Sharing Bread John 11:13

SHARING BREAD

13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

John 11:13 (NIV)


As was most often the case in the Gospels, Jesus was saying one thing and His disciples were hearing something else! I love these guys because they make me feel a bit better about myself – if they could get confused while Jesus walked among them how much more so can I? Don’t you know it took enormous restraint for Jesus to keep from saying “You are constantly missing the mark boys”? I am reminded in Scripture where Jesus basically says just that in His own perfect way. We find the following in Matthew:

10 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand. 11 What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" 12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?" 13 He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14 Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." 15 Peter said, "Explain the parable to us." 16 "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17 "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.'" Matt 15:10-20 (NIV)



The word “dull” Jesus uses in verse16 above actually means without discernment or insight, lacking the ability to “get it”, lack of mental perception. Remember, these are His guys – those that walked with our Lord and shared meals with Him. Their lack of grasping His teaching had to be disappointment to our Lord. It was as if their ears could not hear. I suppose that is why Jesus often stated:



15 He who has ears, let him hear. Matt 11:15 (NIV)





“Miss anything else, but do not miss My voice. Other voices may introduce disharmony, but My voice will always bring peace to your heart and clarity to your thinking. For when you turn to the left or to the right, you will hear My voice behind you saying: This is the way, walk in it.” Frances J. Roberts



Scripture states over and over again that God lovingly promises to teach us and guide us, making our paths straight. Our jobs are to hear and heed.



19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:19-21 (NIV)

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalms 32:8 (NIV)




Don’t you find that sometimes as His modern day disciples we are unwilling to hear because it may not be what we want to hear? This could have been the case in this situation with Jesus’ disciples as well. I am confident they were not all that eager to rush back into an area that had already tried to stone Jesus. They certainly had to assume as His followers that their lives would have been on the line as well. Perhaps they did not want to take the chance of returning and so desperately wanted to believe that Lazarus was resting rather than dead.



“It is common to observe that men will not understand what they do not want to understand.” J. C. Ryle




“Fear is never a good counselor.” Nikolai Berdyaev

This is not the only time in Scripture that the disciples misunderstood the figurative language of our Lord. After Jesus had ministered to the woman at the well, His disciples showed up with food for Him to eat. He proclaims the following to them which they totally misunderstood until He clarified:



32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." 33 Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?" 34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.  John 4:32-34 (NIV)




The best way I know for us to be proper discerners of God’s Word is to set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things. God’s will not ours. Emptying ourselves of any bias that would taint our understanding and ever asking the Holy Spirit to grant us wisdom of His perfect ways.



“The Holy Spirit has promised to lead us step by step into the fullness of truth.” Leon Suenens




“A man’s heart has only enough life in it to pursue one object fully.” Charles Spurgeon




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. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8 (NIV)




What I glean from this:



• If Jesus’ disciples misunderstood His Word and way, I am certainly capable of it.


• God promises to lovingly guide me through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.


• I am to set my heart and mind on things above not on earthly things.

Sharing Bread John 11:11-12

SHARING BREAD

11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up."






12 His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better."


John 11:11-12 (NIV)


In our verses for today Jesus tells His disciples that their dearly loved friend Lazarus lay “sleeping”. The term “friend” used here by our Lord carried with it a sweet and strong significance of one dearly beloved by the Lord – this is found true throughout Scripture. Using the term “our” before friend, beautifully teaches us that any friend of Jesus’ is to be a friend of all believers as well – all being part of one body of which Christ is the head. We would do well to remember Jesus’ Word which stated the greatest, loving, selfless action that could be done on the behalf of a friend. This, our Lord not only attested to, but also later demonstrated. We find this Truth in John:

13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15 (NIV)




Friends are not only loving and self sacrificing they are also intimate in conversation. They do not keep secrets nor harbor things that would enrich or benefit the other. Jesus states we are His friends if we do what He commands which demonstrates our trust in His ways. Our obedience stems from the confident faith of knowing His ways are always for our best. Faith is always the recipient of His promises. Indeed, believers are not unlike Abraham, who was called God’s friend through the obedience he demonstrated. James states:



21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. James 2:21-23 (NIV)

“Every true Christian has a Friend in heaven, of almighty power and boundless love. He is thought of, cared for, provided for, and defended by God’s eternal Son. He has an unfailing Protector, who never slumbers or sleeps, and watches continually over his interests. The world may despise him, but he has no cause to be ashamed. Father and mother even may cast him out, but Christ having once taken him up will never let him go. He is the ‘friend of Christ’ even after he is dead! The friendships of this world are often fair-weather friendships, and fail us like summer-dried fountains, when our need is the sorest; but the friendship of the Son of God is stronger than death, and goes beyond the grave. The Friend of sinners is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” J. C. Ryle

I am reminded of Paul’s glorious words in Romans:

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)



In tenderness of words, our Lord tells His disciples that Lazarus has died. “Sleep” was a common term used for death and was certainly a more tender and empathetic way of expressing the most painful of events. We find this term used throughout all of Scripture regarding death – from the prophet Daniel as well as the pen of Paul who both wrote the following regarding Jesus’ second coming:

2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan 12:2 (NIV)




13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thess 4:13-18 (NIV)




It is interesting to me that as Jesus states Lazarus’ sad case He also, in the same breath, tells how He is going to mend it. How like our Lord! Nothing is beyond His abilities or powers. Whenever Jesus states how bad a case is, He tells how quickly He can remedy it. Lazarus had fallen asleep and Jesus was going to wake him up therein proclaiming His deliberate intentions of raising him from the dead. Who but God could make such a claim as this?



“Never was bolder declaration made. None surely would make it but One who knew that He was very God.” J. C. Ryle


What I glean from this:

• A friend of Jesus is to be a friend of mine.


• My obedience to Jesus demonstrates trust in Him and shows I am confident He has my best interest at heart.


• Jesus has the power to remedy all cases.

Sharing Bread John 11:8-10

SHARING BREAD

8 "But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?"



9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. 10 It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light."


John 11:8-10 (NIV)

Isn’t it funny that whenever we are led to do something out of our comfort zones or perhaps even a bit dangerous we start reminding Jesus of all the problems, pitfalls and terrors along the way – as if He didn’t already know! Telling our omniscient God information that He supposedly does not know is not a really good idea (to say the least)!

“God is Truth. Who in his right mind would contradict Him?” Anonymous





These disciples were pretty confident Jesus had forgotten about the dangers lurking in the place from whence they had recently come. In their humble opinions, it was nonsense for Him to even entertain the idea of going back and subjecting Himself yet again to such harsh treatment. Hence, they reasoned, He must surely have forgotten the incident! Yet Jesus had not forgotten. He knew full well what He was doing. Oftentimes our Lord’s plans seem strange and perhaps unwise to short sighted people like ourselves yet in the center of the perfect will of God lies purpose backed with achieving power. Job rightly tells us that we are so distant from God we can only hear a whisper of His ways and cannot possibly fathom the fullness of His power:

14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?" Job 26:14 (NIV)



In His infinite wisdom, God was getting ready to rearrange these guys perception of our Jesus. I love the way God works differently in everyone’s life with each circumstance allowed – how in the world does He accomplish such a great feat? I marvel at God’s Word penned by the prophet Isaiah and how He goes about fulfilling it:



10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:10 (NIV)

Jesus gives an unusual reply to His disciple’s efforts to postpone His works – they must walk while they had the Light. These would not have been unfamiliar words to His disciple’s ears. We find earlier in John a similar statement from Jesus:

4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:4-5 (NIV)




There was an allotted time for Jesus to do the works of His Father just as by extension there is an allotted time for each of His believers as well – Jesus refers to this time as the daylight – night being the limit set. Jesus came as the Light of the world. After His death, His disciples would also carry His light pointing others back to Him. We are told in Matthew:



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)




“Our task as laymen is to live our personal communion with Christ with such intensity as to make it contagious.” Paul Tournier



A light is meant to shine and give direction. We are to radiantly point others to the proper path not only with our words but, just as importantly, with our lives as well – our actions more than often speaking louder than our words. We are commanded to pay close attention to our walks making full use of our time in an endeavor to turn others from darkness to the marvelous Light of our Lord. This necessitates one to walk wisely. Paul tells us:



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)





“The crowning wonder of God’s scheme is that He entrusted it to men.” Henry Drummond




As we walk in the Light of Jesus we walk securely. We are not to be fearful of stumbling or of hesitating in our own minds rather waking uprightly and securely with the wisdom of God’s Word as our rule and the glory of God as our end. We are to be very busy yet all the while very peaceful as our day shall be lengthened until our work is complete. We have the confident assurance of “Every man being immortal until their work on earth is done” as an old saint from the past once stated. Jesus commands us:



35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." John 12:35-36 (NIV)




What I glean from this:



• I am foolish to argue with Jesus or seek to inform Him of something as if He were unaware.


• I cannot possibly fathom God’s ways or the fullness of His power.


• I am called to walk in the Light pointing others to Jesus.

Sharing Bread John 11:5-7

SHARING BREAD

5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.






7 Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."


John 11:5-7 (NIV)


Taking the contrary route to show His love, Jesus waits two days before going to the side of His sick friend Lazarus. His deferral in coming to the family was a test that would bring forth in them both praise and honor. I am confident Mary and Martha were unclear of Jesus’ motives at the time. All they knew was that their brother lay dying and the One that could save him did not show up. His delay did not lie in the fact that His love was in any way wanting rather He waited until Lazarus was dead and buried so that God’s greater purposes could be fulfilled. How easy it would have been for Him to have come and healed him. Anything less than infinite love would have instantly rushed to their beloved to bring relief and end grief - having the sweet blessing of wiping away the tears and causing the sorrow and pain to flee. Yet we see in our verses for today that Divine Love permitted pain to occur. This allowance enabled our Lord to do more for them and others than they could have possibly conceived. God has gracious intentions even in His delays. The pain of a few is often permitted for the benefit of the whole not to mention the great benefit that comes to the one through whom the pain comes. A cursory read of the saints of the past prove this out time and time again.

“The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which His vessels of mercy are permitted to pass. Present afflictions tend also to heighten future joy.” Charles H. Spurgeon

“Christ will arise in favour of His people when the time to favour them, indeed, the set time has come; and the worst time is commonly the set time. In the depths of affliction, let this therefore keep us out of the depths of despair, that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.” Matthew Henry

Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China lived a life of looking to the Lord to meet his needs knowing full well that his extremity was God’s greatest opportunity. When told they were down to the last bag of rice for the hospital under his charge, his reply gives us a stellar example of confident, quiet faith under fire:

“Then,” replied Hudson Taylor, “The Lord’s time for helping us must be close at hand.” Hudson Taylor


God’s dealings with His children are wisely and lovingly ordered and are always working for their good and His glory – never one surpassing the other. Our times are in His hands – God reigns, not chance nor circumstance nor happenstance – hallelujah for that! We see but such a poor reflection and with our limited vision we are often called to positions we would naturally shrink from and not choose because at present we cannot see its usefulness or value or wisdom. This calls for great patience and faith on our part. We owe a great debt to pain and sufferings as they are plantings in our lives to be watered with our tears of faith and warmed by the Son of Righteousness so that out of them ultimately will grow the great Christians virtues as we patiently wait. I am reminded of James’ words:

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)


Peter sheds a bit more light on the subject in the following passage:

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV)

Lastly, I am reminded of Paul’s encouraging words in Ephesians:

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)



11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalms 84:11-12 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Sometimes the most loving thing our Lord does is patiently wait before allowing our circumstances to change.


• Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.


• “Faith in Jesus crucified is the way of peace to the sinner; so faith in Jesus risen is the way of daily salvation to the saint…..You cannot be your own Saviour, either in whole or in part.” Hudson Taylor

Sharing Bread John 11:4

SHARING BREAD

4 When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."


John 11:4 (NIV)

Waiting for God’s perfect fullness of time to come, Jesus does not immediately go to the side of His beloved Lazarus. There was more at stake than merely just the healing of His friend – God and His Son were to be glorified through it all therefore our Lord waited. If I had been Mary or Martha my feelings would have been hurt - shows you just how weak I am! “Why didn’t Jesus come quickly” - I would whine. “Was something more important or urgent than healing His friend?” “Doesn’t He love me or care about me and my family?” And on and on the questions would come if not verbally at least mentally! Yet it was in the waiting that Jesus and the Father would receive the glory. I am reminded of the surety of the following proverb and confident both Mary and Martha initially felt the sting of the first half of the verse:

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Prov 13:12 (NIV)

This is a wonderful point we can apply to our own lives as well. If the circumstances do not readily change and the fire of affliction keeps on burning, are we choosing to bring glory to the Father and Son through it all? Or are we whiny britches and complainers showing forth no fruit and bringing forth no glory for the King of kings? I am reminded of Paul’s words in Romans commanding us to the following:

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)

We are also told that our complaining and arguing must stop (and I am sure that would include whining as well!). Grumbling is not an attribute for a child of the King! How in the world do these traits glorify and magnify our Lord? They certainly do not seem winsome or wooing! His desire is for every believer to be undefiled, pure and above reproach particularly in regard to our attitudes towards our circumstances. We are to embrace with joy what God allows – even if it is far beyond our limited ability to understand. This certainly does not mean we are joyful about the circumstance rather about what the circumstance will ultimately bring about – what it will produce in and through us. Hebrews tells us that was exactly the attitude of our Lord Jesus when facing His cross – His focus being upon what the cross would accomplish rather than on the agony of the cross itself:

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:2-3 (NIV)





In light of our Lord’s attitude towards His unfavorable circumstances, Paul tells us how we should approach what is allowed in our lives:



14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life-- Phil 2:14-16 (NIV)

Nothing demonstrates Christ-like character more than patience and peace in the midst of afflictions. It simply goes against human nature to rest peacefully in His arms while the storm winds rage. Interestingly, as we lean and depend upon the Lord as our source of power and peace, He blesses us, sustains us and takes us from “strength to strength” as we pass through each valley of Baca (tears) He allows. We find in Psalm 84:

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion……11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalms 84: 5-7; 11-12 (NIV)


Indeed, in every high and low of life it is God’s desire for us to be a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. As we fully depend upon Jesus we find Him to be a very “present Savior” in every circumstance we encounter.

“Let us see that we keep God before our eyes; that we walk in His ways and seek to please and glorify Him in everything, great and small. Depend upon it, God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supplies.” Hudson Taylor

“Anything that causes you to pray is a blessing to your life.” Ron Dunn

“Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger…these are nothing when compared with the glory that will be revealed in, and for us.” David Livingstone

What I glean from this:

• God’s timing is always perfect.


• I am to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.


• God desires for me to be a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

Sharing Bread John 11:1-3

SHARING BREAD

1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."


John 11:1-3 (NIV)

Though loved by the Lord, Lazarus lay languishing – being sick and without strength. He was not the only one in that household loved by our Savior. The whole family shared in the loving affections of Jesus. We find in but a few verses later:

5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. John 11:5 (NIV)




It seems almost oxymoronic to our finite minds that one the Lord loved so greatly could be found ebbing away in sickness as even unto death. All that would have been needed was one word from the Master and Lazarus would have been found leaping rather than languishing. Indeed, Jesus has power over all diseases and could have prevented the illness itself if it were not for a greater purpose. Just as our Lord’s death could have certainly been prevented if it had not been for a greater purpose as well. We somehow equate Jesus’ favor and love to perfect health, prosperity and a life of no problems. Therefore, if a life should fall ill, impoverished or problematic, we automatically assume (like Job’s “friends” wrongly assumed) that there is something askew with the walk – sin in the camp, so to speak. While there are consequences to sin – every sin carrying with it a death sentence – and we should be ever examining our own lives in a fervent pursuit to rid ourselves of sin, turning in repentance – the direct consequence of sin in a life is certainly not always the case when troubles arise nor should it be the first assumption by an onlooker. That simply is not what Scripture teaches. A reading of Job will immediately change that wrong perspective.



“But sickness, we must always remember, is no sign that God is displeased with us: nay, more, it is generally sent for the good of our souls. It tends to draw our affections away from this world, and to direct them to things above. It sends us to our Bibles, and teaches us to pray better. It helps to prove our faith and patience, and shows us the real value of our hope in Christ. It reminds us betimes that we are not to live always, and tunes and trains our hearts for our great change. Then let us be patient and cheerful when we are laid aside by illness. Let us believe that the Lord Jesus loves us when we are sick no less than when we are well.” J. C. Ryle




The fiery furnace of affliction is often the tool God uses to burn off the needless dross in our lives – the unnecessary and the unredeeming things – making us more and more conformed to the image of His Son. He is ever about conforming us to the image of Jesus – always being for us and not against us. Paul tells us in Romans:



28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29 (NIV)

“From my inmost soul I delight in the knowledge that God does or permits all things, and causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. He and He only knew what my dear wife was to me. He knew how the light of my eyes and the joy of my heart were in her. On the last day of her life – we had no idea that it would be the last – our hearts were mutually delighted by the never-old story of each other’s love…and almost her last act was, with one arm round my neck, to place her hand on my head and, as I believe, for her lips had lost their cunning, to implore a blessing on me. But He saw that it was good to take her – good indeed for her, and in His love He took her painlessly – and not less good for me who now must toil and suffer alone, yet not alone, for God is nearer to me than ever.” Hudson Taylor



“God, the eternal God, is our support at all times, especially when we are sinking into deep trouble. There are seasons when we sink quite low….Dear child of God, even when you are at your lowest, underneath are the everlasting arms. Charles H. Spurgeon




We serve a loving God who allows nothing in our lives that He cannot use for our good. As believers, we have access to the very throne of God and, as Scripture tells us, the prayer of a righteous man or woman avails much:



The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)



The great man of prayer George Mueller writes to Hudson Taylor the following that is an extreme encouragement for us all:



“On Him then reckon, to Him look, on Him depend: and be assured that if you walk with Him, look to Him and expect help from Him, He will never fail you. An older brother, who has known the Lord for forty-four years, who writes this, says for your encouragement that He has never failed him. In the greatest difficulties, in the heaviest trials, in the deepest poverty and necessities, He has never failed me; but because I was enabled by His grace to trust in Him, He has always appeared for my help. I delight in speaking will of His Name.” George Mueller




This does not mean the answer to all of our petitions will be of our bias unless, of course, our bias is to stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. Rather, all answers will be for our best. Strangely, when we receive a “no” on such occasions which seem to us as good or profitable or right it is always for a far greater “yes” though perhaps it is not perceived as such from our limited perspectives. This is where our faith is tried and tested and comes to bat – do we really believe God loves us when He asks us to lay our Isaac’s down? Do we really believe God has our best interest at heart? That everything (and I mean everything) that He allows in our lives is for our good and His glory – never one surpassing the other? We then therefore, like Abraham, go with what we know to be true and we stand firm in that.



1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. Heb 11:1-2 (NIV)




What I glean from this:



• Suffering is not always the consequence of sin.


• God often uses the furnace of affliction to make us more like Jesus.


• The prayer of a righteous man or woman is powerful and effective.

Sharing Bread John 10:40-42

SHARING BREAD

40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed 41 and many people came to him. They said, "Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true." 42 And in that place many believed in Jesus.




John 10:40-42 (NIV)



I am reminded in our verses for today, through the lives of John the Baptist and Jesus, God’s way of proper effectual witnessing. Jesus’ Word to His disciples earlier in John clearly stated what we here see fleshed out in His and the Baptist’s life. The following are the directives Jesus gave to His disciples:



34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor." John 4:34-38 (NIV)





One will till the soil, another will sow the seed, and yet another will harvest the crop – a beautiful picture of God’s perfect order in the preparation and work of His turning a soul to Him. God uses flawed human vessels filled with the treasure of His Holy Spirit to accomplish His purposes. The Baptist’s call was to preach repentance, to baptize and to point the people to the Lord Jesus. He was faithful to his call – content to be only a voice if it pointed people to Christ. He lived not for the call of another. He performed no miraculous signs or wonders rather he preached, baptized and pointed people to the Christ and God blessed his efforts.



“We are doing more good than we know. The things we do today – sowing seeds or sharing simple truths of Christ – people will someday refer to as the first things that prompted them to think of Him. For my part, I will be satisfied not to have some great tombstone over my grave but just to know that common people will gather there once I am gone and say, ‘He was a good man. He never performed any miracles, but he told me about Christ, which led me to know Him for myself.’” George Matheson



Returning to the site where John had begun his ministry of baptizing as well as of being “a voice calling in the desert”, our perfect Savior fulfills what John initiated – it seems almost in our verses for today as with a hint of nostalgia from our Lord. Certainly He remembered His own baptism by His cousin where all three Persons of the Godhead were present and the ensuing affirmation He received from His Father:



13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Matt 3:13-17 (NIV)



Herod had silenced the voice of our Lord’s relations by beheading the Baptist in prison but he could not silence his words in the thoughts and hearts of those who had heard him. John’s repeated testimony regarding the Christ had not been forgotten – his words rang in the memories of his hearers as a clarion call to repentance in preparation for the Christ. He had indeed done the hard work of sowing the seed.



“The success and efficacy of the words preached are not confined to the life of the preacher, nor do they expire with His breath.” Matthew Henry



“Let us observe that John’s preaching was not forgotten after his death, though it seemed to produce little effect during his life. Herod could cut short his ministry, put him in prison, and have him beheaded; but he could not prevent his words being remembered. Sermons never die. The Word of God is not bound.” J. C. Ryle



Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians:



8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 2 Tim 2:8-9 (NIV)



John the Baptist’s words were pristinely true and clear regarding Jesus and his hearers did not forget them hence when our Lord returned there, many believed in Him:



26 "I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." John 1:26-27 (NIV)




29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel." John 1:29-31 (NIV)




34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." John 1:34 (NIV)



What I glean from this:



• God uses one to till the soil, another to sow the seed and yet another to harvest the crop – all flawed human vessels filled with the treasure of the Holy Spirit.


• John’s words continued preaching after his death – they were not forgotten by his hearers.


• John’s words were pristinely clear and true regarding the Christ.

Sharing Bread John 10:39

SHARING BREAD

39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.


John 10:39 (NIV)

I am reminded of King David’s reassuring words penned in Psalm 31:

14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Psalms 31:14-15 (NIV)



Again, David writes in Psalm 139:



15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalms 139:15-16 (NIV)




Lastly, blameless Job in the midst of his intense pain and suffering rightly declares the following to his friends:



10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10 (NIV)




Indeed, the “fullness of time” had not yet arrived regarding the departure of our Messiah from this earth. We clearly see in our verse for today, His miraculous escape from the grasp of His enemies. The wording actually used here meaning “He came forth out of their hands” – an indication of the performance of a miracle. That God is our God, that He is both loving and faithful and that our times are in His hands certainly should bring abundant peace and comfort to the believer in the Lord Jesus. Moses rightly declares:



4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deut 32:4 (NIV)



There is no such thing as chance or happenstance - our God makes known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is yet to come. These are facts we can rest and rely on enabling us to be anxious for nothing rather rest in His loving hands. The apostle Paul writes:



6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)



“If God has our times in his hands, he can help us; and, if he is our God, he will help us; and then what can discourage us?” Matthew Henry

“Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God.” Thomas a Kempis

This was not the only time our Lord had escaped the grasp of His enemies. We find this pattern throughout much of Jesus’ ministry. Earlier in John we see almost the exact same scenario:



30 At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. 31 Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?" John 7:30-31 (NIV)



Jesus’ time on earth was not determined by the authorities of the day as they so thought, yet rather by God the Father. Jesus was not leaving this earth one nanosecond sooner or later than His work required. When He had completed God’s plan for His life, He would return to the Father in great glory.



“Accept surprises that upset your plans…..Leave the Father free Himself to weave the pattern of your days.” Dom Helder Camara


“Let this be a warning to me, O Lord. Set thou a guard before my eyes, ears, and other faculties, lest the world again should enter through these avenues of the heart: if the spark be not speedily extinguished, it will soon break out into a flame: thus sin is of a progressive nature, and its venom spreads very quickly and very wide, unless it be stopped and opposed in time. Watch, therefore, over this unsteady heart of mine, O thou Keeper of Israel; that as soon as it begins to wander from thee, I may be alarmed to flee from sin as from a serpent. Give me grace to look upon every hour as my last; so that being ever wisely upon my guard I may meet thee with joy when my time is run out, whenever it shall please thee to call me hence.” K. H. Von Bogatzky




4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. Jer 1:4-8 (NIV)



What I glean from this:



• My times are in God’s hands.


• I am to be anxious about nothing rather pray with thanksgiving about everything. Following this action, the sure promise of Scripture is the bestowing of the blessing of peace which guards my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.


• What should discourage me if my life is in God’s loving hands?

Sharing Bread John 10:37-38

SHARING BREAD

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 10:37-38 (NIV)

The miracles Jesus performed were the proverbial proof in the pudding. Who could deny the facts that eyesight was restored to the blind, that lepers were healed of their infirmity, that the dead received back life (both spiritually and physically) and that the lame now leaped for joy? His miracles had the finger marks of God written all over them. Jesus was ever fulfilling the prophet Isaiah’s prophecy by doing that which was simply too hard for man to do:

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)



24 No one living in Zion will say, "I am ill"; and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven. Isaiah 33:24 (NIV)



18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him, 9 creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. Peace, peace, to those far and near," says the LORD. "And I will heal them." Isaiah 57:18-19 (NIV)



Those who were forgiven and restored knew wholeness and peace while those who remained unrepentant knew neither rest nor peace. This has not changed since Jesus walked this earth - know Jesus know peace - no Jesus no peace. Jesus gives us the following promise a little later in John:



27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)




Believers in Jesus have both the peace with God because their sins have been forgiven and the peace of God which guards their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Paul tells us in Philippians:



6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)





Jesus validated His Word through His actions - doing only what His Father does – always about His Father’s business. Jesus equates His constant works to His Father’s earlier in John:



17 Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." 18 For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. John 5:17-18 (NIV)

He later states His motive behind the urgency of His works which He also commanded His dear disciples and us by extension as well:



4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:4-5 (NIV)




In an almost pleading fashion, Jesus gives a strong appeal to His hearers to, at the very least, believe the miracles even if they do not believe His Words – His works evidencing His divine mission. It is as if He said “though you resist the evidence of my Words, yield to the evidence of my works” (J. C. Ryle). If one knows with certainty, as our Lord most definitely did, the devastation and dire gloom that awaits the unrepentant, it is no wonder that there is such a strong plea from our Savior. Jesus constantly referred back to the proof of His miracles. We find His response to John the Baptist’s query sent from prison regarding the certainty of Jesus’ identity:



21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: 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. 23 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." Luke 7:21-23 (NIV)




Replying to His disciple Phillip regarding His identity, in a rather astonished and hurtful tone, Jesus states:



9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. John 14:9-11 (NIV)



“We should always keep Christ before our eyes. The devil continually tempts us to abandon Christ and seek the Father, saying to ourselves, ‘This or that will please him’. Meanwhile we ignore Christ—the One the Father sent—so that we might listen to Him alone. We respond as the Pharisees did and reject Christ. We wonder, ‘Where is the Father?’ That is the question that the world asks. This is the greatest temptation to your faith. You must devote yourself to the Word of Christ and train yourself to hold on to it so that you never lose sight Jesus.” Martin Luther, Faith Alone.



What I glean from this:



• Jesus’ miracles were proof of His Deity.


• I am not to be anxious about anything but pray about everything.


• I am to keep my eyes on Jesus “the Author and Perfecter” of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Sharing Bread John 10:34-36

SHARING BREAD

34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are gods’? 35 If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came--and the Scripture cannot be broken-- 36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'?


John 10:34-36 (NIV)

In our verses for today Our Lord gives His Jewish hearers a reasoned defense of the faith by appealing to Scripture as His judge of controversy – the plain text of God’s Word settling the dispute of every point. Certainly they knew God’s Word stood unchanging – firmly fixed in the firmament. Boundless in its value, Scripture is settled in the heavens and stands attested by God’s sure and certain faithfulness. The psalmist rightly declares in Psalm 119:

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalms 119:89 (NIV)



Unfortunately, like many today, made up mindsets often fail to listen to reason. Even though these hearers gloried in their possession of the Law, they remained unwilling in this instance to simply seek the Truth from it or properly discern it – big mistake! They were much too busy striving to defend their wrong opinions and actions. Surely, we should seek to avoid treading on such a slippery slope and detrimental path as this. There are many pitfalls we can escape if we choose to correctly handle God’s Word and apply its Truths to our lives. None of Scripture is to be disregarded. Every Word bears weight and is not to be passed over nor neglected. We are not to fail to give proper attention to the entire teaching of Scripture as it is all profitable and useful for both our blessing and benefit.

“Jesus claimed that the Word of God is inspired, accurate, authoritative, infallible, unerring, and trustworthy down to its smallest elements.” Robert J. Morgan


Again, the psalmist proclaims:

91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Psalms 119:91-93 (NIV)


“Take time to be holy. Speak oft with thy Lord; Abide in Him always, And feed on His Word. Make friends with God’s children; Help those who are weak, Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. Take time to be holy. The world rushes on; Spend much time in secret With Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, Like Him thou shalt be; Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see. Take time to be holy. Let Him be thy Guide; And run not before Him, Whatever betide. In joy or in sorrow, Still follow thy Lord, And, looking to Jesus, Still trust in His Word. Take time to be holy, Be calm in thy soul; Each tho’t and each motive Beneath His control; Thus led by His Spirit To fountains of love, Thou soon shall be fitted For service above.” William D. Longstaff

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved." George McDonald

Jesus’ argument to these hearers came from Psalm 82 which described human judges as “gods” – certainly not to be confused as Deity rather as simply rulers in the earth – they being God’s representatives here on earth and ever accountable to God in their exalted position. As Israel’s judges were in a sense “sons” of God, it would therefore not have been blasphemous for Jesus to have stated that He is God’s Son. Psalm 82 states:

1 God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the "gods": Psalms 82:1 (NIV)

6 "I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.' Psalms 82:6 (NIV)




The Father had so honored the Son, had set His seal of approval on Him, had set Him apart as Sacred and Holy and had sent Him to be the Redeemer of mankind. Jesus’ question to His hearers cut to the chase: “Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'?” It is as if our Lord blatantly questions them if they dared to call the Word made flesh a liar by accusing Him of blasphemy.



“If demons, whom he came to condemn, had said so of him, it would not have been so strange; but that men, whom he came to teach and save, should say so of him, be astonished, O heavens! at this.” Matthew Henry



What had they missed about our Lord? Do we miss it as well? Why did they refuse to see? Were they so busy defending their wrong positions that they were blinded to Him? Are we so busy defending our wrong positions that Truth evades us as well?



11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:11-14 (NIV)



“He knows my strengths, so He can use me for His purpose. He knows my weaknesses, so He can perfect what concerns me. He knows my anxieties, so He can reassure me with His promises. He knows my hurts, so He can apply His salve. He knows my sins, so He can cleanse my soul. He knows my failures, so He can work all things for my good. He knows my past, so He can lead me toward maturity. And He knows my future, so He can lead me all the way.” Robert J. Morgan



“All wise, all good, almighty Lord, Jesus, by highest Heav’n adored.” Charles Wesley




What I glean from this:



• God’s Word is unchanging standing firm in the heavens.


• Every Word of Scripture bears weight.


• I can miss Jesus in an effort to defend my wrong position – bad decision.

Sharing Bread John 10:33

SHARING BREAD

33 "We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."


John 10:33 (NIV)

“The only Christ for whom there is a shred of evidence is a miraculous figure making stupendous claims.” C. S. Lewis

In our verse for today we see Jesus’ enemies attempting to vindicate their actions through a feigned zeal for the Law. In an effort to gloss over their vile and murderous ways they set forth a plausible pretense of blasphemy.

“As nothing is more courageous than a well-informed conscience, so nothing is more outrageous than a mistaken one.” Matthew Henry

Their allegation was that Jesus claimed to be God – and rightly so – to be sure, what Christ had stated of Himself amounted to this Truth. He had said He was One with the Father. He had said He would give eternal life. We find Jesus giving a clear statement of His Deity in Matthew:

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)

The fact that eluded these Jews was that Jesus was no mere ordinary man. While He was fully Man, He was also fully God. Paul gives us an unrivaled description of our Messiah in Colossians:

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Col 1:15-20 (NIV)



9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, Col 2:9 (NIV)

Paul also writes in Philippians the following regarding the Lord Jesus:

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:5-11 (NIV)



The writer of Hebrews also gives us the following Truth regarding Christ:



3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Heb 1:3 (NIV)



These Jews did not want to believe because they did not want to change. When confronted with Truth we must do something with it – embrace and apply or refute and deny. They could not prove any evil against His miraculous works and therefore clung decidedly to the shreds of pretense of honoring the Law. They did themselves great harm. Wicked men - those who persecute the followers of our Lord - often have an affected zeal for God’s glory while in reality, like these Jews in our verse for today, they simply hate Jesus without rational cause. Jesus states this fact later in John:



18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.' John 15:18-25 (NIV)



“It costs much to obtain the power of the Spirit: It costs self-surrender and humiliation and a yielding up of our most precious things to God; it costs the perseverance of long waiting, and the faith of strong trust. But when we are really in that power, we shall find this difference, that whereas before, it was hard for us to do the easiest things, now it is easy for us to do the hard things.” A J. Gordon



What I glean from this:



• Christ’s enemies attempted to vindicate their evil actions by a feigned zeal for the Law.


• Jesus was both fully God and fully Man.


• As a follower of Jesus I should not blend with the world.

Sharing Bread John 10:31-32

SHARING BREAD

31 Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"


John 10:31-32 (NIV)


Neither moved by miracles nor message, these unbelieving Jews were determined to murder the Messiah. Treating the Lord Jesus as a mere malefactor, they set out to repay His good deeds with evil. Our Lord had previously baffled a similar attempt on His life by these Jewish hearers earlier in John:

58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. John 8:58-59 (NIV)

It appears that human nature often seeks to rid itself of that which convicts us or of that which we staunchly refuse to believe or embrace. Get rid of the problem so that we can get on with the life is the permeating mantra of the flesh. These Jews had no real grievance with our Lord. He had done them no injustice. He had done them no injury. He had neither stolen nor killed nor gone against the law of the land rather He had healed the sick, He had set the captives free and He had opened the eyes that were blind. He was perfect and spotless yet they remained thirsting for His blood – ready to rid themselves of His presence. Jesus speaks of this a little later in John:

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.' John 15:22-25 (NIV)



When we willfully reject Truth (aka Jesus), stopping up our ears and stomping our feet in blatant refusal, we have no excuse. Jesus’ miracles were so distinctive that their meaning was unmistakably clear. Our Lord’s works demonstrated without question God was indeed with Him and working through Him. In fact, Jesus Words declared this very point earlier in John:



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)

It appears that it was not the faults of Jesus causing the uproar, rather His graces which called forth such animosity from men. His Light exposed their darkness – their sins and false doctrines – and for that they sought His blood. We find the following Truth in Job:

22 He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. Job 12:22 (NIV)



Indeed, God is the revealer of the hearts and thoughts of men. He is intimately acquainted with all of our ways. King David rightly proclaims in Psalm 139:



1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. Psalms 139:1-4 (NIV)


11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalms 139:11-12 (NIV)


Interestingly, perhaps in an effort for them to see the light, Jesus poses the question to His Jewish enemies which should have red flagged them to the Truth - "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" For which of the good things I have done in your presence are you trying to kill me? Seriously, how much more blatant could He have been? Certainly if you were sitting there with a stone in your hand it would cause you to wonder why. Children of the world remain vexed and conscience pricked when confronted with others better than themselves. They hated Jesus because He testified that their works were evil. It is apparent that flesh will go to the extreme to rid itself of conviction if unwilling to change. Jesus poses the same question to us as well. Are we ready to rid Him from our presence because of our unwillingness to change - because of our unwillingness to embrace Truth? Do we pay Him back evil for good? Do we cling to worthless idols forfeiting the grace that could me ours?

“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



What I glean from this:



• Human nature seeks to rid itself of that which convicts or of that which we staunchly refuse to embrace.


• I am left without excuse if I stop up my ears and stomp my feet in blatant refusal to the Truth.


• If I am not secure in Jesus I will seek security in worthless idols and forfeit the grace that could be mine.

Sharing Bread John 10:29-30

SHARING BREAD

29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."


John 10:29-30 (NIV)


The sheep in Jesus’ pasture are secured by God’s power and protection. Weak as we are, those in the flock of our Lord shall all be saved – none lost or cast away. God, who is greater than all, has set His promise on it. What He has said that He will also do - this being a doctrine for the follower of Christ which is full of assurance, encouragement and consolation. Once a believer is truly converted, we are joined to Jesus and we will never be cut off from Him. Christ has said it and Christ cannot lie. Therefore we must take care that we belong to His flock, that we are the sheep of His pasture. We find the following Truths in Isaiah:

8 "Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:8-10 (NIV)



“Our salvation is certain, because it is in the hand of God. Our faith is weak, and we are prone to waver: but God, who hath taken us under His protection is sufficiently powerful to scatter with a breath all the power of our adversaries. It is of great importance to turn our eyes to this.” John Calvin




The enemy of our souls may be strong and mighty and certainly beyond our frail human power to battle yet he remains no match for our Savior who is ever mightier and through His power and strength we are able to stand our ground against Satan’s scheming attacks. We do not have to give the adversary an inch – he is a defeated foe albeit he remains fiercely battling for the souls of men. Paul tells us in Colossians the glorious truth that Christ has disarmed Satan’s power and authority over the believer by the cross making us alive with Christ:



13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Col 2:13-15 (NIV)



This is why Scripture tells us we are able through Christ’s power to withstand all temptations:



13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor 10:13 (NIV)



If Satan cannot keep us from being saved, he certainly attempts to keep us from being used for kingdom work – works that are eternal in nature – works that are wheat rather than chaff. This is why Paul’s exhortation to believers in Ephesians to don the full armor of God is essential:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Eph 6:10-18 (NIV)




“Want of trust is at the root of almost all our sins and all our weaknesses, and how shall we escape it but by looking to Him and observing His faithfulness. The man who holds God’s faithfulness will not be foolhardy or reckless, but will be ready for every emergency.” Hudson Taylor



Lastly, our Lord also states in our verses for today that He and the Father are One in essence, nature, dignity, power, will and operation. He who has the Son has the Father as well. They are in total unity – they are always working together. Their relationship is one of continuous love. To dishonor God the Son is to dishonor God the Father. Earlier in John Jesus states:



23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. 24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.    John 5:23-24 (NIV)



16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:16, 18 (NIV)


What I glean from this:



• The sheep in Jesus’ pasture are secured – none shall be lost.


• If Satan cannot keep me from being saved, he will attempt to keep me from being used.


• I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.