Tag: love

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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: 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: 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: The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Read John 15:26-16:4a

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

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

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

The Promise with a Requirement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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John: The World Will Hate You Because of Jesus

Read John 15:18-25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Longer Innocent

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

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

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

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

 

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John: The True Vine and Branches

Read John 15:1-17

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

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

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

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

Remain In Me

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

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

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

If You Remain in Me

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

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

Emphasis added is mine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before we end this passage, consider this promise:

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

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

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

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

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John: Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

Read John 14:15-31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come now; let us leave. John 14:31

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

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

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John: Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Read John 13:31-38

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

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

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

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

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

Without missing a beat, Jesus provides a new command.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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John: Belief and Unbelief Among the Jews

Read John 12:37-50

John has to look back at this moment and shake his head in utter disbelief that so many people have seen what Jesus has done and heard His words, yet turn away. When Jesus met with the disciples after His resurrection, He opened their minds to all the scriptures (Luke 24:45) so they could see the complete picture with clarity.

Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
“Lord, who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” John 12:37-38

While John was given the ability to have this incredible hindsight, Isaiah is one that was gifted with amazing foresight.

Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. John 12:41

Long before Jesus was even born, Isaiah saw Jesus. I’m convinced that Isaiah not only knew Jesus hundreds of years in advance, he also knew he would never see Him face-to-face on earth. Yet he never faltered from his calling as a prophet. It wasn’t for his personal gain. He preached Jesus before anyone had a clue. While he tried to explain in words and images for people to understand, few could piece together the significance of his words.

John is one of a few people on earth who truly got this on every level. And he was able to convey the message to the unbelieving crowds, turning a few that ultimately became many.

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God. John 12:42-43

Then we have the Pharisees. Let’s be clear on this point, the Pharisees didn’t know they were wrong. In fact, they were convinced they were the few religious leaders that had their act together. As a minority in the Sanhedrin, they were the ones trying to convince the Sadducees that they were misguided. While the Pharisees had a point worthy of attention, they were unable to see that they were lost inside the world of religion. A box that Jesus was not about to be placed.

They didn’t know. Like many who are walking in the footsteps of men in power, we need to be mindful of who we are following. Do we love human praise more than praise from God? Is our motivation wrapped up in a title or position? It is my hope to let go of all these earthly things and simply seek to follow Christ, to be an example for others, but always pointing to Jesus, definitely not myself.

John captured the words of Jesus at this point. My guess is this was something he heard many, many times so he drives home the conclusion of this chapter with strong words from Jesus. I don’t typically quote a large section of the NIV for you, but in this case, I would rather let the words of Jesus as captured by John speak for themselves:

44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. 47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” John 12:44-50

Since Jesus declared that He came to save the world, not point a finger as judge, it seems fitting that we should step down from our lofty positions and stop judging others. Instead, we should adopt a very different approach and simply love God and love others. Even those we don’t understand.

I’m writing this particular post on the first day of 2019, a year that I hope will be a turning point in my life. The past year has left scars of broken friendships that I truly regret and disappointments that kept me awake many nights. While I could dwell on my past mistakes, my sins, and misplaced loyalties, I prefer to live as a forgiven son of the Most High while praying for forgetness in addition to forgiveness.

May this year be one where we hear the words of Jesus clearly — and keep them. Part of keeping the words of Christ includes action. It’s not enough to check the box. The things we do reflect the values we hold dearly. My prayer is that we receive the very words of Jesus deep in our hearts and this gift would compel us to love others in new and unique ways as the Spirit prompts and guides.

Father, I pray that Your words would be the ones that fill my heart and mind so much that they come out of my mouth with grace and truth as part of Your perfect plan. Amen.

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John: Palm Sunday

Read John 12:12-19

It’s crazy to think that Jesus goes from Bethany, out of the reach of the religious leaders that were trying to kill him, to ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday…the next day. In these chapters, John slows down time to focus in on significant events and actions that grab our attention.

Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples. John 11:54

Jesus’ fame was at an all-time high at this point. Feeding thousands, healing many, teaching with undeniable authority, Jesus is the one to see as the Passover festival begins to take shape. I imagine the religious leaders are busier than ever trying to make sure everything in the temple is ready. They have to make sure their currency exchange operations are in full swing, preparing for the thousands that will swamp the temple courts. Then there are the sacrifice providers, the butchers, the bakers, and the candlestick makers. All systems need to be running at peak efficiency to make this festival the most profitable ever. Tis the season. Tis the misdirected motivation of many.

But for some unknown number of people, this was the opportunity to see Jesus. They made time in their busy schedules to grab palm branches, coats, whatever, to pay respect to King Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. No army. No weapons. Just riding on the back of a borrowed colt. Amazing.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:12-13

John doesn’t go into a lot of detail, but this event must have just driven the leaders crazy! They have so much to do and Jesus comes waltzing into the approval and fanfare of crowds of people. They were no doubt confused, but John is quick to remind us that even the disciples had a hard time understanding what was going on. John was there with them, so it’s fitting that he provided this observation:

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. John 12:16

Even John didn’t get it at the time. But later on, reflecting on what happened next, the pieces all come together to make sense. So much of my life only makes sense in hindsight. Oh how I wish it all made sense in the midst of trials, but rarely do I get that privilege. It’s probably only me.

Have no doubt, the religious leadership was paying attention. I’m guessing they were just too busy to come up with a plan at that moment.

Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” John 12:18-19

It’s just my imagination, but I’m thinking they dispatched a messenger to Judas Iscariot to remind him of previous secret discussions they had about delivering Jesus to them.

While they smiled at the sojourners coming to pay their temple tax, offer sacrifices, and demonstrate their love of God as they had been told. They took the long journey to honor God and expected the leadership would do their part, but secretly the Pharisees continued to lay the plans for killing Jesus.

The audacity of religious leaders in ancient times is appalling. Sadly, the same is true all too often in our modern age. Anger quickly arises when those in authority take advantage of the masses who rely on their integrity and come open-handed to fulfill their half of the agreement. It’s easy to understand why people get upset.

But this doesn’t happen all that often, not really. What happens more frequently, far too frequently, is the dumbing down of the pain we should feel for our brothers and sisters in need right in front of us and on the other side of town. More often than not our houses of worship are careful to present an image that is politically correct. We avoid stepping on toes or taking a position on atrocities committed in our day and time and we simply ignore the fact that people are homeless and hungry in neighborhoods we avoid at all costs. We play it safe to avoid making headlines and thus disturbing the careful balance of people coming to Sunday gatherings and providing a weekly offering.

Notice I said, “we.” The finger I point is attached to the hand which is raised. There are numerous excuses as to why we ignore those in need around us. I admit it’s complicated and there is definitely no simple answer, but I am convinced that doing nothing is inappropriate. Actually, doing nothing, in my opinion, is sinful. We read the story of the good Samaritan and cheer on the hero as we are sure to avoid those parts of town that make up our modern day Samaria. We know where they are, no doubt, and we know how to avoid “those” people. Right?

Lord, don’t let me be a Pharisee, especially this time of year. Break my heart for that which breaks yours. Show me how I can make a difference for one person, one grain of sand, one thing that seems so insignificant. Let me be one who is bold and crazy enough to shout, “Hosanna” to the true King! Let us be a people who care and change the course of history. One at a time.

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