagogues and even killed. Their persecutors will do this just as they will do to Him, believing they are worshiping God in doing so. This opposition will serve to show how far they are from God. Jesus explains the opposition comes from those who do not know the Father or Him (v. 3). Jesus wants His disciples to know these things so that, when they happen, they will remember His words.

Application: Even among evangelicals today, we hear teachings that are not in line with Scripture, but give the listeners a "good feeling", which they find attractive. When the teachings are challenged in light of Scripture, offense is taken and many Christians find themselves being called "extremists" and "radicals". But isn't that what we're called to be? I don't want to be a "feel good" Christian. I want to be an extreme radical for Christ. He wants my full devotion, not part-time love.

Prayer: Father, You continue to show me the kind of Christian I'm called to be. I don't want to be lukewarm. I want to be on fire for You. I realize this won't win me any popularity contests here on earth. Does it matter? I'm only passing through this life. It's not my permanent home. I want to be focused on eternity and on Your opinion of me. I want to be that good and faithful servant. Forgive me for the times I take my eyes off the prize. Help me to stay focused at all times on You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John Chapter 15 Part 4

Scripture: John 15:26-27

Observation: Jesus promises the disciples that He will send an Advocate, a Counselor, a Helper, which is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth. The Helper comes to bear witness to Jesus, as the disciples are to do as well. They are eyewitnesses from the beginning, and they, together with the Holy Spirit, must testify of the truth of Christ Jesus.

Application: There is only one Gospel, one truth, and that truth is Christ crucified and resurrected. This is what Scripture calls us to give witness to. We are all to proclaim this truth. Unlike the early disciples, we aren't eyewitnesses to Jesus' miracles, but we are witnesses to what He has done for us today. And just as the disciples were given the Spirit of truth, we too have the Holy Spirit to guide us, counsel us, and help us to proclaim His truth.

Prayer: Father, many years have passed since Christ walked this earth, yet the truth remains: we have a Redeemer, Christ, who rose from the dead, and we have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, given to us to help us proclaim this greatest of all miracles. I don't need to fear because I haven't been given a spirit of fear. I must proclaim truth because I have received the Spirit of truth in me. Yet at times I let my fears blur my vision. Holy Spirit, take away any doubts I may have of Your presence in my life. Allow me to see You and be changed by You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 15, Part 3

Scripture: John 15:18-25

Observation: Jesus explains the world's hatred to His disciples. Those who reject Him are referred to as "the world", the ones who want no part of Him. Jesus' disciples are not part of this world because they have not rejected Him, therefore they are hated (v.18-19). The world hated Jesus first (v.18) and the disciples must expect the same treatment, as they are not greater than their Master (v.20). Therefore the disciples would be persecuted because of the name of Jesus (v.21). By rejecting Jesus Christ, the world has also rejected the Father (v.23). What the world doesn't realize, is that rejection of Jesus makes them guilty of sin; Jesus has shown us the Father by His words and miracles, therefore there is no valid excuse for denying His identity (v.22,24). The Lord is not surprised by the world's actions; it is to fulfill Scripture (v.25).

Application: Jesus' words are meant to encourage us in times of our own rejection. There are different levels of persecution - we know Christians who are suffering physically because of the Gospel, while others are oppressed by family and friends, mocked and teased or called intolerant because of their stand for Christ. We can take heart when these things happen, because Jesus experienced it too. We are not greater than our Lord, therefore we can expect to be treated no better than He. We should be honored to suffer for the name of Jesus.

Prayer: Father, You know the troubles I face. No, I'm not in a country that prohibits worship of You, as many of my Christian brothers and sisters. Still, there are those who want to see me give up what they consider my "craziness" or "silliness". I know to expect this, though it still hurts when loved ones reject You. Help me to be patient, and to pray for those who would quiet me. May I show them the same love and compassion You have shown to me. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 15, Part 2

Scripture: John 15:7-17

Observation: Jesus goes deeper into His explanation of abiding in Him. First, Jesus explains that He will abide in those who keep His commands (v.10). Obedience to God's commands and doing God's will is necessary, and it guarantees that God will hear our prayers and answer them (v.7). Next, Jesus says His disciples must love one another (v.12). This is not any kind of love; it is a sacrificial love, as Jesus has for His disciples (v.13). Jesus then refers to His disciples with a new name. Jesus no longer calls His disciples servants, He calls them His friends (v.15). This doesn't mean that Jesus' followers no longer have to obey Him. It means the relationship is more intimate. Unlike a slave/master relationship, where there is no love or intimacy, Jesus' relationship to His disciples is one of friendship, of love and sharing. Jesus has kept nothing hidden; He has made everything known (v.15).

Application: The idea of obedience is not typically a pleasant one. We think of obedience as following rules and having to do what others want instead of what we want. Obedience means loss of freedom, right? Wrong. Obedience to a God of love means experiencing the greatest freedom. It means experiencing God's goodness, His grace, and joy. Jesus loves as His Father loves. He commands us to do the same. When we do, we are in communion with God the Father, His Son, His Holy Spirit, and all His disciples. It is a love that is divine.

Prayer: Father, each day I experience Your love, and I'm amazed at the great love You have for me. I am a sinner, another of many on this earth. I am not worthy of Your grace. Yet still the sun shines for me; still You provide food, water, and shelter daily. As if that weren't enough, You give many things I don't really need just to make my life more pleasant. May I never stop loving You or take Your blessings for granted. Help me to love others with the love You have. May those around me see You in me. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.

John 15, Part 1

Scripture: John 15:1-6

Observation: Jesus speaks to His disciples with an allegory, a metaphor. Jesus says He is the true vine, the Father is the vinegrower, and the disciples are the branches. The significance is in the relationship each has with the other, primarily the fact that the disciple is totally dependent upon the vinegrower and the vine. Just as a vinegrower tends to his vines, so the Father tends to the true vine by removing branches that bear no fruit, and pruning those that do bear fruit so that they may be more fruitful (v.2). Jesus makes clear that the branch cannot survive separate from the vine (v.4), and to be able to bear fruit the branch must abide in the vine. It is not simply seeing the vine or knowing about the vine; the true disciple abides in the vine. Those that do not abide are gathered and thrown in the fire (v.6).

Application: Any gardener will confirm that, to keep a vine growing, branches must be tended. The dead ones are removed, but even the good branches are pruned to make them stronger. I know there are areas in my life that God needs to prune. My sinful nature is still with me, urging me in a different direction from the one God has prepared. So He takes out His scalpel and cuts away at the places that are preventing my spiritual growth. I admit I don't like it very much. I'd rather be left alone. But I also know this pruning is necessary to make me a woman after God's own heart, and will lead to a more productive and fruitful life.

Prayer: Father, much as I know the surgeries You perform in my heart and soul are needed for spiritual health, I hate going through the pain of admitting I even need You to work in me. Yet afterwards, when I see the results, I'm thankful for the work You've done. Please help me to accept Your pruning as coming from my loving Father, who never hurts me except to make me a better person, the woman You created me to be. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.

John 14, Part 4

Scripture: John 14:22-31

Observation: Judas (not Iscariot) is confused; why would Jesus show Himself only to His disciples, instead of making a huge appearance that would convince the world He is the Messiah? But Jesus explains that those who keep His word will receive the love of the Father. God the Father sent His Son, so anyone who loves the Son is loved by the Father. Jesus realizes His disciples don't fully understand all He is telling them, so He promises to send the Holy Spirit to teach and remind them of all He has said (v.26). Jesus also gives His disciples another precious gift: His peace. This isn't to be understood as a ceasing of troubles; instead it is the peace that comes in knowing Jesus is with His disciples. Jesus displayed this peace even though He knew what was coming. His disciples would also experience this peace that comes from faith in Christ. Jesus tell His disciples these things in advance of what awaits Him, so that at the appropriate time they may believe (v.29). The prince of the world is coming, who has no hold on Jesus, but God's will must be done.

Application: Here we see how Jesus takes care of those who love Him: He sends the Holy Spirit to abide in them, and He gives them His peace. Without these, it would be difficult to continue in God's truths. The enemy, the prince of this world, attacks constantly to destroy our relationship with God as he did with Adam and Eve. But we have the Holy Spirit to instruct and guide us, and we have the Lord's peace, assuring us even in the worst circumstances that God is in control and our future in Him and with Him is secure.

Prayer: Father, the world can't understand Your peace. The world's view of peace is defeating the enemy, but we know our enemy is as good as defeated, since he cannot overpower or defeat You. This is my peace, Lord, the knowledge that no matter what the enemy does, You already have the victory, and I have victory in You. Thank You Lord Jesus for obeying and dying on the cross for my sins. May I live a life of victory, because the victory is Yours! In Your precious name Jesus I pray, Amen.

John 14, Part 3

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Observation: The primary message in these verses is love. To love Jesus is to obey His commands. Those who obey His commands will be loved by the Father (v.15, 21). We need love and faith to obey these commands, but Jesus knew we would need more; therefore He promised to send a Counselor, a Helper, an Advocate (greek parakletos - means "called alongside"). This Helper is sent by Jesus to His disciples and He is to abide in the disciples. The world can't know Him because He is a Spirit of Truth, and the world has rejected the Truth (14:6). The Counselor witnesses through believers and glorifies Christ through them (v.16, 17). The Counselor will abide with the disciples forever, while Jesus will leave for a short time. He promises union between Himself and the Father, and Himself and His disciples. While He is not seen with human eyes, yet His presence is felt by His disciples - He lives in them, and they see Him.

Application: As believers, we are never alone. We don't have Jesus physically present as the first disciples did, but we have an even closer relationship: Jesus is in us (v.20). What's more, the Holy Spirit abides in us also (v.17). We don't have to see Jesus standing in front of us to know He is with us every moment of our lives. This is reassuring, especially in today's world where Jesus is rejected more and more each day. It's unpopular to be a Christian, and to some it can seem like a lonely life. But far from loneliness, believers are filled with God's presence, and are secure in His love.

Prayer: Father, even in a world filled with people, it's easy to feel alone. People shy away from us because we don't go with the flow and accept what is commonly acceptable. It is comforting to know we are never alone, that You are with us at all times, and that You have sent Your Holy Spirit to help and comfort us. Thank You for Your provisions. Thank You for always being with me, no matter the hour or the day. I love You Father. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 14, Part 2

Scripture: John 14:8-14

Observation: Philip makes a request similar to the one Moses had made centures before: "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." (v.8, see also Exodus 33:18). Philip understands Jesus has the ability to do this, since he has been with Jesus and sees the closeness Jesus has with the Father. What he hasn't yet appreciated is Jesus' true identity. Jesus tells Philip, "Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father." (v.9). This goes beyond the union that Philip and the other disciples see. "Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does His works" (v.10). There is an indwelling of the Father showing their closeness, their oneness, while still keeping each distinct from one another. This is something none of them could see with their physical eyes; they must have faith. That is why Jesus tells them to believe in Him, based on His words or on His miracles (v.11). Jesus promises that all who believe in Him will do even greater works than He did, and that anything asked for in His name will be given, to the glory of the Father.

Application: How can it be possible to do greater things than Jesus did? Because it is through Him that they are done. Through His death and resurrection we receive forgiveness of sin, and by accepting our need for a Savior and giving our lives to Him we receive the Holy Spirit, to guide us, counsel us, comfort us. Apart from Jesus these greater things could not be done. It is not for our glory that we show this faith and do these things, but for the glory of God the Father. Jesus works in us and through us so that the Father may be glorified.

Prayer: What greater desire can I have, Lord, than for my life to be used for Your glory? That's what You created me for, that is my purpose on this earth. May my life be a blessing to You and to all those around me. May You be glorified, and may Your Holy Name be praised. It is in Your precious Name I pray, Amen.

John 14, Part 1

Scripture: John 14:5-7

Observation: Jesus' previous words are confusing to His disciples. In chapter 13 verse 36 Jesus tells Peter that where He is going His discipes can't follow. He continues afterwards saying He is preparing a place for them in His Father's house (14:3). Then He tells them they know the way there (14:4). At this Thomas asks, "Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?" (v.5). Jesus then explains that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (v.6). He is the only way to the Father. He tells them that, in knowing and seeing Jesus, they now know and see the Father.

Application: God alone is truth and life. When the rebellion came, we were separated from God, and because of this we now live in ignorance and death. Jesus is the truth and the life. He is not a prophet as some would believe, or a teacher as others would say. As truth and life giver He proves Himself to be God and the only way to the Father. People don't like to hear this; they would much rather dream up different ways to get to heaven, on their own terms. But the evidence is clear: Jesus is the only Way to the Father, because only Jesus gave His life as a living sacrifice, and only He came from the grave to take His place on His heavenly throne.

Prayer: The song says "What a friend we have in Jesus," but Lord You are so much more than that. You are the Way, the Only Way, the Truth, the Only Truth, and the Giver of Life through the giving of Your own life. To seek another "way" is futile. You alone deserve all the praise, glory and honor, because You gave all for us, so that we could reconnect and have a relationship with the Father. There is no way to ever repay the great price You've paid, and You don't ask us to. You ask for obedience and faithfulness. May I offer both to You each day of my life. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.

John 13, Part 4

Scripture: John 13:36 - 14:4

Observation: Peter is concerned that his Master is going away, and questions Jesus as to where He's going. Jesus reiterates that Peter cannot follow at this time; however, He gives Peter hope when He tells Peter, "You will follow afterward." (13:36). Demanding as a child would, Peter insists that he wants to follow Jesus now, and will even lay down his life for Jesus (13:37). But Jesus knows Peter better, and foretells his denial (13:38), showing Peter has much to learn. Jesus then turns to His other disciples who are also concerned about Jesus' words and His leaving, and tells them not to be troubled (14:1). He tells them to believe, to trust, to continue to have confidence in Him and in the Father as they have until now. Jesus makes them a promise as He reveals where He is going: "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." (14:2-3). He not only is preparing this place, but they know the way there (14:4).

Application: Poor Peter. He had a heart for Jesus, loved the Lord very much, but lacked wisdom. His love, therefore, was not leading him to God's will. He wanted things his way, and would actually challenge the Lord! Peter had much to learn. But are we so different? Peter is an encouragement to me, because I know many times I want to enforce my will and get ahead of God, just like Peter. Yet God steers me in the right direction and shows me who really is in control, just like He did with Peter. Peter slowly learned; it helped that his heart was in the right place. Is mine?

Prayer: Father, I love You. You are gracious, loving and kind, and You always do what is best for me. I recognize that, yet so many times I try to impose my will just as Peter did. Help me to learn from Peter. Show me Your will, and help me to stay on track. I believe and trust in You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 13 Part 3

Scripture: John 13:31-35

Observation: Jesus says farewell to His disciples. Once Judas has left, Jesus proclaims He has been glorified and God glorified in Him (v.31). This manifestation of glory will be seen shortly, in the ultimate love sacrifice. Jesus tells His disciples that He will only be with them a short while longer, and they cannot follow Him (v.33). He then gives them a new commandment: to love one another. "By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."(v.35). It isn't that the Jewish people did not know love; they had always been taught to love. What they didn't have was a way to enter into a relationship with the Father, that would now be made possible through Jesus' sacrificial love. In this same way the disciples were to love one another, the way Jesus had loved them. This love would serve as testimony of Jesus' love, and would serve as proof that the Father sent the Son.

Application: This is the love we look for in the church today. If there is no love in a church, we leave, because it isn't what we're looking for. But why can't it start with me? If I want to find love in the church, I must be willing to love. If I want to find forgiveness in the church, I must be willing to forgive. If I want to have godly friends, I need to be a godly woman. I cannot ask others to be something I'm not. Jesus' command applies to me first.

Prayer: Father, many times I look for Your qualities in others but forget to look in the mirror. How can I demand of others? It isn't my place to examine the rest of the world; I need to examine my own behavior in light of Your Word, and I need to be loving to all because You commanded it. Erase any excuses from my mind and my heart, and replace them with a love like Yours. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 13, Part 2

Scripture: John 13:21-30

Observation: Betrayal is a painful thing; it was no less so for Jesus, who knew who His betrayer was and what the result of that betrayal would be. Jesus was troubled in spirit because of it (v.21). He told His disciples that one of them would betray Him, but none had any idea of whom He spoke. Their curiosity was mounting, especially Peter's. However, Peter had already been rebuked during the footwashing, and probably didn't want to make another scene. So instead he motioned to the disciple next to Jesus, "the one whom Jesus loved" (v.23), to ask for the identity of the betrayer. Jesus told the disciple, "It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." (v.26). We understand this disciple, John, was the only one who knew the betrayer's identity, since Jesus tells Judas, whom He'd given the bread to, to do what he was going to do (v.27) but the others at the table didn't know what Jesus was talking about (v.28). They didn't know what Jesus knew: that the devil had taken over in Judas's life. And so Judas left, and the moment of truth began.

Application: Judas must have been sitting very close to Jesus. Verse 26 says Jesus dipped the bread and passed it to Judas Himself. The thought that comes to mind is, How could someone that close to Jesus betray Him? The reason is simply this: Judas had a thought, an evil desire, and rather than turning it out of his mind or confessing it to the Lord, he kept thinking about it. There were many times he could have said, "No, I won't do this." Even at the moment when Jesus gave him the bread, Judas could have felt remorse, regret, and repented, but he chose satan over Jesus. Evil comes into our minds, thoughts that are unpleasing to God. We need to replace these with pure thoughts right away (Philippians 4:8), before they take root in our hearts.

Prayer: Father, the enemy's attacks are subtle and at times hard to see at first glance. Your Word tells me what is noble and true. May I focus on You when thoughts that are displeasing enter my head. Influences for evil are everywhere, no matter where I go, but if I hide Your Word in my heart I will be safe. Let Your Word be my guide in all I do, and whenever I'm going astray, remind me of what Your Word says, so that I may get back where You want me to be. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 13, Part 1

Scripture: John 13:1-20

Observation: Jesus washes His disciples' feet. As the Passover meal is about to begin, Jesus is aware of everything falling into place. His betrayer is among them, and He will soon return to the Father (v.2,3). There is a lesson He needs to teach His disciples, a very important lesson on humility and servitude. Jesus rises from the table and begins washing His disciples' feet (v.5). This is contrary to the custom of His day; His disciples should have been washing His feet. So appalled is Peter, that he cannot believe what he is seeing and tells Jesus not to wash his feet, since Peter sees this as a humiliation. Yet Jesus tells Peter this is necessary, and Peter will not partake with Him unless he cooperates. Peter then tells Jesus, "Not just my feet, but my hands and head as well!" (v.6-9). Jesus tells Peter a full bath is unnecessary if one is clean as he is, though not everyone present is clean. Jesus then takes His seat and explains what He has done: Jesus has set an example for His disciples, to be humble and to serve each other. They are to do as He has done (v.15). It's not enough to know these things, they must to them also (v.17).

Application: Here is true wisdom: not just knowing but doing. Jesus' lesson would come into full force at the cross: giving His life for mankind would be the ultimate act of humility and servitude. But we can show these attributes in our everyday life. Just as Jesus showed simple yet true humility and servitude by washing His disciples' feet, so we can do the same with those around us. Family, friends, neighbors, strangers - the possibilities are endless. We need to be alert to every opportunity to do good.

Prayer: Father, I know I'm not always in tune to the needs of others. How frustrated I feel when I miss the opportunity to help someone in need! Help me to be conscious of those around me, to be willing to do and to give as You do and give each day, to all people, regardless of age, sex, race, even regardless if they are following You. The sun rises over the godly and the ungodly, and You provide for their needs. In the same way help me to see everyone as a person You created and want to come back to You. May I show the same love and mercy to others that You have extended to me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 12, Part 6

Scripture: John 12:44-50

Observation: Jesus summarizes His ministry in these verses. This is what He came to do: to bring light into the world. Faith in Jesus Christ is faith in the Father, for it is the Father who has sent Jesus, and to see Jesus is to see the Father (v.44-46). Jesus came to offer salvation. The world is darkness; Jesus is the light. Yet there is rejection, and Jesus speaks of it in two forms: Those who hear the words but do not keep them (v.47), and those who do not receive His words and reject Him totally (v.48). Those who hear His words but refuse to keep them He does not judge, because His purpose is to offer salvation. Those who reject Him are condemned by the very words they reject. This condemnation applies to both parties, really, because by rejecting Jesus the unbeliever also rejects the Father, and by hearing but not keeping Jesus' words, it is God's words that are not being kept. In the end all these teachings have come from the Father, and eternal life comes to those who listen and obey.

Application: Many people today profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior, yet you wouldn't know it by looking at them. Their lives are parallel to the world and its behaviors. Knowing Jesus should, MUST, change our lives, because we no longer live for ourselves but for Christ. If we continue to live as the world lives, then Christ does not live in us, and our words are empty. We need to evaluate and re-evaluate our lives in accordance with Scripture and not with what is popular and acceptable in our culture today.

Prayer: Father, it's easy to get caught up in the ways of the world. After all, the enemy doesn't make sin seem unpleasant; if he did we'd all run from it. Yet You have shown us that sin is toxic and we must flee from it. Help me to see sin as You see it and not as the world sees it. Give me a heart that cares about You and what You want for me, not about what others will say about me. I know that obedience to You may not make me popular, but it will give me a joyful life, eternal life, which the world could never offer. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 12, Part 5

Scripture: John 12:37-43

Observation: The response to Jesus by God's people is a sad one. "Although He had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him." Verse 37 shows how blinded the people were, especially those who knew Scripture so well and should have believed. They professed faith in Moses, yet Moses himself condemned them (see Deut. 29:3-4). Of course, this rejection is a fulfillment of Scripture - chapter 53 of Isaiah speaks of those who could not see or understand, those who rejected God's mercy because He hardened their hearts. Why would God do this? Because He can see the hearts of men, and He saw their pride and their rejection of what they assumed couldn't be what God meant as the Messiah. Still, many did believe, even within the elite leaders (v.42). Yet they would not confess their faith for fear of the Pharisees, and because they didn't want to be kicked out of the synagogue. The problem was in their hearts - they loved men's praise more than God's glory (v.43).

Application: This passage grieves my heart. The Jews had Jesus among them, doing miraculous things, yet He was rejected. Worse yet, those who believed were too scared to admit it. Yet how many times don't we do the same thing? We hear someone speaking against Christians and Christianity and we don't speak up because we don't want confrontation. We don't give up things, behaviors that don't line up with God's word because we don't want to appear "different". The truth is, we are different, and the Gospel is confrontational. If we believe, we need to say it from the rooftops. We need to proclaim it to the world. Christ is risen - He is our Savior - And He is coming back! I am not ashamed!

Prayer: Father, the greatest gift we have received is forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus. There is shame in sin but not in redemption. Don't allow me to keep silent. Give me instead a spirit of courage to speak truth at all times. Thank You for Jesus! I praise Your Holy Name! May You always be praised and worshipped in spirit and in truth. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.

John 12, Part 4

Scripture: John 12:27-36

Observation: Jesus says that His soul is troubled, as David once also said (Psalm 6:3). Unlike David, though, who was praying for salvation, Jesus knows His own death will bring salvation, and therefore it is necessary. Because of this Jesus accepts His calling, and cries out to God, "Father, glorify Your Name." A voice is heard from heaven: "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again," (v.28), indicating glorification in Jesus before and after His death. Some in the crowd think they heard thunder; others believe an angel has spoken. Jesus tells them this voice is for their benefit, not His (v.30). He is confident the Father hears Him; He wants the crowds to be open to hearing God's voice also. Judgment time is come - the cross will seem like the end of Jesus, but instead it will be the beginning of salvation for mankind. The "prince of this world will be driven out" of the hearts of all believers; the enemy will no longer have control over those who choose to follow Christ (v.31,32). The crowd tries to throw doubt on Jesus' words, by saying it does not follow that the Son of Man should be lifted up if He is to remain forever (v.34). Rather than outright answering their question, Jesus advises them to walk in the light that will only be with them a little longer.

Application: We can plainly see that the devil has not been cast out from earth. He is causing havoc everywhere he goes. But Jesus has driven Satan from our hearts and has replaced him with the Holy Spirit. Even though there is much influence of evil around us, if we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will keep us safe from the attacks of the enemy.

Prayer: Father, I realize the devil is not happy when I'm obedient to You. He would like to see me fall, because his time grows short. I know he will do everything possible to see me crumble. But I also know he can't defeat me as long as I have You to protect me. Keep me near You and near Your word. May I not know a moment when You are not first in my life, my number 1 priority in every thought and action. I praise You and thank You for Your goodness and grace, in Christ Jesus, Amen.

John 12, Part 3

Scripture: John 12:20-26

Observation: Among those who have come to the Passover feast are Greeks. These are not Jews from Greece; they are Gentiles who come to worship God, and want to see Jesus. They go to Philip, who goes to Andrew, probably because it was such an unusual request. They both go together to see Jesus and report the wish of the Greeks. His answer may not have been clear to them at the time. Jesus tells them it is time for the Son of Man to be glorified (v.23). The time for His death and resurrection approaches, and with that the opening of the gates to the Gentiles. Jesus compares the laying down of His life to a seed that must die so that it may bear much fruit. Those who love their life (the life of selfishness and pride of the world) will lose it, and those who hate their life (or are willing to give up everything to live for Jesus) will keep their life for eternity (v.25). Those who serve Jesus must follow Him, even unto death. They will be honored by the Father (v.26).

Application: Jesus does not call us to despise ourselves, or our family, or anything else. Jesus taught us to love as He loves. When Jesus spoke of hating our lives, He was speaking about our sinful nature, that which separates us from God. We are to hate everything that God hates, and put all our focus on Him. When we live a life dedicated completely to God and His will, there will be suffering, as Jesus Himself suffered for us. But in the end, the Father will honor those who give up their lives for Him, and instead will give us eternal life in heaven. There is no loss in following Jesus, only gain.

Prayer: Lord, it is my desire to throw away the old self and put on the new self. I realize, though, that my sinful nature struggles with my heart's desire. As Paul wrote, I don't do that which I know to be right (Romans 7:18-20). I know I must daily surrender myself to You, that You may take Flesh Woman and put her out of me, replacing her with Your Holy Spirit. Take my life Lord, and make me new. Turn me into the woman You want me to be, a woman after Your own heart. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

John 12, Part 2

Scripture: John 12:12-19

Observation: When the crowds hear that Jesus has come to Jerusalem, they go out to meet Him with palm fronds shouting, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." (v.13). They also shout, "Hosanna!" which was a cry that meant Save or Help, which would be appropriate to ask of their King. Indeed, they refer to Jesus as the King of Israel, giving testimony of their faith. Jesus finds a donkey to ride into Jerusalem; this would not fit their picture of a king, who should enter the city on a great steed. But John tells us that, after His glorification, the disciples remember Zechariah 9:9. Though not completely understanding, the crowd follows Jesus, and more join in, after learning that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead (v.17-18). The Pharisees' anger and frustration is evident, as they say to one another, "You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him! (v.19)."

Application: How hard-hearted these Pharisees! Their jealous pride would not allow them to experience the joy and freedom the crowds were feeling at the realization of who Jesus was. It wasn't that the crowds had seen anything different than what the Pharisees could see. The Pharisees simply did not want to admit they were in error.

There are many false religions today, teaching things that go against Scripture and spreading these lies (Matthew 24:24). We need to read Scripture ourselves and evaluate whether we are being taught God's truths or men's lies. We cannot be like the Pharisees, who saw all the signs but chose to turn a blind eye rather than repent and follow Jesus.

Prayer: Father, it took me a long time to realize and accept that I was on the wrong path. I didn't want to admit that I'd been deceived and was far from You. But once You revealed Yourself to me, I was free from the huge burden of falsehood and darkness I'd been in. Thank You for releasing me from bondage! Help me to use my testimony to free others who suffer as I did. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.