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John: Glorify God By Doing The Work

Read John 17:1-5

This is just a segue between chapters 16 and 17, a short recap to set the stage for what I think is the most powerful prayer in scripture. The theme is centered on glorifying God and the conclusion simple: when we glorify Jesus, we glorify the Father.

The eleven are still hanging out with Jesus, though they don’t have much to say after His words in the previous two verses (John 6:32-33). While it’s not unusual for them to see Jesus look toward heaven and pray, they are paying close attention to each word at this point.

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. John 17:1-2

Maybe it’s just me, but when Jesus looks toward heaven, is that different than merely looking up at the sky? I assume He’s looking up. Perhaps that’s my first mistake. Whichever way He does this, the disciples are familiar with the change from eye contact to looking far beyond themselves, deep into thought. Jesus declares He has authority over all with the singular focus of drawing everyone into eternal life with the Father.

But what is eternal life? I suspect we’ve all been preached at about this thing called eternal life, so much so that we think everyone around us understands this concept, including the disciples. When we take a look at the Old Testament, we will find a handful of references to eternal life, but the concept pales in comparison to what Jesus is talking about. This is a new thing:

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

The prophets of old had a notion that there would be life beyond our earthly existence, but the disciples got a glimpse of what that might look like by serving alongside Jesus, God on earth.

I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. John 17:4-5

Jesus glorified God by doing the work He was assigned to perform. It seems to me that if we would simply do the work God assigned to each of us, He would be glorified. And that, my friends, is all we need to be concerned with.

Lord, help us to be more than those who hear Your Word, then just keep walking. Help us to be doers of that which we are assigned. Holy Spirit, please remember that we are often hard of hearing and most of the time we have a hard time comprehending the little that we’ve heard. We need Your help so we can glorify God in the highest. Clear our minds and focus our ears to hear Your desire for our next step.

 

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John: Grief Will Turn to Joy

Read John 16:16-33

The disciples still don’t quite understand what Jesus is telling them. While they have faith that one day it will all make sense, at this point in the story they are following without knowing what will come next. Jesus explains that He will go away and come back in “a little while.” Those who knew Him best couldn’t fully understand what this meant. He sees their grief, their pain. His response is soothing for my soul and I pray it will minister to you.

How long is “a little while?” Please don’t ask me to put add an appointment on my calendar for what this means! I’m with the disciples:

They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” John 16:18

In my wild imagination, I see John sitting there alone with paper and quill as the Holy Spirit reminds him of the hours leading to Jesus’ betrayal and arrest. With perfect clarity, John recalls the moment when they were struggling to get their minds around the concept. Just how long is a little while? It’s troubling and Jesus knows it.

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. John 16:20-21

Jesus chooses to compare their experience to a woman giving birth to a child. When I first read this I thought it was odd that He would use such an analogy, but then I thought about it a bit more. It’s a perfect comparison. As a husband and father, I know my wife endured labor and delivery for our four children. I was there for 3 of the 4 deliveries (thanks to the military) and watched as she withstood the pain associated with delivering our beautiful daughters.

I know it was hard, but I can’t actually know the pain. Very soon they will watch Jesus endure the cross. Their pain will be great, they would know grief like never before. In my imagination I see tears forming in their eyes. They’re listening to their Master and have an intuitive sense that He is speaking words of finality. They are beginning to sense a heaviness they can’t bear alone.

Here’s the key point I hope you’ll appreciate here: Jesus doesn’t shy away from grief. He doesn’t shrug it off as a useless emotion that hides a lack of faith, knowledge, or wisdom. Grief is a human emotion that Jesus, God Incarnate, knows and understands. One of the many reasons He came and walked on earth in human form.

Instead of telling them to simply paste a smile on and quote Paul with words like, “all things God works for the good,” Jesus embraces their grief. He wades into the turbulent water and holds His brothers tight, then gives them this amazing promise:

Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

My prayer is that my words help to highlight the significance of this incredible promise:

no one will take away your joy

Keep on reading, Jesus isn’t done yet!

Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:23-24

Jesus tells His closest friends on earth that He’s leaving and though they will grieve on that day, this is the best possible scenario for building His kingdom on earth. Have you ever asked yourself this question: Is my joy complete? If not, why is that? Have I heard, yet refuse to fully believe? Take a few minutes to wrestle with that thought for a while, then read the rest of this passage.

Not only did He promise the Advocate would come, but He also gives them this rather impossible idea:

In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. John 16:26-27

God the Father loves you because you have loved Jesus.

This is amazing and wonderful, but John’s memory isn’t quite complete. I’m thinking that Jesus saw their faces light up, their tears wiped away. They get it! They have no doubt they love Jesus. They’ve been doing ministry with Him for the past three years. Yes! This is great! Their response is predictable:

This makes us believe that you came from God. John 16:30

Oops! Who said that! John didn’t point a finger, but my guess is either Peter or Thomas let the words slip out. Jesus looks at them with one of those expressions that said, “Oh, I see, now you believe…hmmm”

From the high to the low, Jesus has some final words in this section to keep them humble, to keep us all humble.

“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:31-33

With those words, John puts the quill down. When he picks it up again we will hear a prayer that I think is the most significant prayer in the Bible. That’s the next chapter. For now, how did these words make you feel? The rollercoaster ride from grief to complete joy comes to a sudden halt with the idea that they will be scattered, they will abandon Jesus at just the wrong time.

I don’t know about you, but I’m worn out chasing these thoughts going up and down. In essence, Jesus tells us that we are loved, we will have complete joy in Him, in spite of our faults and mistakes. Yes, we are all sinners, but He knows that. Take heart! Jesus has overcome the world. He has all the grace you need this day.

Lord, may we fall into your arms each and every day knowing that you see our missteps and love us anyway. I pray that we would believe and in that belief, our joy would be complete. I’m completely confident that when that joy enters our hearts, the world will want in on the action. When they ask, give us the strength, courage, and humility to point them to Jesus.

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John: Unless I Go, the Advocate Will Not Come

Read John 16:4-15

In the previous post, we made a special note about the timing of the message. Jesus waited until the time was right to tell the Eleven this important revelation. The disciples have to know something significant is going on. We don’t have such caveats elsewhere.

I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. John 16:4

“Their time” refers to those who will absolutely oppose what the disciples are doing. Have no doubt guys, there are extremely difficult times to come in your near future.

As a retired military guy, I can recall similar words of assurance as we sent squadrons into battle during Operation Desert Storm. We didn’t know how it was going to turn out. The threat of chemical warfare made everyone very tense. One of the things the military does as you line up to board the aircraft is a legal check: make sure your will is updated. We literally have attorneys available because we don’t know who is coming back. This is the feeling I get when I imagine Jesus talking to His disciples. Somber and yet assured.

Jesus continues to offer words of assurance:

I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. John 16:4-5

Essentially, Jesus, the commander is telling them: You’re about to go into a battle where I will not be present in this physical form. Back to the military reference, we train and equip soldiers, sailors, and airmen for battle, but the burden is on the shoulders of the few who actually engage in the fight.

Jesus asks a rhetorical question as He anticipates their thoughts. Their concern is not so much about where He is going, they trust Him completely. The problem that Jesus is addressing is their heavy hearts. He knows they’re troubled. For the last 1,000 days they’ve been doing ministry together, now He’s leaving. This is difficult on many levels.

None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.  John 16:5-7

I have to imagine that they struggled with the notion that it was better for them to have the Advocate rather than Jesus in person. I’m with the disciples! I’d rather have Jesus standing in front of me any day! Or would I? Am I so selfish that I want to position Jesus in the middle of my little world? Well, the truthful answer is definitely yes, I want to have Him to myself, my “personal” Lord and savior. It takes some incredible maturity and faith to accept what Jesus is saying here. He has to go away to allow the Holy Spirit to complete His mission.

This is all new information for the disciples and it’s new information for many people we meet in our daily walk. When the Holy Spirit comes, they will be equipped beyond their wildest imagination, but read this carefully:

8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. John 16:8-10

He is not coming to comfort you so much as paint a bullseye on your chest. From this point forward, we stand in the crosshairs of the world because we will have the dubious honor of exposing sin, righteousness, and judgment. Fellas, it’s about to get real here. Don’t expect a warm welcome to the synagogue in the future. When we talk about sin in God’s eyes, they won’t get it, yet that is what we must do.

Once we receive the Spirit, our eyes are opened to the truth that most cannot see or believe. The world will do its best to convince us otherwise. Perhaps it’s done a good job up to this point. If we buy into what the world is selling, it’s time to change our way of thinking.

Jesus recognizes their minds are full of questions and overburdened with thoughts. Perhaps their eyes are beginning to glaze over as they think about the endless possibilities.

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:12-15

Whew! That’s enough to process for one conversation, but I know Jesus hasn’t finished yet. John continues writing words of remembrance, carefully crafted words of assurance. I hope you’ll take some time and let these words challenge you personally while ministering to you fully.

Jesus knows about the battle that lies ahead. Rest assured the outcome is what He wants if we will lean on Him and trust Him completely. This is for my benefit, to be sure, but I’m already in the family. My focus is on those who find this difficult to believe and who have not been able to grasp the truth presented here. It helps to know the Advocate resides in me and those who have been adopted. The offer is on the table. Not my words or my guarantee: His.

 

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John: The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Read John 15:26-16:4a

This short introduction to the power of the Holy Spirit is offered here to comfort, warn, and encourage the disciples. We could include the rest of chapter 16, but I think I’d rather have a short post with a focused topic. Maybe you’ll appreciate the break!

One of the odd things about the compilation of stories we call the Bible is the divisions by chapter and verse. Some modern writers have published the Bible in magazine format, narrative form, no break form, etc., to get beyond these somewhat arbitrary boundaries. I only point this out because the reading I suggest today starts at the end of chapter 15 and goes to the middles of John 16:4. Weird, right?

I’m not criticizing King James and his successors, not really. It’s very important to have a baseline source we all refer to and a common lexicon that is offered by our modern Bible translations. What I am suggesting is that the divisions of the Bible are just that, a foundation for us to use for consistent reference. Don’t get tripped up by reading to the end of a chapter or paragraph as divided by Bible publishers. Look for the rest of the thought, even when that spans chapters or when the thought changes in the middle of what’s tagged as a verse. Enough of Dave’s format lesson. Let’s look at the text.

The Promise with a Requirement

The promise of the Holy Spirit is huge! This is all new information for the disciples hearing Jesus speak and it’s completely new for those of us we talk to about our faith. I might even go out on a limb and suggest it’s new information for a lot of people who show up consistently on Sunday morning, you know, the church people.

Jesus begins by using the word “when” or “hotan” in the original Greek. The word provides a promise. The disciples don’t have to do anything for the Advocate to come, He’s coming whether you’re ready or not! And He’s coming with a purpose that we must respond to.

When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning. John 15:26-27

The Advocate, that is the Holy Spirit, is coming to equip us to testify about Jesus. For those who love etymology, check out this link for “Advocate” and the previous one I provided for “hotan”:

one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant; an advocate Strong’s Concordance

This is what I really want, someone to plead my cause before God!

This advocate, however, is much more than the simple definition provided. The Advocate is one of the three persons wrapped up in the Trinity. He comes from the Father because He is the Father (and the Son). It’s complicated. But He comes with a purpose and He comes to equip us. That’s truly reassuring.

Jesus picks this time for this conversation because the disciples are ready for the lesson.

16:1 All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. 3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you… John 16:1-4a

One of the side lessons to learn from this text is that timing matters. In the previous post, I suggested we might not tell someone about all the troubles that will likely follow when they are considering committing their lives to Christ. Actually, I probably would, but that’s me. What I wouldn’t do is try to explain the entire Old Testament or jump into some deep apologetic argument.

Anyway, Jesus explains His rationale for providing this information at this time. In short, He says: Hey guys, it’s about to get really hard and I don’t want you to run away when these things extreme things happen:

  1. kicked out of the synagogue, and
  2. those will kill you thinking their doing God’s work

We might not think #1 is a big deal, but for those raised in the Jewish culture, this is a HUGE deal. Getting kicked out of the synagogue is the last thing you would want to have happen in that culture. Well, compared to #2 I guess it’s not the last thing, but you get my point.

Interestingly, for those who are from the Muslim faith, getting kicked out of the Mosque is just the beginning. When a Muslim crosses the line of faith in Christ, they are removed from the family, they are forgotten. When we offer Christ as the savior to our Muslim friends, we have to weigh the cost.

Truthfully, we should all learn from the Muslim community. We should take our faith as seriously as they do, as seriously as our Jewish brothers and sisters do. We can learn a lot from their perspective. When we ask someone to invite Jesus into their lives, it should radically alter every aspect of their existence! It should because it must. And as Jesus told His disciples, and therefore instructs us, we must testify that He is the Lord of all.

Lord Jesus, thank you for telling us about the Holy Spirit and for showing us how to disciple others by Your amazing example. God help us to be strong and Spirit give us the right words to testify to those we meet every day. May we point others to Christ and be willing to walk with them across the line of faith, even when it’s harder they we can imagine.

 

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John: The World Will Hate You Because of Jesus

Read John 15:18-25

Jesus reminds the disciples that they are not the first ones to be persecuted, and they won’t be the last. We are the chosen ones, no longer bound to rules of this world, we have the opportunity to invite others into God’s kingdom, His family. But this comes with a cost.

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. John 15:18-19

The first time I read, “it hated me first,” I thought about the Pharisees that were intent on getting rid of Jesus. While there’s no doubt this is an important part of the discussion, my mind wandered back to Genesis. Jesus was there at the beginning of the world. It’s hard to wrap my mind around, but God created man in “our image” and “without him, nothing was made that has been made” (see Genesis 1:26, John 1:3). The world has been hating Jesus for a long time. This pent-up anger led to the crucifixion as an effort to provide the ultimate remedy, that is, to remove Jesus from the Trinity. But God had different plans. Thankfully.

For those who are misled to believe that Satan is infinitely wise, consider the fact that the result of the crucifixion had the opposite effect on humanity. Instead of ending the movement, it catalyzed the disciples when Jesus rose from the dead, just like He said. Just like the prophets foretold. Satan couldn’t figure it out then and he doesn’t control us now. Many have bought into the lie, “that’s just the way I am,” at the bidding of evil forces in the world, but they are wrong. They are not evil because of this defeatist attitude, they are merely misinformed. Part of our job as ambassadors of Christ is to help right this wrong through discipleship. Don’t expect a quick and easy solution, it’s going to take some time to change perceptions.

Yes, the world will hate us for we don’t belong to the world, we’ve been adopted into the family of Christ. The world is bent on anger, hatred, selfish pride, and misguided motivation. It only makes sense from that perspective that we will be targeted as rebellious. We are!

But before you don your sword and armor, hear some more of the words from Jesus, the highlights that John provided for our benefit.

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. John 15:20-21

Perhaps this was one of the many reasons that Jesus washed the feet of His disciples just a few minutes before telling them this story. We need to be servants first, not seek to be great among people. In the process, we will be mistreated because they mistreated Jesus. It’s good to have expectations set early on.

I wonder if this passage is referred to by those who say things like, “just say this simple prayer, it’s easy, you’ll be saved and go to heaven…” Unlikely. As for me, easy things in this life are not so valuable. Not that things have to be hard for the sake of being difficult, but that which we earn through hard work and effort are much more significant than those things handed to us on a silver platter. Studying hard for an exam, passing the test after repeated attempts, is far more rewarding than using a cheat sheet or bribing the test official. The former builds character while the latter has none.

No Longer Innocent

This is one of the most convicting passages for our consideration: no excuse for their sin.

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ John 15:22-25

The “they” in this instance is clearly directed at the Pharisees and others who have had the distinct privilege of hearing from Jesus. They can’t “unsee” what has been seen, nor “unhear” what has been heard. They have seen and heard and chosen to continue to march Jesus toward the cross. Their hate has deceived themselves and many, many others.

Lord, help us to continue to be Your voice in this world, to speak out against the hate that is projected toward you in so many ways. Give us courage as you promised our forefathers so long ago. Holy Spirit, give us wisdom and the right words to say at the right time to defuse tense arguments, to turn enemies to friends. You alone can do this, but for some crazy reason, you choose to do this through us. May we succeed in small and huge ways and give You all the glory!

 

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John: The True Vine and Branches

Read John 15:1-17

Several years ago, too many for me to accurately remember, I was blessed to hear a sermon series on this portion of John’s gospel message. A lot of the early parts of the series focused on pruning vines, burning branches, and rather seemingly destructive behavior, until I studied the concept.

If you plant a vineyard with the hopes of one day enjoying wine, you will have a long, painstaking process to endure. It will take years before you see fruit. Worse than knowing that, each month as your vine begins to take shape, you’ll have to prune those branches that aren’t growing. Afterward, when you start seeing some fruit, you’ll trim those branches that just aren’t performing well. Are you encouraged yet? Take a look at Jesus’ parable here:

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2

If you get the idea you’re in a pruning season, that is, you’re being cut off from one thing or another, keep reading. I think you’ll find some comfort it the words to follow.

Remain In Me

Five times we read the phrase, “remain in me.” Perhaps we should take Jesus seriously!

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4

This is a new type of covenant, one where we are to remain in Jesus, no doubt, but don’t miss the other side of the equation: Jesus chooses to remain in us, or at least that’s the offer that’s laid on the table. The consequences of selecting to be part of the true vine are substantial. Last night, Marci led a Bible study that encouraged us to think about the difference between orphans and children. The key distinction is that children are characterized by those who have a father and mother who want what’s best for them. Orphans do not. The amazing, great news for us to hear is that Jesus wants us to be His sons and daughters! He is offering to adopt us!

If You Remain in Me

There’s that “if” word again. John seems to insert that a lot.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8

Emphasis added is mine.

Aside: I love it when writers add the caveat to quoted scripture, “emphasis mine,” as if we didn’t know that. John recorded the words of Jesus for our benefit. Forgive me for thinking I have any emphasis to add.

Perhaps it’s more appropriate to say that the word “if” got my attention. It might not have caught your eye, but when I read this passage today, I clearly see there is a connection between bearing fruit and obedience to Christ. Please don’t start waving the legalistic banner or throwing a penalty flag, I’m not talking about creating a checklist. In fact, I suggest that John keeps it pretty simple for us to understand. There aren’t a lot of rules and regulations from Jesus, just a few guidelines that define whether we are in Jesus or not.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. John 15:9-10

The connection between Father, Son, and us is beyond what my words can express here. But Jesus isn’t bluffing. Jump ahead to chapter 17 if you want to get a sneak preview of just how serious Jesus is about adoption.

Keeping commands is synonymous with love. This sounds a bit odd at first until we think about it as parents. Not everyone reading this passage is a parent, but I’m pretty sure we all either parents or children, so we can relate to what is offered here.

If you love someone, you’ll want to do things that please them — not for the sake of pleasing them, but simply because you love them. That is if you truly love them. My own children have a choice, they can do something because it’s a rule or they can do what I asked out of love. Do you get the difference between the two approaches? The former is full of the legalistic penalty I referred to earlier while the latter is full of honor, love, respect and an earnest desire to be a part of me.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:11-13

Jesus moves the needle to the right at this point. The suggestion to remain in me is now referred to as a command with a purpose. If we want to experience complete joy, we must love each other. It’s not an option and I guarantee it has nothing to do with Sunday morning from 10 to 11. This is a command that we change the way we live 24×7.

While we’re here, don’t skip over the phrase, “as I have loved you.” Jesus is just hours away from going to the cross for our sins. When He refers to laying down one’s life for a friend, He’s deadly serious. No pun intended. Take a look at the next two verses to get an idea of what I’m referring to:

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:14-15

This is another amazing thought: Jesus is our friend. Since the 60’s hippy movement that we’ve all heard about (no I wasn’t a hippy), I think we can get this messed up a bit. Jesus transforms our relationship from orphan to follower to sons and daughters to a friend. Not like a social media buzz, but not the snuggling under a blanket kind either. This kind of friendship is much deeper. It’s one where He doesn’t withhold any secrets. At the same time, He’s very judicious in how He teaches us. He doesn’t overburden us with things we can’t handle. Instead, He gives us exactly what we need when we need it. He is without a doubt the very best kind of friend we can imagine. One I’m am beyond thankful to appreciate.

Before we end this passage, consider this promise:

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:16-17

Remember that Rich Mullins song I referred to a few posts earlier? This is one of the key promises and assurances that Jesus has for us: first, He chose us and further, He chose us for a purpose — to bear fruit.

What’s the key to bearing fruit? We read it several times in this short passage: Love each other!

Lord, help us to love each other as you love us. Teach us to rejoice in the assurances offered today and let us experience the true joy in being Your friend!

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John: Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

Read John 14:15-31

I don’t know about you, but there are times when I read a passage and just have to stop and let it sink in. This is one of those times. It’s like a scene in a movie when you know the plot is about to take a hard twist and the characters are going to be under incredible stress. The weight of the moment is captured by John as the conversation continues. For those with a red-letter Bible, take note of the fact that this chapter through chapter 17 are almost exclusively words from Jesus.

This section extends the comfort that Jesus offers with a completely new concept: the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, is about to be given to the disciples and in turn to us–forever!

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15-17

All we have to do is love Jesus and keep His commands. It is simple, but that doesn’t make it easy. The world is not going to accept that which it cannot see, much less join in loving Jesus as the ultimate Savior. We need to understand this dilemma and lean on each other when the world spits in our face, tempts us beyond our strength and leaves us feeling worthless. Hear the words of Jesus:

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18

We are no longer fatherless, rejected, unwanted, or lost. We are part of the royal family! Jesus promises to be with us always, even though we can’t see Him with our eyes, we can be assured He is in our hearts. Wow! That is beyond awesome!

One of the eleven, probably Thaddeus according to the NIVAC, chimes in and asks an important question:

Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” John 14:22

I’m amazed at the humility of the disciples. The first response to this incredible announcement is to think about others, not just their own small group. How about the rest of the world? Jesus assures them that He is available to everyone. This is significant.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. John 14:23

Anyone will be welcome. Everyone has the opportunity to be part of the family with Christ. Read those words again and again. My Father will love them. Jesus then slips in a phrase that helps support the concept of the Trinity, “we will come…” This is a great promise that is so profound that I just want to linger.

As Jesus looks around the room, I get the impression He sees some concern on the faces of His disciples. They don’t doubt anything He’s said, they’re way beyond that, but it’s as if they all have the expression that asks the question, “how are you going to do this?” It’s a reasonable thought. This is all new information and Jesus’ demeanor is making them a bit nervous. I don’t think He’s had a conversation so deep with them before. They know something is up and it makes them nervous. He keeps on saying things like, “I am going away” and “I will be with you.”

Again, Jesus picks up on their unspoken thoughts and assures them:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Even though Jesus is about to walk a path that they cannot walk and go to a place they cannot go, He will be with them. The trouble they sense is real. The prince of the world will continue to cause problems. But he has no hold on Jesus and he should have no hold on us.

I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. John 14:30-31

Some might think the words in chapters 15 through 17 are a lot of words, but really, all things considered, these are not many words. He did not say much more, but these are powerful words and thoughts we get the privilege of enjoying.

Come now; let us leave. John 14:31

They couldn’t move, so Jesus has to prompt them, let’s take a walk.

Lord, Your words are wonderful and your promise is true. Let us not be troubled when this world tries to hold us down. Remind us to remind each other that we are Yours and we are in this together. The promise is greater than any words can describe. Amen.

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John: Jesus Comforts His Disciples

Read John 14:1-14

If you’ve been reading along with me, you have to appreciate the mood in the upper room has to be incredibly somber. Things were challenging up to chapter 13, but no one expected Jesus to take on the role of a servant and wash their feet, then announce one of the twelve would betray Him, and finally that Peter the brave would deny Him three times in a number of hours. The sequence of events is mind-boggling and truly depressing! Thankfully, Jesus is not only aware but takes a moment to address their unspoken thoughts.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3

Just before the untimely death of Rich Mullins, he recorded a song in a little chapel where he was working on an album. With prophetic accuracy, Rich wrote lyrics based on the words of Jesus above. Hours later, Rich was checking into one of the rooms that Jesus had prepared for him. As a tribute, his band and other musician friends used the cassette recording and rendered,  “That Where I Am, There You…”

There are very few people I have known or read about that I respect at the level I appreciate this artist. I didn’t know him personally, but my wife introduced me to him when I had pretty much given up on music. She gave me a stack of CDs and said, “you’ll like this.” She, as usual, was right. It’s not the catchy lyrics, sophisticated rhythms, or amazing production that gets my attention. None of that really matters anyway. What impressed me was his heart. His heart was focused on worshipping Jesus, not the limelight, not recording contracts or anything to do with celebrity status. Rich wanted this to be the last song on a 10-song album that focused on his Lord and Savior, Jesus. He knew that this world was full of trouble and temptation. And he knew we needed the reminder.

Jesus could feel the pain in the hearts of the eleven men in the room with Him that fateful night. Judas exited moments early to finalize his betrayal. Peter is feeling the weight of the exclamation point that ended the previous sentence. They needed words of assurance. We do too.

Even though Jesus told them they can’t come with Him, these words provide great hope that they will be reunited once again. This is amazing and wonderful news! The best thing Abraham could hold onto was the promise that his ancestors would be countless. Jesus declares here that we have a place where we get to be with Him — forever!

Personally, I think there was a pause between verses 3 and 4. In my mind, I see Jesus letting the idea of preparing a place for everyone to meet with Him sink in for a moment, then He said,

You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:4

Thomas is the only one brave enough to ask the obvious question,

Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? John 14:5

It’s simple, how can we know the way to a place that we cannot go? Sure, you said we “will follow later” (John 13:36), but that still doesn’t mean we know where we’re going.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7

There’s that “if” word again, the dividing line that makes the difference in getting to be with Jesus.

And then there’s Philip. I’m completely convinced that these guys were so deeply disturbed, they’re not even thinking straight.

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”  Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:8-9

Here’s the thing, Jesus didn’t kick Philip out for asking the question, though He didn’t shy away either. I think He challenged Philip to stop and remember all they had been through over that last 1,000 days or so.

Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. John 14:11

Another pause. In their minds they replay the key events: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear. So many lessons from the hillside, then there was that walking on water thing. I think my mind is starting to get a clear picture of what you mean about being in the Father, though it’s still a little fuzzy. But I can’t deny the things I’ve seen that are simply not explainable except to say that I have seen them! Yes! You are the Lord!

Then Jesus goes on to assure them something even greater:

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:12-14

I’m sure a lot of people have John 14:14 memorized and printed next to a photo of a new house or car, right? If you’re old enough to read this post, you’re old enough to know this isn’t a magic genie formula. What I hope you have the courage to believe is that Jesus means what He said. Anything you asked for in His name will be done. Anything.

It’s unlikely that a new car fits the definition of “in my name.” This is where spiritual maturity comes into play. As we grow in our knowledge and faith in Christ, we learn to think and act like Jesus. The growth I’m talking about is far from self-serving of selfish motivation. In fact, it’s just the opposite. When we learn to be completely selfless and Christ-focused, “in my name” is just the way we think. At least I hope so. I’m still growing, but I do believe in the promise Jesus makes His disciples is for us as well.

Lord, help me to be more like You and give me the courage to see You and the Father as one.

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John: Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Read John 13:31-38

Judas Iscariot has exited the very private dinner. While Jesus was able to see what was going on clearly, the Eleven disciples seemed to be confused. The title of this post focuses on the last two verses of chapter 13, but we shouldn’t miss the greater emphasis on God’s glorification and a new command that includes the four-letter word love. Don’t overlook this part. It includes another cause-effect phrase with the dreaded “if” word in between.

The concept of giving glory to someone is not new, however, the terminology here is not something that shows up in everyday conversation. What does it me to say someone is glorified? Jesus uses this moment as a significant segue in John’s gospel account.

31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. John 13:31-33

It’s interesting to note that this statement follows Judas’ departure. “Now” something significant is about to happen. In chapter 12, the Greeks arrived on the scene and Jesus said “the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). Now is the time.

All eyes are focused on Jesus. The close relationship between Father and Son in this passage set the stage for what will happen in just a matter of hours. The signs and wonders Jesus has performed as recorded by John are all for our benefit, to recognize that Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecies. His glory is now revealed to the Eleven and is about to be put on display for the entire world to see. We’ll dig deeper into glory in chapter 17, the most significant prayer recorded in the Bible (in my humble opinion).

Without missing a beat, Jesus provides a new command.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

“If you love one another” is a consistent theme throughout the New Testament. John writes about love extensively, so does Paul. In meeting with a prominent non-profit organization leader yesterday we couldn’t help but conclude that most of the problems we face would be mitigated if we simply loved people.

When those of us on this side of town begin to love those on the other side of town, our neighbors, lives will be changed. We will be known as disciples of Jesus, not members of a particular church. Don’t get me wrong, we need to be part of a supportive group of people commonly referred to as a church, but the goal is not membership, the goal is revealing Christ’s glory to the world. We don’t have to be fabulous preachers to accomplish this mission, we just need to love one another. This isn’t my idea!

It’s interesting to see that Peter is still stuck on the previous phrase which leads us to the close of the chapter. He has to ask, “where are you going?” I’m not saying Peter didn’t hear the discussion about loving one another, but it’s funny how John reconstructs the scene. In yesterday’s post, Peter the not-so-brave asked John to ask Jesus a question. Peter’s not quite himself in this episode, but Jesus is kind, for the moment, and tries to console him, “…but you will follow later.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! John 13:37-38

Peter is back to his true character, bold and brash, he asserts that he would die for Jesus. I’m sure he really means it, no doubt he is serious. Jesus’ response causes my mind to spin. How did He say the words in verse 38? The NIV (and a few other translations) ends with an exclamation point. I don’t think Jesus spoke with a sarcastic tone, the mood is far too serious for that.

In my imagination I see a room full of completely devoted, sanctified, loving disciples focused on Jesus. Peter asked the question they all wanted to ask and they’re not surprised to hear Peter’s response. All attention is focused on these two men. I wish I could paint the picture in my mind. Jesus looks deeply into Peter’s eyes and prophesizes the unbelievable: Peter will disown Jesus time after time after time.

I’m so thankful that God allowed John to paint this picture for us. In my greatest weakness, I can see where I have disowned Jesus, even though I have said this could never happen. I’m thankful because I know the rest of the story, the love that Jesus demonstrates at the end of John 21. Jesus doesn’t merely command that we love one another, He shows us what that means.

Lord Jesus, help us to love the way you taught and demonstrated in person while you walked around in skin and bones. We long for the day when we will follow later, but we have much to do before that day. Give us strength and courage to boldly proclaim the glory that was revealed in You!

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John: Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

Read John 13:18-30

The low point of John’s gospel is hard to read and appreciate. Jesus painfully informs the disciples that one among them will betray Him. The scene unfolds so quickly that they don’t have a chance to grasp the significance of Judas’ hasty exit. It’s dark and difficult, but we have to read it anyway.

We pick up this story as an extension of the previous lesson. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and explained the meaning of this gesture with a caveat that suggested we should follow His example if we want to receive His blessing. This private conversation was meant for the select few disciples with one exception.

“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ John 13:18

Jesus reaches back into the book of psalms to a time when David was overwhelmed with sadness. His enemies took joy in causing pain and even those he loved turned against him.

Even my close friend,
someone I trusted,
one who shared my bread,
has turned against me.
Psalm 41:9

When I first read this verse I thought I could relate to the pain based on a close friend who turned against me. I was immediately convicted and overwhelmed with shame that I would consider comparing my difficulties with my Lord and Master. I guess I’m only human. Lord forgive me and help me truly learn to be one who washes the feet of others, who leads with integrity. Help me read the rest of Psalm 41 and live up to the high hopes that David embodied.

Sadness overwhelmed Jesus. Maybe I’m melancholy merely reading this passage. During this very private meal, Jesus washed their feet and taught them a lesson, then he tells them this difficult thing:

“Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” John 13:21

Once again I believe the room fell silent. The disciples are looking at each other trying to figure out what He means. John tells us they were, “at a loss to know which one of them he meant” (John 13:22).

It’s no surprise that Peter speaks up, but instead of asking Jesus directly, he asks John to ask Jesus. Peter the brave doesn’t seem so bold at this point. Remember this posture when we look at the very next scene. Anyway, John asks Jesus who will betray Him.

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” John 13:26-27

Still, no one understood what was happening at the time. For those who have the gift of discernment, I’m sure you can relate. Something deep in your chest is burning as your heart races. Something’s wrong here. This makes no sense. For months they’ve wandered the countryside, watched miracles, heard Jesus teach the greatest and the least. But something is happening at this moment that is hard to explain.

I think they might be suffering like I was when I read the quote from Psalm 41. They were stuck looking introspectively, they were evaluating their own motivation when Jesus said something about dipping bread and whispering to Judas. It’s just my imagination, but I think they were completely unaware as if shell-shocked. By the time they came to, Judas was gone. The best they could do is piece together some details as conclude he was out doing his treasurer thing.

The darkest moment in John’s gospel has arrived.

As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. John 13:30

And it was night.

Physically it was dark outside. That’s nothing compared to the spiritual darkness that momentarily invaded that space.

The disciples gathered with Jesus for a meal just prior to Passover. They had no idea that the true Passover Lamb was about to be offered for the sins of all mankind for all time. John was able to look back and piece it together for us.

Lord, my heart is heavy when I think about the scene in the upper room. Betrayed by a friend, You bore the weight of all our sin. I’m grateful to know the rest of the story, but sad when I reflect on the road You had to travel. Holy Spirit comfort those who mourn. Wrap them with Your arms and give them peace.

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