Tag: disciple

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1John: Why John Wrote this Letter

Read 1 John 2:12-17

The art of storytelling is an ancient craft. Those who are gifted know how to build tension early to capture the reader’s attention. John knows his audience well. He begins his first letter reminding us that Jesus is the Word of life and just in case you don’t read the whole letter, he makes sure you get this point right up front. In the next section, John presents a problem and suggests we could be liars, the truth has escaped us. Ouch! That hurts to read!

The reading today begins with a segue. I think John is saying, “Now that I have your attention, let me tell you why I’m writing to you.” This letter is personal, written to the people he loves. These are the sheep of his flock, those with whom he is personally responsible. He is providing us with a great example of how to love others inside the body of Christ. When we do this well, others will want to know more, but that’s not the main point. He wants us to be encouraged and strong, bold and faithful. If we are out in the world trying to make disciples, seeking the lost, serving the least and lonely, we will grow weary. We need to hear words of encouragement. This poem is music to our ears.

I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:12-14

Your sins have been forgiven by Jesus, on the account of His name! We talked about this last week at a Bible study. This bold proclamation runs completely counter to what the great deceiver is whispering (or shouting) in our ears. Jesus took care of our sin. We are a new creation.

Unlike anything else in history, you know Him, you know the Father. He lives in you. Remember these words, my friends, and take them to heart. There is no “if” or “but” in John’s thoughts here.

You are strong. You have overcome the evil one.

Please print this affirmation and put it in a place where you can read it every morning if that helps. He that is within you has won. You are part of the victorious family!

Don’t Love the World

John anticipates our reaction to his affirming words by reminding us that the world is not going to agree with what he just said. In fact, we should expect the opposite when we effectively preach the gospel. To be clear, John provides some overall definitions to guide our thinking.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16

Lust and pride are key issues we all have to deal with. Rest assured those who are far from Christ are affected by these problems as well. Pornography feeds the lust of eyes and flesh in this country, perhaps the entire world. John’s ancient words are clearly the target of such desires. Don’t you think it’s odd that John would write this in the first century? It’s not a new issue!

The challenge for us is to shine the light into the darkest places without coming across as those who are so holy that we are immune from worldly issues. Yes, we are strong. Yes, we have overcome the evil one. But while we are walking around in skin, we’re going to be tempted to think otherwise.

It’s important to be reminded of this reality:

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17

We are temporary residents of earth. I think it’s important to remember this truth to keep me focused. Lord, when I am tempted by what the world has to offer, please remind me that my days are numbered, that I have limited time to do the work You have called me to do. Remind me that Your strength is within me, I am Yours.

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1John: Obedience in Love

Read 1 John 2:3-11

Once again, John boldly points out the distinction between those walking in light versus darkness, liars, and truthtellers. The lesson is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. When we avoid speaking the truth in love, we fall into a trap. Sometimes this happens when we mistake being kind and considerate for truly being loving. We listen to the voice that encourages doubt by pointing out something that is true. The challenge, of course, is the second half of the equation: in love. If you love me, you will tell me when I’m about to walk into a buzzsaw with my eyes closed. Right? I think that’s what John is doing with this letter to his friends and fellow Christ followers. He’s reminding them of what they already know is true.

Before we jump in, I find myself asking this question, what was he responding to? Did he get a letter from a church member complaining about so and so? Or is this the third time someone visited him from the different church plants with the same issue? The church leaders must have told John there were problems and I think he sees a trend that needed to be addressed right away. His strong response is meant to get their attention.

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 1 John 2:3-4

If I were to ever preach on this passage, I think I’d title the sermon, Liar. I would unpack the idea of doing what He commands a bit, perhaps the part about making disciples. What do you think? If someone from stage asks you if you are actively making disciples of Jesus and you honestly answer negatively, where does that put you?

Regretfully, I have to confess that I would have been that person just a handful of years ago. I have memorized the verse that said go and make disciples, but I had not mobilized the passage. There’s a huge difference! From my incorrect vantage point,  making disciples was for the paid staff or something. My job was to pull off a great Sunday experience, someone else did the disciple-making. Am I the only one?

Before jumping off the deep end, make sure you read the rest of the story. It’s never too late to start.

5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6

Fortunately for us, we have the Word available to us in many forms. It must have been a lot harder for the first century Christians, but we have little excuse to miss His commands.

Oddly enough, it’s not new.

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 1 John 2:7

Sorry, you and I can’t claim we didn’t know. This is nothing new. John is merely reminding us of something we should already know.

Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:8

The “new” part of the command is that Jesus came as the true light to the world. When Jesus taught on love and hate, His words extended the old commands far deeper and wider than anyone ever imagined. The battle begins within the family of Christ.

But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. 1 John 2:11

What does it mean to hate a brother or sister? Some obvious answers come to mind immediately, but there are also many subtle thoughts as well.  The word darkness is repeated three times in that one verse five times in today’s reading. Perhaps this is something we should stop and consider. And I’m confident that John’s reference to brother or sister extends beyond the biological family to all of those that claim Jesus as Lord.

Thoughts that dwell in darkness are not from Christ. These are whispers from the chief of lies, the one who lives in darkness and runs from the light.

Hate is different from disagreement. Don’t fall into that trap. John doesn’t suggest we all agree on every little thing. Hate is much deeper; it is something that resides in the heart. You can’t have hate and love in the same heart. You have to have one or the other. The good news is this; Christ replaced our hearts! This is the great reminder from John.

Holy Spirit fill our hearts with Your love and chase away any darkness that blinds us. Help us to speak the truth in love and rid ourselves from all malice, anger, envy, and thoughts that are not from You.

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John: Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

Read John 21:1-14

The last chapter ended with a purpose statement for the entire Fourth Gospel. This chapter bridges the gap with a word that makes me wonder: afterward. After how long? Jesus showed the disciples definitively that the resurrection was more than a prophecy, it was genuine. He was quite alive. But what did they do with this information?

The chapter starts with this:

Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.  “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:2-3

I have an idea, let’s go fishing! Jesus appeared to His disciples in the locked room, talked to them, perhaps explained how His resurrection worked, the guards, the stone was rolled away, and more. I’m just guessing, of course. My point is they heard from Jesus. It was His voice speaking to them once again. The impossible was possible after all.

I’d love to ask John, “How long was afterward?” Is chapter 21 an Epilogue of sorts? Both chapters 20 and 21 end with concluding remarks, so it seems that we are privileged to have a few additional stories to fill in a few gaps. The first story covered in this section shows that Jesus does have a sense of humor.

The men are perhaps 100 yards from the shore when Jesus sneaks up on the scene.

He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” John 21:5-6a

I wonder if they merely said “no” to the man walking along the beach. I imagine they were a bit ticked off at this point. Thomas was giving Peter a hard time for suggesting they go fishing. Nathanael and the Zebedee brothers were tired of the fruitless effort. Now this wiseguy from the beach has a great idea.

Perhaps it was Peter that suggested they follow the man’s advice. What could it hurt to try one more time?

When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. John 21:6b-7

John was the first to figure out it was Jesus enjoying the moment. Peter gets excited and jumps out of the boat, wishing he really could walk on water, and makes his way to the beach while the rest of the crew managed the fish and steered for the shore.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” John 21:10-12

153 Fish — Let’s Have Breakfast

At this point, I suspect you’re waiting for me to explain the number 153 with such eloquence that you’ll make an appointment with the nearest tattoo artist, right? I actually thought about it, but I think the truth behind the number will remain a mystery. Go ahead and Google the question, then come back here for the rest of today’s story. Here’s my favorite answer:

“Large quantities of ink have gone into explaining why there should be 153 fish. At the purely historical level, it is unsurprising that someone counted them, either as part of dividing them up amongst the fishermen in preparation for sale, or because one of the men was so dumbfounded by the size of the catch that he said something like this: ‘Can you believe it? I wonder how many there are?'” D.A. Carson (see reference below)

John tells us this is the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples since His resurrection. On this occasion, He breaks break and has a meal with His friends. I’m really in awe of this event. Jesus is resurrected but doesn’t seem to be in a hurry at all. The balance of the world is in His hands, yet He is willing to take the time to sit down and eat with these men who will change the world.

There is much work to do, but we don’t have to run around as the world depends on every twitch of each muscle. One of the lessons here is to move with confidence that Jesus’ timing is better than mine. As I think back on the previous 20 chapters, I don’t recall a point where Jesus displayed any anxious movements. Here’s the thing, if we fully believe that the Spirit is alive and well within us, that our DNA has truly changed to include that of God the Father, how can we be anxious?

I’m not recommending we sit back and watch God do His work, but I am suggesting we do the work before us with confidence. Remember, He called us His friends and promised He would be with us always.

Cast your net again. Try the other side this time. These all sound like words of action, not complacency. Do your work and anticipate His blessing.

Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. John 21:13

 

 

 

Reference: D.A. Carson, The Gospel according to John (Pillar NT Commentary; Eerdmans, 1990), p. 672.

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John: The Purpose of this Gospel

Read John 20:30-31

Just before the last chapter, and just after Jesus appeared to Mary and the disciples, John pressed pause to remind us why he was inspired to tell the stories presented in the Fourth Gospel. These two simple verses are very significant in my mind.

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.John 20:30

Many super religious fundamentalists will demand that we study and memorize the Bible as God’s inerrant word. Some have even said the foundation of their faith is the Bible. The Bible reveals God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to us, but Jesus is the rock. The foundation of my faith is Jesus. I hope and pray I haven’t offended anyone at this point.

If you’ve been reading my blog at all, you must know that I think the Bible is amazing! It is the inspired word of God provided for us for many reasons. It teaches us everything we need to know about getting along in this world and prepares us for the one beyond. It is the most important book in the world. No doubt.

By embracing the Bible as the authoritative document, we join hands with people around the world. We have a common language and enjoy similar experiences through stories that encourage us much of the time, challenge us to have faith beyond our tiny minds can understand while exhorting us to keep doing better.

We absolutely need to read and understand what is written in the Bible.

But it is not all that God said or did.

It is only the highlight reel, the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The Bible puts us on an even playing field and points us in the right direction.

The stories contained in this amazing work are here for a reason.

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31

Thomas needed to see Jesus with his eyes, hear with his ears, touch with his hands. He was one of a few hundred that enjoyed that brief opportunity. Those who saw Him are far fewer than those who did not. We have the Bible as a guide to help us appreciate what He’s done while emphasizing what He will do. The Bible is available in many forms that we may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.

Thank you, Lord, for providing the Bible for us in this modern age. Blessed are those who believed in You without seeing You or having a Bible. May I use this resource to point people to You.

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John: Jesus Appears

Read John 20:11-29

Jesus is resurrected! He is alive! Just like He said. He appears to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, then a special visit to Thomas. John recalls these moments with great fondness, almost playfully if that doesn’t sound too irreverent for you! Look at the interactions:

Mary Magdalene

Mary was the first one to arrive on the scene, even while it was still dark. Her loyalty and concern for how Jesus was buried seem to have earned her the spotlight. She was the first to discover the tomb and tell the disciples to come and see. Now she will be honored by being the first to see, touch, and hear the voice of the resurrected Savior of the world.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” John 20:13

This is a rare moment. Two angels appear to Mary and she is not the least bit frightened. She is mourning the death of someone she loved and now His body was taken. It’s interesting that she doesn’t accuse these two of taking His body. Then another man appears.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” John 20:15

Though she doesn’t accuse this man, she is beginning to wonder if they might know what was done with the body. Perhaps they saw others carrying it away. She’s far beyond any concern for herself, she simply wants to do what is right for her departed friend. Then she hears a familiar voice.

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). John 20:16

Yes! It is Jesus! She doesn’t just turn toward Him, she immediately hugs Him without reservation. The best I can do is imagine losing a daughter, then suddenly seeing her again. The embrace would be deep and strong, joy would flood my heart. Mary has this moment with Jesus before anyone else in the world. This is beyond amazing!

For some reason that’s not completely clear, Jesus tells her not to hold onto Him but dispatches her for the second time to tell the others what she has seen.

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:18

I imagine the darted back to the tomb and found it quite empty, no sign of gardener or angels, but now their hope was beginning to ignite. I’m completely convinced that they believed Mary. (We’ll discuss Thomas separately!) But what should they do next? His body is gone, Mary has seen Him and even had a conversation, however brief, with Jesus. This is fantastic! Actually, it’s beyond words.

The Disciples

They return to the room. In my imagination I see them telling Mary to repeat the story over and over again. “Tell it again, Mary, tell us exactly what He said!” The excitement is beyond belief. Jesus doesn’t make them wait too long, but He does make them wait as they kept themselves hidden in fear.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20

Overjoyed indeed. It’s all starting to make sense…well, a little sense that is.

Doubting Thomas

Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples. When they told him they had seen the risen savior, he had doubts. I’m sure I would have had doubts as well. Even if we talk about impossible events in our wildest imagination, actually seeing it come true is another thing altogether. John’s sense of humor is not the least bit impaired.

Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” John 20:26-27

I think Jesus had some fun with Thomas. Most of my life I’ve heard these words to Thomas as a rebuke, words spoken with force, even a condescending tone. Perhaps a Gandolf moment if that makes any sense. In my old age, I see things differently.

God created us and wants us to live a life of joy. He created music and art to stir our hearts and He created laughter and play. I’m not suggesting this was overly playful, nor that He was laughing at Thomas, but I honestly think that Jesus loved this man Thomas and spoke these words as a friend would spur on another friend. You can take or leave that for all it’s worth. The God I read about is the One who went out of His way to show His love for all of us. He is all-powerful, no doubt, but His love is even stronger. Now Thomas knows. And soon he will fully engage in the mission of telling the world.

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

Again, I want to encourage you to read the words of Jesus from a perspective of encouragement and not a scolding demand. So many more will be asked to believe in Jesus without seeing Him. Jesus said He was going to ascend to the Father. He taught them just a few days ago that He was leaving them while sending the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. They’re not going to see Him, but they are going to tell the world. How could they not!!

Last Sunday, Theresa spoke and gave us a beautiful portrait of how Jesus sees us. She used the woman at the well to emphasize how Jesus sees beyond our outward appearances and looks straight at the heart. “I see you,” she said. It’s true. Jesus sees you and me beyond addiction, failures, and mistakes. He sees us beyond fancy clothing, cars, and opulent houses. He sees us when we’re down and when we’re flying high. And He saw Thomas.

Jesus is risen, just as He said! It’s the last day of January. Let’s celebrate Easter today and every day! Let your joy be complete in Christ Jesus!!

 

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John: The Empty Tomb

Read John 20:1-10

The pain of the events leading up to the mock trial, the insanity of Jewish leaders and the crowd they mustered, Pilate’s capitulation, and the soldier’s mechanical actions that led to the death of their beloved. Three years went by in a flash. Now He was dead and buried.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. John 20:1

To make matters worse, someone had the audacity to steal the body. He was gone. The guards had their story, not covered by John probably because it was irrelevant! No one truly expected this to happen. Seriously, if we didn’t know the story, we would not skip over these verses so quickly. John’s account is so brief we can easily miss the magnitude of the moment.

Mary’s reaction is highlighted by John. She didn’t need to investigate, she needed help.

So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” John 20:2

Peter and John are together, probably with the other disciples. I can only imagine that Peter spent hours grieving with his brothers in Christ. I’m sure he told them about his denials and the ominous, echoing rooster that tortured his mind. His brothers consoled him, at least in my mind. They were together and the women that supported their ministry knew it.

Peter and John take off running for the tomb. I have no idea how far, but apparently John was the better runner! He got to the gravesite first, but Peter didn’t stop when he arrived.

Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. John 20:6-7

His heart was beating wildly in his chest, Peter wasn’t going to stop. He was no longer afraid of what people would say. Jesus was dead, anyway, so it really didn’t matter. What could they do to him now? John finally stepped into the tomb as well. Confused. Perhaps angry. I think they were drained. Knees weak. Breathing was difficult.

In hindsight John adds this parenthetical comment:

(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) John 20:9

What else could they do?

the disciples went back to where they were staying. John 20:10

Yes, I know there’s much more to the story, but for this moment may I suggest we pause and slip into Peter and John’s sandals and meditate. Let the emotions of this moment make a mark in my heart, O Lord.

I know I can’t bear the pain they felt, nor would I really want to if somehow I could, but I do want to sense the weight of the moment. If I could, then perhaps my heart would truly break for those who are far from Christ. If I could look into the faces of the eleven men and a number of women that filled that small space, maybe then I would be able to hear Your voice. Perhaps even my heart would break for the least, the lost, and the lonely.

It’s cold outside. I know people are sleeping on the ground. You know people sleeping behind dumpsters. Sure, they’ve made mistakes, battle mental giants and perhaps addictions, but they are people.

Perhaps worse, it’s cold inside. Hearts of stone that need to melt. Warm our hearts O Lord, and show us what we should do next. Please be patient as I stumble and fall, still chasing demons that haunt me from the past, failures that I hold onto. One by one, show me how to wrestle them to the ground, then release them to You.

The tomb is empty. What happens next was impossible.

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John: Jesus Crucified

Read John 19:16-42

If you think my previous post regarding Pilate’s problem exonerated his actions, make sure you read the first part of this passage carefully.

19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 22Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” John 19:19-22

Pilate gave orders to have the sign posted and translated to make sure everyone could read it, “What I have written, I have written.” He was not an innocent political puppet. He twisted the knife himself.

I’m not gloating in the least; I’m actually very sad for his words and actions. The soldiers follow orders. Just another day at their post in Jerusalem. I wonder if this was one of “those” assignments you get in the military, one of the despised places where you have to deal with super religious people.

John records very few words from Jesus during His crucifixion. I think it’s because he is overcome with emotion as he watches his friend, his master, his savior brutally tortured as a public spectacle. He recalls the moment when Jesus somehow had the strength to speak to His earthly mother Mary:

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” John 19:26-27a

John, the disciple whom He loved, was not far away, not hidden or in the shadows. He was there within eyesight of Jesus. He heard Jesus pass the baton to him, to take care of His mother. Obviously, Joseph is no longer with us. He must have died some time ago as he is not mentioned at all during Jesus’ years of ministry. As the eldest son in their family, Jesus assumed the role of patriarch. This made good sense, but it’s interesting that Jesus picked John to take His role. We know that James, the brother of Jesus, was somewhere and based on words John recorded earlier, he wasn’t the only sibling. So why pass the mantle to John?

John’s response is definitive. He will do as his master asked.

From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:27b

The Death of Jesus

As I mentioned earlier, John provided few words, perhaps the least required, to document the agonizing event.

28Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30

Let there be no doubt, Virginia, the body of Jesus was no longer alive, He was fully dead. Once again, Pilate enters the scene to expedite the savage spectacle by having the soldiers remove the carcasses from the wooden structures. I know that sounds crass, but I think that’s how they viewed their jobs. These weren’t people, these were less than humans that deserved to be brutally beaten in an effort to teach the public a lesson. Beyond sad.

The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. John 19:35

The man who saw it. I’m pretty sure this is John, once again diverting attention from himself to that which is more important.

he testifies so that you also may believe.

Later, as Luke records, when Jesus “opens their minds to the Scriptures“ they will understand the precise reason for each action that happened on this day. John will add his notes to highlight the most significant points.

The Burial of Jesus

We’re not quite done with Pilate. Once again, there is interaction with the governor. This time a wealthy Jew who hid his relationship with Jesus somehow approached Pilate:

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. John 19:38

Joseph came with Nicodemus. Remember his interaction with Jesus back in chapter 3? Make sure you look at the additional comment I added to this post based on a video I watched by Rich Mullins.

Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. John 19:40

It was certainly Jewish customs that motivated them to wrap the body of Jesus, but it’s odd that these two prominent men would do the work. They would certainly be declared unclean by touching a dead body and thus be self-eliminated from any of the Passover feasts.

I don’t think they even gave that one thought. They took care of the one they loved without regard to rules or regulations. They stepped across the line of comfort and tradition and did what was right. There was no show, no spectacle or scene for those to see. John comforted Mary as best he knew how while their friends, Joseph and Nicodemus, took care of the difficult business of laying Jesus’s body in a tomb.

The end. So they thought.

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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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