St. John - session 5
Level 1
Remember the two sisters named Mary and Martha?
They had a brother, Lazarus, who was a close friend of Jesus. Lazarus became seriously ill. The sisters sent for Jesus, but He said,
They had a brother, Lazarus, who was a close friend of Jesus. Lazarus became seriously ill. The sisters sent for Jesus, but He said,
It is for God's glory, so that God's Son will be glorified through it". (John 11:4)
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/6/8/26685224/2900953.jpg?452)
Jesus waited two days before He started the journey, so that by the time He arrived Lazarus had been dead for four days. Many had come to comfort the sisters, so they were present when Jesus wept, and then called Lazarus from the grave. The dead man came out, still wrapped in the grave clothing.
When the Pharisees heard of this miracle they were fearful, knowing that Jesus was a real threat to their authority. They hoped He would come to the Passover Celebration that year. So began the plot to get rid of this man who said He was sent by God, the Father. There were enough who believed in Jesus, who might cause a riot. The plot to arrest Him would have to take place in secret.
John later wrote his Gospel, not just to memorialize Jesus but to emphasize the GLORY that God placed on Him, letting the world (even us today) know of His great LOVE, combining both Justice and Mercy for all who would BELIEVE!!!
When the Pharisees heard of this miracle they were fearful, knowing that Jesus was a real threat to their authority. They hoped He would come to the Passover Celebration that year. So began the plot to get rid of this man who said He was sent by God, the Father. There were enough who believed in Jesus, who might cause a riot. The plot to arrest Him would have to take place in secret.
John later wrote his Gospel, not just to memorialize Jesus but to emphasize the GLORY that God placed on Him, letting the world (even us today) know of His great LOVE, combining both Justice and Mercy for all who would BELIEVE!!!
Editorial Aside
In a recent Bible class, someone was confused about several verses in the New Testament. One of them was John 9:39. This occurred when there was a discussion of the TRUTH about Jesus. Was He, or wasn't He the CHRIST, the Messiah, sent by God? Some believed, many did NOT! Jesus said,
For judgment I have come...so that the blind will see and those who THINK they see will become blind.
As my study Bible reminds us "blindness," in a religious sense, can be used metaphorically to indicate spiritual hard-heartedness. That
seems to be why so many did NObelieve in Jesus, even those who witnessed the
miracles that He preformed.
I am a big believer in reading the Bible with a study outline, or with a commentary at hand. It's always best to be in group where questions and discussions are available.
Do contact us for discussion or questions. Our main hope is that you are now reading the Bible along with this program.
I am a big believer in reading the Bible with a study outline, or with a commentary at hand. It's always best to be in group where questions and discussions are available.
Do contact us for discussion or questions. Our main hope is that you are now reading the Bible along with this program.
Level 2
In chapter twelve, Jesus makes a celebrated entrance into Jerusalem, arriving for the feast of the Passover. Branches, that may have been of palm, were waved and laid at the feet of the donkey He was riding. He rode a foal of an ass to fulfill the Scripture about the Messiah, who was not to come as a KING, but a "suffering servant" (Isaiah 53). Jesus cried out, "He that sees me, sees the one who sent me. I am come as a light into the world, that --
Earlier, He had said, "...believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father." (John 10:38)
John moves right into the account of the "last supper." You are going to realize that the one dramatic moment of this is NOT the "beginning" of the Christian Eucharist. John does not even MENTION the holding up of the bread and wine as Christ's body and blood. The action of Jesus giving such an out-pouring expression of LOVE and CARING most have made an indelible impression on John. This was the washing of the disciples feet!
Earlier, He had said, "...believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father." (John 10:38)
John moves right into the account of the "last supper." You are going to realize that the one dramatic moment of this is NOT the "beginning" of the Christian Eucharist. John does not even MENTION the holding up of the bread and wine as Christ's body and blood. The action of Jesus giving such an out-pouring expression of LOVE and CARING most have made an indelible impression on John. This was the washing of the disciples feet!
Jesus got up from the meal . . . wrapped a towel around His waist . . . and began to wash His disciples' feet.
Peter objected, thinking it was too lowly a job for Jesus, but he was told, "Unless I wash you, you will have no part with me." This must have astounded all of them. He did this to show them the example of serving others.
You will be blessed if you do this." (John 13:4-17)
In this chapter, Jesus also predicts His betrayal by Judas, but the other disciples did not realize what He meant. In verse 34, Jesus said,
A new command I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Peter then said that he would follow Jesus anywhere, and would lay down his life for Him. Of course, we all know that Peter was destined to deny he even knew Jesus. Was Jesus fooled by this? Of course, not! He replied, "Before the rooster crows (even once) you will deny (knowing) me three times." (John 13:38)
We encourage you to continue to read for yourselves all of chapters 14, 15,16, and 17! Please, if nothing else, do not forget to do this. We learn so much about Jesus as we read these chapters. In these verses we understand the LOVE of God for all mankind; the GIFT of God of the Holy Spirit (so essential for the Christian Life); the beautiful prayer that will melt the hardest of hearts, that Jesus uses to plead for our oneness with Him.
Meanwhile, God bless you, for you know He loves you!
We encourage you to continue to read for yourselves all of chapters 14, 15,16, and 17! Please, if nothing else, do not forget to do this. We learn so much about Jesus as we read these chapters. In these verses we understand the LOVE of God for all mankind; the GIFT of God of the Holy Spirit (so essential for the Christian Life); the beautiful prayer that will melt the hardest of hearts, that Jesus uses to plead for our oneness with Him.
Meanwhile, God bless you, for you know He loves you!