Jn18

We have all denied Jesus in one way or another. The question is, "Is denying Jesus the exception or the pattern of our life?"

None of us judge Peter for speaking out of fear when he denied Jesus on the night He was betrayed! That night EVERYONE denied Jesus! His denial was evidence of his humanity and failure. His confession and repentance was the true evidence of his heart. Peter's denial of Jesus was certainly a shameful event in his life. Denying Jesus was NOT the pattern of his life.

Unfortunately, people tend to use other's failures to excuse their own habits. To say that everyone has failures is a fact. To use another's failure to excuse our behavior is foolish. Who we are is seen in the patterns of our lives, not in the snapshots of our victories or our failures.

Live for Jesus. It begins with faith. There will be failures. But the pattern of our life is to reflect our trust in Him.

Jn17

Live in answer to Jesus' prayer today! Before He was crucified, He was praying for us. Are we living in answer to that prayer?

As I examine the content of Jesus' prayer in light of the whole Gospel, I am amazed at how simple it is. I am also amazed at how clear Jesus speaks about the relationship that His followers will have with each other and the "world". If I were to truly live my life seeking to be an answer to Jesus' prayer, what would need to change?

First, it seems  that "this world" would "hate" me because of my love and loyalty to Jesus. I sometimes don't "fit in", but I rarely feel hated or rejected. I am confident this would not be true if I were living in a different part of the world. My faith would bring tremendous persecution. Even today Christians will be killed because they are Christians all over the world.

Secondly, it seems that I would work hard to be unified with other believers so that the "world" would continue to believe in Jesus. I am often caught in a discussion on minor issues that bring division among believers. We should know what we believe and know exactly why we believe it, but we should not be willing to be divisive over our "minor" differences. Jesus prayed for unity rooted in truth. 

Jn16

If we could have anything from God if we asked, what would we ask for? The honest answer to this question will reveal much about the reality of our hearts!

Jesus said, "I assure you: Anything you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete."

There are a ton of things I have asked the Father for that I have not received! Even today I will ask for things and simply not get them. Why? Do I misunderstand this verse? Am I not asking right? Is there some secret formula to asking that I am simply missing? 

The answer: Jesus in not talking about getting what we want in this world! He is talking about the Holy Spirit and having hope in this world and joy in the next. He concludes this dialogue with these words, "You will have sufferings in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

It seems clear that if Jesus was talking about asking for things "in this world" all of us would ask that our lives would be great and that we would not have to suffer! But Jesus cared little about this temporal world! He cared that our asking for the next world would certainly be fulfilled. Anyone who believes and "asks" for eternal life through Jesus will have what they ask for.

Jn15

The proof is in the fruit not the pudding! We don't earn salvation by bearing "fruit", but bearing fruit is the natural outcome of abiding in Christ. Jesus said, "My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples."

But what does that mean? How do we bear "fruit"? Clearly in John the primary goal is to BELIEVE IN JESUS! The first fruit would be BELIEF that produces salvation! In this chapter John immediately talks about receiving the LOVE of the Father that brought salvation, and, as a result, loving one another. He then moves to receiving JOY and making that joy complete. From there he talks about OBEDIENCE, and finally, to the guarantees of REJECTION and PERSECUTION.

Other contexts talk about "the fruit" of the Spirit! We know that this chapter is sandwiched between chapters 14 & 16 which are Jesus' primarily instruction regarding the Spirit and His work in a believers life. Are we full of the Holy Spirit? Are these things clearly seen in our lives? Are we bearing fruit?

Jn14

The Holy Spirit is "the Spirit of truth". He desires to do His work in and through all of us. Even "greater works" will be done because of this amazing gift. Greater not in the kinds of works, but in the amount of works that can be done through all of us. Jesus was limited to His flesh. The Holy Spirit can be in all of us, in every place, at the same time.

There is a great deal of misunderstanding today when it comes to teaching related to the Holy Spirit. Much of it is rooted in emotion and experience. Anything that does not lead us to Jesus and to a better understanding of God's truth, needs to be rejected. The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to lead us to Jesus.

Jesus began this section stating, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." If we believe this to be true, it is because the Holy Spirit has done His work in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit that draws us to Jesus.

Jn13

The disciples were "uncertain" as to which one of them would betray Jesus because they knew it was possible for ALL of them! Verse 22 gives us an honest look into the hearts of the disciples. Denying Jesus is in us as well!

Our ability to be faithful to Jesus does not depend on us! We need Jesus in order to gain salvation and we need Jesus in order to behave saved. Without the gift of the Holy Spirit residing in us, we would be totally unable to follow Christ's commands. The disciples are a great illustration of this.

Peter said, "I will lay down my life for You!" The fact was, he denied Jesus 3 times before the next day began. He denied Christ even to a young slave girl. His ability to follow and serve Jesus was not "his ability". Our ability to follow and serve Jesus is not "our" ability. We need to learn to obey Jesus through the power provided by the Holy Spirit that lives in us.

Jn12

Deflecting attention to pretend righteousness was a strategy originated by Judas. He claimed concern for the poor. In reality, he was a thief!

What a person values is clearly seen in the way they live there life and use their money! Often what people "claim" to value is nothing more than a deflecting strategy. It is a tried and true trick originated by Satan and utilized by Judas in this chapter. Mary, motivated by love for Jesus, poured out an extravagant gift on Him. This made Judas mad! Why? Because he thought extravagance should only be poured out on Judas!

As Jesus' treasurer Judas knew fragrant oil could have been sold at a high price! He would have been responsible for the money received. He would have a ton of money to steal! The more Jesus had. The more he got to steal! He covered his thievery with "words of righteousness". His heart was full of greed and selfishness.

We are like Judas when we think that money should primarily be used for our personal good. We act like Judas when we use "righteous talk" to actually cover our evil hearts. It's not the oldest trick in the book, but it is a pretty old trick. Don't be a Judas! Be like Mary. Be extravagant toward Christ.

Jn11

Death makes Jesus angry! He gave His life to conquer human death. He is the "resurrection and the life", anyone who believes in Him will be saved from eternal death.

The worst thing that could happen to us is not our death, but rather that we refuse to place our faith in Jesus. The story of Lazarus beautifully illustrates our need to trust Jesus, not only in this life, but most definitely for the life to come. He is the resurrection and the life! He is the only One who has conquered sin and death.

But this is the "easy part". Following Jesus in this life is much more difficult than believing on Him in death. Today, Jesus is calling us to "die to ourselves" and follow Him. This is the difficult challenge.

Live to follow Jesus. It will be worth it. Death is actually the door of entry to eternal life! Living for Jesus will matter most after we are dead.

Jn10

"My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow Me." -Jesus These words are often quoted, but most often misquoted. What does it mean to "hear Jesus' voice"?

I love this chapter! Jesus defines Himself as the "good shepherd" laying down His life for the sheep. He continues to be challenged in every context about His teaching and, once again at the end of this dialogue, the Jews "pick up rocks to stone Him". They accuse Him of blasphemy and are convinced that He is demon possessed.

Remember John's purpose for writing this book. He says that he wrote it that we would "believe" that Jesus is the Messiah of God and the only way to enter heaven. John 10 is a great example of this. "Hearing God's voice" is believing the gospel. It is not hearing intimate details on what to do today. It is hearing and responding to the call to be saved.

The writer of Hebrews says it three times quoting from David in Psalm 95, "Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart." God's voice is calling everyone to believe the gospel! Do you hear the Good Shepherd? Have you believed? If yes, then rejoice in your salvation. You have heard the voice of God.

Jn9

There is nothing more powerful than a story of a changed life! When Jesus touches someone they are changed. One doesn't have to know all the facts about Jesus and the gospel to share their story. Our personal testimonies are the best possible witness to the reality of Jesus. Look for opportunities to share your story with others. It might change their lives!

This former blind man who was healed by Jesus said when being questioned, "I don't know if Jesus is a sinner or not! I do know that once I was blind and now I can see." What is your story? Share it with someone today.

Jn8

"Before Abraham was, I AM." Jesus spoke these words to the Jews who were questioning Him. He leaves no question as to what He believed about Himself. He believed He was God. He quotes the words of God spoken to Moses through the burning bush as though they were His words…and they were!

Either He was who He claimed to be or He should have been stoned to death. Earlier in this chapter He said, "I am the light of the world." It is in these "I am" statements of Jesus that He clearly declares His deity. Don't miss this central truth of christianity. Jesus is God.

He is the creator of life. He is the sustainer of life. He is the one who can give eternal life to all who believe.

Jn7

The hardest people to win to Jesus are often our unbelieving family members. This was true even for Jesus!

I am always amazed by the beginning of this chapter. Jesus' own "brothers" (the sons of Mary and Joseph) were telling him to make himself public. They knew He could do amazing things and they assumed he would want public recognition. They did not know He was the chosen Messiah, nor did they put their faith in Him. I don't blame them. How hard would that be?

We don't know what became of all of Jesus' brothers and sisters, but we do know His brother James did eventually believe. James became one of the leaders of the first century church. Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection and James wrote the book of JAMES in the New Testament.

We all have family members who don't share our same belief in Jesus? Are we the reason they refuse to believe? Are we seeking to model and communicate what it means to be a disciple of Jesus? I am convicted today to pray for my family who continue to follow someone other than Jesus.

Jn6

There IS a WORK that is required for salvation…that we BELIEVE in Jesus. Jesus said, "I assure you: Anyone who believes has eternal life!" This is grace. This is God's way.

The gospel truly is "good news". The best news in the world. Everyone who gets it should be doing everything they can to share it with others who don't get it. We CAN be saved. It is by WORK, but not works. Actually only one WORK…to believe that Jesus is the savior of the world!

Simon Peter got it right when he said to Jesus, "Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!"

What do you believe? Do the WORK!!

Jn5

Seeking glory from one another rather than the glory that comes from God leads to our abandonment of Christ. Jesus came to seek God's glory and not man's. He expects His followers to do the same.

We long for the glory (praise, honor, distinction) given by man. But what about the glory given by God? Do we long for that? I find myself often wanting the approval of others more than the approval of God. I care too much about what others think and too little about what God thinks.

Proverbs says that the "fear of man is a trap, but the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom". I want to be a man who lives for the glory of God. That begins with me desiring and longing for His approval rather than the approval of man.

Jn4

Racial and cultural barriers are not barriers to the Gospel! Jesus has come to save EVERYONE.

It was an established cultural norm that Jews did not talk to Samaritans. It was also taboo for a man to have a discussion with a woman. Much less for a godly Jewish man to have a conversation with a broken and sinful Samaritan woman! Not so for Jesus. He saw all people, regardless of gender, race or economic status, the same…sinner in need of a savior!

Unfortunately, these barriers still exist today. What are the barriers for me? What keeps me from sharing the gospel with someone in need for a savior? I pray there won't be any. Jesus came to tear every barrier down.

Jn3

"He must increase, but I must decrease." - John the Baptist

These words should describe all of us who know Jesus. As we press on to know, love and obey Him our lives should be swallowed up in Him. Each day we should seek to reflect more of His life in us and less of our own personal desires. We should want His purposes and not our own. His will and not our will.

John the baptist was a great example of humility and faith. His desire was not for personal recognition, but rather for God's glory. Today we have an opportunity to exalt Christ in our lives. Jesus will be seen in us as we seek to obey His word. Jesus will not be seen in us if our desire for Jesus is, in reality, just another desire for ourselves.

Live for Jesus today.

Jn2

Imagine 60 kegs wine! This was the amount of water Jesus turned to wine in His first public miracle. This continues to baffle me.

It seems as though Mary, Jesus' mother, had some responsibilities at the wedding. Jesus and His disciples were apparently casual attenders. When the wine had run out, Mary turned to Jesus and asked for help. His response was, "What has this concern of yours to do with me?" Mary's response to Jesus seems as though she ignored Him. She said, "Do whatever He tells you."

Honestly, I don't get the whole story and I really wonder what all was going on. That's a lot of wine! It must have been a huge wedding.

I do understand John's purpose in recording this event. He writes, "this was Jesus' first sign…He displayed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him." John's purpose in writing was so that others would believe. He will continue this pattern throughout his gospel. Don't get lost in the details (or the lack of detail) of each event. Get the point of John's message. It is simple. Jesus is the savior of the world and the only way to God is through faith in Him.

                                                                                  

Jn1

Jesus was the perfect expression of both GRACE and TRUTH. He became a man and "resided among us". John writes, "We observed His glory, ...glory as from the Father, full of grace and truth".

I am always blown away by this reality. Jesus never compromised grace OR truth! He was perfect in both. For me, I often feel like I need to stand strong in one or the other. If truth, then light on grace. If grace, then compromising truth. But this doesn't have to be. I need to learn this reality.

Truth doesn't have to be harsh and grace doesn't have to be weak or tolerant. This is a great concept to ponder. I am in desperate need of both grace and truth.

How about you?

Lk24

Easter celebration needs to continue. Jesus didn't rise from the dead to be celebrated one day a year, He rose to be worshiped every day of every year!

Jesus is the Messiah of God and everything the scriptures foretold was fulfilled in Him. Now, all that is left is for Him to return for the second time and make everything new. The first time He came as a baby, lived as a man, died for our sins and was resurrected for our salvation. His second coming will be to bring judgement and an end to life as we know it.

We celebrate the past fact of Easter! Someday we will celebrate the past fact of His second coming.

Come Lord Jesus.

Lk23

"Father, forgive them." These were the most awesome words spoken on the first "good Friday". While Jesus was being nailed to the cross, he was handing out forgiveness.

Easter is about the hope of salvation. Jesus died for our sins, but even better, He was resurrected to demonstrate His power over sin and death! Those of us who place our faith in Him can have solid hope in life and in death. Jesus conquered sin and the resulting judgement in His righteous death. He conquered death in His resurrection.

There is nothing better than this to celebrate. Invite others to join our celebration this weekend.

Lk22

Greatness is not seen best in the number of people who serve us, but rather in the number of people we serve.

Jesus was unmatched in His greatness. He was God. Yet, He did not come to be served, but rather to serve and give His life for us all. He modeled what it meant to be selfless. He modeled what it meant to consider others of greater value than Himself. He taught that He was modeling greatness. He taught that we should follow His example.

Who will we serve today? Who's needs will we be most concerned with? This is Holy week. Think about serving others in our lives this week. Jesus lived and died for us.

Lk21

We recognize the signs of Spring, but can we see the signs of Jesus' second coming? Most people never even think about it! It will happen. Maybe today.

Jesus was not unclear about His return. His followers have always believed it could be any day. Today we are 735,000 days closer to the day of His return than we were when these words were spoken. Will this be the last Easter? Will we be ready?

Jesus said, "Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap." How much more should these words ring in our ears today?