Category Archives: John

John

The Religious Response John 11:46-57

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In the last segment, Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead, which is the seventh sign in the book of John. Many of the people who saw it believed upon him. Now it’s time to check in on the ones who didn’t.

John 11:46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. (47) Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. (48) If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

Let’s understand what they are saying here. The belief was that the Messiah would come and re-establish the kingdom like it was under king David. So what we have here is a worry that everyone will follow Jesus, that Jesus will rise up to claim He is the Messiah and try to take Jerusalem from Rome, and that He will fail.

One the surface, their worry isn’t misplaced. Ever since Judah had been placed under Roman rule, “messiahs” had been popping up and rallying the people to rise up. Rome would then kill these “messiahs,” along with many of their main supporters, and the people would return to the daily grind of oppression and high taxes. But if we take a closer look at what they said, we will see that there is more to this tale. Look at verse 48 again, and see what their first concern is: That the Romans will take away THEIR PLACE.

Under the Romans, the “chief priests and the Pharisees” had a pretty cushy existence. They had money and power, and people with money and power do not like to see anything that will upset the status quo.  I mean, consider the flip side. Jesus rises up, claims He is the Messiah, defeats Rome, and establishes a Davidic kingdom. Would Jesus, a man who has openly opposed them since the beginning of His ministry, keep them around in their same positions?

John 11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, (50) Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. (51) And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; (52) And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

To prophesy means to speak the future, or to speak the words of God. That doesn’t mean the speaker always understands what he or she is saying. Here, God is honoring the position of high priest and making his words come to pass, but clearly for Caiaphas, he means that if Jesus is taken out of the way, then the nation doesn’t need to suffer at the hands of the Romans.

John 11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Naturally! What else are good religious folk supposed to do with their day?

John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

On most bible maps, you will find Ephraim just northeast of Jerusalem, but the true location of the city/village today is unknown.

John 11:55 And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

This was a custom/law, to go to Jerusalem every year for the Passover.

2 Chronicles 30:5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written.

John 11:56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? (57) Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

The seventh sign, bringing Lazarus from the dead, leaves Jesus as the enemy of the state. Only the most wicked of men would seek murder for a solution to their problems and concerns. This just adds to their status as the sons of satan.

Thus we see that the seventh sign, bringing Lazarus from the dead, leaves Jesus as an enemy of the state, or more accurately an enemy of the religious community. It’s very easy for us today to sit back and say that we are not like the Pharisees and Sadducees and that we wouldn’t wish Jesus dead, that we would instantly recognize a work of God. Perhaps that is true, but in closing I would ask you to stop and ponder a work before you condemn it. Pause to at least ask yourself (or better yet ask God) if this is just another person or movement out for itself and its own glory, or if it is of God, and you simply do not yet understand. Look at the fruit of that work before you label it, because even the disciples struggled to keep up at times.

God Bless

John

The Death of Lazarus John 11:1-45

Chapter 11 of John brings us to the 7th of the 8 signs of Jesus. As with all the signs there are several levels, and we will try to tackle each of them as we go through this chapter. On the surface, we see Christ raising the dead, thus showing God’s power over death and to prove to everyone that Jesus is the Messiah.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Going deeper, we see that, with Christ, we don’t die, that He is the Light of the World, and if we go still deeper, we will see the death of the priesthood and how Jesus let the priesthood die so that it could be brought back to life anew after the order of Melchizedek (in the Old Testament, or Melchisedec in the new Testament).  With that said, let’s dig in.

John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

Lazarus in the Hebrew tongue is Eleazar, which is the name of Aaron’s son who took over the priesthood. This isn’t a coincidence. God wants us to see the connection between the priesthood and Lazarus, who is soon to die. The story of Mary and Martha is in Luke 10:38.

John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

This story can be found in Luke 7:36.

John 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

We know that, at this time, the priesthood was sick, actually dead since the office of the high priest was sold and the rightful high priest was kicked out and forced to go to Egypt. This left many of Israel crying out to the Lord for help.  Thus we will see, in this instance, that Martha and Mary are symbols of Israel and Judah, the two sisters that won’t be rejoined together until after Christ returns (See Ezekiel 37).

John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

We have to remember that this all happens for God’s glory.

John 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. (6) When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

Why did He wait? In part it was make sure Lazarus had died and was dead long enough that nobody could say he recovered from a sickness, and that nobody could cheapen the miracle, but we must also remember that when we are given a specific number of days, especially in John, it’s to point to a deeper meaning. Keep that in mind as we move along.

John 11:7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. (8) His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

Remember this was just in the last chapter.

John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. (10) But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

This is a big lesson that we all need to learn. If you are doing a job for God it’s going to get done. You don’t have to worry about knuckleheads getting in your way. If you walk with Him and in the light, you can navigate around the rocks in your life just fine.

John 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. (12) Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. (13) Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. (14) Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

This whole exchange reminds me so often that God tells us things and we just don’t get it until we force Him to spell it out. If you’ve felt stupid or on the wrong page with the Father don’t worry because He is patient and the disciples weren’t any better.

John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

This miracle is going to be a sign for us and Jesus is saying that He is thankful that we have it because, by our very nature, we are faithless creatures who need to see to believe.

John 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Didymus means twin, and what he is saying is that if Jesus is going to where they want to kill Him then he wants to go and bring on the fight.

John 11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

Jewish tradition taught that the soul lingered about for three days, thus by waiting until the fourth day, it made it impossible for the pharisees to say that the soul simply returned to the body, or that Lazarus was somehow otherwise resuscitated.  That of course is all on the surface of what Jesus is trying to show us here. Remember:

2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Thus, if we count days from God’s perspective we are talking 4000 years which is the same as the time from Adam to Jesus.

Now I told you before that Lazarus represents the priesthood in this instance and that the priesthood was sick.  It needed to die so that it could be reborn after the order of Melchizedek.

If you are not familiar with Melchizedek I encourage you to read Genesis 14 and Hebrews 5-7. Later, I’m sure we will do a study on this.

John 11:18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: (19) And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. (20) Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. (21) Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

This clearly shows Martha has very strong faith that Jesus can heal the sick, but remember God is everywhere, so there was a purpose to all of this.

John 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Again she shows her faith. She knows that even though Lazarus is dead God can bring him back to life at request of Jesus, but I feel that she is almost afraid to ask for something this spectacular.

John 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. (24) Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

Again you can see that even though Martha believes that God through Jesus could do anything. It’s something that she doesn’t think God WOULD do, thus she thinks He is speaking about the last day.

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (26) And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

And here He is clearly speaking about a spiritual resurrection of all believers so you can’t blame her for thinking as she does.

John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (28) And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. (29) As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. (30) Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

Naturally when Mary heard that Jesus wanted her, she went.

John 11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

Again this is natural.

John 11:32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

Here she is almost accusing Him of his death.

John 11:33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, (34) And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

To say that He groaned really doesn’t cover it, so let’s pull up this word.

G1690

ἐμβριμάομαι
embrimaomai
em-brim-ah’-om-ahee
From G1722 and βριμάομαι brimaomai (to snort with anger); to have indignation on, that is, (transitively) to blame, (intransitively) to sigh with chagrin, (specifically) to sternly enjoin: – straitly charge, groan, murmur against.

Long story short, this means He was ticked. Can you guess why?

John 11:35 Jesus wept.

This is the shortest verse in the Bible and is often quoted, but few know or care to pause to note why Jesus wept.

John 11:36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

They simply do not understand.

John 11:37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

Now we know why He wept. They didn’t have any faith, and quite frankly a lack of faith infuriates Him. Isn’t it human nature to just cut into someone and complain about how someone else could have done better and how they should’ve done this or that, instead of looking to themselves and to God to ask what they themselves could’ve done?

John 11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

This second “groan” is certainly done for emphasis, but I also wonder how much He hated to do a miracle around so many that lacked faith. Often He would have them pulled from a room, or would have told someone not to tell the story, but here, everyone sees.

John 11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. (40) Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? (41) Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

It’s easy to overlook how much Jesus stopped to thank the Father. It is so easy to get caught up in something and forget to thank Him. Always take the time to thank Him.

John 11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. (43) And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. (44) And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

John 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

Again, they knew the stories. No doubt some of them had even seen some of His other miracles yet it took someone returning from the dead for them to believe in Him.  Does that make Him love them less? No, but it certainly ticks Him off and it is certainly a blessing to believe when you don’t see. Remember Thomas?

John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Far greater the blessing come to those whom believe first. Also, God doesn’t just leave you hanging either. He will build your faith. You just simply need to provide the seed of that faith.

With that, we will stop here for today. When we return, we will see the reaction of the religious community.

John

Jesus at the Feast of the Dedication John 10:22-42

In the first half of John 10 Christ is proclaiming that He is the true Shepherd. He will give His life for the flock, and we are told that His words left division among the Jews.

We pick up in verse 22. Many people believe there is a break between verse 21 and 22. I tend to agree, however this is all still linked to the 6th sign, the healing of the blind man, which proves Jesus is Messiah.

John 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

I know I have said it before, but when we are giving a time and place, it is important so pay attention.

The feast of the dedication is, in short, Hanukkah . It is not a feast that was given by God to us through Moses. (Leviticus 23, Deuteronomy 16).  Still we need to understand this feast in order to understand the mindset of Jesus’ audience here.

In 168 B.C., Antiochus IV demanded the Jews take on Greek culture. He disallowed circumcision and sacrificed swine in the temple, thus ending sacrifice until we come to the time of the Maccabees.

Judas Maccabee was a priest that was confronted by soldiers and told to sacrifice to an idol. Instead, he killed the soldiers and led a revolt that led to Israel becoming an independent nation. Under his rule they rededicated the temple. I am sure most of us are familiar with the menorah and the story of how they lit the lamp and only had oil for one day. The lamp was not supposed to go out, and it took eight days to prepare more, but they felt it would be better to get the lamp lit, even for a little time, than not at all. So they lit the lamp and, instead of the oil lasting only one day, it lasted until the new oil was ready.

Why is all this important to know? Because it is at this time of year that the Jews looked for a messiah more than any other time. It was when they were thinking of the last time they had become free from foreign rule. What they wanted was another David or Judas Maccabee to rise up and free them this time from the Romans. That is why there were so many rising up and proclaiming themselves messiah, and trying to take back Israel by force.

“…And it was winter.” This is a strange thing to add to the end of verse 22 because the feast of the dedication is always in the winter. It is like saying it was Passover and it was Spring. Thus we know that it is there is for a reason. In Matthew 23:20 and Mark 13:18, the two chapters where He explains His return, Jesus tells us to pray our flight is not in the winter.  Why? because He is not going to come in the winter. Therefore, by giving us “…and it was winter,” we are being told that it isn’t the time for Him to take up the sword. That this isn’t the advent where He comes with a rod of iron to slay the wicked also that He wouldn’t be coming during this festival.

John 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

Again a location. Solomon’s porch is on the East side of the temple, and historically was the place where the king would pass judgement. This is also where the Levites lived, and the doctors of the law heard and answered questions.

John 10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Here we have Christ standing in the place where kings of old passed judgement during the festival the Jews looked for a messiah, with them demanding of Him to state if He is the messiah. Thus the King of kings and Lord of lords tells them and passes judgement:

John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. (26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Once you acknowledge who the Shepherd is and follow Him, nobody can take your salvation. That doesn’t mean you might not turn from Him and start to follow other shepherds, but there will be severe consequences.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

If you have seen the Son you have seen the Father.

John 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Imagine that, they ask Him if He is the messiah, He answers, so they want to stone Him.

John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

I love this question.

John 10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

Hey they have at point, at least at first glace: Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Non-Christians have made a lot of traction with this verse. A lot of Christians see this verse and either want to ignore it’s existence or start to lose faith. What does it say? It says God doesn’t have to lie like man does, and it says that He isn’t the son of man, that He should repent. Jesus is sinless and therefore doesn’t have to repent.

John 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

It does. Let’s pull it up:

Psalms 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

And who was just passing judgement?

Psalms 82:2 (How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. (3) Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. (4) Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. (5) They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

Christ just finished telling them they are not His sheep and they do not understand.

Psalms 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. (7) But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. (8) Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Ok back to John

John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Remember in Matthew 5 He says He is not changing one jot or tittle to the law.

John 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? (37) If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

Actions speak louder than words. When Jannes and Jambres stood against Moses and turned their rods to snakes. The rod of Moses ate them up telling us that God does not mess around. Meaning that even if Jesus had pulled off some “miraculous” healing or was able to rile the people up with some fancy words God would have taken care of him. Just look at Simon the magician in the New Testament.

John 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Even if they didn’t understand what Christ was saying they should’ve known that His works were from God. His sheep know. They did then and they do now. It is the so-called wise men that always stumble.
John 10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

Because it wasn’t time yet.

John 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

The Jordan marks the edge of the promised land so essentially He left Israel.

John 10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. (42) And many believed on him there.

Wherever He goes, His sheep will follow. John the baptist was the voice crying out in the wilderness. His job was the make the path straight to the Lord. He certainly did his job. Is it no wonder Jesus said there was none greater that was born of woman.

God Bless you all, until next time.

John

He is the Good Shepherd John 10: 1-21

In Chapter 9 Jesus performed His 6th sign, the healing of the blind man, the purpose of which was given to us in verses 3-5. These verses, summed up, tell us that the man was born blind so that Jesus would heal him, and so that “the works of God should be made manifest in him.”

Then verses 8-38 give us the reaction to this sign, which we covered in the last post. The chapter ends with Jesus telling the Pharisees that He has come into the world for judgment. This brings us to chapter 10, which, even though our Bibles shows as a new chapter, is really a continuation of the sixth sign, or more specifically the significance of the sign. So when reading this, if you want to understand this at the deepest levels, you will have to keep the healing of the blind man in mind.

John 10:1-6 Verily, verily (truly, truly), I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (2) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (6) This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

Are you one of His sheep? Can you understand what He is saying here? The pharisees didn’t. Make sure you take the time to listen and understand because He is going to explain it:

John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

He is the only way into the fold. The wall that protects the sheep is our Father, and He has given us the gate, which is His Son.

John 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

Christ uses the sheep here because sheep will not follow someone who isn’t their shepherd. Even if he is the shepherd of another flock they will not heed to his voice. God’s children know His voice and wont follow after strangers. They have spent time with Him and know Him. They know His ways and know in their gut when something isn’t from Him or is contrary to Him. The world today comes at us and tries to train us that what is wrong is right and that we have to accept their ways. At the heart it is the beast system, Satan’s system calling out to God’s flock and trying to pull them away: trying to get them used to his voice, and trying to get them to forget the voice of their Father. Remember what Christ said: Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Psalms 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

If you enter into His house through the door, you are His sheep and His son, a child of the Living God.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Do not let the thief entice you. When you see him or hear him, call to the Shepherd and He will come.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Just as David fought lions and bears to protect his sheep, Christ gave His life for us, His sheep.

John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. (13) The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

There are many in the church today who are simply interested in a paycheck. Sure they will sound nice and they will tickle your ears with a 15 minute sermon on Sunday, but as soon as the wolf comes they will disappear. I’m not talking about good pastors because they do exist, but it is your job as the sheep to know the voice of your Father. If the hireling you have running your organization isn’t using the words of the Father, but instead is using his own words, and if he isn’t feeding the flock  then you need to either send him/her packing, or find someone that will feed you and will use the words of your Father.

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Because His sheep know when He is speaking to them.

John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Christ died so that you can live. He is that gate. His blood is the way into the fold.

John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Here He is talking about the Gentiles.

Romans 10:11-13 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

There is only one flock. You have either gone through the gate or you haven’t. You are either attached to the vine or you’re not and God doesn’t care who your father is or the color of your skin. If you walk through the gate, you are His.

John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

He rose from the death ladies and gentlemen. He accomplished it.

Isaiah 25:7-9 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. (8) He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. (9) And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

The veil was rent: Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

No longer do we need that porter He spoke of in verse 3. Through the Son we have a direct line to the Father.

John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

They did not have the power to take anything from Him. Before the time was ready He slipped away from them time and again. What did He tell Peter when he tried to stop them from taking Jesus in the night? Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

John 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. (20) And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

There will always be scoffers. No matter what you do, or how great a work you perform, someone will have a problem with it. Remember, Jesus just healed a man of blindness. He just took the veil that was over his eyes and cast it aside, and yet there are some that will call Him a devil. The same thing happened to Peter in Acts chapter 2, on Pentecost Day, when the Holy Spirit poured out from them, and everyone heard the words of God in their own tongue.

John 10:21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

Thieves and robbers cannot open the eyes of the blind. They can only try and convince the blind man that he can see, or that seeing isn’t possible, or that blindness is a blessing. And I am not talking about those that are physically blind. I am talking about spiritual blindness. Christ said to pray for your daily bread. Seek Him out continually. If you cannot hear His voice, then you have wandered too far off and you need to cry out to Him. He will hear the bleating of His sheep and come for you. If you call to Him He will carry you home. Pray for understanding and He will give it.

John

The Jews Require a Sign: Do You? John 9

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This ninth chapter of John reads really fast. There are a few deeper meanings in it and I will try and bring them out as we go through it, but I would like to cover this whole chapter in one go, so I’ll do my best to keep my input short.

John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

This whole chapter is really about sight and having eyes to see and ears to hear. Here Jesus sees, and naturally the blind man doesn’t. We are told that he was blind from birth not only so that we understand that it wasn’t some trick, but also so that we understand he never had eyes to see the deeper truth.

John 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

This was the common belief at this time, that if someone was sick it was because someone sinned.

John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Don’t read over this- this man was born blind so that works of God should be made manifest in him. That is to say, so that the works of God are made apparent, or made known. He was actually blind for this purpose.

John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (9:5) As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

We have seen Jesus talk about the light and night before. The day represents the presence of the truth of God, and the night is the obscurity of that truth, especially in the tribulation. This is a topic in and of itself, so for now let’s just press on.

John 9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, (9:7) And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

This is the 6th sign in the book of John. 6 being the number of man and man being made of dirt or clay. I haven’t brought out the signs, as I perhaps should have, so we may do a post covering all eight when we are finished with this book. For now let’s look at the elements involved because a lot is being said here.

The breath of God is what took a mound of dirt and turned it into a living, breathing Adam. That man and his descendants didn’t have eyes to see or ears to hear as they should. Some did of course, Enoch, Noah etc., but as a whole they couldn’t see the spiritual. In the garden, Satan promised that if they partook of the fruit their eyes would be opened, but it opened them to the ways of this world and closed them to the ways of God. Now we see what happens when we partake of the Tree of Life and the Living Water is added.

John 9:8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? (9:9) Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

Have you ever seen a beggar cleaned up? Hard to recognize.

John 9:10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? (9:11) He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. (9:12) Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

Notice that in order for him to receive his sight he had to follow directions. It wasn’t just magic. So many forget to follow the directions, then wonder why they are not blessed.

John 9:13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. (9:14) And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

We already know the pharisees are going to get their panties in a bunch over this, but stop and think about this for a moment. Jesus is Lord of the sabbath, and Colossians chapter 2 tells us “the handwriting of ordinances” was nailed to the cross, meaning we are to sabbath in Him. Sabbath only means rest, and we do that in Him EVERYDAY or at least we should. If you are tired and your soul is weary try it sometime. Thus if we receive our sight by partaking of the Living Water, who is the Sabbath? How on earth could Jesus have healed him on any other day?

John 9:15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. (9:16) Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

How could a sinner do it, indeed.What did Christ say in Luke?

Luke 12:51-53 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: (52) For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. (53) The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

John 9:17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

“What do you have to say about this man?” Can you picture that? This man is ecstatic because he can see. He is excited and wants to tell the world and the first thing they want to know is what does he think about him. What would you think about Him? He just opened your eyes! And I tell you that once Immanuel, God with us, opens your eyes, you want to tell the world.

He says He is a prophet. Now from the Greek this means largely what we think of when we think of prophet, which is to say someone that foretells the future and certainly it does mean that and Jesus certainly was that, but from the Hebrew if you called a man a prophet you are saying he is an inspired man, a man inspired by God.

John 9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

Of course they don’t believe.

John 9:19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

Why are they asking his parents? The guy already told them the story. You would think that would mean it’s all peas and carrots, right? But it isn’t, and people today are no different. If you tell them something miraculous they wont believe. Instead they will go and check your credibility, which is why it is important to protect it.

John 9:20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: (9:21) But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. (9:22) These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. (9:23) Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

You can take these verses a couple of different ways, but I am sure you can picture this scene. I’d find it hard to leave my child to these wolves no matter what his age though I can understand that, for them, to be put out of the synagogue meant not only to lose their salvation, but it meant to be shunned by the whole society.

John 9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. (9:25) He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

Can you see the difference in the level of thinking? The pharisees say Jesus must be a sinner, or this blind man is a liar. When they find out he isn’t a liar they say well Jesus must be a sinner, but gives glory to God. We need to watch this level of thinking because it can be easy to fall into. Certainly we need to give God the glory for everything, but don’t forget the way the blind man reacted to this situation.

John 9:26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

Never focus on the how. I know it is easy to do, but we need to focus on the why. Why did Jesus heal this man?

John 9:27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?

Doesn’t sound like a bad plan to me.

John 9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. (9:29) We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.

Again this goes back to John 8. They don’t understand Jesus. Now let’s hear the blind man’s response because here is some common sense.

John 9:30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.

You don’t know where he came from, but he opened my eyes.

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. (9:32) Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. (9:33) If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

It’s funny how the gurus cannot reason out the ABCs isn’t it?

John 9:34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

Pride: that is all this is when you get down to it. They are supposed to be the ones that God works through, but instead it is coming from a peasant from Galilee and a blind man.

John 9:35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? (9:36) He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? (9:37) And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. (9:38) And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

It comes down to personal choice guys.

John 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

This is the crux of the matter. Jesus came to give us eyes to see and ears to hear, but he also made it so that some will be made blind.

Romans 11:7-8 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (8) (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

John 9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? (9:41) Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Blindness to the truth lends you protection from sin, however if you proclaim that you have the truth and teach others your sin will remain. This is why Jesus tells us over and over again to pray for guidance and understanding. Never assume you understand it all.

It comes down to faith. The blind man had faith enough to follow Jesus’ instructions even if he didn’t know what what to expect. The same goes for us: if we follow the Word of God in faith, He will give us eyes to see and ears to hear.

I hope this didn’t run too long for you, but at the same time I hope we didn’t cover it too quickly. If you find anything you would like us to discuss further just comment below or contact us with your question otherwise we will see you in chapter 10 of this great book.

John

Jesus vs the Pharisee Bullies John 8:45-59

We pick up on this beautiful day with Christ still speaking to these Jews, whom He said are not the seed of Abraham, but are of their father the devil and just as darkness doesn’t understand light, the children of Satan do not understand the Son of man.

John 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. (46) Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

Convince Him of sin? There are two types of people that try and convince you of sin. The first ones are the ones that are honestly thinking that they are doing what is right, and the other are those that purposely try to lead someone astray. We recently did an article on the former that you may want to check out. I believe most people fall into this category because most people do not understand God’s law. They have grown up and understand the ways of the world, but not the ways of our Father. The other category is Satan and his children. They know what is right, but love sin. Satan knows who God is yet still tried to tempt Christ in the wilderness.

John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Some will make the case that the Israelites just can’t understand because God divorced them (Jeremiah 3:8). And they will go on to use Paul to back up their claim that Israel has a spirit of slumber (Romans 11:8) because he was persecuting Christians until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). The problem with that thought process is that it misses the point of Jesus ministry, and that, unlike Paul,  most of these Pharisees weren’t actually Israelites.

Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

As the above verse says, Jesus was here specifically for Israel, before salvation was opened to the gentiles. Those who  believe that God will not allow these Pharisees to understand Jesus, though they want to, miss the fact that when Israel heard the truth they came out in droves to the Jordan to be baptized. The fact is that if you love God and seek after Him and put aside your pride or prejudice you can hear His word no matter if you were born Israelite or Gentile. Doesn’t matter–we are all God’s children and there is but one vine to which you can be attached and receive everlasting life, and that is Christ.

John 8:48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

What the Pharisees said here is so dumb it makes me laugh! It’s like they realized they are caught and are now just going to start tossing whatever they can to make them look better. Do you remember in school when someone makes the bully look dumb and he starts coming at that person with everything he can to try and make it stick?

John 8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

Bullies don’t like it when someone stands up to them. Most people in this day and age couldn’t read, thus they relied on the priests to tell them the laws and commandments of God. So these holy rollers were not used to someone who could stand toe to toe with them and question their authority. Truth be told, most people today cannot stand toe to toe with Satan’s own which is sad. That’s how Satan operates folks. He uses scripture and he will twist it into a thousand directions if you let him. That is why you need to know what God’s plan is and how our Father operates.

Think on this: if someone came to you and said your mother baked you these chocolate chip cookies, I bet you could look at them and know if she did or not, and if not by sight you would know the moment you tasted them. Now I know that some of you out there don’t have moms that bake chocolate chip cookies, but I’m sure you understand the principal. Whether it was good or bad, you know your mom’s cooking and I doubt anyone could copy it. How many wives out there wish they could? How many wives have had better cooking than their mother-in-laws and have to suffer because their husbands know and love the cooking of their parents? Our Father’s Word isn’t any different. If you delve into it and get familiar with Him and His Word, and understand how He works, then even when you are dealing with a bad translation, you know something isn’t right. If you can’t, I don’t say this to shame you. I say it to encourage you to get into your Father’s Word and start to talk with Him. He created us for His pleasure.

John 8:50-51 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. (51) Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

That begs the question: whose glory are you after? Whose glory do you seek? If Jesus the Christ did not come to seek His own glory, who should you be glorifying? I hope you know the answer to that. I hope that you check yourself frequently because we all have pride and we all struggle with ego to one degree or another.

John 8:52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

Clearly these turkeys don’t know their Father’s word. “Oh but they didn’t have the New Testament and they didn’t know about life after death.” Oh really? David knew it. In second Samuel what did he say right after his first child with Bathsheba died?

2 Samuel 12:23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

You see David knew where he was going and what about this:

Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

We came from God and we return to God. End of story. Jesus came from God too, just as Abraham did before he came to earth.

Naturally, we could talk about the Angel of the Lord that came to visit Abraham not to mention Melchizedek, but I wont at this time.

John 8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

Maybe they would have more respect for Abraham and Moses if they realized that they were with the Father.

John 8:54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: (55) Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

These guys are running around wanting to kill anyone who doesn’t do and say exactly what they want, and Christ is running around healing the sick and proclaiming the year of the Lord. You know it’s so easy to get caught up in chasing around false teachers and wanting to tear down their false houses, and I know that looking at them can make you sick, but that isn’t what Jesus did. Jesus went out and taught. He let those jokers come to Him and we need to follow that example. Get in God’s ark, keep the bow pointed toward the fixed point in the heavens, God, and put the throttle down. Don’t worry about the wake that the others are making; run over it. Let them worry about our wake.

John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Of course he saw it. Christ came to him and promised him a son. He received a son (Isaac), and through him we got The Son. And he did see it because to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

John 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? (58) Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Again He uses the sacred name because He was there. In the beginning was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, (John 1:1).

John 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

They started the chapter wanting to stone a woman, with no regard for the law, as that would require the man to be there as well. Now they want to stone Him, and to do it in the temple of all places. I told you in the beginning that this chapter is giving us a glimpse of the Millennium. Take what you will from that, for when Christ returns, every knee will bow and He will be in the temple, and by the end of the Millennium, many will fall away. I pray that wont be you. Stay in His Word and follow Him. Create your own wake and SHOW the world that you honor God. Words mean little next to deeds. Until next time, may God keep you and Bless you. Amen

John

John 8:42-44 Jesus Calls out the Sons of Satan

In the last post, we kinda left off in the middle of a conversation between Christ and these Jews, where these Jews are claiming to be sons of Abraham, to which Christ responded, “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.”

This in turn made them angry and they responded by saying, “We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.”

I began that post by saying that we had come to the group mentioned in Revelation 3:9, Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Then when we got to John 8:37, where Jesus agrees with them that they are Abraham’s seed, I told you how I felt Christ was saying that it didn’t matter who your father was, but what mattered was that once you are baptized into Christ then you are Abraham’s seed.

I don’t want to take away from that message because it’s true that no matter who you are, if you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you too CAN become a child of the living God. But today, we are going to focus on this synagogue of Satan.

John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. (43) Why do ye not understand my speech?even because ye cannot hear my word.

Remember Nicodemus? He was a pharisee as well and, while he didn’t always understand Jesus, he asked questions so that he could understand. He believed Jesus. How do we know he believed him? Because in chapter 19 of this same book, we see that he brings myrrh and aloes to Jesus and helped with His burial.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

What on earth is He talking about? Satan. Who was the first murderer? Cain of course. And who was Cain’s father? Despite what many think, it wasn’t Adam. It was Satan. This is why God said to the serpent in Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

He wasn’t speaking about apple seeds. He was talking about children and his children did bruise the heel of our savior when they drove the spike through it when nailing Him to the cross.

We will be doing a more in depth study on this topic, as it deserves further study, but for today let’s get a second witness to this by turning to Matthew.

Matthew 13:24-25 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: (25) But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

A tare, for those of you who don’t know, is a plant that while it is growing in the field looks just like the good wheat, until it comes to harvest time. Thus a farmer is unaware of them until they begin to bear fruit, and he has to deal with them is because they are poisonous. Their fruit will kill you.

Matthew 13:26-29 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. (27) So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? (28) He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? (29) But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

The reason we aren’t to gather them up early is because, not only are they hard to spot, and you could grab the wrong ones by accident, but their roots are also intertwined with the wheat and pulling them up would harm the good roots.

Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Christ here gives us some other parables, and I encourage you to read them in their entirety as they are important, but for the sake of brevity and the topic we are covering, we will jump down to his explanation.

Matthew 13:36-38 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. (37) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; (38) The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

God planted good seed in the garden. Satan came and planted his seed. “Well that is talking about the Son of man, that’s Jesus. That isn’t talking about the garden of Eden.” That’s true in part because Jesus here is not only giving us the physical seed, but also the spiritual. What does Christ tell us in this self same chapter?

John 8:56-58 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. (57) Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? (58) Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Jesus was around long before He showed up wrapped in swaddling clothes. Do you see how He used I AM there? That’s exactly the same name He used when He came to Moses in the burning bush. God is the same yesterday, today, and guess what, He will be tomorrow.

God did not just wake up one day and go, “Gee these Israelites suck I’m going to just open Myself up to all these gentiles and teach them a lesson.” No it was part of His plan from the beginning. That is why He gave us the prophecy about the bruised heel the very moment Satan came to tempt man kind, because He knew that man was weak.

We don’t know how long Adam and Eve were in the garden before the serpent came, but we do know they had full bellies and wanted for nothing and still they couldn’t cut it. We also know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came and, even after being hungry in the desert with the sun beating down and His lips split, He told Satan to take a hike.

Regardless of whether you want to buy into the notion that the sons of Cain are represented here or not, the fact remains that there are two trees, two vines you can be attached to. The first is the tree of life which is to say Christ. Israel is the natural, physical seed, but salvation was opened to all spiritually. The second is Satan’s tree, which has gone by many names over the years, but those that are attached to it are are his children, physical or otherwise. I’d suggest you make sure you know which one your attached to, and make sure it is love that is pumping in from the root and nothing else.

We will finish out this eighth chapter of John next time. Until then stay in His word and God Bless.

John

Christ Explains Abraham’s Children John 8:33 to 8:41

This chapter began with Christ coming from the mount of Olives and going to the temple. This tells us that while this chapter can certainly be applied today, it is talking about the time AFTER He touches the mount of Olives, that is to say when He returns to earth. You maybe wondering why I keep emphasizing this point. I do this because I want you to see how Christ is going to deal with these different groups. He knows our hearts so there isn’t any tricking Him. He has dealt with the adulterous woman, which is an example of how He will deal with those who were supposed to remain faithful to Him. Now we are going to see how He deals with those who claim to be Jews but are not and do lie (Revelation 2:9, 3:9).

Jesus has just told them that, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Thus, we pick it up with their response.

John 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

This is interesting because Galatians 4:22 says, “For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.”

Those two sons were Ishmael and Isaac. Ishmael was born a servant, and the sons of Isaac, namely Israel were enslaved by Egypt. So if if they are not of Ishmael or Isaac who are they? Don’t worry Christ will identify them in a moment.

John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (35) And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

As close as a servant or slave may be to the family, he is never a member of the family.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Naturally, Jesus is telling them that He, being the only begotten Son, can free them from their master, sin.

John 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

Some people will say that Jesus is only paying them lip service here because all of Abraham’s seed were at one point in bondage, and these people claim to never have been in bondage to any man. This could be the case because certainly can trace how the nethinim crept into the priesthood, but I feel as if He is trying to show us it doesn’t matter who is your earthly father.

Let us turn to Galatians 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Paul explains that if we are in Christ then we are part of the family, just as Jesus told us above, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

We can take the concept a bit further by reading this: 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

And we can read this: Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

John 8:38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

Here is the crux of the matter because there are two fathers. See Malachi 4:6.

John 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

Abraham lived by faith. Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

You see Abraham recognized God when He came to visit. Having never seen Him before, Abraham knew who The King of kings and Lord of lords was. He gave tithes to Him when He appeared as Melchizedek in Genesis 14:18 (See Hebrew 7 and if you don’t understand this don’t worry) and he believed him when He came and told him he would have a son (Genesis 17).

John 8:40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Don’t forget this first chapter of John: John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

Clearly they do not understand God, but as we just said, the darkness does not understand God. Many people today are in darkness. One doesn’t have to go far to find those that mistake the works and ways of Satan for those of God. My friends you are either on the vine or not. People always want to say, “Well the Jews this or Gentiles that,” but as we have seen in Galatians 3:38 as well as other places, to God that doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is if your branch is attached to the Vine.

John 15:4-6 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

I want to stop here today because I don’t want this article to get too long, and when we pick this back up, I go want to go a little deeper into the two fathers, along with parable of the tares. Don’t miss it!

John

Can Flesh Understand Christ? John 8:21-8:32

Today when you speak to someone about Jesus or God they have a lot of preconceived ideas about what you believe and are going to say which can make it hard for someone come to Christianity with an open mind. Some of this has to do with how our liberal television shows, movies, news, radio and schools cast unfavorable lights upon Christians as a whole. Some has to do with the money grabbing, or the worthless excuses for shepherds we have parading about on those same televisions and radios thumping their bibles and saying some of the most ridiculous things you have ever heard.

The Pharisees here are no different. They have preconceived ideas about who the Messiah will be, what His mission is, and how He will accomplish it. Truth be told, some believed the Messiah would be a woman, or so I have heard. Fighting preconceptions can be extremely difficult, and oft times people can believe that if they had just said the right thing or did it just a little bit differently that they would’ve gotten someone to “see.” Don’t worry about that; God has a plan for everyone, and it isn’t for us to judge when that someone’s time to “see” is. Remember that this chapter of John started out with Christ on the Mount of Olives, which means this chapter gives us a look at what will happen when He returns.

John 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

This verse calls to mind: Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It also makes me think if the Millennial Temple where only the overcomers can go into Him.

John 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

Without the Holy Spirit, the only thing they can see is the flesh, and their minds work in the flesh. Be patient with those that think this way.

John 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

Heaven isn’t in the sky, and hell isn’t in the dirt, yet that was how people of they day thought about and/or visualized heaven. What He is talking about is the same thing that Paul told us here:

1 Corinthians 15:47-48 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Flesh man cannot understand the heavenly, but they can believe upon it and thereby transform themselves into spiritual beings that can.

John 8:25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

He began (in the last section) by saying that He is the light of the world and His story hasn’t changed.

John 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. (27) They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

Again, many wont understand, but it is not understanding that is required, it is belief. The belief and faith of a mustard seed.

John 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. (29) And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

He is speaking of both advents here, His crucifixion and His return. Many believed upon Him after the first crucifixion, however every knee shall bow at His ultimate return, and everyone will KNOW who He is.

John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.

Think about this as it pertains to both advents.

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

A disciple is a disciplined student. Remember what the Parable of the Sower taught us:

Matthew 13:18-22 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. (19) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. (20) But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (21) Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Many people will take this verse and run with it, but it is only half the sentence. It starts with “If ye continue in my word.” To know anything it takes time. God doesn’t use magic to give us full understanding. The seed needs to grow and we must strive to set down roots. Sitting upon a seedling cannot give you the same view as sitting upon a hundred year old oak. Continue in His word, ponder it, and you will know Christ.

John

Christ gives His Credentials John 8:12-20

In our last post from the book of John, the pharisees brought Christ a woman caught in adultery and told him the law of Moses ordered her to be stoned and demanded what He would say about it. Now Christ is going to shift His focus from the adulterous woman to the pharisees. That is to say those that have sinned (Israel) and those that believe they are righteous (Kenites).

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (13) The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

Christ forgave the woman because even thought she was in darkness, she went to the Light of the World when she saw Him. Her accusers on the other hand fled from the light. John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

Again darkness does not understand the light.

John 8:15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

What does judging after the flesh really mean? It means that while we are in the flesh we cannot see or understand everything. We cannot see that the adulterous woman regretted her actions. Not truly. It is incredibly hard to understand if a person truly regrets their actions or only feel guilty because they got caught.

John 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

Oft times we can get unction from the Holy Spirit and He will tell us if something is true or not, but Christ and the Father are one, thus, if Christ judges we know it comes from the Father and it is good.

John 8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. (18) I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

I like how Jesus says, “YOUR LAW,” to tell them that my their own set of standards He is true.  Remember they had just brought Him the adulterous woman and went on spouting law at Him. Watch how quickly they forget.

John 8:19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. (20) These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

We will get into them not knowing His Father in the next post. Today I want to focus on an often overlooked fact before we close and that is WHERE Christ said these things, the treasury. I know I’ve said this many times, but I will say it again, where Christ said something is just as important as what He said.

The treasury is where the captured riches from other lands were stored along with the tithes. The tithes were supposed to go to the maintenance and running of the temple and to help care for the priests. It was supposed to be that these gifts were freely given to God, and from that, the Word of the Lord was to come from the temple. These pharisees were not using the tithes to spread the light of God; they were using it for their own selfish desires. Soon they would use that money to slay the Word of God by paying Judas with it.