St. John - session 4
Level 1
As a child, it's fun to read about Jesus going to the Temple in Jerusalem in secret, without telling the disciples. It makes Him seem more human. Of course, He had to be careful for there was a plot to kill Him and that time had not yet come. He talked to the crowd with the same recurring theme.
. . . do not be taken in by appearances, be HONEST, judge fairly and righteously. (John 7: 10-24)
How can one deal with others with justice AND mercy simultaneously? This is reflected in Psalm 89, verse 14:
[Lord] . . . right being and justice are the foundation of your throne, [yet] LOVE and FAITHFULNESS go before you.
Thus follows the parable of the woman caught in adultery. The Jewish leaders brought this woman to Him and asked Him what punishment should be used. They wanted to put Him in a "no-win" situation. The Mosaic Law called for death by stoning. Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." What Jesus wrote on the ground may have been names of those who took advantage of her (John 8:7). Jesus said to her,
Go on your way and sin no more.
He held her accountable to God, but through His loving forgiveness, she was drawn to Him.
My husband was approached often to pray for broken relationships. His theme was, be accountable to God with the truth, but never forsake the love of Christ for that person in your heart. I always think this is not possible without the Spirit of Christ in us, who is able to love through us.
My husband was approached often to pray for broken relationships. His theme was, be accountable to God with the truth, but never forsake the love of Christ for that person in your heart. I always think this is not possible without the Spirit of Christ in us, who is able to love through us.
Level 2
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Jesus used the metaphor of the shepherd who cares so diligently for his flock of sheep. In John 10:14-18, we get a clearer picture of the concern of Jesus for all who followed Him. His LOVE was so great that He was willing to die for all (that, too, means all of us who follow Him today, as well) One of my favorite verses is John 10:10: "I have come to give you life and have it to the fullest." The King James Version calls this the ABUNDANT LIFE.
Perhaps we teachers have not dwelt long enough on the fullness of the Christian Life. The emphasis is usually on the way of Redemption. After all, the assurance of SALVATION is only the beginning. The Abundant Life, lived to the fullest, has nothing to do with the world's view of abundance, it is the life COMPLETE IN CHRIST!
Perhaps we teachers have not dwelt long enough on the fullness of the Christian Life. The emphasis is usually on the way of Redemption. After all, the assurance of SALVATION is only the beginning. The Abundant Life, lived to the fullest, has nothing to do with the world's view of abundance, it is the life COMPLETE IN CHRIST!