How Can You Be Committed to Christ?

John 12

Do you have anything that you are totally committed to? I mean every time… you show up 100%. Perhaps it is a sport you are in, a certain subject in school, a hobby you enjoy, your work. Why are you like that? What motivates you to show up and give it your all every time.

In this passage we see how Jesus is anointed in Bethany, triumphantly enters Jerusalem, predicts his death and condemns those who reject him. We see him in his full glory… God’s glory being the ultimate example of one who shows up to bring glory to God and do His will. We see him predict how his death will ultimately bear fruit for God’s kingdom.

Again… What motivates you to show up and give it your all every time. Have you ever thought about showing up for God in the same way?

By studying this passage and the example given to us by Christ we learn that total commitment is evident by death to self and fruitfulness.

In the first 11 verses, Jesus is anointed by Mary at his feet in Bethany six days before the Passover. It is a beautiful example of how we can serve Christ. The love we have for Christ is shown by our service to him, our words with him and our hearts for him. Costly devotion is precious to Christ.

In what ways do you show Christ that you love him?

In verse 12 through 19, Jesus makes a triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey as news of his miracles spread. This section of verses is a beautiful example of how Christ serves his father even though he knew what would be in store for him in the near future. He was the prophesied Messiah. He would soon voluntarily suffer and die on the cross. The life of Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan prophesied in the Old Testament.

How do you show Christ that he is your King?

In verses 20-36, Jesus predicts his death, his hour to be glorified and its meaning for all men. Jesus is the light… belief in him requires a decision of the heart now before it is too late. The key to a resurrected life, power and fruitfulness is dying to self.

Are you still waiting? What are you waiting for? Is your heart preventing you from walking in the light right now?

In the last section of verses, we see the Jews as they continue in their unbelief and Jesus reveals that God’s word would condemn them. The decision not to believe eventually results in not being able to believe. Those who reject Jesus will be judged.

Are there parts of your life where you are quiet for Christ because you are seeking the praise of men?

This passage touches on many important aspects of a Christian walk.

. Costly devotion is precious to Christ.

. Christ is our King and we should treat him as such.

. “He must increase… I must decrease.”

. Those who reject Christ will be judged.

. Our fruitfulness starts with our decision to follow Christ.

Christ wants you to show up 100% for him in this life. You can do it but only through his power and his glory…

And to do it we all must die to self!

Amen

For Whom Should We Weep?

READ JOHN 11

Have you ever had someone die in our life who was truly special to you. Maybe a mother or father, a grandparent, brother or sister or and aunt or uncle. Chances are most of us have had this happen at least once and for some many times over. Why did you grieve when they died? If you ask the unsaved world they will say it was because they loved this person… they were everything to them… They say things like… “I don’t know what I will do without them, or I can’t live without them.” It is easy to see why death triggers in so many people long days of depression, grief and agony. In fact some people are never the same after the death of someone close to them.

So you might say, “What’s wrong with that… even Christians grieve.” Well in the following verses we will see Jesus travel from Jordan to Bethany in order to comfort the sisters of Lazarus. We will see them and many others grieving over the death of Lazarus. As he comforts them with promises that he is the resurrection and the life we will witness one of the most touching verses in the Bible. Jesus wept. Even Christians grieve…even Jesus wept. To the world these tears seem like the same thing but for those who know the truth that Jesus Christ has power over life and death tears can have a much different meaning. The world weeps for their loss during death but Jesus Christ weeps for the lost, he weeps for the pain his loved ones go through in death, he weeps that sometimes his beloved must go through trials so that God may be glorified. God will be glorified as we read on.

Let’s look at one of the greatest miracles in the Bible… Lazarus raised from the dead.

In the first six verses of this passage, Lazarus the one Jesus loved was sick and his sisters Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus. Jesus tells them that his sickness would not end in death but glorify God and he stays two days.

Even from these seemingly innocent first verses of this passage, we learn an important biblical truth... that illness, delays, and disappointments can be opportunities to glorify God.

Matt 6:31-33 tells us this – “31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Trials in the lives of true believers do not end in death but are present so that God and his Son may be glorified. What trials are you currently experiencing in your home and how are these trials bringing glory to God and his Son?

In the next section of verses through verse 44, Jesus decides to go back to Judea but his disciples try to dissuade him. Jesus tells them that they must walk in the light in order not to stumble. He tells them that Lazarus is dead and that it is good that he was not there as a witness. Thomas is worried as Jesus arrives after Lazarus is dead four days and Martha goes out to meet him. She attests her faith in him and her faith that Lazarus will be resurrected in the last day. Jesus tells her that he is the resurrection and the life and she believes that he is the Christ. Next we see Martha as she goes and gets Mary. As she leaves the Jews comforting her follow her. Mary tells Jesus that if he had been there Lazarus would not have died. Jesus is moved and troubled by their response to him and some say he could have kept Lazarus from death. Jesus asks them to take away the stone from the tomb but Martha questions him. He tells them that through belief they would see the glory of God and gives thanks to God... that the people would know that Christ was sent by God, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

From this section we witness Jesus as he goes back to Judea with his disciples and raises Lazarus from the dead so that the people would know that he was sent from God. We learn the truth that faith begins with knowledge and grows into a personal trust in Jesus.

Jesus was sent by God to bring resurrection and the life to those he loves. How does your life reflect the Glory of God that you now share through Christ your Savior? Do you have a personal trust in Jesus? How have you cast off the bindings of death through the redeeming work of Christ for you?

Go further to read verses 45 through 57. Many of the Jews believed but some went to the Pharisees who called together the Sanhedrin. They feared doing nothing would cause more to believe -they would lose their place and nation. We witness Caiaphas as he informs them that it is better that Jesus should die than the whole nation perish. Then they plot to kill Jesus because Caiaphas had prophesied the death of Jesus. The passage ends as Jesus departs to Ephraim and the Jews look for him at Passover to arrest him.

From this last section of John 11 we see some of the Jews believe but the Sanhedrin plot to kill Jesus to preserve their place and their nation.

Faith in Jesus Christ requires a response. The truth offered by Jesus causes some to believe and some to rebel against him. How does this knowledge change your approach or your response to the people God has placed in your life who do not know his son the Christ?

Lazarus raised from the dead shows us that Christ has power over life and death. From this passage we learn that there are many opportunities in a believer’s life to bring glory to God. We see the need for a personal trust in Jesus and how this faith in him requires a response. Most of all we witness how God was and is glorified through the life of Christ. Jesus wept. The next time you encounter someone who is lost, in grief or in the deep trials of life will you pray with me to have the perspective that Jesus had as he went to Bethany.

Amen

The Truth That Brings Peace

READ JOHN 10

Have you ever thought of yourself as a sheep in need of a shepherd. The world does not teach this. Sheep are weak. Shepherds are poor and they smell bad. What you need to do is figure out how to succeed on your own. You don’t need someone to lead you. Do it your own way at the expense of others. Bring others down so you can rise up. The world will tell you that the weak do not win and only the strong will survive. In fact in today’s culture you may even hear of things like money, success, and power as the key things to strive for. All that is bling is glorified with no mention of Christ. In American culture Christ is dead. The world gives us many messages. How will you get into heaven?… just live a good life. Who is God? It is whoever you want him to be.

In John Jesus gives us an entirely different message through a simple metaphor…

WE WILL LEARN THAT JESUS IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD and he wants us to be his sheep.

It is a simple metaphor with profound meaning and it offers truth in the face of what the world teaches. In this passage we see that Jesus teaches that he is the Gate and the Good Shepherd. To the unbelieving Jews this teaching was sacrilege and they eventually try to stone him… Just as the world tries to kill him today.

In verses 1 through 5 of John 10 Jesus tells us about the sheepfold and the shepherds. The man who enters by the Gate is the Shepherd of the sheep... all others are robbers. He calls out his own by name, leads them and they follow because they know his voice. The sheep will not follow a stranger and will run from him because they do not know his voice.

Jesus teaches that he is the Gate and the Good Shepherd who’s sheep follow only him. His own have a special relationship with him. True believers are called by name by Jesus to be lead by him and only him because they know him.

How is it that Jesus knows your name out of so many? Do you know Jesus as your personal savior and Lord? What can you do this week to better develop this relationship?

In verses 6 through 21 of John 10 we see how the parable of the Gate characterizes the good Shepherd. Those before were robbers but those who enter through Jesus will be saved. The thief kills and destroys but Jesus comes to give life in the full. Jesus is the good shepherd that lays down his life for the sheep. The hired had runs away from danger and leaves the flock for he cares nothing for the sheep. As the father knows Jesus, Jesus knows his sheep and dies for them. There will be one flock and one shepherd. God loves Jesus for his sacrifice but gives Jesus his own choice to follow His will.

Jesus teaches that he is the Gate sent by God to die so that Jews and Gentiles may have salvation.

We learn from these verses that Jesus is the only true way to God and that he has come to die for the sins of all people, Jew and Gentile, so that all may follow him.

In the last section we talked about how Jesus knows your name out of so many… If he knows your name then he knew your name on the cross and he was thinking of you specifically as he endured the pain and the shame and died for your sins.

How does this knowledge change how or who you will witness to in the days ahead?

The truth presented through Jesus Christ causes a crisis of decision in all who hear His witness. Read verses 22-42. During the feast the Jews ask Jesus to tell them plainly that he is the Christ. Jesus answers that his miracles are proof but they are not his sheep so they do not understand. He is one with God. The Jews prepare to stone Jesus because of his claims of Deity and Jesus answers that they are wrong when they themselves were once called sons of God.

“even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”

After hearing this they tried to seize Jesus but he crossed the Jordan and many believed in him.

In this section we see Jesus as he is confronted by the Jews about his deity and they try to stone him for claiming that he is the Son of God. From it we learn that Jesus Christ and God are one. We also see how the world often reacts to the witness of Jesus. The absolute truth that Jesus is the Son of God will not be accepted by all those who are presented this witness.

Who in your life do you need to pray for so that their hearts may be softened to the truth offered by Jesus? Just as Christ and the Father are one - we as believers are in union with Christ… Do your actions and behaviors reflect your kinship with God?

So again there is this question... what does it mean for you to be a sheep before Christ the Son of God? The world’s teaching comes from a thief and robbers but Christ’s teaching is righteous truth. When we are sheep before the almighty God we have the power of the Holy spirit within us to do God’s will and there is nothing that will ever take us away from that fellowship with Christ. That is real. That is the truth that brings peace. Let us pray.

By Seeing You May Become Blind!

READ JOHN 9

How can Jesus cause you to see and become blind?

In this Chapter of John we see Jesus as he heals a man born blind to be an example to the man's neighbors and the Pharisees. We also witness how this man comes to know Christ through his miraculous healing.

It begins in the first 3 verses as the disciples question Jesus about the blind man’s sin. They assume that either it was the parents or the man's sin that caused his suffering but Jesus answers there was no sin. Jesus knew that the man was born blind specifically to be an example. The man would be used in God's plan at His timing to display His work. Jesus uses this moment to teach his followers that He is the light and he and his followers must do God’s will while the light is present. He goes on to place mud on the man's eyes and restore his site. This miracle sets off a series of events. In verses 8 through 12 we see the man's neighbors in astonishment question what had happened and the man takes the opportunity to tell them that the man they call Jesus heeled him.

Jesus reveals to us in this passage a key truth that all Christian must accept and find peace in. Believers have trials in life so that the work of God may be displayed. Although all of us are guilty on some level of causing our own suffering through poor choices, sometimes our suffering is not self induced. Suffering is not always the result of a person's sin. We have trials and we have triumphs. In both God wants us to honor Him, do His will and further His kingdom.

Do you honor God with praise and Glory for both the trials and the triumphs in your life… understanding that he has a purpose for both? Do others see the work of God born out in your life during both the good and the bad times?

In the next section of verses we see the Pharisees investigating the healing of the blind man. Read verses 13 through 34. In this section the blind man is brought twice before the Pharisees and each time answers them in truth. The first time that they bring the man before the Pharisees he is questioned because it was the Sabbath and he tells them how he was heeled. We see the Pharisees divided, some think Jesus a sinner while others wonder about his miracles. As they question him the blind man tells them that Jesus is a prophet and they send him away. These answers do not satisfy the Pharisees. It is an affront to their own belief system and authority within the Jewish community so they send for the parents, but they deny Christ for fear of excommunication. As the Jewish leaders revel in their disbelief, they summon the blind man again to question him. He can only tell the truth. He knows one thing… "I was blind and now can see!" As they rebuke him the blind man goes on further to tell them that "Jesus could do nothing if he was not from God." For this we see that he was thrown out of the synagogue.

In the last section we learned that suffering is not always a result of a person's sin. In this section we see how faith factors into a persons life. It allows us to witness and it also protects us from judgement. Those who refuse to see are under judgement just like the Pharisees. Lack of faith leads to a lack of witness just like we see with the blind man's parents. As the blind man is brought twice before the Pharisees he answers them in truth. Jesus gives true Christians words of truth to speak in witness to unbelievers.

What words is Jesus giving to you and who is he laying on your heart to speak with this week?

In the last verses of John 9 we see how Jesus brings the healed man to full faith in Him. Jesus finds the man and asks him if he believes in the Son of Man. Through this discussion, the blind man sees Christ, tells Him he believes in him and then worships him. Jesus goes on to tell us that he has come into the world for judgments sake so the blind may see and by seeing they may become blind. In their unbelief, the Pharisees ask if they are blind and Jesus answers that because they claim they can see they are guilty.

Out of this last section we learn several key truths. Jesus finds the blind man and is worshipped by him and then tells of his judgment on those who claim to see. We learn that Jesus has come so the spiritually blind may see and those who see will become blind. God causes suffering to work for His good. The blind man suffered. He was thrown out of the synagogue. He was disowned by his friends and neighbors. He suffered but in the end he came to truly know Christ as his lord and savior.

In the end, claiming you can see is not the same as being given site by Jesus. Do you believe in the Son of Man? Do you know that your guilt remains if you are merely claiming belief in Him?

Read through this passage again. Who do you identify with most. Who is your life most like... the neighbors of the blind man, the blind man's parents, the Jews and the Pharisees or perhaps the blind man himself? Jesus teaches us in this passage about suffering and judgement. Are you confused about Him? He does not want you to be. He yearns to know you on His terms through a change in your heart. Will you pray for the Holy Spirit to be at work in your heart this week and that you would have more incite into who Jesus is and what He wants for you in this life?

Amen

Are You a Slave to Sin?

READ JOHN 8

In this chapter of John we see Jesus on the Mount of Olives as he argues with the Jews about sin, his testimony, their lack of faith and his deity.

It begins with Jesus as he goes to teach and the Pharisees bring an adulterous woman before him. It is a trap that they are hoping to set for Jesus but instead all he does is write in the dirt. What must it have been like to stand there as a Pharisee and be convicted by what Jesus was writing? What do you think he was writing? What would he write before you if you stood before him unsaved? What sins would he list?

Jesus says those without sin may stone her and begins writing again. Then we witness the true power of Jesus as he convicts sin in this world. All the Pharisees leave without condemning her. Jesus then begins to question the women and tells her that he will not condemn her either but to go and leave her life of sin.

In the end, he condemns no one. We learn that Jesus desires that we acknowledge our own sin and turn from it instead seeking to judge others for the sin in their lives. Do you do this? Have you even done it today?

How do you judge others for the sins they have committed? On what basis do you give yourself this authority? What sin is Jesus calling you to turn from and leave behind?

As we read further into this chapter we see that Jesus declares that he is the light of the world, argues with the Jews about his testimony, their death and his crucifixion and many come to believe in him.

This section begins with Jesus as he declares that he is the light of the world and that whoever follows him will have the light of life. These words are a bitter pill for many listening - especially the Pharisees. They argue and challenge his testimony... that his own witness is not valid. From this point on we see the witness of Jesus for God and the Jews lack of understanding based in their unbelief. Jesus reveals that God is always with him because he does what pleases God.

From this section Jesus reveals one of his most important truths. He is the light of the world and sin condemns all mankind not in possession of this light to death. Do you have the light of life within you? How has this light transformed you? How does it manifest in you and shine through to the rest of the world?

In the last section of John 8, Jesus argues with the Jews about their salvation - how it is not guaranteed through birthright but only through faith in him. He goes on to tell them that the truth will set them free but they are confused. Are you confused about your salvation? Are you relying on your family or your upbringing for a guarantee? Perhaps you were baptized at birth and you think that this will protect you from the condemnation of sin. The truth is revealed by Jesus in this passage. We are all slaves to sin who can only be set free by the son of God.

From this point onward the Jews become more argumentative with Jesus and he eventually rebukes them - they lack room for his word - they do not love him - their father is the devil - they do not belong to God - He knows their hearts.

Just as Jesus knew Abraham. Just as Jesus knew their hearts. Jesus knows our hearts. Only the truth offered by Jesus, the Son of God will set man free from the slavery of sin.

Are you still a slave to sin or have you found truth in Jesus as Savior and Lord in your life? As you grow in Christ, what sin do you need to lay at the foot of the cross and be free of to better glorify God?

Amen

Is Jesus the Christ?

READ JOHN 7

When the world is presented with the truth found in Jesus many reject him as the Christ. Even Jesus' brothers suggested to him that he should go to Judea so that his disciples could see more miracles performed by him. The world will say we need more proof. Just one more miracle and we will believe.

In this section of scripture we will see many aspects of the world's reaction to Jesus in the face of his witness. We will read of Jesus as he goes to the Feast of the Tabernacles and teaches the people and we will see that as he is teaching he rebukes the Jewish authorities even as they send their guards to apprehend him.

In the first 13 verses even his brothers do not fully believe in Jesus. They suggest that he should offer more proof to the disciples in Judea but Jesus knows God's will and God's timing in this situation. He goes after them to the Feast while the people talk about his past witness.

He remains inconspicuous because his time had not yet come. Are you ready to quite your heart, pray and ask God to show you His timing? Just as we see in this passage... as you reveal Jesus to the world, some will hate you for testifying that the world is evil.

How does this knowledge change your personal preparation for the work God has for you in his Kingdom?

Despite the danger, we see in the next 10 verses that Jesus begins to teach the Jews and they marvel at the true words that he speaks.

"My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."

He goes on to reveal his authority and rebuke the Jews for trying to judge and kill him. From this portion of scripture we learn a powerful truth about Jesus that every Christian should strive to emulate. All that Jesus does is for the intent of Glorifying God. He demands that all of God’s commandments be kept. This would be an impossible task were it not for the gift every believer receives in the Holy Spirit. By indwelling each believer we tap into the supernatural power of God... a power that allows us to Glorify God and keep his commands.

Take an honest look at your life right now. How do you bring glory to God in the choices you make each day in your life and how are you honoring God’s commandments?

In the last verses of John 7 we read some of the most important teachings of Jesus in this passage. Jesus teaches that he is the Son of God and that he will only be here for but a short while longer.

"I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come."

This confuses many that are in the crowd but he goes on to offer a beautiful gift... Living Water. He offers all who are thirsty Living Water on the last day of the Feast. We see some that believe and others continue to plot against him.

There is a price for accepting Jesus as Lord. You must do it while he is here with you. The last days of the feast are approaching. You cannot accept Him after he leaves you. You cannot do it after you die. You cannot do it after you arrive in Hell. You must accept Him as the Christ now on this earth while he is still witnessing to you through other believers and through His word.

Have you accepted Jesus as your savior? Do you know Him as the Christ?

I pray that you know Him and that He will empower you to resist the hatred of this world and persevere in your witness for Christ for the Glory of God.

What happens when you die?

READ JOHN 6:41-71

Have you ever considered what will happen to you when you die? One day soon in the grand timeline of eternity your life will end. Will everything go dark? Will you go to some magical place? Will you stand before God and through his love for all be graciously accepted into Heaven? What do YOU think? More importantly... what does the Bible say?

In this passage of scripture we see how Jesus offends many of his disciples when he explains that he is the Bread of Life. Many of these people leave him, but the twelve are loyal. As you read this passage of scripture think about how you responded to Christ's teaching. When you read his word, God's truth spoken by His Son, how do you respond? Do you grumble and turn away or are you loyal to him... following Him because His words are true and His sacrifice was PERFECT. Through a study of this passage, we learn that Jesus Christ, the bread of life is the only way to true salvation.

In the first ten verses of this passage we see Jesus as he presents himself as the bread of life. We learn that salvation begins with God and that it is God who draws people to Chris. Jesus knew that there were many following him who only wanted food. He knew their hearts and that they were looking for bread. Jesus, in knowing their hearts also looked deeper and knew that what they truly needed was the bread of life. It is God and his work through the Holy Spirit that draws us to Christ.

What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life and in the lives around you? In what ways do you grieve the Holy Spirit and how have you brought joy to the Holy Spirit today in your life?

In the next seven verses of this passage (52-59) we see that belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only path that leads to salvation. It is the only way that leads to eternal life. From this section we learn that Jesus is the bread of life and His flesh and blood is the only real food that we have.

Do you know and understand that Christ's death on the cross, his broken body and his shed blood were for your sins? Do you believe with all of your heart that he is your Lord and Savior? How does this knowledge and belief change the way that you treat him?

In the last eleven verses of this section of scripture we see Jesus speaking the truth forcing those around him to a point of personal choice. In response, many of his disciples leave him because they cannot accept his teachings on eternal life. Just like the world we live in today, we see how those with a hardened heart are offended by the teachings of Jesus. Jesus chose his disciples and gave them His Word and they also chose him when confronted with a choice.

If Jesus has chosen you... what are you doing with the words he has given you? We are called to participate in the life and death of Jesus and we have a personal choice in the matter.

Each of our lives is but an instant in the timeline of eternity. Have you considered the outcome of our death. Will you stand before God and through his love for all be graciously accepted into Heaven? Christ's teaching in this passage tells us that not everyone will go to Heaven. He shows us that Heaven is only for those who are called to follow Him and who take that eternal step to accept him as Lord and Savior in there lives.

God wants you to take that step right now.

If you have taken that step already, will you commit to follow with all of our heart the leading of the Holy Spirit the next time you are called?

Amen