St. John - session 6
Level 1
In the next four chapters of the Gospel of John, the beloved disciple quoted Jesus as He spent much time preparing His loved ones for His departure. He knew how dependent they had become upon Him, for His love, concern, wisdom, and power. What could He possibly say to them that would be reassuring?
I'm sure you have heard these words at funerals. They are comforting and reassuring.
I'm sure you have heard these words at funerals. They are comforting and reassuring.
In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. (John 14:2)
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The old English word, "mansion" means a place with room for many people. Jesus said, "I am going to prepare a place for you . . . I will come back and take you with me so that you will be where I am. You know the way."
Thomas, who is called "doubting Thomas" (much like many of us today, who want things clear) replied to Jesus, "How can we know the way?" Jesus answered:
I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father, but by me."
Thomas, who is called "doubting Thomas" (much like many of us today, who want things clear) replied to Jesus, "How can we know the way?" Jesus answered:
I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father, but by me."
Editorial Aside
A student once said, "I get so upset when literal-Bible-people quote this . . . why do they think this is the only way?" A helpful reply didn't seem to involve quoting Jesus again, so I waited for an answer. This came to me:
We will see Jesus when we die, because He is ONE with the Father. We can reject Him if we want, because of free will the Father has given us, BUT we will meet Him, whether we like it or not!
I was rather astounded when I said this, but she accepted this and changed the subject. How would you answer that?
Level 2
Philip, another disciple said, "Show us the Father . . ." Jesus replied,
Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me . . . it is the Father, living in me, who is doing His work. (John 14:4-14)
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In verse 14, Jesus said, "You may ask anything in my name and I will do it." This sentence raises questions in class as well.
The phrase "in my name" has a lot of depth. I often think that it's possible Jesus meant something to do with His mission, His purpose for coming as a man to a "fallen world". Signs and wonders were not His primary purpose for coming. God, the Father, had sent signs and wonders all through the ages, but none of this opened and secured many of the hearts of men to love and trust God. In fact, my computer concordance points out many signs and wonders in the Old Testament that had no lasting effect.
Then, in Matthew 24:24, Jesus said, "There will be signs and wonders that will deceive even the elect [church members]." What was the mission of Jesus? "I came to bring sinners to repentance," He said (Luke 15:31, Mark 2:17).
Often, what we ask, does not fit in with His purpose . . . His mission. All who saw Jesus were not healed. Those that were, received INNER HEALING. Well, except for the ten lepers (Luke 17:12). Only one returned with praise and thanksgiving. Even with prayer and fasting, many times physical healing does not take place. We as Bible students should be able to counsel those who are so desperately disappointed.
Speaking of "counsel", Jesus left the disciples, and all of us, with THE most wonderful gift! Please read John 14: 15-21.
The phrase "in my name" has a lot of depth. I often think that it's possible Jesus meant something to do with His mission, His purpose for coming as a man to a "fallen world". Signs and wonders were not His primary purpose for coming. God, the Father, had sent signs and wonders all through the ages, but none of this opened and secured many of the hearts of men to love and trust God. In fact, my computer concordance points out many signs and wonders in the Old Testament that had no lasting effect.
Then, in Matthew 24:24, Jesus said, "There will be signs and wonders that will deceive even the elect [church members]." What was the mission of Jesus? "I came to bring sinners to repentance," He said (Luke 15:31, Mark 2:17).
Often, what we ask, does not fit in with His purpose . . . His mission. All who saw Jesus were not healed. Those that were, received INNER HEALING. Well, except for the ten lepers (Luke 17:12). Only one returned with praise and thanksgiving. Even with prayer and fasting, many times physical healing does not take place. We as Bible students should be able to counsel those who are so desperately disappointed.
Speaking of "counsel", Jesus left the disciples, and all of us, with THE most wonderful gift! Please read John 14: 15-21.
I will ask the Father, and He will send you another COUNSELOR to be with you forever . . . you will know Him because He lives with you and WILL BE IN YOU.
Reading this, not just once, but often, gives one a spurt of energy, faith, and endurance!
Jesus continued, "Before long, the world will not see me, but you will... on that day, you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you."
We as Bible students realize this is possible because of the gift of the Holy Spirit (the counselor). Remember, the quote from John, chapter 3, when we are "born of the Spirit . . . Spirit [the Holy Spirit] communicates with [our] spirit." Later in the letter to the Romans (8:26) Paul gives us a clear understanding of how the Holy Spirit "bears witness with our spirit." Sometimes, we finite Christians, are confused unless we pray for Spiritual understanding.
Well, have I confused you enough? Let's all pray for much Spiritual understanding until next time. God Bless!
Jesus continued, "Before long, the world will not see me, but you will... on that day, you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you."
We as Bible students realize this is possible because of the gift of the Holy Spirit (the counselor). Remember, the quote from John, chapter 3, when we are "born of the Spirit . . . Spirit [the Holy Spirit] communicates with [our] spirit." Later in the letter to the Romans (8:26) Paul gives us a clear understanding of how the Holy Spirit "bears witness with our spirit." Sometimes, we finite Christians, are confused unless we pray for Spiritual understanding.
Well, have I confused you enough? Let's all pray for much Spiritual understanding until next time. God Bless!