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.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
John 6, Part 1
Scripture: John 6:1-24
Observation: Jesus shows His authority over nature. Jesus had told the crowds that Moses testified about Him (John 5:45-47). Now He proves it by feeding 5,000 with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. It reminds them of the miracle of being fed for 40 years in the desert. When the crowds see this, they believe Jesus to be the prophet Moses spoke of and want to crown Him king by force. Jesus, however, leaves them, because He is more than the prophet they believe Him to be. He is the God Moses wrote about. Next we see the miracles of Jesus walking on water and immediately landing on shore (v.16-21). These miracles of nature show us that God is interested in saving His people. It also shows control over the seas, as Moses had when he parted the Red Sea. It shows His identity, as Job 9:8 says, "He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea." Psalm 107:29-30 tells how God stills the storm. The crowds, who did not see Jesus walk on water, still realize a miracle has occurred to get Him to the other side. They take boats and follow Jesus to Capernaum.
Application: The miracles in this chapter challenge science and logic as we know it. They also give us a great reassurances. First, that Jesus can provide for us, even when our resources are few. He can make much out of little. Second, He is present and can save us from the storms in our lives. We don't need to fear, because Jesus is authority over all nature. He was the power behind all of Moses's miracles in Egypt and in the desert, and He is the power behind the miracles in our lives, too.
Prayer: Father, what a comforting thought, to know that no force of nature is stronger than You who created it. Jesus, You taught us that behind every blessing and every event in our lives, You are there supporting us. I pray that I will not let fear overtake me in difficult times, but that instead I will lean on You, who can calm the storms. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus shows His authority over nature. Jesus had told the crowds that Moses testified about Him (John 5:45-47). Now He proves it by feeding 5,000 with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. It reminds them of the miracle of being fed for 40 years in the desert. When the crowds see this, they believe Jesus to be the prophet Moses spoke of and want to crown Him king by force. Jesus, however, leaves them, because He is more than the prophet they believe Him to be. He is the God Moses wrote about. Next we see the miracles of Jesus walking on water and immediately landing on shore (v.16-21). These miracles of nature show us that God is interested in saving His people. It also shows control over the seas, as Moses had when he parted the Red Sea. It shows His identity, as Job 9:8 says, "He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea." Psalm 107:29-30 tells how God stills the storm. The crowds, who did not see Jesus walk on water, still realize a miracle has occurred to get Him to the other side. They take boats and follow Jesus to Capernaum.
Application: The miracles in this chapter challenge science and logic as we know it. They also give us a great reassurances. First, that Jesus can provide for us, even when our resources are few. He can make much out of little. Second, He is present and can save us from the storms in our lives. We don't need to fear, because Jesus is authority over all nature. He was the power behind all of Moses's miracles in Egypt and in the desert, and He is the power behind the miracles in our lives, too.
Prayer: Father, what a comforting thought, to know that no force of nature is stronger than You who created it. Jesus, You taught us that behind every blessing and every event in our lives, You are there supporting us. I pray that I will not let fear overtake me in difficult times, but that instead I will lean on You, who can calm the storms. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Monday, November 16, 2009
John 5, Part 4
Scripture: John 5:31-47
Observation: Since His opponents wish to kill Him, Jesus responds as one put on trial. Jewish law stated that an accused had to have 2 - 3 witnesses; Jesus provides 4: The Father, John the Baptist, the Scriptures, and Moses. Jesus had already explained that it was the Father who had sent Him (v.19-24) and through the Father He was performing miracles. This should have been enough; Jesus did not need human testimony (v.34), yet because of their unbelief He presented John the Baptist, because He knew they would believe one they knew. Again, though, Jesus emphasizes that the Father's testimony is weightier (v.37-38). Jesus then points to Scripture which testifies about Him, but they fail to see Him because they lack the love of the Father in them (v.42). Then Jesus strikes the most painful blow of all: He tells them it is not He who will accuse them before God, but Moses, who they claim to follow but who himself wrote about Jesus, yet they do not believe. The Jews have seen Moses as their intercessor, yet here Jesus tells them Moses will bear witness against them.
Application: The Old Testament served a purpose these religious leaders could not see: they pointed directly to Jesus. If we read the Old Testament yet don't see Jesus in it, our understanding of Scripture is insufficient. From Genesis to Revelation, the topic of the Bible is one: salvation comes through the one sent by the Father, His Son Jesus Christ. There is no other salvation, no other way to the Father. We have Scripture to bear witness to this truth. Now we must bear witness ourselves.
Prayer: Father, that is my prayer and greatest desire, that my words, my actions, every single moment of my life bear witness to You, to the changes You've made in my life, to who You are and who I am in You. Help me to be a blessing to You and others as my life becomes a testimony to Your grace. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Since His opponents wish to kill Him, Jesus responds as one put on trial. Jewish law stated that an accused had to have 2 - 3 witnesses; Jesus provides 4: The Father, John the Baptist, the Scriptures, and Moses. Jesus had already explained that it was the Father who had sent Him (v.19-24) and through the Father He was performing miracles. This should have been enough; Jesus did not need human testimony (v.34), yet because of their unbelief He presented John the Baptist, because He knew they would believe one they knew. Again, though, Jesus emphasizes that the Father's testimony is weightier (v.37-38). Jesus then points to Scripture which testifies about Him, but they fail to see Him because they lack the love of the Father in them (v.42). Then Jesus strikes the most painful blow of all: He tells them it is not He who will accuse them before God, but Moses, who they claim to follow but who himself wrote about Jesus, yet they do not believe. The Jews have seen Moses as their intercessor, yet here Jesus tells them Moses will bear witness against them.
Application: The Old Testament served a purpose these religious leaders could not see: they pointed directly to Jesus. If we read the Old Testament yet don't see Jesus in it, our understanding of Scripture is insufficient. From Genesis to Revelation, the topic of the Bible is one: salvation comes through the one sent by the Father, His Son Jesus Christ. There is no other salvation, no other way to the Father. We have Scripture to bear witness to this truth. Now we must bear witness ourselves.
Prayer: Father, that is my prayer and greatest desire, that my words, my actions, every single moment of my life bear witness to You, to the changes You've made in my life, to who You are and who I am in You. Help me to be a blessing to You and others as my life becomes a testimony to Your grace. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
John 5, Part 3
Scripture: John 5:19-30
Observation: Jesus reveals His authority. Jesus begins by saying He does nothing "from Himself" (aph heautou), meaning He does not act independently from God. He is distinct but not separate from the Father. Jesus' relationship with the Father is unique; they are one (see John 10:30), therefore Jesus' actions are a reflection of the Father's: He does only what He sees His Father doing. Yet we see His humility in His total obedience of the Father: He does not seek His own will but that of His Father (v.30). In this way Jesus is the full revelation of the Father. We also see revealed the love the Father has for His Son, in that He "shows Him all that He Himself is doing" (v.20). There is nothing hidden from the Son because His Father loves Him.
Jesus tells those listening that the miracles they have seen so far are just the beginning: "He will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished" (v.20). These greater works are works of judgment which the Father has given authority over to the Son. The Father has given the Son authority because of who He is, "so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father" (v.23). Failure to honor the Son is failure to honor the Father.
Application: The Father sent many prophets, judges, and holy men before Jesus. Men like Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Elijah and Elisha all performed miracles by the power of God and for His Glory. But none ever placed himself on an equal level with God. None ever claimed equal honor with God as Jesus did. Jesus made clear that honoring God was and is dependent upon honoring Him. To the Jews who refused Jesus and to many today who wish to see Him as merely a prophet or less than God, this statement is blasphemous. But to those who love Jesus and honor Him as we honor the Father, these words identify Him for who He is.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your claims are not empty words. You showed us that You were sent by the Father to do His will, and You did it because it was also Your will. You are not just a prophet, or an angel. You are God, King, and Savior, and I worship You because You deserve all the honor, the glory and the praise. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus reveals His authority. Jesus begins by saying He does nothing "from Himself" (aph heautou), meaning He does not act independently from God. He is distinct but not separate from the Father. Jesus' relationship with the Father is unique; they are one (see John 10:30), therefore Jesus' actions are a reflection of the Father's: He does only what He sees His Father doing. Yet we see His humility in His total obedience of the Father: He does not seek His own will but that of His Father (v.30). In this way Jesus is the full revelation of the Father. We also see revealed the love the Father has for His Son, in that He "shows Him all that He Himself is doing" (v.20). There is nothing hidden from the Son because His Father loves Him.
Jesus tells those listening that the miracles they have seen so far are just the beginning: "He will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished" (v.20). These greater works are works of judgment which the Father has given authority over to the Son. The Father has given the Son authority because of who He is, "so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father" (v.23). Failure to honor the Son is failure to honor the Father.
Application: The Father sent many prophets, judges, and holy men before Jesus. Men like Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Elijah and Elisha all performed miracles by the power of God and for His Glory. But none ever placed himself on an equal level with God. None ever claimed equal honor with God as Jesus did. Jesus made clear that honoring God was and is dependent upon honoring Him. To the Jews who refused Jesus and to many today who wish to see Him as merely a prophet or less than God, this statement is blasphemous. But to those who love Jesus and honor Him as we honor the Father, these words identify Him for who He is.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your claims are not empty words. You showed us that You were sent by the Father to do His will, and You did it because it was also Your will. You are not just a prophet, or an angel. You are God, King, and Savior, and I worship You because You deserve all the honor, the glory and the praise. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
John 5, Part 2
Scripture: John 5:16-18
Observation: Persecution towards Jesus begins. Everything Jesus has done has been for the glory of God, but the Jewish leaders can only see superficially. Their traditions are being broken. Jesus is healing, but He is doing it on the Sabbath. Jesus answers their accusation by stating that "My Father is still working, and I also am working." (v.17). According to Jewish belief, only God is allowed to work on the Sabbath, because if He didn't the universe would fall apart. Therefore, by saying that He is working just as the Father is working, Jesus has placed Himself as equal to God. The Jewish leaders, who can't see Him for who He is, decide that Jesus is worthy of death, first because He breaks the Sabbath, and second because He places Himself on an equal plane with God.
Application: For all their reading, studying and memorizing of Scripture, the religious leaders couldn't see who they had right in front of them. The Messiah they so awaited was now rejected. Why? Because they lacked what Jesus was offering: divine love. The religious Jews had become so dogmatic and so tradition minded that they could not see with their hearts. They had become alienated from God because they were focused on following and creating more rules, to the point that they couldn't recognize Him. The same can hapen to us today. We can become so focused on insignificant details that we miss out on the big picture, that Jesus died for all mankind, and that anyone who wishes to receive His free gift of eternal life is welcome to do so.
Prayer: Father, I want to obey You in all aspects of my life. I want to hear You speak to my heart and guide me in my daily walk. What I don't want is to judge the walk of others based on what You're doing in my life. Help me to recognize that we are all in a different place, and that my focus needs to be only on You and what Your will is for me. Thank You for leading me to do that which is Your will and not mine. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Persecution towards Jesus begins. Everything Jesus has done has been for the glory of God, but the Jewish leaders can only see superficially. Their traditions are being broken. Jesus is healing, but He is doing it on the Sabbath. Jesus answers their accusation by stating that "My Father is still working, and I also am working." (v.17). According to Jewish belief, only God is allowed to work on the Sabbath, because if He didn't the universe would fall apart. Therefore, by saying that He is working just as the Father is working, Jesus has placed Himself as equal to God. The Jewish leaders, who can't see Him for who He is, decide that Jesus is worthy of death, first because He breaks the Sabbath, and second because He places Himself on an equal plane with God.
Application: For all their reading, studying and memorizing of Scripture, the religious leaders couldn't see who they had right in front of them. The Messiah they so awaited was now rejected. Why? Because they lacked what Jesus was offering: divine love. The religious Jews had become so dogmatic and so tradition minded that they could not see with their hearts. They had become alienated from God because they were focused on following and creating more rules, to the point that they couldn't recognize Him. The same can hapen to us today. We can become so focused on insignificant details that we miss out on the big picture, that Jesus died for all mankind, and that anyone who wishes to receive His free gift of eternal life is welcome to do so.
Prayer: Father, I want to obey You in all aspects of my life. I want to hear You speak to my heart and guide me in my daily walk. What I don't want is to judge the walk of others based on what You're doing in my life. Help me to recognize that we are all in a different place, and that my focus needs to be only on You and what Your will is for me. Thank You for leading me to do that which is Your will and not mine. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Monday, November 2, 2009
John 5, Part 1
Scripture: John 5:1-15
Observation: Jesus is in Jerusalem by the pool of Bethzatha, where invalids would come in hopes of healing. It was believed that when the water was stirred, the first to go into the pool would be healed of their infirmary, and apparently it was known to have occurred (v.7). There Jesus finds a man who has been ill for 38 years. He has no one to help him, so his situation after all these years seems hopeless. Jesus asks the man if he wants to be healed; the man tells him basically he would need someone to help him into the pool. Instead of lending a helping hand, Jesus completely heals the man's body. There is one issue though: it is the Sabbath. The Jews accuse him of working on the Sabbath because the man is carrying his mat, but he tells them his Healer told him to do so. They question the ex-invalid as to who this man is who healed him, but the man does not know Jesus. When he sees Jesus again, this time in the temple, Jesus tells him to stop sinning, but instead the ex-invalid goes to the Jews and tells them who his Healer is.
Application: We are all as helpless as this man. We are all sinners, desperately trying to find healing and restoration. Thankfully, we have a Great Physician, a Healer, who is willing to come to us in whatever place we are, to free us from our sin. Hallelujah! And what is even more wonderful, His healing is not temporary. He offers us eternal life with Him, no more pain, no more tears. Can we appreciate this awesome gift? Jesus told this man to stop sinning, or something worse would happen. Are we happy to accept the gift but unwilling to turn from sin? If so, we are as ungrateful as the invalid proved himself to be.
Prayer: Father, You found me in a lower place than this invalid. Full of sin and disregard for Your Word, I didn't deserve to be given another chance. But You did anyway. I can never repay Your loving kindness, but Lord, I want to live a life worthy of Your gift. Help me to turn away from sin, from everything that grieves You. May the things that break Your heart break mine, and may Your joy reign over me. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus is in Jerusalem by the pool of Bethzatha, where invalids would come in hopes of healing. It was believed that when the water was stirred, the first to go into the pool would be healed of their infirmary, and apparently it was known to have occurred (v.7). There Jesus finds a man who has been ill for 38 years. He has no one to help him, so his situation after all these years seems hopeless. Jesus asks the man if he wants to be healed; the man tells him basically he would need someone to help him into the pool. Instead of lending a helping hand, Jesus completely heals the man's body. There is one issue though: it is the Sabbath. The Jews accuse him of working on the Sabbath because the man is carrying his mat, but he tells them his Healer told him to do so. They question the ex-invalid as to who this man is who healed him, but the man does not know Jesus. When he sees Jesus again, this time in the temple, Jesus tells him to stop sinning, but instead the ex-invalid goes to the Jews and tells them who his Healer is.
Application: We are all as helpless as this man. We are all sinners, desperately trying to find healing and restoration. Thankfully, we have a Great Physician, a Healer, who is willing to come to us in whatever place we are, to free us from our sin. Hallelujah! And what is even more wonderful, His healing is not temporary. He offers us eternal life with Him, no more pain, no more tears. Can we appreciate this awesome gift? Jesus told this man to stop sinning, or something worse would happen. Are we happy to accept the gift but unwilling to turn from sin? If so, we are as ungrateful as the invalid proved himself to be.
Prayer: Father, You found me in a lower place than this invalid. Full of sin and disregard for Your Word, I didn't deserve to be given another chance. But You did anyway. I can never repay Your loving kindness, but Lord, I want to live a life worthy of Your gift. Help me to turn away from sin, from everything that grieves You. May the things that break Your heart break mine, and may Your joy reign over me. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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