Category: ReadScripturePlan

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John: Pilate’s Problem

Read John 18:28-19:16

I’m writing this post the day after International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2019. Honestly, I didn’t know there was such an event, but I am certainly moved to remember the atrocities committed against our Jewish brothers, sisters, moms, and dads. They weren’t killed by some supernatural phenomena, each person was corralled and killed by another human being, one who was out of touch with reality. I don’t want to be one of those who forgets; I’m sure you don’t either. Here’s an article from NPR that covered the story.

Perhaps you’re asking, why would I bring this up in light of the reading set before us today? I might be going out on a shaky limb, but the Roman occupation during the days of Jesus seems to bear the fingerprint of the Nazi invasion centuries later. Not the same, I get that but look at the DNA. More to the point, look at the common soldier or regiment commander that was “just doing his job.” This is Pilate’s problem.

Do I sympathize with Pilate? No. Please don’t get me wrong. He had the opportunity to dismiss Jesus and the Jews for their irrelevant arguments. Pilate could have simply ignored their request. Those who were in charge at Auschwitz could have ignored their orders as well if they were willing to put their own lives on the line. In my mind, there were two kinds of Nazi soldiers, those who were relieved when the Allied Troops liberated the camps and those who were angry. Both were wrong to do what they did, but I can understand the former much better than the latter group.

John’s narrative invites us to see Pilate as one who was trying to avoid doing what the Jews wanted. Look at these verses:

  • Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” — John 18:31
  • “I find no basis for a charge against him…” [Bible]John 18:38[/bible]
  • “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” John 19:4
  • As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him. John 19:6
  • From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting John 19:12
  • Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. John 19:16

The tension in this story is immense. The Jewish leaders finally got up the nerve to act on Judas’ betrayal, they were not about to back down now. The mock trial by Annas and Caiaphas are done, they march Jesus to the governor’s palace. As we read the beginning of the passage today, take note of their Jewish leaders’ concern for their laws above the life of Jesus:

By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. John 18:18

These men handed Jesus over to be killed, then went home to celebrate God’s provision — The Passover. In their minds, somehow, they remained clean. To be clear, they presented Jesus to Pilate for one purpose: to have Him killed by crucifixion. There was no other reason for their actions. Pilate knew this quite clearly.

John records the interaction between Pilate and Jesus in the following verses. I’m confident there were many that heard the exchange and talked about it for days, perhaps to try and void themselves of guilt. That’s just my guess, but I don’t think I’m out of bounds.

Take a moment and read John 18:33-37. Pay particular attention to the conclusion and Pilate’s question that follows:

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. John 18:37-38

What is Truth?

Now we know the core issue, the root cause of the problem. Pilate can’t recognize truth when it is right in front of him. Neither could the Nazi commanders. Neither can the Planned Parenthood staff. While these groups are easily recognizable, the question really is this: can we see the truth? How about the 3rd-grade teacher that everybody loves? The pastor of the successful church down the road? Have we become so comfortable that we might join the masses that shout:

“No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising. John 18:40

And when we see Him paraded in front of us, would we react as expected? Will we puff up our chests and show the world how mighty we are?

And they slapped him in the face. John 19:3

This is profound. These people looked in the eyes of Jesus, stood within an arm’s reach of Him then took the initiative to raise their hand with a swift motion to slap Him in the face. No puppet strings attached. In their distorted minds, this somehow made sense.

Caught up in the moment, anonymous faces in the sea of people, they completely lost control of their humanity, let alone any memory of the One who healed the lame.

As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” John 19:6

In our world, we will find such disdain for human life and dignity expressed in many forms. It might be disguised as a law passed in New York or a gunshot in the dark of night, but evil is alive and well. As I safely press the button that opens the gate to my neighborhood, lock the door to the garage as the door closes, I wonder if I’m safe or if I’m just sticking my head in the sand.

On one hand, I don’t want to be blinded by the evil that is present, but on the other, I don’t want to be consumed by it either. Where’s the balance? If I pray like Elisha to have my eyes opened, do I really want to see? His servant was able to see the host of those that surrounded Elisha. My fear is we would only see evil. Ah, that’s the word: fear. As Elisha might say, why are we so afraid?

Why was Pilate so afraid? How about the Nazi captain at Auschwitz? What is the Planned Parenthood physician thinking about? They are all blind and it is our mission to reveal the truth that we absolutely know is real. Don’t we?

Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” John 19:10-11

The headlines read, Pilate Killed Three on a Hill. It was a story that ran in the back of the paper. It wasn’t news. Like the obits, they rarely make the front page. Just another day in the life of a Roman conqueror. But this wasn’t the end of the story. The greater sin was committed by those who knew better.

My prayer for you, if you’ve actually read to this point, is that you will recognize the truth when you see it, that I would know as well. We have Jesus with us, The Advocate lives in us. Elisha had the ability to see it all around.

Lord open our eyes to see that Your strength far outweighs the evil that invades our world. Let us be audaciously courageous! Remind us daily that Your power is far greater than that of the Deceiver.

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John: Jesus Questioned by the High Priest and Peter’s Denials

Read John 18:15-27

John provides a brief glimpse into the details of Jesus’ interrogation by Annas surrounded by Peter’s failure. As we read this section, it’s interesting to note the contrast painted by John. Peter lies. Jesus tells the truth. Lies, truth, lies. As we watch Peter keep warm with the late night party, there is no outward consequence of denying his association with Jesus. He’s a strong man with a convincing voice. When he says, “I am not,” those around him believed him. The way the story unfolds, there’s no indication that the three accusers heard his denial. One at a time the clock ticks.

A Servant Girl Asks an Innocent Question

The first test is an easy one to deny. A mere servant girl appears and asks the penetrating question. Would anyone believe her if she heard Peter admit his relationship with Jesus? As much as females were discounted in this society, someone else might have overheard the conversation. In my imagination, she has an annoying voice that everyone can hear. You know, that high-pitched whine the pierces through the silence — shut up girl! Enough of my embellishment. John is less dramatic:

15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” John 18:15-17

The question asked is a definitive statement. She didn’t just ask if Peter knew Jesus or perhaps heard of Him. The tone of her question is accuses him of being a close follower, one who is complicit in the current trial. Peter certainly picked up on this when his first denial is uttered. I am not.

The Inquisition

At the same time, Annas is questioning Jesus, no doubt trying to trap Him with any one of the 600+ rules that governed the Jewish community. These were tense times. The Passover is about to start and literally, thousands of people would be making their way to Jerusalem. Any form of sedition must be stopped! Well, that’s the best I can do to support Annas’ questioning. We know it is pointless, but Jesus doesn’t give him the satisfaction of confessing something that is worthy of death. From John’s account, Annas only had a few questions, though I’m sure it took a while before Jesus responded.

“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” John 18:20-21

Finally, Jesus breaks His silence with words that can’t be refuted. We recall several of the times when Jesus spoke with a loud voice in the temple courts. He wasn’t going around in secret!

One of those present couldn’t take it anymore!

When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” John 18:22-23

No other words. Annas simply dismissed Jesus. It’s no surprise that Jesus doesn’t press the point. His rhetorical question is for the benefit of the fool that slapped the Savior. Such arrogant behavior is not new to this world. We are taught to pray for our enemies; Jesus provides the ultimate example.

Back to the Campfire

Another denial slips from Peter’s mouth as those gathered around the fire shift for warmer positions. The night is lingering on while the trial is moved to Caiaphas’ courtyard. Peter is quick to deny his relationship this second time. The third time is not so easy.

One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. John 18:26-27

Honestly, I’m really surprised that Peter was still hanging out so close to the action. Sunrise is coming and his face will be seen clearly very soon. The last person Peter wanted to see was a relative of Malchus, someone who would be keen to track down Peter with a sword of his own. I’d be pretty ticked, even if Jesus miraculously healed my cousin.

Third time’s a charm, as they say. The rooster crows and Peter remembers. At this point, he fades into the sunrise.

When I think of my failures, misspoken words, lies or half-truths, I think about Peter. Not out of comparison, but of empathy. Anytime my personal agenda is elevated above that of Christ, which happens more than I want to admit, the reminder of the rooster plays in my head. Well, I hope it plays in my head at full volume.

Jesus taught us better than to lie, cheat, or steal. He showed us as well. More than just words, He walked among us and demonstrated His willingness to hold onto the truth, even when it meant death on a cross. I know His mission was infinitely greater than ours, but the lesson is there for our benefit.

Lord help us to walk in the light, unafraid of the consequences mere humans would inflict on us. Teach us to endure slaps in the face while holding fast to your truths.

 

 

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John: Jesus Arrested

Read John 18:1-14

Chapters 18 and 19 of John’s gospel rather briefly cover the events of Jesus’s arrest, mock trial by Jewish leaders, interaction with Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, and burial. We begin with John’s version of the events surrounding His arrest. It’s pretty different from the Synoptics.

I Am He

In typical fashion, Jesus neither hides nor avoids confrontation. After the incredible prayer recorded in the last chapter, Jesus heads to a favorite spot, a place the disciples knew well. Including Judas. The stage is set and Judas shows up on time. Of course, Jesus is not surprised, but the disciples had no idea what was going on. As we make our way through the beginning of these two chapters, John recorded the phrase “I Am he” three times in just four verses:

  • They’re looking for Jesus of Nazareth, He says “I am he” – [Bible]John 18:5[/bible]
  • John repeats the phrase in the next verse – John 18:6
  • The soldiers repeat they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, so Jesus provides an answer and a demand.

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” John 18:8-9

Peter’s reaction is aggressive and brazen, he cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus. John joins Matthew and Mark by not resolving the issue; only Luke did, “And he touched the man’s ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51).

Before we move on, it’s interesting to note that when Jesus said, “I am he,” the soldiers withdrew and fell to the ground, as if He was a warrior of some kind. I wonder what Judas told them before they got there.

Jesus takes charge and calms everyone down.

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” John 18:11

In a phrase, Jesus tries to remind them that He knew this was going to happen, it’s the story He tried to tell them from the beginning. Now they’re seeing it played out in front of their eyes.

The entourage that surrounds Jesus is impressive. You would think they’ve finally caught an escaped felon or notorious murderer they way they handle this situation.

Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. John 18:12-13

It took a detachment of soldiers, a commander, and some Jewish officials to oversee His arrest in the middle of the night. I once heard a retired Navy Captain explain the significance of the timing of His arrest. He explained it was the third watch, between midnight and 3 a.m. when the group showed up to arrest Jesus. Few were out and about at that time of night. Remember, there were no streetlights. This was a dark hour of the night.

I can only assume they bound Jesus because it was procedural, that’s just how they arrested people. He was first seen by Annas, a man of great influence for sure, but not actually in charge of anything at the time. Not much has changed in our modern age. Often people in positions of authority, Caiaphas in this story, are under the influence of others. They may hold the title and position, but others are calling the shots. So we see the same here. I wonder how much we have grown as a society, other than technology.

John reminds us of the prophetic words of Caiaphas:

Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people. John 18:14

Prophetic indeed, but not the way Caiaphas thought. In his mind, killing Jesus would squash the rebellion. He was misled and misguided along with many others. Not many details are offered in John’s gospel writing. Perhaps this is to underscore the idea that there really wasn’t much worth writing about. Their accusations were unfounded and their intentions well known.

Lord, help us to be better people, to lead well. Forgive us for biases that cause us to miss that which is right in front of our eyes. Thank you for your words here as we read the story. Help us to feel the weight.

 

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John: Jesus Prays for All Believers

Read John 17:20-26

And then this happened. Jesus, the Son of God, the great I Am, prays that we would all be in unity with Him. He who was with God at the beginning, who ministered with these men, lets them know His heartfelt desire to be one with us all. Jesus prays for us. I hope you’ll take the time to read this passage and let the words sink into your heart. Hear now the words of Jesus.

20 My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

Jesus prays that we may all be one, that we would all hear the message and cross the line of faith. The message must be presented and received for someone to believe. In other words, we must do something. Like any form of communication, it’s a two-sided coin: both sides are required.

When we accept Christ we are adopted into His royal family. That’s the promise we’ve all heard. This adoption comes with a promise along with great responsibility. This past week we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and heard many quotes from this incredible leader. One of my favorites is this:

Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

We have a responsibility to serve the body of Christ, to spread the message of the gospel, and invite others to join this family. The greatness we should seek begins with serving others. Sure, we need to tend to ourselves, but I believe that complete heart-change only happens when we serve others.

When we serve, with Jesus at the center, we will be unified in such a beautiful way that the world will stand up and take notice. The world will know what true love is all about. Far beyond physical attraction, true love can only be found in glorifying God with all we do.

Jesus appeals to God the Father on our behalf. He draws us to Himself.

Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. John 17:24

Even though the world is confused, we must be strong. Even when the world takes our earthly life away, we must be steadfast. Even in the face of opposition, slander, malice, evil of all sorts, we must continue to seek His glory first. Don’t expect the world to understand, much less appreciate what we’re doing.

Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them. John 17:25-26

Jesus promises to continue to make God known so that love will spread throughout the world.

We know this promise is true. It’s hard to imagine that at one point in time only eleven men heard this prayer. Standing there with Jesus, no one could believe that the world would be completely changed by a handful of mismatched men that called themselves disciples, brothers in faith. They had no Bible, they didn’t need one. They would soon be ejected from the synagogues, so they had little access to scripture. But their message was backed by conviction and fueled by the promise that Jesus made to continue with them in love.

No one bothered to ask how this would happen. We’ll see later that once the Holy Spirit came upon them, they would become unstoppable.

Lord, I hope and pray that we would take this prayer to heart and join in the unstoppable force that You put in motion some 2,000 years ago. Remind us, Holy Spirit, that You are alive and well in our daily walk. Inspire us to move in places that only make sense to You. And we will be sure to give you the glory! Amen.

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John: Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Read John 17:6-19

Jesus prays for His disciples in a powerful way, words we humbly get to consume. Jesus connects Himself with the Father and points to His remaining eleven disciples as those who brought glory to Himself and therefore glorified God. We don’t get much time in this world, compared to eternity, but I pray that we will seek to strive to hear the words we read here spoken over us.

For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. John 17:8

Jesus Prays for Them

Most of the time, I don’t want to be part of “them,” you know, “those” people. However, in this case, I can only hope and pray that I can be a part of “them!” The ensuing eleven verses plant the seed that will burst forth in a matter of weeks at Pentecost. Jesus prays for the few within the remnant.

I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. John 17:9

These eleven men are the recipient of words from Jesus. The honor and privilege bestowed on these few are not a source of pride, they were not out looking for fame and fortune. My guess is they were not out looking for anything at all. They were just keeping the faith of their fathers to the best of their ability. Even back in the time of the prophets, though we don’t have a list of names, we know that there were some that remained obedient to God’s commands. The remnant.

Years ago, Frank Peretti’s novel, This Present Darkness, captured the theme inspired by the remnant. After reading his book, and the one that followed, I began seeing the theme over and over again in scripture. It’s amazing how we tend to focus on those who caused problems more than the unnamed to remaining faithful.

Don’t miss this amazing statement at the end of verse 10:

And glory has come to me through them. John 17:10

There is no greater honor to strive for than to hear such words spoken over us. Lord, may our actions, words, and deeds glorify You. Whatever it takes, however challenging this life can be, ultimately I pray that we glorify the Father.

Jesus promised there would be trouble in this world. He prays specifically for their protection, by His name.

Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. John 17:11

It turns out that most of those hearing this prayer will be martyred for their faith. How should we process this reality? The following verse gives us a clue.

None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. John 17:12

The protection Jesus is praying for has little to do with our physical bodies. His concern is for our soul. His concern is for that which is eternal. This body will continue to decay until it’s buried, but my soul will spend eternity with the Father. As we alluded to in the previous post, this is a very new concept to the disciples and likely a foreign concept to those we meet who do not know Jesus. Our role is to stand in that gap.

15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. John 17:15-18

Such powerful words for these few that will ignite the world on fire through the Holy Spirit. It’s a huge point of contention and stress to be in the world, but not of the world. We’ve heard this so many times that we might simply gloss over the idea if we’re not careful. Songs have been written about the concept to help connect the notion to our hearts. It’s pretty easy to make the statement, but I wonder if we really get the idea.

Perhaps it’s something that happens sporadically, on occasion rather than all the time. While I want to be more consistent, I find that there are moments when I get a real sense of stepping out of the world and speaking the truth that convicts those who are present (including myself). My quest is to have more of these moments each day while I do the work set before me. No, I’m not trying to be some holy guru that sits on a pillow, rather, someone who recognizes that Jesus is Lord and Master and I can only bring Him glory when I separate myself from worldly desires.

The world will notice when we do this and most often it will criticize our behavior. This is what you signed up for when you asked Jesus into your heart, whatever that means to you and how that is bound between you and Jesus.

Lord, protect us as we wander in this world. Give us the courage to be in the world, but not of the world for Your glory. I look forward to that day when we celebrate our successes with You, that day when we see You smile!

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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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