St. John - session 2
Level 1
The "beloved disciple", John, had time to reflect of all he remembered and was well aware of the change he had experienced as a person. I imagine that he was shy and immature when he met Jesus. He was younger than the rest of them. He was dear to the heart of Jesus. After the disciples received the full complement of the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, all of them became more confident (we will study this later). They became assured and drew many to Christ. John lived the longest. He was not martyred, but was exiled to the Island of Patmos. He died a natural death.
He had much time for reflection and meditation in the Spirit with his beloved Lord. He began his book with an eloquent description and revelation of the wonder, the glory, the authority of Jesus Christ . . . the one who came to bring light to a world of darkness. Please read John 1:1-14.
Sometimes students confuse the name John, with John the Baptist. Quoting from the J. B. Phillips translation (John 1:13-18) John, the Baptist, said,
He had much time for reflection and meditation in the Spirit with his beloved Lord. He began his book with an eloquent description and revelation of the wonder, the glory, the authority of Jesus Christ . . . the one who came to bring light to a world of darkness. Please read John 1:1-14.
Sometimes students confuse the name John, with John the Baptist. Quoting from the J. B. Phillips translation (John 1:13-18) John, the Baptist, said,
Here is the one I was speaking about . . . he existed before I was born . . . For while the Law was given by Moses, LOVE and TRUTH came through Jesus Christ. It is true that no one has seen God at any time. Yet the divine and only son, who lives in the closest intimacy with the Father, has made him known.
In the King James version, the last sentence describes Jesus as one "in the bosom of the Father". I often say Jesus is the HEART of God.
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The best known, probably, of all miracles. even by non Christians (recalled by many wedding guests) is found in chapter two. Jesus agreed to talk to the wine servants to honor his mother, but He knew this would start rumors which would later lead to trouble. Jewish leaders became quite suspicious and jealous, too, I think. Perhaps John attended this wedding, for he is the only one to mention it.
At first, it seems odd that in this same chapter, John gives an account of Jesus clearing out the Temple. Other Gospel writers give this account at a later date. Yet, I remind myself that chronological dates are not as important as recognizing John's wish to help us understand the character and power of the divine Messiah.
It's as if from the very beginning of the book, John wanted to show the authority of Jesus, given Him by His Father.
At first, it seems odd that in this same chapter, John gives an account of Jesus clearing out the Temple. Other Gospel writers give this account at a later date. Yet, I remind myself that chronological dates are not as important as recognizing John's wish to help us understand the character and power of the divine Messiah.
It's as if from the very beginning of the book, John wanted to show the authority of Jesus, given Him by His Father.
Level 2
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It is interesting that those in the Temple asked Jesus, "What sign can you show us as evidence that you have authority?" (John 2:18). Even today, people are impressed by signs and miracles . . . also dramatic healings. Yet here, Jesus did NOT perform a miracle to show them His power. Instead, He prophesied about the greatest MIRACLE — His own Resurrection!!!
When Jesus talked about the end of the age, He said that some would come in His name saying " look, here is the Christ . . . for false Christs will appear and perform signs and miracles which will deceive even the elect, so be on guard (Matt 24:24). The "elect" is translated as members of the Christian Church (a symbol, also found in 2nd John 1:1).
In chapter three, we have that famous conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Never be concerned or irritated if someone asks you, Are you born again?, they may not even know what that means. You can always answer "I am born of the Spirit of God. That is what Jesus meant by the phrase "born again". This is not always logical to those who do not have "eyes to see and ears to hear" (a frequent expression of Jesus . . . more later on that). God longs for us to grow more Spiritual!
At the end of chapter three, John quotes John, the Baptist, giving testimony of Jesus that God had given him.
When Jesus talked about the end of the age, He said that some would come in His name saying " look, here is the Christ . . . for false Christs will appear and perform signs and miracles which will deceive even the elect, so be on guard (Matt 24:24). The "elect" is translated as members of the Christian Church (a symbol, also found in 2nd John 1:1).
In chapter three, we have that famous conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Never be concerned or irritated if someone asks you, Are you born again?, they may not even know what that means. You can always answer "I am born of the Spirit of God. That is what Jesus meant by the phrase "born again". This is not always logical to those who do not have "eyes to see and ears to hear" (a frequent expression of Jesus . . . more later on that). God longs for us to grow more Spiritual!
At the end of chapter three, John quotes John, the Baptist, giving testimony of Jesus that God had given him.
The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what He has seen and heard. For the one whom God has sent speaks the word of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
J. B. Phillip version . . .and there can be no MEASURING of the Spirit given to Him. (John 2:34)
Here there is a clear reference to the life of Jesus as He lived the human life with the fullness of the Spirit of God within Him.
Please read chapters four and five. I have been surprised to find so many Christians unfamiliar with John's Gospel.
Please read chapters four and five. I have been surprised to find so many Christians unfamiliar with John's Gospel.