Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 17 – the witness of the aliens – “I have given them Your Word and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

Shortly before His death, Jesus was praying for His followers asking that His Father would sanctify them in the truth of His Word (v17).   If followers of Jesus look and act differently it’s because they are to be spreading, by word and action, the love and Good News about Jesus.   And they’re told that they are ambassadors for Jesus – representing Him in a place that isn’t really their home.   It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.

Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 16 – the invitation of the Helper – “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

When Jesus spoke to them of going away, He was referring to his death for the sins of the world, His resurrection and the 40 days He would have with them before being taken bodily into heaven.  But He would not leave them alone.   For several chapters now, Jesus has been telling His followers that He would send to them “the Helper, the Holy Spirit” (14:26).  Do you know of any other belief system or religion where God indwells His people?    And for what purpose?

•          v4 to bring to remembrance His words and teaching;
•           v9 to convict the world concerning sin;
•           v13 to guide them into all truth;
•           v22 to have joy that the world cannot take away:
•           v33 to have His peace.  “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.”

We all need Help.

Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 15 – the invitation of Jesus – “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Once again Jesus makes a very bold statement.  In the previous chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus indicated no one could come to God the Father unless they come through Him.  And now, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”   Jesus is not being politically correct, all inclusive or tolerant of other beliefs.  So do you reject Jesus or do you consider the proof that has been offered (see previous blog postings)?

Still uncertain?   Consider Jesus’ emphasis in this chapter of “abiding” in Him:

•           v2 expect God to work in your life as a vine-dresser prunes the branches to result in more fruit
•           v4 abide  and stay close and attached to the vine
•           v7  abide in the words of Jesus and pray to Him
•           v8 abide to prove you are His disciple
•           v12 abide in Jesus’ love and show it to others

Invite Jesus to show you the joy of abiding in Him.

Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 14 – the witness of Thomas – “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how are we to know the way?

Jesus is speaking about going to prepare a place for them and that they knew where He was going.   He was speaking about returning to heaven soon and that they should have known this, but Thomas spoke for all of them in asking the question.  Jesus responded, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”    

This is a very exclusive statement by Jesus.  He is saying that only through Him can a person come to God.   These is not a popular view today, but if you were drowning and a person said take my hand, would you listen and respond, or tell them that’s not what you had in mind?    We need to understand that Jesus was exclusive, because God is exclusive, even though He wants to be inclusive.   What do I mean?   God is holy and perfect and He cannot allow sin into His presence.   He sent His Son, Jesus, to be the sacrifice for sins.  He took our place and suffered the judgment we deserved so He can now let God the Father pronounce the guilty sentence on each of us (because of our sins), but if we trust in Jesus, He offers His death, not for His sins, but for Ours.  That’s why Jesus is exclusively the way, but if we believe in Him, the Father will include us in those who are His own.   

Do you know the way?

Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 13 – the witness of the basin and the towel – “Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”

The washing of guest’s feet entering a home was a responsibility reserved for the least favored servant. Yet, Jesus, the Son of God, who shortly will offer His life as the only sacrifice that would atone for the sins of the world, washes the feet of each of the apostles.   After performing the washings Jesus told them  he did this as an example that they should do as He did – offer humble service (with the indication they would be blessed in doing so).    Never before had a basin and towel been used to wash feet by someone who deserved to have His feet washed (as Mary did in chapter 12).   If these objects had the ability to speak imagine what would say.    Perhaps they would repeat the words of Jesus in verse 34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples.”  Do you know a God that is capable of such love?

Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 12 – the witness of Mary, the sister of Lazarus – “Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair.

Mary had 3 opportunities to show us how important Jesus is to her:

• Although not included In John’s Gospel, in Luke chapter 10 she sat at the feet of Jesus while He taught, probably the only woman in a room full of men.  His words and teaching were just that important to her that she would defy tradition and convention.

• In John chapter 11 – she went quickly to Jesus when He called her as she was mourning the death of her brother.   And her mourning soon became amazement, belief and joy as her brother walked out of the tomb (see previous post)

• Here in chapter 12 – she displays such love, humility and devotion in how she honors Jesus.

She had heard much and seen much and she was very sure of who Jesus is.  Are you?

Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 11 – the witness of Lazarus – “Lazarus, come forth!”

Many have made outrageous claims and then nothing comes of them.  But Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this? (v25-26)”    Lazarus who Jesus loved had been dead four days and had been entombed in a cave.   His sister Mary and Martha were mourning his death and many of their friends had come to console them.

All it took from Jesus was three words, “Lazarus, come forth!” and as we’re told in v44,   “He who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings; and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.  Jesus said to them, “Unbind him and let him go.”   Lazarus became living proof of Jesus’ claim and many who had witnessed this believed as did others who heard the Lazarus had been raised.  And in just a short while, Jesus’ own resurrection would further substantiate His claims for all those who will believe.  Do you believe this?