Tag: love

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John: The Plot to Kill Jesus Brews

Read John 11:45-57

The story of Lazarus being brought back to life spread like wildfire. Many believed in Jesus while others somehow saw a completely different message. There’s a lot going on here for us to wrestle with, much of which I can only pretend to understand because I don’t have any firsthand experience with the Sanhedrin, with Sadducees or Pharisees. The best we can do is rely on those who have researched this in great detail to gain perspective. I hope that is sufficient.

For example, Caiaphas is a Sadducee and is the chief priest, as the house majority leader in our political system. Historians tell us that he’s been working with Pilate to keep peace in the region for a decade. While the alliance is slippery and challenging, he sees himself as the hero of the story, not the villain. I would suggest that both Pilate and Caiaphas think of themselves in that light as they struggle with day-to-day whining of those under their authority.

If that background is accurate, and I really think it is, we can now dive into John’s brief description of what’s going on in this scene. The miracle of restoring life to Lazarus is huge! Those that knew him personally are most likely among those who believed in Jesus as a result. Others were not so sure, but this is one of those stories that would command the attention of everyone, whether it is true or not. From the religious leaders’ perspective, this had to be dealt with quickly and effectively or the relative peace they were enjoying would be destroyed.

The Sanhedrin was assembled for action.

Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” John 11:49-50

When we read this, we should be careful not to apply our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice as one for all, as in He paid the price for all our sins. Caiaphas is not suggesting that is the solution. His perspective is to get rid of this one person who is causing problems for the whole nation. It’s better to kill one person than to let rumors like this spread and ruin the peace and prosperity they are enjoying. Along with the private office, dedicated admin assistants, and reserved parking space.

John is quick to explain the irony of Caiaphas’ inadvertent prophecy:

He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. John 11:51-52

Rest assured, Caiaphas did not mean to say Jesus was the Messiah. He wasn’t listening to that rhetoric at all. As a Sadducee, he didn’t believe in the resurrection anyway, so the point was moot. All he knew was that Jesus needed to be eliminated quickly, then they could get back to business as usual. So he thought.

Chapters 11 & 12 of John’s gospel are the pivot point for the entire story. In this dramatic event, Jesus demonstrates His authority of death by raising Lazarus. John takes his time in describing the events that cover a mere handful of days. The hour is coming soon.

As the tension builds we can see two completely separate movements. The religious leaders are secretly devising plans on one hand and the devoted followers of Jesus are hanging onto His every word trying to get their minds wrapped around this miracle and the possibility that He is really the Messiah.

Neither camp knows what the other is doing, but both are convinced they are right. We know how the story plays out because we can read ahead but in the middle of the debate they are each justified in their own minds. The blind religious leaders have no clue.

I wonder about our vision at times. Are we blind too? Have we become so wrapped up in our own processes, procedures, rules, rules about rules, that we too have lost sight for what Jesus commanded? Do we love our neighbors as Jesus commanded (not suggested)? Do we know our neighbors well enough to actually love them? How about “those” people on the other side of town? You know, the ones who don’t have jobs, the ones who show up at shelters begging for a bed when the temperatures drop below freezing. Our neighbors. The ones we hope and pray don’t knock on our doors and invade our warm spaces.

John 11 doesn’t really have anything to do with loving our neighbor, right? Perhaps it’s just part of the bigger story, but I would suggest that the lack of love demonstrated here does, in fact, challenge me to think about how I love my neighbors. Or not. Here’s the real problem: I know better. I can no longer claim ignorance. I’ve seen the eyes of one man asking for a few extra meals to feed his family. What else could I do? What more can I do?

I guess my main point is that we aren’t focused on the main point. We easily get distracted by our own personal agendas without recognizing what is happening right in front of our eyes.

Holy Spirit wake us up! Shake us up so we can see what is happening in this story and be amazed and appalled at the same time. Show us how to move the needle back in your direction.

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Thanksgiving 2018 – Truly Thankful

I’m incredibly thankful for many things, but most of all for a God who isn’t fair.

I’m thankful for a Creator God that loves us so much that he allows us to choose right or wrong in our own eyes, who honors wise choices, disciplines poor decisions, and loves us completely in any case.

I’m thankful that Jesus showed himself to us in human form, for his example that sets the bar too high, then lifts us up with him as he presents us to the Father unblemished no matter how undeserving we might feel.

I’m thankful that the Holy Spirit invades every breath we take, whispers or shouts words of encouragement in our minds as well as silence when we need to hear him most.

Thanks, God, for the pillow that allows me to rest my head,
for the fact that I even have a bed,
a place to retreat,
the quiet,
content.

Thanks, God, for friends that see beyond my blunders,
who know I’m only human,
for true kindness,
I can’t earn,
complete.

Thanks, God, for family near and far that still reach out,
who love me when I forget a birthday,
or holiday,
my earthly
family.

I’m incredibly thankful for many things,
but most of all for a God who isn’t fair,
who sees me as I am
and loves me anyway.

Teach me one more lesson, Jesus,
to love the unlovable,
to speak to the unspeakable,
to forgive the unforgivable,
to trust the untrustworthy,
to give all I have and trust you will fill each and every true need.

Holy Spirit keep reminding me to be thankful every day,
to see you in the eyes of each and every person I meet,
to recognize the potential in all who breathe,
to feel the sense of urgency that it’s you they need.

I’m incredibly thankful for many things, but most of all for a God who isn’t fair.

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John: Jesus Wept

Read John 11:1-44

Once again John provides a detailed story that demonstrates the humanity of the immortal, the love of God so vast that it transcends time and strikes us in the deepest parts of our being. I titled this, Jesus Wept, because I think this is the point of the story beyond His ability to raise Lazarus from the dead. As Martha knew, Jesus is fully capable of restoring life. What strikes me today is the fact that Jesus wept for Martha, for Mary, for Lazarus, for His disciples, for you, and for me.

While the focus of this discussion is primarily on chapter 11, you may find it helpful to read both chapters 11 and 12 together since there are more words pertaining to Lazarus as well. It helps frame the discussion. Remember, we’re trying to take smaller passages to keep our discussion brief in this present effort, not too small to miss the greater story. Anyway, take a few minutes and look at both chapters then come back here.

The Death of Lazarus: John 11:1-16

One of the striking images I take from the first section of the story is the close friendship that Martha, Mary, and Lazarus have with Jesus. This is a very human thing to consider. I know that Jesus is the Messiah, but He was also fully human and had real friends with actual people that lived and breathed on earth. This is simply too important to miss.

In talking with a friend this past weekend, it’s very likely that Jesus laughed, told stories, joked around, and did all things human while He walked around with people on earth. When we say He was fully human, I respectfully submit He was in fact completely human, except for the whole sin-nature thing.

This perspective adds to the story. These were people that knew Jesus well. They knew He was just down the road as He ministered in Jerusalem.  They sent word for Jesus to let Him know one of His dear friends was sick.

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. John 11:4-5

The disciples are concerned about venturing back to the place they recently departed, but Jesus loves His friends and, of course, has a plan. He tells them Lazarus is asleep, then clarifies that he is actually dead. Ok, that changes things, right?

Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16

Did you catch that? Thomas, the one we like to refer to as “doubting Thomas” is boldly asserting that we should get serious and march back into Bethany! Remember this insight when someone makes fun of Thomas’ reaction just after the resurrection of Jesus. He’s human, just like us. Don’t be so quick to judge those who did ministry with Jesus.

Jesus Comes to Bethany: John 11:17-37

Jesus finally gets to Bethany four days after Lazarus’ death. Four days is significant. Researchers suggest that there was a belief that a person spirit hung around for three days after death. By day four, there was no hope for resuscitation. Lazarus was thoroughly dead.

Martha, the older sister, was the first to confront Jesus. Here words are not disrespectful; rather, they are filled with sorrow.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” John 11:21-22

Mary has a similar response:

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32

Take a close look at the interaction between Jesus and Martha. Jesus reminds Martha that which she knows deep in her heart then leaves her with a question.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

I would suggest this is a question for each of us. I believe John carefully placed the question here for all those who heard this scroll read 2,000 years ago and for those reading these words on their favorite electronic device today. Do you believe this?

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
Jesus wept. John 11:33-35

Lazarus is Raised to Life: John 11:38-44

For four days people found their way to this place of burial for their friend Lazarus. People came and mourned publicly. The timing was such that many were gathered.

It’s interesting to note the authority that Jesus had among these people. When they got to the tomb, Jesus told them to remove the stone. Even with some mild questioning, it appears that no one meant to contradict what Jesus told them to do. This had to be extremely odd, to say the least. Bad odor or simply bad idea, they moved the stone and Jesus took center stage.

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. John 11:43-44

I can’t begin to imagine the reaction of the crowd at this point. One who was dead for four days walks out of the tomb still dressed in grave clothes. Pause for a minute and let the story sink in.

The climax of this story is the tears that flowed on Jesus’ cheeks, but I’m convinced it’s not the only time Jesus wept. I’m pretty sure Jesus wept in Genesis 3:6, 4:8, 6:5, 7:21, and 11:8 to name a few references. When I read through the Old Testament, I see time after time when I’m sure Jesus wept.

I think He wept when I sinned, again, knowing that I knew better, but I lacked the faith and resolve to focus on the best prize in favor of an expedient goal. Yes, He forgives again and again. While I’m convinced Jesus smiles more than He weeps, I still get the sense that He cares so much for us that it moves Him to tears when we make wrong choices.

As a parent, this is certainly something I’ve seen in a small sense. As a parent of adult children, it’s much more emotional than when our children lived under our roof. Adult children are offered adult-sized mistakes. It’s painful. It makes me weep.

Beyond my personal ring of friends and family, I see many others that have fallen into the cycle of despair that comes from a sequence of bad choices. I like the term “bad” here because it’s not always a clear right or wrong option. Sometimes there are multiple things to do that are all right, by definition, but some are more valuable than others. All too often, it seems, we choose that which is easy over that which is less appealing and less likely to gain favor from others.

Lord, help me to do what is best. I need You to whisper in my ear, or shout if that’s what it takes! Forgive me for the things I do that fall short of honoring as I should. Don’t let me dwell on that which You’ve chosen to forget, but move me in the right direction to benefit Your amazing kingdom, for Your greater good!

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John: Unbelief of the Jewish Leaders

John 7:45-52

The closing section of chapter 7 includes no words from Jesus. Instead, it’s a very brief debate between religious leaders as they try to figure out what to do with Jesus.  As if their decision. When we zoom out a bit we see this is a midpoint of the discussion during the Feast of Tabernacles. Chapters 7 and 8 are one story with an aside thrown in the middle that we’ll discuss next time.

The characters in this section are quite interesting. There are three groups to consider: the guards, the people, and the Pharisees, that is, the religious leaders.

Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” John 7:45

The Guards

Every time I’ve read this story, I’ve always considered the guards as somewhat inferior, not the brightest bulb in the factory. If this scene were ever written as a skit in church, those who would be chosen as guards would not be considered the major characters, to say the least. What I find interesting this time through is the Pharisees are offended at the guards’ inability to carry out their orders, but this offense has no punishment.

The way John puts it, they definitely looked down on the guards, but I’m not so sure that the guards are second class citizens. The bold statement is not one of ignorance, they were able to hear the authority from which Jesus spoke.

“No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied. John 7:46

The Pharisees response degraded the guards and the people.

“You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.” John 7:47-49

The People

John’s portrayal of the Pharisees is less than stellar. In this somewhat childish response, the Pharisees call the pilgrims who have journeyed from near and far a mob. The implication is simple: they’re too ignorant to understand scripture, how could they possibly understand? In some ways, there is truth in their statement. The laws they have contrived is complex. They’ve created a system that few understand, but the people should not be discarded as a meaningless mob. It seems that John writes these words to paint an ugly picture of religious leadership at its worst.

The Pharisees

There is a curse on them! That’s the best the Pharisees can conjure up. Someone has tricked them into believing a lesson they did not provide. Nicodemus has to chime in to try and shock them back to reality by pointing out that their own law requires a hearing. All they’re doing is responding to hearsay. To properly address their concerns, they need to have a conversation with Jesus.

They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.” John 7:52

Their disdainful response to one of their own only makes matters worse. And by the way, Jonah, the prophet, came from Galilee. It’s likely that others did as well, and certainly, God could call a prophet from anywhere, even Galilee.

Anger is an emotion that leads to irrational behavior. The Pharisees in this scene are angry because they are convinced that this Jesus character is misleading people. Rather than stop and listen, they have drawn their conclusions and withdrawn to their ivory towers to defend their positions.

It’s my desire to remain calm at all times, but I fail too often. This story is a sober reminder that when anger and religious elitism meet, the results are worse than it appears on the surface. God is not honored. People are misled. The lost are not found.

The chaos of the moment led otherwise intelligent people to make poor choices. Lord, help us to remain calm and give us the wisdom to hear your words among the many who would love to distract us.

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John: Who Can Accept This Hard Teaching?

Read John 6:60-71

The last section in this chapter challenges us all to accept that which is hard to understand. Those of us that have worn the Christian badge for many years might have a hard time understanding the challenge here, but I want to strongly encourage you (exhort) to read this chapter from the eyes of one who does not yet believe. If His closest disciples found this concept difficult, we need to check our own hearts as well.

There are two groups of disciples in this narrative: The Twelve and The Many. I’m not exactly sure how this all worked in those days, but the concept of discipleship was common in that culture. Actually, it’s common in our culture, but we don’t use the term outside of church very often. Apprentice might be a more universally accepted title. The structure is the same, however. One learns from someone who is a bit farther down the road in their learning. Nothing new here, just setting the stage for understanding the hierarchy that existed amongst those who are listening to Jesus.

As with the previous post, it’s important to look one verse back to appreciate the current text. In this case, we see that Jesus is teaching in the synagogue. The group that’s gathered there chose to be in the audience; they came to learn. In other words, this is not a random group of people on a street corner, the people in this story are those who were immersed in Jewish culture.

Since this is the last post for chapter six, I also want to zoom out a bit and look at the lesson John is teaching us in this writing. If we examine the chapter as a single lesson with multiple parts, we gain some rich insight into how John is trying to help us understand Jesus’ methods.

Let’s expand the structure with what we’ve learned in each post:

  • John: Feeding Thousands – John 6:1-15.
    • Jesus cares about our physical needs.
    • The crowd wants to control Jesus.
    • They eventually ask for food that does not spoil.
  • John: Jesus Walks on Water – Don’t Be Afraid – John 6:16-24.
    • Jesus cares about His disciples.
    • They are afraid, but Jesus comforts them.
    • Between the two episodes, reverence for Jesus is increased.
  • John: Jesus is the Bread of Life – John 6:25-59.
    • Jesus is the answer to eternal life.
    • He is the Son of God.
    • He must die in order to be raised up.
    • Blood must be shed.
    • Eternal life is ONLY possible through His death and resurrection (this becomes clear as we read more of John’s teaching).
  • Many Disciples Desert Jesus – John 6:60-71.
    • Many, if not most, won’t be able to accept this teaching.
    • The Twelve are confused; this is a new lesson for everyone.
    • Those who were on the fence about Jesus simply can’t accept this teaching.

It’s amazing that the disciples have the guts to say this is hard to understand.

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” John 6:60

I don’t know about you, but I find great comfort in the fact that they not only thought this, but they said it out loud. They had to know that Jesus wasn’t going to let this slip by; He was going to confront them. That’s what I love about these guys and that’s the kind of community I hope to be a part of. Don’t just accept the answers, ask more questions. At the same time, don’t be cynical! This is not a prompt to be confrontational! Not at all!

Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! John 6:61-62

Jesus explains that the Spirit gives life, the flesh is meaningless. He knows that not all will believe in these words.

For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” John 6:64-65

Jesus is not one to hold back, especially with His chosen disciples.

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:67-69

Peter’s answer is the response that we know we should have deep in our hearts. When we reflect on this mortal life, I hope we too would come to the same conclusion: to whom shall we go? It’s a bit sobering to think in terms of eternity when we look at our daily activity.

Was this the event that pushed Judas over the edge?

Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.) John 6:70-71

Perhaps he had too much pride to walk away with those who couldn’t accept this teaching. In his mind, he “had” to stay. John adds the parenthetical note to be sure we don’t miss the point that early on in Jesus’ earthly ministry He is fully aware of Judas’ intentions. I think it’s safe to say that John didn’t get it at the time; his discernment alarm was not that finely tuned at the time.

We’re all pretty good about hiding feelings, even when they betray us. In our culture, admitting we don’t understand something is looked down upon. That’s what I love about one-on-one discipleship. In these personal settings, our discussions have the capacity to ask questions without the facade. At least that’s my prayer!

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I hope you’ll read this chapter from the eyes of one who does not yet believe and remember that His closest disciples found this concept difficult. Lord help us to check our own hearts as well. Help us to see the difficulty in accepting that which we have become comfortable in believing so that we can lead others to Christ.

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John: Testimonies About Jesus — The Canal

Read John 5:31-47

John records some incredibly striking words in the continuation of Jesus’s response to the religious leaders who were so upset that they literally couldn’t think straight. The passage begins with a discussion about who is testifying for whom. Then we read some very convicting words like, “nor does his word dwell in you” and “I know you do not have the love of God in your hearts.” (John 5:38, 5:42) Ouch! These words had to sting or at the very least provoke some kind of response. Jesus concludes with a very compelling and convicting argument that they don’t even believe the words that Moses wrote.

For those who think Jesus was all about holding hands, smiles, and thought-provoking storytelling, this passage will help to refocus your thoughts.

Let’s take a quick look at the scripture, then I want to share a story, The Canal, from the NIV Application Commentary. Perhaps you’ll see the connection.

Testimony – John 5:31-37a

Jesus tries to explain that He is the One sent from the Father, but not because He says so, rather, it’s because others, notably John the Baptist, proclaimed this good news. He’s clear to state that He didn’t need John’s testimony, but if it’s easier for you to accept the word of another human, then great! What really matters is that you hear the testimony: Jesus is here to finish what started long ago!

Empty Vessels – John 5:37b-44

Jesus then directed His words at the hearts of those listening. I highlight this section (ok, I highlight a lot!):

You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:37b-40

The reason they couldn’t understand the testimony is His presence is not within them. When I read verses like this, I shudder to think about how many Bible studies I’ve been a part of, the hours invested in study and memorization for the sake of education rather than life change.

I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. John 5:41-42

They were good students, So I imagine they were busy taking notes, looking for ways to pick apart His message. How did they receive this message? Did Jesus pause here for a while and wait for them to look up from taking notes?

Your Accuser is Moses – John 5:45-47

To make His message perfectly clear, Jesus points to the one they all agreed on: Moses. The Sadducees and Pharisees made up the Sanhedrin, the religious ruling authority of their time. They disagreed on a lot of things, but the writing of Moses was something they could mutually accept. Jesus points out Moses even testified about the day when someone greater than he would come:

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. Deuteronomy 18:15

“You must listen to him.” Jesus’s concluding remarks is followed by gently setting the microphone down and walking away:

But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” John 5:47

Later on, the half-brother of Jesus would exhort us to become doers of the Word, not just hearers. I hope we gather together and build great friendships in ministry. May we learn to love and cherish each other as wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. Absolutely. Please get together and study scripture, sing songs, pass the communion cup, but don’t stop there. Go and do something. Share the love of Christ and the message of salvation. Lord stir in our hearts so powerfully that we can’t help but reach out to others!

The Canal

I read this section in the NIV Application Commentary as I was preparing my thoughts on the passage above. I love the imagery it presents and the truth that it provides. Take a minute and read this excerpt and pray that God will stir something fresh in your heart.

Jesus’ inquisitors represent the “religious establishment” for whom the vigorous preservation of religious tradition counts more highly than the spontaneity and openness of faith. These people know their Scriptures and use them to defend all of the wrong things.

Karl Barth provides a harrowing description of this sickness in his famous 1919 commentary on Romans (see his remarks on Romans 2). Barth thinks about people who live in a wilderness alongside a canal. The canal was there to bring them water and life, and it was with great effort and cost that the project was built for their place in time. Great sacrifices were made, and many died as the canal was cut through mountain and desert. But the great irony is that the canal has become dry, and while its walls still convey evidence of the coursing of water, there is nothing there that can give life to anyone. Nevertheless, the people continue to service it, to defend it, to name their children after its architects and engineers; but it is only an historic thing.

A canal meant to convey something— water and life— now has become static, an end instead of a means. Something for the museum. People tell stories about it instead of drinking from it. The older ones treasure the stories most; the younger ones have to be initiated deliberately, but each generation seems to lose a fraction of the true vision of the canal as time goes on. And no one has a memory of what water in the canal really looks like. Barth’s warning to the Swiss and German church following World War I is a word we should heed today. The possibility always exists that my life, my church, my tradition, my denomination, even my Bible will become relics of religious curiosity instead of living instruments of God. Men and women will be ordained, earn Ph.D.s, and launch magazines, publishing houses, colleges, and seminaries with solid evangelical commitments, and it will all be for nothing. Empty canals. There are specialists who can cite Scripture and verse, who can measure orthodoxy with exacting precision, who can identify the religious speck in someone’s eye from a great distance, but in whom love for God does not exist (John 5:42).

 

 

Source: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland, David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 63083-63098). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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John: Healing at the Pool — Do You Want to Get Well?

As we head into chapter 5, I found it interesting that the NIV Application Commentary suggests the purpose of chapter 5 is to begin building the case against Jesus (cite below this post). This outline is helpful to give us some context for discussion:

The Crime (John 5:1–15)

  • A man at Bethesda is healed on the Sabbath
  • The man is interrogated
  • The criminal [Jesus] is identified

The Decision to Prosecute (John 5:16–18)

  • First basis: Jesus violates the Sabbath
  • Second basis: Jesus is making divine claims

Jesus Goes to Trial (John 5:19–47)

  • Jesus describes his “criminal” work
  • Jesus brings witnesses in his defense
  • Jesus prosecutes his opponents
  • Jesus identifies their crimes
  • Jesus challenges their ability to appeal

Read: John 5:1-15

In contrast to the request in the previous post where the principal character begs Jesus to heal his son, we now read a story where Jesus initiates the conversation. Instead of appealing to Jesus for help, Jesus sees the man and reaches out to him. While the man is not named in John’s gospel account, he would have been well known by the people from that area. After decades of inability to walk, people would certainly know him and his family.

In our modern culture, we can hide away in our houses and avoid our neighbors by slipping in and out of the garage by remote control. Not so back in the times represented here. Even though there were lots of people showing up for the special waters at Bethesda, this man was not nameless.

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John 5:6

The man’s response is one of logistics, he knows the process, but perhaps after so many years of sitting and waiting he has few friends or family that will do more than drop him off at the pool. Do the math. There are nearly 14,000 days in 38 years. That’s a lot of days to put up with a friend or relative that can’t walk! I don’t know if they transported him daily, but they certainly had to tend to his needs in some way or another.

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” John 5:7

When the healing waters of Bethesda are stirred, there’s a chance you can be healed if you’re placed in the water at the right time in the right location. Jesus doesn’t even address this superstition, nor does He denounce any potential medicinal benefits of minerals contained in the water. He simply says,

“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. John 5:8-9

After years of sitting and waiting, the man is healed in an instant! No wading in the pool. No special anointing oil or board of elders with hands on his legs. Jesus doesn’t tell the disciples to gather around and see how this is done. None of this implies any spectacle or special gathering. No spotlight, no microphones, and no additional words of instruction. The guy didn’t even know who Jesus was and most importantly, there was no public confession of faith before he was healed. None of that. Just a command.

The Pharisees check their rulebook and throw a flag:

The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” John 5:9-10

Seriously? For the first time in nearly 40 years, this man is able to walk, he is actually able to carry his mat, and you want to play the Sabbath card?

It takes them a while, but eventually, the Pharisees find out it is Jesus who committed the crime, He healed a man on the Sabbath.

Stop Sinning

The story is of a real person at a real place at a time when people saw a direct correlation between sin and suffering. If you are a sinner, you suffer. Do good and you will be rewarded. Right? Not exactly, but Jesus’ response directed at this man opens up a floodgate of questions:

Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” John 5:14

Stop sinning certainly implies the man has been sinning and the rest of the statement leaves us to believe his infirmity was the result of said sin. This is problematic.

What do we do with this story?

John must have had a particular reason to share this story. Was he trying to establish that the Pharisees had lost their way as the NIVAC outline suggests? Is this story about superstitions versus miraculous healing? Should we focus on the relationship of sin to suffering? Pass the mic around. I’d love to hear what you think!

For this man and in this case it appears that he needs to repent and have a change of heart. I think he showed up in the temple because he understood that God is to be honored for such a miracle. When Jesus tells him to stop sinning with a warning, it’s pretty clear that there is some relationship between sin and suffering for this man at this time. I would hope that I would be open to hearing such words in my own life! If there was any inclination that my infirmity would return because of sinful actions, I believe I would heed the words of Jesus.

 

Source: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland, David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 62791-62798). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Seeing Constellations Among the Stars

If we could find a place beyond the city lights, on a clear night we would see a billion stars in the sky. Some of these, on closer observation, would be planets and moons, asteroids and comets. The wonder of the heavenly bodies would become apparent to us when someone reveals their existence.

A constellation is a connection of dots with no concept of space or distance except in the mind and imagination of the observer. Once the pattern is revealed, its beauty begins to unfold. I can remember traveling the world and searching the night sky for Orion’s belt. It reminded me of the beauty of God’s creation and how His love spans the globe — we just have to look for it.

At some point in my childhood, I was fascinated by space, the final frontier. Yes, I was one of those people. I invested hours in learning some of the constellations like the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Orion, etc. As I learned the patterns and understood where and when to look for them, I found myself enjoying the night sky more and more. What was once the darkest part of the night became warm and inviting. I bought a cheap telescope and a few books that I could afford to see better and understand more.

Spiritual Maturity

The road to Spiritual Maturity in Christ is like this. At some point we find ourselves in complete darkness, then the sky clears and we see the majesty of the stars. We’re overwhelmed by the beauty of creation, but where do we begin? So many heavenly bodies! Our minds can quickly become overwhelmed, but we’re not alone.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

We are a community, a priesthood of believers. Some have been looking at the stars for a long time and have learned the patterns. They can help explain the constellations and in so doing the night sky not only becomes friendlier, it becomes inviting.

Disciple Makers

Such is the role of a disciple maker. One who simply reveals that which has been there all along. The road to Spiritual Maturity is a process of pointing out when and where to look for constellations if you get the metaphor. If I’m doing a great job, the disciple begins to see the patterns themselves. The last thing on my mind is for them to look at me. That makes no sense! Look at the heavens to appreciate the wonder.

And be amazed!

Do all of this in love with the understanding that the Jesus not only commanded that we love each other, He calls us His friends.

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. 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 15:12-15

Now go and find someone else who is walking in total darkness. Show them the patterns. Help them make sense of it all. Get excited when they see constellations you missed or planets that skipped your attention. Enjoy the journey and celebrate the discoveries as you continue to point people to the heavens.

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God Did Not Send Jesus to do His Dirty Work

Read: John 3:16-21

I know we just discussed this here, but there is much more to say before moving on. As I read the NIV Application Commentary over and over again, I’m struck by the need to explain John’s statements further. The phrase that leaps off the page is the title of this post:

God did not send Jesus to do His dirty work.

God was and is for us. It is His greatest desire that all would come to accept that which the world has taught us otherwise: there is absolute truth and that truth is wrapped up in the incarnated life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The following is an excerpt from the NIV Application Commentary that dives deep into the subject in a much more eloquent manner than I can express. Please take time to read this three or four times. It’s that significant.

 

 

Today’s intellectual climate is offended by the absolute claim of religious truth, but a faithful rendering of New Testament Christology demands this. This theme will continue to come up throughout the Gospel of John, but at this juncture, John has said something important that we must pause and note.

Many Christians today think about the work of Christ with an unfortunate, ill-informed understanding of God and Christ. I see this again and again both in classes I teach and in the church.

The imaginative picture used by many to express the work of Christ is that Jesus has died in order to placate an angry God, whereas the cross expresses the love of Christ for us and his work appeases God’s threatening wrath. This makes God an opponent and an adversary while Jesus is our ally.

But this is not what John says in 3:16. “God so loved the world…” The work of Christ is God at work, God saving the world, God extending himself into the condition of our humanity and bringing about reconciliation. The center of this error is a deficient view of the Trinity or, more precisely, a deficient understanding of what the church’s earliest theologians were trying to express at the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325).

Christ was not created— there was no time in history when he “was not”— and so he enjoys an eternal existence precisely like God. Further, he shares the very essence or being of God (the Council of Nicea used the word homoousios to express this concept). Why is this important? Because it means that God himself is on our side. God himself is at work on our behalf.

He did not send a messenger (Jesus) to do the dirty work. God himself came to the cross and suffered in order to bring his beloved creation back to himself.

This understanding is expressed repeatedly by Paul. In 2 Corinthians 5: 18–19 he describes the goodness of God in rescuing us and remarks: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” Or again, in the words of [Bible]Colossians 1:19–20[/bible]: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

The cross is thus God’s work. Jesus Christ came to earth, not in order to change God’s mind, but to express God’s mind.

 

Who can understand why God chose this method or the timing? Why did He wait 430 years to call Moses and lead His people out of slavery? Why, what, how? I can’t answer these things sufficiently because the explanation requires some degree of faith. It requires belief in something greater and more powerful than mankind. I’m required to confess that I lack the intellectual capacity to answer these questions to appease the cynic and skeptic and I have the audacity to conclude there is a God that is responsible for all creation that is not bound by time nor offended by my opinions. He is God. I am not.

I tried to explain my perspective in this post: Reason for the Hope I have in Jesus Christ a few months ago. The current study of John’s gospel continues to rattle the chain and begs me to investigate more. My prayer is these words will stir something in your heart and keep you awake at night. I suggest this is the Holy Spirit stirring in your heart. Listen to that voice. Turn off the streams of worldly advice and hear from the voice of One who loves you more than my words can express.

 

 

Source: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland, David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 61930-61950). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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John: Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Read: John 3:1-15

The reading today takes us up to the infamous verse, John 3:16. It’s important to remember the context, so the title I chose for this post is intentionally focused on Nicodemus. He’s the Pharisee that heard about Jesus and sought Him after hours, under cover of darkness. Jesus has a lot to say to Nicodemus (and us) before John summarized the lesson in a statement that almost everyone has heard. This section paints the picture in dark or light, black or white. There is no gray mentioned here. It’s a tough lesson for a religious zealot from a few thousand years ago and it’s hard for many to accept in this present time. Let’s dive in and take a look!

Visitation at Night

Imagine you were part of a minority group that is trying to get a nation back on track with God. The Pharisees had a strong voice and were convinced their way was right. Their main rival was the Sadducees, the group that held a majority of positions in the Sanhedrin. The Sadducees were bound to the Torah, the first five books of what we call the Bible. They denied the resurrection, afterlife, and even the spiritual realm. Their beliefs seemed out of step with reality from our perspective and definitely something the Pharisees were trying to overshadow. (See GotQuestions.org for more.)

The picture I’m trying to paint is one of political maneuvering among the religious elite. This background is essential to understanding why Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, had to show up at night — this was significant and unusual.

In addition, recall the events covered in John’s first few chapters: John the Baptist, calling of the disciples, miraculous water into wine, and clearing of the temple. There were probably other events that prompted Nicodemus to seek out Jesus, but John wants us to consider these before reading this chapter.

He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” John 3:2

Teaching the Teacher

As we begin to dive deep into this lesson, I have one last observation to set the stage. The Pharisees are notoriously at odds with Jesus. We know they were the group in particular that wanted to have Jesus killed. Yet Jesus accepted the opportunity to meet with Nicodemus. I would suggest His words are meant to encourage Nicodemus, not speak down to him. I read the interaction with great kindness, with care and love.

I hope this is an example for us to speak to others who are truly seeking to understand the essence of our faith. It’s impossible to show anyone what the heavenly realms look like, there has to be a leap of faith. That leap must be from a sure foundation to a certain destination. The foundation is Christ. The destination is eternal life with the Father.

Nicodemus is a teacher of teachers who came to learn from the greatest teacher of all. Perhaps he set out to test Jesus, to see where He stood on the Torah. He doesn’t even ask a question before Jesus jumps into an intense thought.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3

Nicodemus is a learned man. I’m convinced he knew that Jesus had more to say on this subject, but he’s trying to understand how to teach this to someone else.

“Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” John 3:4

Jesus now explains that which is difficult to understand. His explanation he gently rebukes Nicodemus,

“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? John 3:10

Even so, He provides details to challenge and stretch the imagination of many.

“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” John 3:5-6

We Speak and You People Don’t Believe

These few verses jump out at me this morning. Here Jesus’ words are “we speak” versus “you people.” Something is going on here. Pay particular attention to this passage in that light.

Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? John 3:11-12

Let the thought sink in. Jesus goes on to provide an example of Moses lifting up the snake in the wilderness, just as He will be lifted up on a cross. His testimony is compelling. I think they talked until dawn. In my imagination, I see Nicodemus with tears as he hears the words of the Messiah. I think he’s convinced and stuck at the same time.

We’ll see Nicodemus a few more times in this gospel account. My prayer that I would learn from his humility and great desire to learn from the Master.

I intended to include the next few verses, but as I got to this point, I wanted to pause and reflect on how much I am like Nicodemus. Raised in the church, steeped in religion, blessed beyond measure, yet lost in the world. I need to hear and appreciate the ensuing verses, but I need to wait a moment.

Lord, fill this place right now. Cast a light into the darkness that surrounds us. Show us that if we hold tightly to that which the world honors we will miss the blessing You have for each of us. This is a hard lesson to understand, but essential to our growth.

Breathe into us, Holy Spirit, fill our lungs with Your breath so we may be a blessing to everyone we meet today. Everyone.

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