Sharing Bread John 6:5-6

SHARING BREAD

5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.


John 6:5-6 (NIV)

“Our extremities are the Lord’s opportunities.” Spurgeon

Philip should have taken his cue from the prophet Ezekiel’s response to his Q and A from God in the valley full of dry bones. We find their discourse in the following verses below:

1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know." Ezek 37:1-3 (NIV)



We discover great truth in the prophet’s words - "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know." Indeed, God alone knows the end from the beginning, from ancient times what will yet come hence the great emphasis on faith and trust in Him throughout all of Scripture. I love the command and promise presented to us in Proverbs three:



5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov 3:5-6 (NIV)



Man both sees and reasons imperfectly with his limited vision and understanding. Human insights and reasoning will always be found wanting – it is just simply incomplete. Contrast, on the other hand, God’s ways which are incomprehensible, His paths beyond tracing out. Thankfully, He is also trustworthy and true; slow to anger and abounding in love. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians this Truth regarding our incomplete knowledge:



12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Cor 13:12 (NIV)



We also find in Romans Paul stating the following Truth:



33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" Romans 11:33-34 (NIV)



God is the first, effective and final cause of all things. Everything comes from Him and through Him. He alone is to be exalted above all, every creature to sing forth His praises.



36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36 (NIV)



Indeed, God asks of al l - through the pen of the prophet Isaiah - the following penetrating question:



25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Isaiah 40:25 (NIV)



His majesty clearly being revealed later in the same chapter:



28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28 (NIV)



Needless to say, Jesus already knew the answer to the question He put forth for Philip before He asked. Our Savior was not searching for information, He was simply seeking to educate – helping Philip to go deeper still.



“God tries our faith so that we may try His faithfulness.” Anonymous

Philip, who had been His disciple from the first and had been privy to His miracles – in particular that of turning water into wine- should have known without a doubt that Jesus could provide. Those who have witnessed and participated in the benefits and pleasures of God’s works should certainly maintain the benefit of a deeper understanding of His ways. We are never standing still in our faith walk - we are either going forward or backward. I am confident that is why Paul urges us in Philippians:



16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Phil 3:16 (NIV)



What I glean from this:



• When I am weak, Jesus is strong. “When we can do nothing Jesus can do all things; let us enlist His powerful aid upon our side, and all will be well.” Charles Spurgeon


• My reason is imperfect and my understanding limited.

• My trust in God goes beyond what I can see and comprehend. “Real trust in God is above circumstances and appearances.” George Muller

Sharing Bread John 6:3-4

SHARING BREAD

3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Feast was near.


John 6:3-4 (NIV)


At first blush, Jesus sitting down on a mountainside with His disciples in the wake of all the herding, hurting humanity in their presence appears a bit merciless and callous. This is not the only time in Scripture we discover the same situation. Prior to the delivery of the Sermon on the Mount we find Jesus doing likewise - all the while followed by a vast mayhem of people suffering with every kind of disease and sickness. The gospel of Matthew tells us:



24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Matt 4:24-25 (NIV)



1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, Matt 5:1-2 (NIV)



In that day and age it was customary for a Rabbi to sit and teach his disciples. Jesus was constantly seeking opportunities to pour into His guys. Aware that He would not always physically be with them as they carried out their ministries, He begins to show them how to fill their cups. One simply has nothing to give when the pitcher is empty. Jesus’ actions demonstrate to the modern day disciple our first priority as well. We must fill our cups with the Living Water before we find ourselves useful to anyone else or even to ourselves for that matter. This should certainly be a red flag to us as we are to make the most of every opportunity with those whom we lead in our spheres of influence. Perhaps you are thinking that you do not lead anyone and I would simply have to disagree. As everyone knows, all it takes to be a leader is to have someone follow. Unless we live on an island with no human contact – and even then we are leading ourselves – we lead. We are always leading whether we acknowledge it or not – we lead through our words, our actions, and our example – to everyone around us. A single life leaves a huge ripple effect for good or evil.



“A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.” D. L. Moody



That is why Scripture states we are held accountable not only for our actions but also for our words. Jesus tells us in the gospel of Matthew:



37 “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt 12:37 (NIV)



Yet the question still remains. Why would Jesus choose these times to teach when so much need was apparent? Couldn’t He have just healed everyone and then discussed it with His boys? Didn’t He see all the hurt before Him? I am reminded of His Words when He was anointed at Bethany:



11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. Matt 26:11 (NIV)



I believe He was about to teach His guys the basic Truth that nothing could be accomplished apart from Him and dwelling in Him always begins by sitting at His feet.



5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)



“God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” Anonymous



37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37-38 (NIV)



Paul gives us the following command in Romans:



2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)



It is only through being renewed in our minds and being strengthened with His power that we find ourselves properly equipped to handle the hurting. Most of us have a tendency to forge ahead on a sermon we heard two weeks prior and a half night’s sleep of strength – oh we make a great impression alright – oftentimes the one we set out to minister to ends up ministering to us! Jesus took His own requirements to heart as His feet walked the dust of this earth. We find His example set forth for us in Mark:



35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35 (NIV)



If this was the Master’s practice, how much more should it be for us!



What I glean from this:



• I have nothing to give when my cup is empty – I must daily go to the Master to be filled – He fills me to spill me. “More spiritual progress can be made in one short moment of speechless silence in the awesome presence of God than in years of mere study.” A.W. Tozer


• I am leading whether I am aware of it or not.


• As I renew my mind through the Word of God I am fundamentally altered and given discernment to test and approve God’s perfect and pleasing will for my life. “The disciple who abides in Jesus is the will of God, and his apparently free choices are God’s foreordained decrees.” Oswald Chambers

Sharing Bread John 6:1-2

SHARING BREAD

1 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick.

John 6:1-2 (NIV)

We find in the other gospels that our verses for today follow on the heels of two significant events in the life of Jesus and His disciples – events that would have affected them emotionally, physically and spiritually: the beheading of Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist by Herod and the sending out of the disciples to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick – empty handed of all worldly means. Both of these events had to have impacted them greatly and left them spent. It was Jesus’ desire to withdraw with His boys to a solitary place for a time of refreshment and repose. Restorative prayer, food and quiet were the goals to rejuvenate their weary spirits and bodies. I am reminded of a verse penned in Acts by Dr. Luke:

19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19 (NIV)



They would have definitely been seeking times of refreshing which can truly only come from the Lord. If we seek our refreshment from any other source we will undoubtedly find it wanting. Jesus desired relaxation, relief and refreshment for His guys yet it was not going to come through ordinary means. The disciples – both then and now – were getting ready to be taught a lesson regarding a kink in “best laid plans”. Now I do not know much about how you feel regarding an abrupt change of venue but I do not readily take to it! I get my mind wrapped around the schedule and quite frankly it is a bit annoying to have it changed. This is really unfortunate for me and those with this same mindset as most often our plans and God’s plans are quite different – go figure! He is constantly teaching me all kinds of things through abrupt change – two in particular come to mind: self-denial and patience! I love a quote penned by Henry Martyn - a former missionary to India - that certainly should be interjected at this point:



“I have rightly no other business each day but to do God’s work as a servant, constantly regarding His pleasure. May I have grace to live above every human motive, simply with God and to God.” Henry Martyn



These guys were thinking they were about to enjoy some serious R and R with their Lord and instead find themselves stampeded by a great throng of hurting humanity all seeking cure for their care, balm for their bereavement and healing for their hurts. Since the fall and sin entered on the scene, hurting people have always been the norm. That is why we are called to a life of compassion.



“If I have not compassion on my fellow servant, even as my Lord had pity on me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.” Amy Carmichael



12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col 3:12 (NIV)

“Jesus died for sinners, cannot we live for them? Where is our tenderness? Where our love to Christ, if we seek not His honour in the salvation of men? O that the Lord would saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men.” Charles H. Spurgeon



These crowds had been privy to see the finger-marks of God from the hands of Jesus and they were searching for more – specifically, they needed their needs met. Ever been in the position of the disciples – spent yet facing more need? We are about to be taught a lesson from Jesus on compassion and working in God’s strength through the verses that will follow in this chapter but for now our eyes are on the condition of Jesus and His guys prior to this miracle. It was not unusual for our Lord Jesus to find Himself in the midst of a crowd - His hands always doing good deeds for others – healing the sick, raising the dead, giving sight to the blind and food to the hungry. His miracles, therefore, drew many after Him though some not effectively. Many sought only the miracle and not the Master. Nevertheless, He turns no one away:



37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. John 6:37-38 (NIV)



His constant desire and call, issued to all, shows forth in the following verses:



28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30 (NIV)



What I glean from this:

• The promise of Scripture tells me that I will be blessed with a harvest as I sow in “weeping” - 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him. Psalms 126:6 (NIV)


• My business each day is to do God’s work for His glory and great Name – that is also where my greatest joy is found.


• All who come to Jesus will never be turned away.

Sharing Bread John 5:46-47

SHARING BREAD

46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"


John 5:46-47 (NIV)

One of the sure fire tests of being God’s prophet was that your prophecy was certain and true – you could take it to the bank, so to speak. The prophet’s Word was to be held as God’s Word to the people and God held the people accountable for what they heard – they were commanded by God to believe. If a prophet were to speak for God presumptuously - God did not take this lightly - the penalty for such was death. We find in Deuteronomy:

19 “If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. 20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.” 21 You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?” 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. Deut 18:19-22 (NIV)



Because the people were to believe a prophet of God without question, a false prophet would be usurping the place of God in prophesying a message that had not been sent from Him. Moses, God’s prophet, had prophesized regarding the coming of Jesus; the people, therefore, were accountable to God for the words they heard. In our verses for today, Jesus alludes to this fact. It was also mentioned by our Lord to two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus:



25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27 (NIV)



I am also reminded of the story told by Jesus of the beggar Lazarus and the rich man found in the gospel of Luke. Both die. The angels carry the beggar Lazarus to Abraham’s side and the rich man entered into torment in hell. Looking up from his dire position, the rich man calls to Abraham to have pity on him and send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and come cool his tongue as he was in agony from the fire. Abe responds - no can do (in modern day vernacular) as there was a great fixed chasm which divided them. To this the rich man replies - send Lazarus to tell my family so that they will not have to come to this place of torment. The dialogue of Abraham and the rich man follows:



27 "He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 "Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 "'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" Luke 16:27-31 (NIV)

Did you catch that? Even if someone was raised from the dead, the people would not have been convinced as they had not listened and believed God’s Word through Moses and the Prophets – those are pretty strong words! Let me just add that this was not a story regarding the poor and the rich in the terms of worldly wealth rather a story of the poor and the rich regarding spiritual wealth. Indeed, even in death, in the midst of the fires of hell, the “rich” man considers Lazarus beneath him showing forth his spiritual poverty – send Lazarus to fetch me water; send Lazarus to warn my family. The arrogance remained though the fire continued to burn. Contrast Lazarus, the beggar, being comforted by Abraham after his death showing forth his spiritual wealth.



The application to us is that we too should know and understand what God’s Word says. We too are held accountable. Foolish ignorance to the Truth of God’s Word is just that – ignorant and foolish. All of Scripture is needful for the Christian – prophecy permeates the entire Word of God.



“Bible prophecy makes up one-fourth of the written Word of God……From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with over one thousand predictive prophecies….Half of these have already been literally fulfilled.” Tim LaHaye



We read in Luke 24:25 how Jesus chastised His disciples for not believing all that the prophets had spoken. We too are dull and foolish for not knowing and believing Truth. We are to be good stewards of God’s Word which has been entrusted to our care in this part of His -story. This is why we are commanded the following in Scripture:



15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 (NIV)



16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV)

God's word is not chained. 2 Tim 2:9 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• God’s prophets spoke God’s Word which was always certain and true. 45 Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Josh 21:45 (NIV)


• We are foolish if we do not believe what God’s prophets have spoken through His Word.


• God’s Word is True Truth.

Sharing Bread John 5:45

SHARING BREAD

45 "But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set.

John 5:45 (NIV)

Jesus’ Words to the religious leaders of the day beg the following question to us as well – Upon Whom, whom or what are our hopes set when we will stand before the infinite, eternal and unchangeable Father? Whom, whom or what will we trust in? Whom, whom or what will we rely upon? Whom, whom or what will we place our confidence in?

9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:9-12 (NIV)



The Jewish people trusted in the fact that the Law was given to them by God through Moses. They reasoned their salvation was secure because they had in the Law the “embodiment of knowledge and truth”. We find in Romans:

17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth-- Romans 2:17-20 (NIV)



So far, so good – I am confident as Paul was talking they were nodding their heads in agreement. Indeed they did have the Law; indeed they did have relationship with God through the path of the Patriarchs yet the kicker came in the following verses which demonstrated that they too were found wanting:



21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." Romans 2:21-24 (NIV)



The Law was given to show us our need – giving us knowledge of our sin - as we all fall short of its perfection – Jew and Gentile alike. The Law did not save; it simply showed us our need for a Savior. Moses prophesized the coming Savior in Deuteronomy:

15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. Deut 18:15 (NIV)

18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. 19 If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. Deut 18:18-19 (NIV)



Christ came not as our accuser but as our Advocate to reconcile sinful man to a holy, infinite, eternal and unchangeable God. Indeed, instead of accusing his accusers on the cross He prays to forgive them. Man’s only hope for salvation is through the blood sacrifice of Jesus. Christianity makes this exclusive claim – not a very popular idea then and certainly not in our day of religious tolerance either. If we embrace the exclusivity of Christ we are often called narrow or intolerant. The god of religious tolerance espouses all doctrines of faith to be AOK – readily accepted – if it is good for you it is good for you; if it is good for me it is good for me- whatever you want to believe is just peachy. Yet because of our “loving” tolerance of all religions we, as believers, are “loving” people straight into Hell by our lack of witness to the Truth. There is a difference in religious beliefs - it is like mixing oil with water – they simply do not blend. No other religion apart from Christianity gives assurance of reconciliation to a holy God because no other religion provides a Savior – it is all in what man can perform – and that, my friends will always be wanting. Christ tells us:



6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NIV)



“Unschooled and ordinary” Peter put it this way to the religious leaders of his day:



12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 (NIV)

It is God’s desire for all men to be saved and come to this knowledge of the Truth. Paul tells us in 1Timothy:

1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth, I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. 1 Tim 2:1-7 (NIV)



“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand. I trust His righteous character, His council, promise, and His power; His honor and His Name’s at stake to save me from the burning lake; on Christ, the solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Edward Mote



What I glean from this:



• My hope, my trust, my confidence is in Christ alone.


• The Law gives me knowledge of my sin – I can never be good enough – I will always fall short of perfection – I need a Savior - as does everyone.


• Salvation comes only through Jesus – the solid Rock upon which all believers stand and build.

Sharing Bread John 5:41-44

SHARING BREAD

41 "I do not accept praise from men, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?

John 5:41-44 (NIV)

The fullness of the Godhead in bodily form needed no added glory originating from the praise of men. The all sufficient constant One needs not. He came neither courting nor coveting their applause. Always about His Father’s will, His eye was constantly fixed upon pleasing the One who had sent Him forth on His redemptive mission. Oh that the focus for every believer would be so fixed as well. How much trouble we would spare ourselves if our motivation was simply to please our Master rather than man. We seemingly have an insatiable appetite for the praise and honor of capricious man and give scarce attention to the pleasing of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Indeed the last verse in our verses for today confirms this Truth from the lips of our Savior:

44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? John 5:44 (NIV)

Now I ask you, how crazy is that? He who is the glory of Israel is not like man – He neither lies nor changes His mind. We are told in Numbers the following Truth:

19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.

Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Num 23:19 (NIV)

King David expressed an appropriately sober view of both God and Man in the following verses found in Psalm 8:

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Psalms 8:1 (NIV)




4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalms 8:4 (NIV)



Paul sums up the rightful conclusion to the matter for us in Galatians:



10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal 1:10 (NIV)



Jesus’ Words in the next verse hits me between the eyes – “I know you” – He who is the discerner of all men’s hearts knows me and loves me still. He knows me better than my friends, He knows me better than my family, indeed, He know me better than myself – and He knows and loves everyone just as intimately as He knows and loves me.

“We are so preciously loved by God that we cannot even comprehend it. No created being can ever know how much and how sweetly and tenderly God loves them.” Julian of Norwich



Why is it then that we often balk at following Him? Personally, I think that obedience to God has gotten a bad rap. We perceive it to be a vice, restrictive, deplete of joy and devoid of our own personality or likes or desires when all the while He is offering us freedom and liberty, excitement and contentment, peace and pleasure through following His will. He made us. He knows us. He quite simply knows best. Who balks at best? Yet in our lack of faith, we often do. We choose to believe a lie. We think He is holding out on us. We think the world offers us more. The very true reality is that every offer the world holds out to us boils down to our bondage. Contrast Christ who offers us freedom. He came to set us free from that certain yoke of slavery:



1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1 (NIV)



Christ knew the hearts of the Pharisees He spoke to. He knew that they had thrust Him behind their backs in order to practice a form of religion yet was devoid of love. Theirs was strictly a religion made up of observances to ordinances. Apart from love, the practice of these observances simply boiled down to common legalism and certainly such practices never fool the Master - then or now. As believers, our work should be produced by faith, our labor, prompted by love. We are to make it our goal to please God. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians:



9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 2 Cor 5:9 (NIV)



Adding the following in Colossians:



10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Col 1:10-12 (NIV)



“Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done.” Teresa of Avila

What I glean from this:

• Jesus needed no added glory coming from the praise of capricious man – Jesus’ eye was constantly fixed upon pleasing the One who sent Him and I should likewise follow in those steps.


• If I am striving to please men, I would not be a servant of Jesus.


• Obedience to God’s will is always for my best.

Sharing Bread John 5:39-40

SHARING BREAD

39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.


John 5:39-40 (NIV)

All of Scripture – from Genesis to Revelation – points us to Jesus. It is God’s revealed will given to show us the Way. Just as the wise men followed a star to find the baby Jesus, so too, we are given the light of the Word of God which points us to our Savior. We must therefore diligently search the Scriptures for Christ - as one would search for treasure in a field - as they all bear witness to Him – Christ being the hidden treasure in its midst. I am reminded of the words of our risen Savior on the road to Emmaus as He walked with two of His dismayed disciples – teaching them along the way – all the while His identity being unbeknownst to them:

25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27 (NIV)

Wow! What a Bible study lesson that must have been! It is no wonder they said to each other: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Their words were not too dissimilar to the words God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah who stated:

29 "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jer 23:29 (NIV)



Again, Jesus tells His disciples the following after His resurrection:



44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Luke 24:44 (NIV)



How often have we approached the Word of God erratically – whimsically flipping through its pages seeking to discover a treasure here or there or perhaps a calming balm for our hurting hearts. By our capricious ways we often miss the Treasure. Others of us have sought biblical knowledge as one seeks expertise in any field. Much like the Pharisees who prided themselves on the knowledge of the Law, we can become quite puffed up and prideful over our familiarity with the Word – all together missing the point which is, of course, Jesus.



The key to the proper understanding of Scripture is found in the verse following the one above:



45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45 (NIV)



James puts it yet in another way:

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6 (NIV)



“The Lord sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves.” D. W. Moody



Proverbs also states:



6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov 2:6 (NIV)



We are to approach God’s Word both prayerfully and expectantly - asking God for wisdom and discernment - expecting to be taught great Truth. It is His delight to open our minds - through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit - to the Truth of His Word.



12 "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. John 16:12-14 (NIV)



It is His desire to show us more and more of His Son. I am reminded of Paul’s words to his beloved Timothy:



14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:14-17 (NIV)



Christ offers us life – the Scriptures testify to this – yet many refuse Him not due so much to lack of understanding as due to stubborn will. This Truth, however, remains firm:



12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 (NIV)



“Man needs, above all else, salvation.” Norman Goodacre

What I glean from this:

• All of Scripture points us to Jesus – it is God’s love story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. “Love Him totally who gave Himself totally for your love.” Claire of Assisi


• It is God who gives me wisdom and understanding of His Word.


• I am to diligently study God’s Word approaching it prayerfully and expectantly.

Sharing Bread John 5:36-38

SHARING BREAD

36 "I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.


John 5:36-38 (NIV)

Even the Jewish leaders of the day realized Jesus’ miracles had to have had their origin in God. Jesus’ work clearly manifested that God was with Him and working through Him. We find earlier in John, Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, speaking the following words to Jesus which confirm this Truth:

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." John 3:1-2 (NIV)

When the Jews were about to stone Jesus – accusing Him of blasphemy - He spoke these words regarding the miracles He had performed:

Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? 37 Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38 But if I do it, 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." John 10:36-38 (NIV)

It is interesting to me that the testimony of works appears weightier than words in our verses for today. John’s words testified to the Jewish nation that Jesus was the Christ. Jesus’ actions, through His miracles, validated John’s testimony. This is not too surprising as words can be cheap unless validated by action. This was true in Biblical times and it is certainly true in our day and age as well. We can become disillusioned by all the claims of “truth” we hear yet very rarely have validated by action. It is quite easy to become jaded. Just a moment’s thought regarding all the products sold under the claim “Restores Youthful Appearance” should have us all agreeing. It is not too surprising that God desires for all of His children to validate their words with works. This was the meaning of the Baptist’s words when he exclaimed to the Pharisees:

8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Matt 3:8-10 (NIV)



As Christ is the Vine, we must first be planted in Him – drawing strength and nourishment from Him through faith. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing of eternal value- we are destitute of sufficient strength and will always come up wanting. Jesus tells us in John:



3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:3-5 (NIV)



“It is not a question of our equipment but of our poverty, not of what we bring with us, but of what God puts into us.” Oswald Chambers

Do our works testify that we belong to Jesus? Or perhaps stated another way, if we were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict us? Are we filled with words yet live a life lacking the validity of them? While we are perhaps not all called to the works of Peter or Paul or John, we are all called to the works that God has prepared in advance for us to do. We are told by Paul in Ephesians:



10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10 (NIV)

His purpose for us is that we may walk in these prepared in advanced works. God has prepared this path of good works – a path for which He has both appointed and empowered us - as we walk by faith. This life will reflect Jesus to others and is an ongoing testimony of His faithfulness to His followers. It is a life that points to Jesus, the source of the power, not to the vessel which carries the power.



"God does not honor men and women and their deeds or their books or their organizations. The Father in heaven delights to honor His Son. It is only the Life of the Lord Jesus - His activity, clothed with you and displayed through you - that ultimately will find the approval of God." Major Ian Thomas

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21 (NIV)



What I glean from this:



• Jesus’ miracles pointed to God. Any fruit produced in my life points to Christ. “Our great honor lies in being just what Jesus was and is.” A. W. Tozer


• I draw my strength and nourishment from Christ who alone enables me to accomplish His great works of eternal value - allowing me to stand on the heights.


• The Father in heaven delights to honor His Son. His Son is honored as we reflect Him in our lives. “We are mirrors of God, created to reflect Him.” Ernesto Cardenal

Sharing Bread John 5:35

SHARING BREAD

35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.


John 5:35 (NIV)

Joy got physical among John the Baptist’s followers when he entered the scene of His-story. His light shone for the world to see. For a short time, even with his stinging rebukes, the Jewish nation was stirred with excitement and anticipation - rejoicing and enjoying the Baptist’s ministry. For a brief moment, they assumed the Messianic Age was dawning. Our verse for today certainly makes Jesus’ Words in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew come to life. Here we find Jesus describing His expectations for all believers not just the Baptist who simply set forth for us a wonderful example to follow:

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16 (NIV)



In like manner, we find Paul and Barnabas stating these words to the Jews in Acts:



46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' “48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. Acts 13:46-48 (NIV)



Just as the Baptist, Paul and Barnabas were considered “a light”, so too are all believers. Note, we are considered “a light” NOT “Light” as the Father, Son and the Spirit are. We like those who walked before us, are only reflections of the True Light. Just as the moon is illuminated by the sun, we as believers are illuminated by the Son. It is His light that shines forth from within us for the world to see - ever pointing them to Jesus not to us. John tells us in his gospel:



6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. John 1:6-9 (NIV)



Always, the One who gives the Light gets the glory. Interestingly, the apostle John also described Jesus in Revelation as being the lamp of heaven. How fitting - as all light emitted in heaven comes from the Father and the Son. Hear the words of the revelator:



22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Rev 21:22-23 (NIV)

This should not come as a surprise to us as we are told in I John the following Truth:

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 (NIV)



Paul ditto’s this in his first letter to Timothy:



God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1 Tim 6:15-16 (NIV)



Lastly, John gives us the following command towards this end:



5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.   1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)



So how does “walk in the light” flesh out in a life? I believe it boils down to one simple word – obedience. Not an obedience flowing from a sense of duty which is merely legalism showing forth in a life as martyrdom, mechanical, joyless, painful and prideful. How does that shine light? It appears as death to me. We must simply ask ourselves these questions – Is this a life that points to Jesus? Is this a life that glorifies and exalts the One who came and died to give me life? Indeed, obedience must flow from love of the Master aided by His Spirit. This will always show forth His light to others because it is so unnatural to man. It often goes contrary and bucks the flesh and certainly stands in opposition to the world. The world will tell you that it is all about you yet God says it is all about His Son. Obviously, this does not come natural. But natural isn’t what Jesus is about now is it? He is all about the supernatural – living this life through His power. Just as our Lord asked Peter three times “Do you love Me?” followed by a command to obedience, so too, He asks every subsequent believer, “Do you love Me enough to obey Me?” It all boils down to trust which in turn all boils down to faith.



6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)



What I glean from this:



• “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.”


• As a believer, my life is to be a witness to the Light.


• My obedience flows from love of my Master.

Sharing Bread John 5:31-34

SHARING BREAD

31 "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid.



33 "You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved.

John 5:31-34 (NIV)

Jesus knew full well the Jewish authorities would not believe His Words if He testified the Truth regarding Himself. They would have torn their clothes (and did) screaming “Blasphemy”! We find in Matthew the following account:

The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." 64 "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered. Matt 26:63-66 (NIV)

Knowing the hearts and thoughts of all men, He knew who would choose not to believe His Words. Mercifully, rather than having His Words count against the unbelieving hearer, Jesus often remained silent regarding His identity. The prophet Isaiah prophesized the following about this:

7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7 (NIV)

Both Matthew and Peter confirm this in their writings acknowledging that Jesus chose to entrust Himself to Him who judges justly rather than defend Himself to fickle man exhibiting for us great strength and power under restraint:

12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor. Matt 27:12-14 (NIV)

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)

Since His hearers invalidated His testimony, Jesus now produces other witnesses confirming He indeed was sent from God. The Father had born testimony and set His seal on Jesus’ commission by a voice from heaven and by miraculous signs of His presence with Jesus. We find in Mark the Father’s Words expressing His unqualified approval of His Son and His Son’s mission:

10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Mark 1:10-11 (NIV)



“God alone knows the depth and riches of His Godhead, and divine wisdom alone can declare His secrets.” Thomas Aquinas

“When we invent our own ideas of God, we simply create Him in our own image.” Kenneth F. W. Prior



John the Baptist also came testifying concerning the Christ, the Light of all men. He was sent to men to be an additional pointer to our Lord – the One who came to reveal God to man. We find in John:



6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. John 1:6-9 (NIV)



“This he aimed at in all this discourse, to save not his own life, but the souls of others. Christ desires and intends the salvation even of his enemies and persecutors.” Matthew Henry



Jesus’ concern for the salvation of men’s souls was demonstrated through the sending of the Baptist. While Jesus did not need man’s testimony, man needed it- demonstrated by verse 34 of our verses for today – and Jesus pointed to it.



“The Spirit of God first imparts love.” D. L. Moody



What I glean from this:

• Only God can discern the heart of man. 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." Jer 17:9-10 (NIV)


• Jesus did not need the testimony of man – He knew what was in a man.


• Thankfully, Christ desires the salvation of even His enemies and persecutors.

Sharing Bread John 5:28-30

SHARING BREAD

28 "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

John 5:28-30 (NIV)

“A time is coming” when there will be a universal physical resurrection at Jesus’ Word – you can count on it, as it will surely come. There will be a resurrection at the end of time – nearer every day – where all must appear before the Judge - therefore, all must be raised. Graves could be considered a place where dead bodies are detained yet in light of the certain resurrection to come they perhaps would be better regarded as beds where the dead sleep to be awakened again at the sound of Jesus’ voice. Paul reasons with us in the following verses giving us further insight:

16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Cor 15:16-22 (NIV)



Paul held a proper perspective of his sojourn here on earth as he knew that one day he would be evaluated by his Master. This perspective gave him perseverance, purpose, passion, peace in his circumstances, coupled with joy and contentment as his goal was always to please the Lord. He was sustained by the realization that he was merely in a transitory and temporary state – choosing to focus on the unseen rather than the seen – living by faith and not by sight.



10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Cor 5:10 (NIV)



“The Christian’s reason for leaving the camp of the world’s sin and religion is not because he loves to be singular, but because Jesus did so; and the disciple must follow his Master. Christ was ‘not of the world’; His life and His testimony were a constant protest against conformity with the world. Never was such overflowing affection for men as you find in Him; but still He was separate from sinners….You cannot grow in grace to any high degree while you are conformed to the world…..No joy can excel that of the soldier of Christ. Charles H. Spurgeon



Just as Jesus did not seek to please Himself but Him who sent Him, Paul’s goal – as should ours be as well – was to seek to please his Master. While humans are not given the whole picture we are given enough to know that our works here on earth through the power of the Spirit for the kingdom of God count and our worthless works count for nothing.



5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)



Sound like a waste of time to be working in the flesh does it not? Wouldn’t it be far greater investing our time rather than spending it? We are warned about this in Scripture:



15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Eph 5:15-17 (NIV)

“Men who are not secure in Christ cast about for spiritual life preservers with which to support their confidence, and in their frantic search they not only cling to the shreds of ability and righteousness they find in themselves, but they fix upon their race, their membership in a part, their familiar social and ecclesiastical patterns and the culture as a means of self-recommendation. The culture is put on as though it were armor against self-doubt, but it becomes a mental straitjacket which cleaves to the flesh and can never be removed except through comprehensive faith in the saving work of Christ.” Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life

This is why Paul urges us in Colossians:



23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Col 3:23-25 (NIV)



No favoritism is found in the eyes of our Lord. He died for all – red and yellow black and white, they are all precious in His sight. No amount of earthly pomp or splendor or wealth or fame or whatever else will elevate us in His eyes. He is not like man who simply judges by the external rather, our Lord judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart – the motivation behind the action. The writer of Hebrews tells us:



13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Heb 4:13 (NIV)



“Nothing teaches us so much the preciousness of the Creator, as when we learn the emptiness of all besides.” Charles H. Spurgeon



What I glean from this:



• A time is coming when there will be a universal resurrection at the Word of Jesus.


• I should keep a proper perspective of my sojourn here on earth – this is not home rather a journey to home.


• What I do here counts - whether for good or evil.

Sharing Bread John 5:26-27

SHARING BREAD

26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.


John 5:26-27 (NIV)

John gives us further insight into this Truth at the beginning of his gospel:



1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:1-4 (NIV)



Indeed, just as the Father has life in Himself, so too the Son has life in Himself. I am reminded of God’s Word to Moses in Exodus:

13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" 14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Ex 3:13-14 (NIV)

“I AM WHO I AM” quite literally meaning “I MYSELF AM HE WHO IS” - speaking to the timelessness of God who is the very foundation of all existence. “I AM has sent me to you” indicates that God will always be with His people both in plenty and in time of need, both in joy and in sorrow – He is a “with us” God. Jesus alluded to this same name in John:

58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" John 8:58 (NIV)



God tells us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. The writer of Hebrews states:



God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Heb 13:5-6 (NIV)



“From God, great and small, rich and poor, draw living water from a living spring, and those who serve Him freely and gladly will receive grace answering to grace.” Thomas a Kempis



Jesus promises His followers the same as well through the indwelling of the precious Holy Spirit. We find in John:



16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." John 14:16-21 (NIV)

“In Christ the heart of the Father is revealed, and higher comfort there cannot be than to rest in the Father’s heart.” Andrew Murray



"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." Deut 33:12 (NIV)



Jesus as the Son of Man has been delegated the authority to judge. Daniel writes of this in the Book which bears his name:



13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Dan 7:13-14 (NIV)



There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Dan 12:1-3 (NIV)



“Crown Him the Lord of Life, who triumphed o’er the grave, Who rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save. His glories now we sing, who died and rose on high, Who died eternal life to bring and lives that death may die.” Matthew Bridges



What I glean from this:



• Just as the Father has life in Himself, so too the Son has life in Himself.


• Jesus does not leave me as an orphan – the Holy Spirit is with me forever.


• I rest secure in the Lord with my head between His shoulders.

Sharing Bread John 5:25

SHARING BREAD

25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.


John 5:25 (NIV)

Jesus can call the dead to life both physically and spiritually – this is a solemn Truth. I am reminded of Jesus’ response to John the Baptist’s query found in Matthew asking if Jesus was indeed the One to come. Perhaps the Baptist was discouraged sitting in the prison cell, perhaps he had become confused. He who had once recognized Jesus to be the Messiah now needed the Truth to be reaffirmed in his soul. Isn’t it easy to get discouraged in the midst of our circumstances and then become confused? I love the way Jesus responds to his question:

2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" 4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." Matt 11:2-6 (NIV)

Jesus refuses to give a yes or no answer to the question choosing rather to site His works and let them speak for themselves. The coming Messiah’s actions had been prophesized by the prophet Isaiah and Jesus clearly demonstrated He was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s words:

5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Isaiah 35:5-6 (NIV)



6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:6-7 (NIV)



Jesus came as the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Israel and also as a Light to the Gentiles. Spiritually unredeemed Israel and Gentiles alike are blind captives living in darkness – spiritually dead in their sins yet Jesus says that those who hear will live. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans:

17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 (NIV)



Isaiah proclaims:



7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)



God’s gracious offer of reconciliation by righteousness through faith is held out to all – Jew and Gentile alike yet sadly many do not accept this Good News – many fail to respond. It is a very sad and discouraging thing to the message bearer of God’s Word for the Word not to be embraced. It is even sadder for those who turn a deaf ear to the Truth.



“We receive only one life during which we have many chances to come to know God. We are the biggest fools of all if we make the eternal mistake of rejecting the truth that God has communicated to us.” Billy Graham



“Willful unbelief only is damnable, and not the weak faith of a fearful and tempted believer. If I do not reject the ransom of Christ, my Surety, but feel my utter need of it, and am heartily desirous to accept it by faith, God can no more reject me than he can reject my Surety, or his own eternal decree. Yet, since I have very weak faith, and am often ready to sink into despair, it passeth my understanding to conceive how I can depart this life in peace. But as thy peace is said to pass all understanding (Philippians 4:7), it is sufficient to keep the weakest and most fearful soul; because it is not by any power of our own, but solely by thy Divine power, that we shall ‘be kept through faith unto salvation.’” K. H. Von Bogatzky

“I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.” John Newton

Isaiah paints the following picture of our rejected Savior with his words below:



1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:1-6 (NIV)

He simply did not fit the mold of a Monarch – no beauty, no majesty, sorrowful and suffering, despised and not esteemed – easily dismissed by the religious leaders of His day – easily dismissed in our day as well. Nevertheless, the promise of God’s Word remains true: “Those who hear will live” and “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” C. S. Lewis

What I glean from this:

• By His Word, Jesus can call the dead to life both physically and spiritually.


• Jesus willingly came and died as the fulfillment of God’s promise.


• God’s gracious offer of reconciliation by righteousness through faith is held out to all.