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

Do you suffer?

READ JOHN 5

Do you suffer? Do you want to get well. Do you want to be restored? Many of us struggle with illness, pain, despair and grief. For some of us this can become a daily focus, a negative anchor, and one that keeps us from moving forward. The world will tell you that you don’t need healing, you need a change in state. The world will tell you to heal thy self for you have that ultimate power. The world will tell you that if you do not do it no one else will or to keep looking for someone who is smarter than the last physician, psychiatrist, counselor or spiritual advisor that you consulted with.

The world is wrong. In John 5 we will see Jesus, the great physician heal an invalid, blind for 38 years and through this miracle show how he is equal with God, having the power to restore and give life. Have you been blind your whole life... blind to sin, blind to the need for a savior, blind to God’s ultimate power over all of creation? We all have been at some point in our lives and many of us are still there.

In the first 13 verses of John 5 we see how Jesus brings both physical and spiritual healing through the truth and miracle of his word. He heals an invalid who had waited 38 years to be healed by the help of others. After Jesus heals him, he is told to walk by Jesus and quit sinning. You may think that 38 years is a long time for others to do something for you – for others to take you to a pool to be healed but isn’t that how many of us are. Always waiting for something better to come along, for that next big break, for that next special person in our lives. Jesus shows us here that only he can heal us and bring true fulfillment to our lives. Only he can make us see the truth in this dark world.

In what part of your life is Jesus calling you to get up and walk? Where is he directing you to go? What repetitive sin do you need to leave behind on this journey?

In the next 15 verses of John 5 we read of Jesus as he testifies that he is the Son of God sent to do God’s will. We learn that He offers judgment, freedom and life to those who believe. In this passage Jesus clearly spells out many biblical truths. There is no debate as you read these verses as he tells us that hearing, believing and receiving Him is the only path to salvation. Is this contrary to what you believe? Are you looking for another avenue to salvation such as good works, gifts, maybe your own standard? The world will say that God is love so he also must accept me regardless of my ways. If you have difficulty with this re-read John 5:16-30 and have a debate with God through prayer and see what he reveals to you!

After reading these verses we are lead to many good questions. Where does your salvation lie? How can the will of God be better played out in your life?

In the last 15 verses of John 5 we see the ultimate example of the consequences of a hardened heart unwilling to accept the truth presented by Jesus himself. We see that despite the testimony of John, the work of God, God himself and the scriptures, the Jews lacked the ability in their hearts to believe. Jesus Christ himself states that he is a light leading unto salvation in verse 31 and he points out the simple truth that the heart and not the mind must be willing and motivated to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Are you dealing with Jesus with your mind and not your heart? Are you like the Jews, holding onto something inside you that refuses to let go and let Jesus be Lord and Savior in your life?

Do you suffer? Do you want to get well. Do you want to be restored? What further proof do you need to believe in the power of Christ in your life?

Amen

What does it take for you to be satisfied?

READ JOHN 4:31-54

What does it take for you to be satisfied? In modern terms, satisfaction is defined as fulfilling the desires, expectations, needs or demands that you may have. The world will tell you that many things will bring you satisfaction... money, power, love, acceptance. Whatever the world tells you may seem right at the time but it will never be righteous. It is never the truth. In fact, from this section in John, Jesus will spell out the truth in no uncertain terms.

We will witness Jesus as he speaks of the will of God and the Harvest in Samaria and then heals a Royal Canaan’s Son in Galilee and through his words he will reveal the truth. True satisfaction comes from receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior and doing his will.

In verses 31 through 38 we see Jesus as he speaks with his disciples about spiritual food, doing the will of God and the Harvest. From these short seven verses, we see how a true believer receives spiritual strength and nourishment from doing the will of God. Just as Jesus found his sustenance in God so can we when we do His will.

What is God’s will for you in your home, with your children, spouse or close relatives?

In the next three verses we encounter another lesson out of the scriptures. We witness the Samaritans as they hear the woman’s testimony, come to Jesus, urge him to stay and believe. Many people came to believe simply from the witness given by this woman. It is the same today as it was in the time of Jesus. We are called to witness for the truth... witness for the Christ and through this witness many have the chance for eternal salvation.

Salvation comes from hearing about Jesus, coming to him and asking him to stay as your Lord and Savior.

What role does God want you to play in each of these stages with the people around you?

In the last eleven verses of John 4 we see Jesus in his full glory performing a great miracle. Through his actions in love we see how this healing transcends one and effects many. Jesus heals the son of a Royal Canaan and he and his house believe through this miracle.

From this section of scripture we learn the powerful lesson that Jesus answers prayers for those who have faith in him.

What prayers do you need to bring before Jesus in faith? How do your prayers need to change so that he is glorified?

What does it take for God to be satisfied in your life right now?

Amen

Are you in a spiritual draught?

READ JOHN 4:1-30

In this section of the 4th chapter of John, we see Jesus as he encounters a woman at a well in Samaria and offers her living water. She then leaves and tells the townspeople that he may be Christ and the disciples rejoin Jesus.

In the first 14 verses we are shown Jesus as he goes through Samaria at the sixth hour. He talks to a women at a well and offers her living water that would bring eternal life.

From these verses, the word reveals to us that personally knowing Christ, the gift of God, brings true salvation through his living water.

God wants us to carefully consider these words and apply them to our own lives. What do you do with the living water that has been given you? How does that spring well up in you to affect others you know who are in a spiritual draught?

In verses 15 through 26, Jesus has a conversation with the women that draws out the truth about her life and the choices she has made. He rebukes the women at the well for her unconfessed sins and states that the time to worship God and Jesus as the Messiah is now.

From these verses we learn that true Christians worship God in spirit and in truth.

What do you need to change so that you worship God in spirit and in truth?

In the last 4 verses of this section the disciples are surprised when they come upon Jesus at the well with this woman. As the disciples rejoin Jesus, the woman tells the townspeople that Jesus may be the Christ.

The actions of the woman reveal traits that God would like to see in each one of us. True obedience to Christ involves telling others about Him and bringing others nearer to Him.

In what parts of your life do you need to draw nearer to Christ? In what ways could you better draw others nearer to Him?

For further reading complete your study of John 4

What must you do to be saved?

READ JOHN 3

In this passage of John Jesus teaches Nicodemus what he must do to be saved. Jesus tells us that Nicodemus must be born again and he also gives Nicodemus his witness and testimony that he is the Christ sent to save all who believe in him.

From the first 21 verses of this chapter we see how Jesus teaches Nicodemus that he must be born again in the Spirit and that only through belief in Jesus can one have eternal life.

We learn this truth from these verses... that Jesus is the light of the world and we must believe in him and his sacrifice at the cross for our sins. It is only through this belief that we may have eternal life.

Jesus wants all of us to consider these important verses and ask the difficult questions before Him.

Are you filled with the Spirit? Like the wind do others know its work in your life?

In verses 22 trough 32 we see that while the disciples are baptizing, John the Baptist is questioned and testifies again that he is mortal and that Jesus is the son of God, the Christ.

What an awesome testimony we see in the words of John the Baptist in the face of opposition. In the life of every believer, they must decrease and Jesus must increase!

We are all called to carefully consider these verses... Is your Joy complete in the knowledge of Christ’s redeeming work in your life? How can this thought cause you to become less and Jesus to become greater in everything you do?

In the last verses of this chapter John testifies about the Holy character of Christ and the Father’s will. God's will is that everyone would be under him and believe in him.

From this section of John 3 an awesome truth is revealed that Jesus is God’s beloved Son and He has placed everything in his hands.

Have you carefully considered this passage? What part of your heart needs to change to more fully accept Jesus as the sovereign influence in your life?

For further reading move on to John 4:1-30

Do you have Genuine Faith?

READ JOHN 2

In this passage we see Jesus changing water to wine, clearing the Temple and performing many miracles but he hesitates to entrust himself to the people of Jerusalem.

In verses 1 through 11 Jesus changes water to wine at a wedding banquet as his first miracle. From this section we learn that even though we know the power and sovereignty of Jesus, we must wait on him to do his will in his way in our life.

How are you not waiting on Jesus? How does your displeasure with the circumstances of your life manifest in your actions.

How would your actions change if you were more satisfied with the sovereign control of Jesus in your life?

In verses 12 through 22 we see how Jesus clears the Temple at Passover showing his authority. He is also questioned by the Jews to provide more signs, and describes how he will rebuild the temple in three days. The response of the people to the truth presented by Jesus shows us that the scriptures reveal the Glory of Jesus as the Son of God but are difficult to understand by unbelievers.

How has Jesus revealed his Glory to you? How could you better remember these times of revelation?

What does scripture say about the future Glory of Jesus?

In verses 23 through 25 we see that while Jesus was in Jerusalem many saw his miracles and believed yet he did not entrust himself to them. He knew what was in them. Jesus knows the heart of every person. He knows your heart...

Do you have a genuine faith in Him as your Lord and Savior?

How does your faith change depending on your circumstances?

For further reading move on to John 3

Are you a Child of God?

Read John 1:1-18

In this the Prologue of the Book of John, John describes why he was sent from God before Jesus came. He also describes the deity of Christ and the purpose for Christ’s first coming.

In the first 5 verses of this section we see that Jesus was in the beginning, the Word of God, the maker of all things and the light of men. One principle we learn from this section is:

- Jesus is the only true light in this dark World.

In verses 6 through 13 we see that John was sent from God to testify about Jesus, but when Jesus came He was rejected by the Jews and accepted by others who became children of God. Out of this passage we see the principle that:

- Those who receive Christ and believe in his name will become children of God.

In the last 5 verses of John 1:1-18 we learn that Christ is glorious, full of grace and truth and he came to earth to make God known. Out of this section we see this principle revealed:

- The life, death and resurrection of Christ reveals the Glory of God, His grace and His truth.

Consider these questions as you go through your day today and go back to them frequently for the rest of the week...

Do you consider yourself part of the Light or part of the Darkness that is the World? How do you know? What would others say about you if they were asked this question?

How is your life different from that of the unbelieving world and in what ways is it glorifying to God?

Are you a child of God?

How does your life reveal the glory of God?

For further reading move on to John 1:19-51

Are you being called to follow?

Read John 1:19-51

In this section, John denies being Christ. He also reveals Christ as the Lamb of God to his disciples. After this revelation several of his disciples follow Christ and bring others to Him.

In verses 19-28, we see how John is questioned by the Jews. He answers with the truth and they can find no fault in his answers as he reveals to them that he is Baptizes with water to prepare the way for the Lord. From this section we see that God calls all believers to witness for Jesus with those who do not know Him.

• What do you do when presented with the opportunity to witness for Jesus and what motivates your actions?

In verses 29-37, John sees the Holy Spirit rest on Jesus and declares him the Lamb of God who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. After witnessing this miracle two disciples follow Him. From this passage we learn that those who are presented with the truth are called to follow Jesus and are rewarded with being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

• How are you being called to follow Jesus?
• What rewards have you seen in the past for following Him?

In this last section of verses, 38-51, we see that Andrew, Simon/Peter and Nathaniel go before Jesus and see a small miracle. Jesus then reveals His future glory. From this section we learn that Jesus convinces with miracles and blesses with wisdom and revelation.

• What miracles, revelation and wisdom have you received from Jesus?
• How have you thanked Jesus for these blessings?

For further reading move on to John 2