Today we finish the book of 1 John as we begin a new week. This week we will read: 1 John 5 - Monday, 2 John - Tuesday, 3 John - Wednesday, Jude - Thursday, and we begin our journey through Luke's Gospel account with Luke 1 on Friday.
John begins to wrap up the first of his epistle's with a summary of his theology. "Get born again, love God, love people. We are commanded to love, if we don't love we can't say we are following Jesus."
He then makes a very interesting presentation on the Spirit, the water, and the blood. These three testify to Jesus Christ and they verify the Gospel claims of John. John says if we live in this truth, we can ask anything according to His will in Jesus name and God will hear us. We can even ask for sins to be forgiven!
Here is a place where I bet you read and re-read the text. I know I did. What is a mortal sin? How does this concept of a mortal sin impact salvation? I have read many commentaries and web sites and I still am not sure where I come down on all of this.
An interesting definition I read for mortal sins read this way; "Mortal Sin is sin that has a deadly impact on our relationship with God." This theologian went on to say that any willful act of disobedience that "kills" the grace of God in the sinner.
John closes with another extreme stance on being sinless. "We know that those who are born of God do not sin, but the one who was born of God protects them, and the evil one does not touch them." 1John 5:18 NRSV. I wish I understood this more fully. I guess it is my own weakness and sinfulness that keeps me from understanding. It has not been my experience that "those who are born of God do not sin,". Lord help me to understand and to walk with you.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
1 John 4
John is filling his role as over seer in the early church here as he addresses the problem of false prophets and anti-christs. I am impressed here that, although John is addressing a different problem, the answer seems to be the same. LOVE.
There are many scriptures that should be stored up in your heart - 1John 4:7- 11 are a few of them! "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:7-11 NRSV. Love does not begin in us - it comes from God who loves us - each one of us - first! But love should flow out of us! Love should be our calling card, our pedigree, our way of life. I need to check myself on this all of the time. Is love, real Godly love flowing out of my life? Lord, help me to show and sow love.
There are many scriptures that should be stored up in your heart - 1John 4:7- 11 are a few of them! "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:7-11 NRSV. Love does not begin in us - it comes from God who loves us - each one of us - first! But love should flow out of us! Love should be our calling card, our pedigree, our way of life. I need to check myself on this all of the time. Is love, real Godly love flowing out of my life? Lord, help me to show and sow love.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
1 John 3
What a lovely way to start the day -- "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are." 1 John 3:1a NRSV. I needed to be reminded of that today. I suppose I need to be reminded of that every day. I am a child of God! God calls me friend! I am forgiven! All of this is a gift from God and can not be negotiated away or taken away by the world, because that is what I am.
It seems to me that I sometimes forget to live from the inside out and end up living from the outside in. In other words, instead of living from the core of my being - a saved, claimed, named child of God, I often live out of the situations in which I find myself. This is when my behavior is marginal and the outcome is up for grabs. Anything might happen when I live out of the situation.
But if I live from the core of faith, I live out of love. I believe this is what John is saying to me here. If we live out from the depth of our souls, out of the heart of our salvation we will love and give and attract the lost to salvation. "And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us." 1 John 3:23 & 24 NRSV.
It seems to me that I sometimes forget to live from the inside out and end up living from the outside in. In other words, instead of living from the core of my being - a saved, claimed, named child of God, I often live out of the situations in which I find myself. This is when my behavior is marginal and the outcome is up for grabs. Anything might happen when I live out of the situation.
But if I live from the core of faith, I live out of love. I believe this is what John is saying to me here. If we live out from the depth of our souls, out of the heart of our salvation we will love and give and attract the lost to salvation. "And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us." 1 John 3:23 & 24 NRSV.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
1 John 2
John takes a hard line with sin that is often uncomfortable for me. It is uncomfortable for me when I am wrong and want to compromise my faith walk and my flesh walk. I think the early church writers would have been right at home in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings! I have attended a few of these meetings as a guest and I am always struck by the uncompromising search for honesty in them. Perhaps this is because the participants know that to compromise with their enemy - alcohol - means to slide back into a life out of control and ruin. Maybe we need that same kind of desperation in our struggle against sin. James had it, Paul had it, John has it. how about you and me. Not so much I'm afraid.
"Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. Whoever says, "I have come to know him," but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says, "I abide in him," ought to walk just as he walked." 1John 2:3-6 NRSV. Seems pretty clear where John comes down here, doesn't it? How have I allowed myself to live such a compromised life in so many areas? The answer is sin. I wonder in my attempts as a pastor to make sinners welcome in worship if I haven't gone to far and also helped them become comfortable with their sin?
Let us renew our call to righteousness friends. Turn from sin, embrace what is holy, love all people as Christ has loved us. Do not sin. May the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit fill the church.
"Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. Whoever says, "I have come to know him," but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says, "I abide in him," ought to walk just as he walked." 1John 2:3-6 NRSV. Seems pretty clear where John comes down here, doesn't it? How have I allowed myself to live such a compromised life in so many areas? The answer is sin. I wonder in my attempts as a pastor to make sinners welcome in worship if I haven't gone to far and also helped them become comfortable with their sin?
Let us renew our call to righteousness friends. Turn from sin, embrace what is holy, love all people as Christ has loved us. Do not sin. May the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit fill the church.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
1 John 1
As we begin to read First John listen to the words and perhaps you will recognize John's themes from the Gospel of John that we just completed. Declaring the beginning - what we have touched and handled and see with our own eyes. He writes that God is light and has no darkness in him at all!
In 10 crisp verses John hits me right between the eyes! "If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:6&7 NRSV.
John delivers some reality therapy in this first of his letters. It feels a bit like slap therapy to me - how about you? Enjoy this read if you can, but whether or not you and I enjoy this letter I pray we will be challenged by God and grow as we read.
In 10 crisp verses John hits me right between the eyes! "If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:6&7 NRSV.
John delivers some reality therapy in this first of his letters. It feels a bit like slap therapy to me - how about you? Enjoy this read if you can, but whether or not you and I enjoy this letter I pray we will be challenged by God and grow as we read.
Monday, March 24, 2008
John 21
Today we will finish reading the Gospel of John. The readings for the balance of the week are: Tuesday - 1John 1, Wednesday - 1John 2, Thursday - 1John 3, Friday - 1John 4.
The Lake mentioned here as Tiberias is also known as Kinneret, Gennesaret or more commonly the Sea of Galilee. The confusion in names is due to the many languages commonly in use and often what part of the sea the action was taking place in (in or around which city).
Simon makes a very understandable decision when faced with the confusing events of the last 2 weeks. Often, when I am overwhelmed or struggling I will fall back on something I am comfortable with or confidant at. Peter's default setting was fishing. Notice the natural leadership exerted by Peter and the response of the other disciples as they join in. They fish all night - reminiscent of the night earlier in other gospel accounts when Jesus comes upon Simon after a failed night of fishing. From the shore the resurrected Lord calls out for them to cast on the other side of the boat for a catch. I have no first hand experience with first century fishing vessels, but I understand that this was no small task. I have heard that these boats were rigged to fish from one side only, and that would be the position that they always used. If this is so, then we see Jesus calling to the disciples to try a new approach to their task at hand - by the way, that'll preach!
Casting on the "wrong side" of the boat brings a huge catch of fish - perhaps the biggest catch we've hit since... the light bulbs finally go off in John's head and he tells Peter "It is the Lord!" John 21:7 NRSV. Simon does something counter intuitive - he puts on his clothes and jumps in to swim to shore to be with Jesus! Jesus already has breakfast started and the break bread with him on the shore. What a glorious morning that must have been.
During a private moment following breakfast Jesus confronts Peter with what seems to be the same question 3 times. It is also interesting to me that he calls him "Simon son of John" a very formal naming compared to the Peter or Rocky nickname Jesus had given him. In Greek there is an important difference in the questions. The first 2 times Jesus asks Simon "Do you love me?" the Greek word he uses for love implies unconditional Godly love. Both times Simon replies - "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." The Greek word Simon uses both times is not the word for unconditional Godly love, it is the love that friendship shares. The third time Jesus addresses Simon, Jesus uses the Greek word for friendship love. That is why Simon is hurt, because Jesus puts his finger on a sore spot in their relationship. Interesting that Jesus does not disqualify Simon Peter, and Peter doesn't lie to make himself look good. Another reason why Jesus may have pressed Peter 3 times on his love was it gave Peter a chance to affirm his love once for every time he had denied Jesus the night Jesus was arrested.
How would we respond to Jesus' question? Is your love for God unconditional and Godly, is it boundless and infallible? Or is your love for Jesus a situational love that runs hot and cold? Lord, help me to be sold out for you in all of the areas and corners of my life.
The Lake mentioned here as Tiberias is also known as Kinneret, Gennesaret or more commonly the Sea of Galilee. The confusion in names is due to the many languages commonly in use and often what part of the sea the action was taking place in (in or around which city).
Simon makes a very understandable decision when faced with the confusing events of the last 2 weeks. Often, when I am overwhelmed or struggling I will fall back on something I am comfortable with or confidant at. Peter's default setting was fishing. Notice the natural leadership exerted by Peter and the response of the other disciples as they join in. They fish all night - reminiscent of the night earlier in other gospel accounts when Jesus comes upon Simon after a failed night of fishing. From the shore the resurrected Lord calls out for them to cast on the other side of the boat for a catch. I have no first hand experience with first century fishing vessels, but I understand that this was no small task. I have heard that these boats were rigged to fish from one side only, and that would be the position that they always used. If this is so, then we see Jesus calling to the disciples to try a new approach to their task at hand - by the way, that'll preach!
Casting on the "wrong side" of the boat brings a huge catch of fish - perhaps the biggest catch we've hit since... the light bulbs finally go off in John's head and he tells Peter "It is the Lord!" John 21:7 NRSV. Simon does something counter intuitive - he puts on his clothes and jumps in to swim to shore to be with Jesus! Jesus already has breakfast started and the break bread with him on the shore. What a glorious morning that must have been.
During a private moment following breakfast Jesus confronts Peter with what seems to be the same question 3 times. It is also interesting to me that he calls him "Simon son of John" a very formal naming compared to the Peter or Rocky nickname Jesus had given him. In Greek there is an important difference in the questions. The first 2 times Jesus asks Simon "Do you love me?" the Greek word he uses for love implies unconditional Godly love. Both times Simon replies - "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." The Greek word Simon uses both times is not the word for unconditional Godly love, it is the love that friendship shares. The third time Jesus addresses Simon, Jesus uses the Greek word for friendship love. That is why Simon is hurt, because Jesus puts his finger on a sore spot in their relationship. Interesting that Jesus does not disqualify Simon Peter, and Peter doesn't lie to make himself look good. Another reason why Jesus may have pressed Peter 3 times on his love was it gave Peter a chance to affirm his love once for every time he had denied Jesus the night Jesus was arrested.
How would we respond to Jesus' question? Is your love for God unconditional and Godly, is it boundless and infallible? Or is your love for Jesus a situational love that runs hot and cold? Lord, help me to be sold out for you in all of the areas and corners of my life.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
John 20
Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!! So goes the historic call and response of the Christian church. Christ is risen indeed!
In order to really appreciate the wonder and complexity of this days gospel reading it is necessary - as far as it is humanly possible - to suspend your presumptions and prior experience. When we read chapter 20 of John's Gospel already knowing the ending, we lose something very important. For the faithful women that braved the journey to the tomb and for the cowering disciples hiding in the Upper Room, for the rest of the world an unthinkable miracle had taken place, birthed and carried out straight from the heart of God! Jesus of Nazareth, the itinerant desert preacher and rabble rowser had died, and now he is alive forever more. The Messiah had come and conquered our enemies while we slept and hid and wept. He had not toppled the temporary Roman regime, he has conquered the real enemies of sin and death and the grave! Unthinkable, unprecedented, unimaginable and for these saints undeniable!
The day unfolds with the women reporting to the disciples, they spend the day trying to discern what they have seen and heard, and that evening while they sit locked down and questioning, Jesus stands among them!
Thomas, one of the twelve, was not with them this first resurrection day. When he returns to the group they tell him what has happened and what they have seen. Thomas - also sometimes called the Twin - refuses to take their word for this miracle and I imagine I would have been with Thomas. How do I believe the unbelievable unless I experience this for myself? An amazing verse here is often over looked. Verse 26 reads, "A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them." Imagine what a healthy fellowship our Jesus had built among these brothers and sisters that even though Thomas would not believe the most central tenet of their new faith, a week later he is still among them! I wonder if he would have survived in our church fellowships with his doubts, or if we would have given him the left foot of fellowship and booted him out!?!?!
Jesus comes and stands among them again that next Sunday night and reveals himself to Thomas. Just an aside - a second appearance the next Sunday would have been plenty of reason for the early church to gather EVERY Sunday for worship!
Have you seen Jesus my Lord? Do you KNOW the risen savior? I have met him, and I have been in relationship with the living Son of God for years now. I know that if you will approach Jesus in faith he will reveal himself to you as well my friend. If you will start this journey of faith you will be able to say with the saints of the ages, "Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!!"
In order to really appreciate the wonder and complexity of this days gospel reading it is necessary - as far as it is humanly possible - to suspend your presumptions and prior experience. When we read chapter 20 of John's Gospel already knowing the ending, we lose something very important. For the faithful women that braved the journey to the tomb and for the cowering disciples hiding in the Upper Room, for the rest of the world an unthinkable miracle had taken place, birthed and carried out straight from the heart of God! Jesus of Nazareth, the itinerant desert preacher and rabble rowser had died, and now he is alive forever more. The Messiah had come and conquered our enemies while we slept and hid and wept. He had not toppled the temporary Roman regime, he has conquered the real enemies of sin and death and the grave! Unthinkable, unprecedented, unimaginable and for these saints undeniable!
The day unfolds with the women reporting to the disciples, they spend the day trying to discern what they have seen and heard, and that evening while they sit locked down and questioning, Jesus stands among them!
Thomas, one of the twelve, was not with them this first resurrection day. When he returns to the group they tell him what has happened and what they have seen. Thomas - also sometimes called the Twin - refuses to take their word for this miracle and I imagine I would have been with Thomas. How do I believe the unbelievable unless I experience this for myself? An amazing verse here is often over looked. Verse 26 reads, "A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them." Imagine what a healthy fellowship our Jesus had built among these brothers and sisters that even though Thomas would not believe the most central tenet of their new faith, a week later he is still among them! I wonder if he would have survived in our church fellowships with his doubts, or if we would have given him the left foot of fellowship and booted him out!?!?!
Jesus comes and stands among them again that next Sunday night and reveals himself to Thomas. Just an aside - a second appearance the next Sunday would have been plenty of reason for the early church to gather EVERY Sunday for worship!
Have you seen Jesus my Lord? Do you KNOW the risen savior? I have met him, and I have been in relationship with the living Son of God for years now. I know that if you will approach Jesus in faith he will reveal himself to you as well my friend. If you will start this journey of faith you will be able to say with the saints of the ages, "Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!!"
Thursday, March 20, 2008
John 19
Before I write about today's scripture let me say a quick word about the next chapter. Chapter 20 is the chapter of Christs resurrection. You can read it whenever you like obviously, but you may prefer to read it on Sunday morning. Just something to think about - your call!
Chapter 19 is the chapter where we face the beating, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. It is not my favorite chapter in the Bible, but it is the chapter where my debts are paid and I am set free. 2 Corinthians 5:20 NRSV says, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." The amazing grace and love of God.
I can not read chapter 19 without seeing the "Passion of the Christ" by Mel Gibson in my mind. The movie was awful, graphic and bloody, and probably could not convey the real terror or horror of that day. The Roman guards were angry men away from home in a hot hostile place. When a local was turned over to them for beatings they took their anger and rage out on them. Jesus was turned over to these men for their vicious attacks. Pilate seems to want to find a way to release Jesus, but because of political expedience he does not, and Jesus is beaten and then sent out to carry his own cross to Golgotha. Perhaps Pilate's last attempt to salvage some distance in this atrocity can be seen in the sign he has placed over Jesus, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."
The scene at the cross is devastating. Mary watching her son die is more than I can bare, but then Jesus rises on the painful nails to catch his breath to entrust his mother to his beloved disciple John. After Jesus has died the soldiers come to break the legs of those crucified to hasten death. I have come to understand that crucifixion is a death by suffocation, as the pain inflicted from the nails and the hanging becomes to much to bear and the crucified suffocates. Breaking their legs would make it impossible for the crucified to support their weight off their arms to catch their breath. When they come to Jesus he is already dead, and to make certain they plunge a spear into his side. John testifies that when they do this blood and water flow out. I read a report written in the Journal of American Medicine by a doctor that hypothesized this indicated that Jesus heart ruptured and the blood and water were from the area around his heart resulting from that rupture. This doctor surmises that Jesus died of a broken heart.
Two unsung heroes complete this account, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus the Pharisee come and remove Jesus body, prepare it for burial and lay the body in a borrowed tomb. These men both had great position and great wealth - they had much to lose by stepping up to care for the dead body of this itinerant preacher. Bless them for caring for this detail in this horrible hour.
And so, the life of Jesus of Nazareth is over. He had saved others, but he could not save himself. The forces of darkness rejoice, his followers scatter and his dead cold body is sealed in a borrowed grave. End of story?
Chapter 19 is the chapter where we face the beating, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. It is not my favorite chapter in the Bible, but it is the chapter where my debts are paid and I am set free. 2 Corinthians 5:20 NRSV says, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." The amazing grace and love of God.
I can not read chapter 19 without seeing the "Passion of the Christ" by Mel Gibson in my mind. The movie was awful, graphic and bloody, and probably could not convey the real terror or horror of that day. The Roman guards were angry men away from home in a hot hostile place. When a local was turned over to them for beatings they took their anger and rage out on them. Jesus was turned over to these men for their vicious attacks. Pilate seems to want to find a way to release Jesus, but because of political expedience he does not, and Jesus is beaten and then sent out to carry his own cross to Golgotha. Perhaps Pilate's last attempt to salvage some distance in this atrocity can be seen in the sign he has placed over Jesus, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."
The scene at the cross is devastating. Mary watching her son die is more than I can bare, but then Jesus rises on the painful nails to catch his breath to entrust his mother to his beloved disciple John. After Jesus has died the soldiers come to break the legs of those crucified to hasten death. I have come to understand that crucifixion is a death by suffocation, as the pain inflicted from the nails and the hanging becomes to much to bear and the crucified suffocates. Breaking their legs would make it impossible for the crucified to support their weight off their arms to catch their breath. When they come to Jesus he is already dead, and to make certain they plunge a spear into his side. John testifies that when they do this blood and water flow out. I read a report written in the Journal of American Medicine by a doctor that hypothesized this indicated that Jesus heart ruptured and the blood and water were from the area around his heart resulting from that rupture. This doctor surmises that Jesus died of a broken heart.
Two unsung heroes complete this account, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus the Pharisee come and remove Jesus body, prepare it for burial and lay the body in a borrowed tomb. These men both had great position and great wealth - they had much to lose by stepping up to care for the dead body of this itinerant preacher. Bless them for caring for this detail in this horrible hour.
And so, the life of Jesus of Nazareth is over. He had saved others, but he could not save himself. The forces of darkness rejoice, his followers scatter and his dead cold body is sealed in a borrowed grave. End of story?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
John 18
The last 4 chapters dealt deliberately and slowly with the Thursday evening Passover meal and the teaching that Jesus shared with his disciples following the meal. Chapter 18 flies through the next 10 -12 hours hitting high points and leaving much to be filled in by the other gospel writers and tradition of the early church.
As chapter 18 begins Jesus and the 11 disciples leave the Upper Room for a garden across the Kidron Valley where they often went and prayed. In John's Gospel Judas and the soldiers and police from the temple arrive almost immediately. When Jesus identifies himself for the guards his mere presence causes them to fall down backwards! When Jesus has them reeling he presses the issue and says, "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go." John 18:8 NRSV. Peter then jumps to Jesus defense and courageously wades into the superior forces swinging his sword and cuts off the ear of a servant named Malchus. Jesus rebukes Peter, and the soldiers bind Jesus and take him to Annas and Caiaphas and eventually to Pilate for trial. Peter and another disciple (I presume John) follow Jesus and Peter eventually fulfills Jesus prophesy that he would deny Jesus 3 times.
As I read this portion about Peter's denial of Jesus it says at one point that Peter stood warming himself at the fire of the slaves and soldiers that had arrested Jesus. How often can we be found warming ourselves at the fire of those who are enemies of Jesus? We should be careful where we allow ourselves to draw our comfort!
The trial is contrived and the decision about Jesus guilt had been made before he was arrested. Now the religious authorities seek out the secular authority to do what they can not - crucify Jesus! Pilate seems reluctant and weak. He waffles and squirms and in the end he will give in to the pressure of the religious authorities and hand Jesus over to be crucified.
This Holy Week seems more intense to me than those in my recent memories. Perhaps it is because I am walking through these scriptures with our church family via our daily readings? Whatever the reason, I seem to feel all of these emotions more sharply this year - the injustice, the fear, the sorrow, the betrayal are almost overwhelming. I can't imagine what it must have been like to live through the real events.
As chapter 18 begins Jesus and the 11 disciples leave the Upper Room for a garden across the Kidron Valley where they often went and prayed. In John's Gospel Judas and the soldiers and police from the temple arrive almost immediately. When Jesus identifies himself for the guards his mere presence causes them to fall down backwards! When Jesus has them reeling he presses the issue and says, "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go." John 18:8 NRSV. Peter then jumps to Jesus defense and courageously wades into the superior forces swinging his sword and cuts off the ear of a servant named Malchus. Jesus rebukes Peter, and the soldiers bind Jesus and take him to Annas and Caiaphas and eventually to Pilate for trial. Peter and another disciple (I presume John) follow Jesus and Peter eventually fulfills Jesus prophesy that he would deny Jesus 3 times.
As I read this portion about Peter's denial of Jesus it says at one point that Peter stood warming himself at the fire of the slaves and soldiers that had arrested Jesus. How often can we be found warming ourselves at the fire of those who are enemies of Jesus? We should be careful where we allow ourselves to draw our comfort!
The trial is contrived and the decision about Jesus guilt had been made before he was arrested. Now the religious authorities seek out the secular authority to do what they can not - crucify Jesus! Pilate seems reluctant and weak. He waffles and squirms and in the end he will give in to the pressure of the religious authorities and hand Jesus over to be crucified.
This Holy Week seems more intense to me than those in my recent memories. Perhaps it is because I am walking through these scriptures with our church family via our daily readings? Whatever the reason, I seem to feel all of these emotions more sharply this year - the injustice, the fear, the sorrow, the betrayal are almost overwhelming. I can't imagine what it must have been like to live through the real events.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
John 17
This is the last chapter of Upper Room sayings. The first 19 verses of this chapter are directed at the disciples that walked with Jesus in his earthly ministry. Jesus prays first that God will be glorified in the final moments of Jesus life, and that God will in turn glorify Jesus. In these intense moments of his passion, Jesus makes a high priestly appeal for his followers. He reminds God that he has kept the disciples while he was alive, and they have heard and believed all the things God has revealed through him. Jesus asks that the disciples joy may be made complete in their unity, and that God will protect them now as Jesus leaves the earth.
Some theologians have called this portion of scripture "The Lord's Prayer" and the prayer from the Sermon on the Mount "The Model Prayer". What ever title you chose to give this section of scripture, it is powerful and moving. I am always convicted by Jesus appeal to God that those of us who follow him may be one, and how fragmented and broken we are. Some of the brokenness is my hard hearted, hard headed stubbornness. Lord, make us one.
In verse 20 Jesus turns his prayer from those present disciples to the generations of disciples that would believe because of the words of the first disciples (that's you and me!). He prays that we might be "completely" one even as Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus prays that so the world might believe that God had sent Jesus!
Finally, in verse 24 Jesus prays that all of his disciples might be able to see his glory - glory God was giving him because he had loved him from the beginning. This glory, Jesus said, he had made known to them and he would make it known "so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them." John 17:26 NRSV I think this refers to the love Jesus was about to reveal to us in his passion and ultimately his death on the cross, and his victorious resurrection and victory over death!
Some theologians have called this portion of scripture "The Lord's Prayer" and the prayer from the Sermon on the Mount "The Model Prayer". What ever title you chose to give this section of scripture, it is powerful and moving. I am always convicted by Jesus appeal to God that those of us who follow him may be one, and how fragmented and broken we are. Some of the brokenness is my hard hearted, hard headed stubbornness. Lord, make us one.
In verse 20 Jesus turns his prayer from those present disciples to the generations of disciples that would believe because of the words of the first disciples (that's you and me!). He prays that we might be "completely" one even as Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus prays that so the world might believe that God had sent Jesus!
Finally, in verse 24 Jesus prays that all of his disciples might be able to see his glory - glory God was giving him because he had loved him from the beginning. This glory, Jesus said, he had made known to them and he would make it known "so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them." John 17:26 NRSV I think this refers to the love Jesus was about to reveal to us in his passion and ultimately his death on the cross, and his victorious resurrection and victory over death!
Monday, March 17, 2008
John 16
Our readings for Holy week are : Monday - John 16, Tuesday - John 17, Wednesday - John 18, Thursday - John 19, Friday - John 20.
Jesus' final words with his disciples continue just before his time of prayer in the garden, his arrest, trial and crucifixion. He warns the disciples that a time will come when they will be persecuted for their faith in him.
He acknowledges their deep sorrow at his leaving, but tells them that he must go so the promised Holy Spirit might be sent to the church. Jesus reassures them that the intimacy they have enjoyed will actually increase, and their relationship with God will deepen. I have been fascinated by the Holy Spirit and the intimacy that Holy Spirit affords us with God since I was a teenager. Some of the most frustrating years of my life were the years I believed in God, loved Jesus, and did not know the Holy Spirit was here to teach and empower me.
How can we be in ministry without the anointing and unction of this Holy Spirit? For me, it is like driving a car with no gas, using the toaster without plugging it in.
This Holy Week I am sorting through my busy schedule trying to discern what stays and what goes. I have over-booked myself and there is little or no margin left in my days. I'd appreciate your prayers as I try to decide how to best spend the limited resource of my days.
Jesus' final words with his disciples continue just before his time of prayer in the garden, his arrest, trial and crucifixion. He warns the disciples that a time will come when they will be persecuted for their faith in him.
He acknowledges their deep sorrow at his leaving, but tells them that he must go so the promised Holy Spirit might be sent to the church. Jesus reassures them that the intimacy they have enjoyed will actually increase, and their relationship with God will deepen. I have been fascinated by the Holy Spirit and the intimacy that Holy Spirit affords us with God since I was a teenager. Some of the most frustrating years of my life were the years I believed in God, loved Jesus, and did not know the Holy Spirit was here to teach and empower me.
How can we be in ministry without the anointing and unction of this Holy Spirit? For me, it is like driving a car with no gas, using the toaster without plugging it in.
This Holy Week I am sorting through my busy schedule trying to discern what stays and what goes. I have over-booked myself and there is little or no margin left in my days. I'd appreciate your prayers as I try to decide how to best spend the limited resource of my days.
Friday, March 14, 2008
John 15
Now, we turn to one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Sorry. I know you're probably getting tired of that opening, but really, can it get much better that John 15???? Jesus is spending his last moments with his disciples and he is downloading some terribly important heart information to them and thanks to John and Holy Spirit to us.
If I had to pick out one concept to sum up chapter 15, one word to point to it would be abide. Jesus starts with an allegory about the vine and the branches - easy to remember "Jesus is divine and we are dibranches..." He speaks of the need for us to stay connected to him - to abide in him in order to stay connected to the source of all good things. He reminds us that apart from him we can do nothing.
The pruning spoken of in vs 2 is interesting to me. I lived for 3 years in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and pastored 2 churches there in vineyard country. The pruning process fascinated me and I asked a million questions, mostly motivated by these verses. The drastic pruning that takes place in the winter is startling. A huge percentage of the vine is cut away while the plant is dead to prepare for the new life to come in spring. Once the new growth begins to come the next pruning is called "suckering". Usually only the primary bud is left on the vie, the secondary and tertiary buds are removed so that all of the energy from the vine can go to that primary bud. The other buds removed were not bad or "un grape" but they are removed in order to focus all of the energy into the primary fruit. This is a good lesson for us friends. I often get so busy doing good things that I have little "juice" left for the BEST things.
Jesus then calls us again to love each other. In his passion, as he prepares to go to the garden and trial and to the cross he wants to remind us to love each other again and again. I think we need to remember that when all else is stripped away it is love that matters. In the taped messages left by the passengers on the doomed planes from the 911 tragedy the same recurring theme was heard. They called and left messages, or spoke to family and said "I love you!" I need to remember that everyday. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:12 & 13 NRSV
In the balance of chapter 15 Jesus warns the disciples that they will be hated and persecuted just as he was hated and persecuted. I often wonder about this in my life. I can not think of an area in my life where I am persecuted. Sometimes I am treated unfairly and discounted in situations, but oddly that is within my denomination by other believers - not by nonchristians. How about you, are you enduring persecution for your faith? What form does this persecution take and how can the congregation of faith help you endure? Perhaps that is another reason that Jesus calls us to abide in him. Stay connected!
If I had to pick out one concept to sum up chapter 15, one word to point to it would be abide. Jesus starts with an allegory about the vine and the branches - easy to remember "Jesus is divine and we are dibranches..." He speaks of the need for us to stay connected to him - to abide in him in order to stay connected to the source of all good things. He reminds us that apart from him we can do nothing.
The pruning spoken of in vs 2 is interesting to me. I lived for 3 years in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and pastored 2 churches there in vineyard country. The pruning process fascinated me and I asked a million questions, mostly motivated by these verses. The drastic pruning that takes place in the winter is startling. A huge percentage of the vine is cut away while the plant is dead to prepare for the new life to come in spring. Once the new growth begins to come the next pruning is called "suckering". Usually only the primary bud is left on the vie, the secondary and tertiary buds are removed so that all of the energy from the vine can go to that primary bud. The other buds removed were not bad or "un grape" but they are removed in order to focus all of the energy into the primary fruit. This is a good lesson for us friends. I often get so busy doing good things that I have little "juice" left for the BEST things.
Jesus then calls us again to love each other. In his passion, as he prepares to go to the garden and trial and to the cross he wants to remind us to love each other again and again. I think we need to remember that when all else is stripped away it is love that matters. In the taped messages left by the passengers on the doomed planes from the 911 tragedy the same recurring theme was heard. They called and left messages, or spoke to family and said "I love you!" I need to remember that everyday. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:12 & 13 NRSV
In the balance of chapter 15 Jesus warns the disciples that they will be hated and persecuted just as he was hated and persecuted. I often wonder about this in my life. I can not think of an area in my life where I am persecuted. Sometimes I am treated unfairly and discounted in situations, but oddly that is within my denomination by other believers - not by nonchristians. How about you, are you enduring persecution for your faith? What form does this persecution take and how can the congregation of faith help you endure? Perhaps that is another reason that Jesus calls us to abide in him. Stay connected!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
John 14
As I was saying, my favorite chapter in the Bible. Actually, John 14 has probably brought me more comfort in the face of the earthly death of people I have loved than anything else - even Romans 8!
The first three verses are words of Jesus that I long to speak at every funeral, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3 NRSV Reading it again here I can feel the tension leave my shoulders. Thanks Lord for this gift that has carried me through some of my saddest troubling moments. Thanks. How cool is it to hear Jesus say he's building us a house just down the street from his because he loves us?!?!
Verse 15 hurts - "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." I can't help with my Western wired brain to hear it say conversely that if I don't keep the commandments I must not love God.
More good news! "I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you." John 14:18 NRSV
I could write pages and pages here, but I will conclude with a personal note. 10 years ago this August when my Dad died, these scriptures took on a whole new importance for me. I performed my Dad's funeral service and I read these words in the moments of my deepest grief to my Mom and my sisters and brother and our family and friends. I think over the week or two that followed I read this chapter a dozen times a day. They were like a life raft for my broken heart. As I sit here today reading them again, I think of my Dad, and so many saints from this church and this village that I love that I have stood over to proclaim life in the face of death. All I can think to say again is, "Thanks Lord. Thank-you so much. This makes all the difference for me."
PS - I do love you, even when I mess up.
The first three verses are words of Jesus that I long to speak at every funeral, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3 NRSV Reading it again here I can feel the tension leave my shoulders. Thanks Lord for this gift that has carried me through some of my saddest troubling moments. Thanks. How cool is it to hear Jesus say he's building us a house just down the street from his because he loves us?!?!
Verse 15 hurts - "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." I can't help with my Western wired brain to hear it say conversely that if I don't keep the commandments I must not love God.
More good news! "I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you." John 14:18 NRSV
I could write pages and pages here, but I will conclude with a personal note. 10 years ago this August when my Dad died, these scriptures took on a whole new importance for me. I performed my Dad's funeral service and I read these words in the moments of my deepest grief to my Mom and my sisters and brother and our family and friends. I think over the week or two that followed I read this chapter a dozen times a day. They were like a life raft for my broken heart. As I sit here today reading them again, I think of my Dad, and so many saints from this church and this village that I love that I have stood over to proclaim life in the face of death. All I can think to say again is, "Thanks Lord. Thank-you so much. This makes all the difference for me."
PS - I do love you, even when I mess up.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
John 13
Perhaps (I know, but I can't help myself) my favorite chapter in the Bible. Jesus has gathered in an Upper Room with the 12 disciples that he has journeyed most intimately with for the 3 years of his earthly ministry. It is the passover - the high point of the Jewish year. It is Jesus' last passover that will culminate with his crucifixion and resurrection!
As they gather for this final passover meal, Jesus is not done teaching and showing his love to these men. Before the meal he takes a servants towel and a basin and begins to wash his disciples feet. Peter can not see himself allowing Jesus to act as his servant and he boldly refuses. Jesus responds that unless Peter submits to this gift of servanthood then Peter will have no part of him! Peter responds to this idea as you or I might have, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" John 13:9 NRSV
After Jesus has finished this act of servanthood he teaches the disciples that they also must be servant leaders. You and I also must follow this example of our savior and wash each others feet - be servants for each other! The best leaders I have ever followed knew this and modelled it for those they led. When a leader is selfless and shows this kind of love, it is hard not to offer them your very best!
Jesus now expresses his humanity as he reveals to his disciples that one of them would betray him. It has always fascinated me that the 11 disciples DO NOT turn as one and point at Judas and accuse him. Our historic perspective and that of the writers of the gospels point out Judas' flaws, but apparently he did not stand out to the others. John's account says that they looked at each other uncertain of who it might be. The other gospel writers have them questioning "It's not me, is it Lord?" Each of these disciples and likely each of us have found ourselves as the one that betrays Jesus, denies his Lordship in our lives. I would have looked at the floor and mumbled along with the rest - how about you?
Jesus deepest desire for these disciples and for you and for me is in the "new commandment" that he gives them next. He says, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34&35 NRSV. I believe that this commandment is still near the top of the list for our risen savior. I think he longs for us to radically, wildly, extravagantly love each other. I think this would, of all things, bless the heart of the savior. Just a quick observation, I am a sinful broken man in many ways, but oh how I love to watch my children love each other and their mother! It delights me so. Close behind is the joy I feel when the members of my church family love each other. I come to tears when I remember the extravagant servant love I have seen in our congregation! I can only imagine that it must be a glimpse of the heart of our Lord.
Finally, Peter's denial is foretold. It breaks my heart when I picture the Big Fisherman and his look of disbelief in the safety of this Upper Room moment, or the horror on his face in the courtyard as the rooster crows. Lord, save me from denying or betraying you.
As they gather for this final passover meal, Jesus is not done teaching and showing his love to these men. Before the meal he takes a servants towel and a basin and begins to wash his disciples feet. Peter can not see himself allowing Jesus to act as his servant and he boldly refuses. Jesus responds that unless Peter submits to this gift of servanthood then Peter will have no part of him! Peter responds to this idea as you or I might have, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" John 13:9 NRSV
After Jesus has finished this act of servanthood he teaches the disciples that they also must be servant leaders. You and I also must follow this example of our savior and wash each others feet - be servants for each other! The best leaders I have ever followed knew this and modelled it for those they led. When a leader is selfless and shows this kind of love, it is hard not to offer them your very best!
Jesus now expresses his humanity as he reveals to his disciples that one of them would betray him. It has always fascinated me that the 11 disciples DO NOT turn as one and point at Judas and accuse him. Our historic perspective and that of the writers of the gospels point out Judas' flaws, but apparently he did not stand out to the others. John's account says that they looked at each other uncertain of who it might be. The other gospel writers have them questioning "It's not me, is it Lord?" Each of these disciples and likely each of us have found ourselves as the one that betrays Jesus, denies his Lordship in our lives. I would have looked at the floor and mumbled along with the rest - how about you?
Jesus deepest desire for these disciples and for you and for me is in the "new commandment" that he gives them next. He says, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34&35 NRSV. I believe that this commandment is still near the top of the list for our risen savior. I think he longs for us to radically, wildly, extravagantly love each other. I think this would, of all things, bless the heart of the savior. Just a quick observation, I am a sinful broken man in many ways, but oh how I love to watch my children love each other and their mother! It delights me so. Close behind is the joy I feel when the members of my church family love each other. I come to tears when I remember the extravagant servant love I have seen in our congregation! I can only imagine that it must be a glimpse of the heart of our Lord.
Finally, Peter's denial is foretold. It breaks my heart when I picture the Big Fisherman and his look of disbelief in the safety of this Upper Room moment, or the horror on his face in the courtyard as the rooster crows. Lord, save me from denying or betraying you.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
John 12
Chapter 12 of John's Gospel serves as a bridge from the portion of John's Gospel that deals with the ministry and life of Jesus to the passion. Interesting for me that John begins to line up with the other three synoptic gospels here.
The chapter begins with a beautiful account of Mary's anointing Jesus with $15 - 20,000.00 worth of perfume. I mention that price tag because the "300 denari" in the text doesn't express very clearly what a years wages for a laborer is. Maybe I would have nodded at Judas complaints, I hope not. The expression of adoration and love by Mary is not lost on me though. Note that she not only uses the expensive perfume, but also wiped them dry with her hair!
A brief treatment of the Palm Sunday Triumphal Entry takes place in verses 12 - 19. It seems that the anger and exasperation of the Pharisees or the "Jews" grows throughout the chapter.
Jesus speaks clearly again about his impending death, and the crowds are bewildered and their doubts grow because they do not think the Messiah would suffer such an end.
Chapter 12 concludes with a powerful, powerful pronouncement by Jesus that leads us into the passion narrative. Read it again and imagine what it must have been like to hear these words uttered by our Savor, "Then Jesus cried aloud: ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.'" John 12:44-50 NRSV
The chapter begins with a beautiful account of Mary's anointing Jesus with $15 - 20,000.00 worth of perfume. I mention that price tag because the "300 denari" in the text doesn't express very clearly what a years wages for a laborer is. Maybe I would have nodded at Judas complaints, I hope not. The expression of adoration and love by Mary is not lost on me though. Note that she not only uses the expensive perfume, but also wiped them dry with her hair!
A brief treatment of the Palm Sunday Triumphal Entry takes place in verses 12 - 19. It seems that the anger and exasperation of the Pharisees or the "Jews" grows throughout the chapter.
Jesus speaks clearly again about his impending death, and the crowds are bewildered and their doubts grow because they do not think the Messiah would suffer such an end.
Chapter 12 concludes with a powerful, powerful pronouncement by Jesus that leads us into the passion narrative. Read it again and imagine what it must have been like to hear these words uttered by our Savor, "Then Jesus cried aloud: ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.'" John 12:44-50 NRSV
Monday, March 10, 2008
John 11
The reading assignment for this week is: Monday - John 11, Tuesday - John 12, Wednesday - John 13, Thursday - John 14, Friday - John 15.
In John 11 we have the amazing account of the resurrection of Lazarus. Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary were some of Jesus' key supporters, and Jesus often found himself as a guest in their home in Bethany. It is not a surprise that when Lazarus becomes terribly ill, the sisters send messengers to tell Jesus of their urgent need. When Jesus receives the news he lingers for a while outside of Jerusalem instead of hurrying off to offer comfort or aide. Perhaps his disciples thought he would not dare go because the Jews were looking to kill him as they say openly in vs 7 and following. In verse 15 Jesus says he has waited in order that God might be glorified.
When Jesus and the disciples arrive in Bethany Martha comes out to meet him with a statement of faith and accusation. She says, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” John 11:21&22 NRSV
The exchange between Jesus and Martha is a source of a great deal of Christology. Jesus answers Martha saying that her brother will rise again and Jesus says of himself, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25&26 NRSV.
The scene at the tomb is perhaps the most powerful scene, outside of the passion and resurrection of Jesus, in all of the Gospel accounts. Jesus instructs them to roll the stone away and they caution him that there will be a foul odor because he has been dead 4 days. Jesus looks up to heaven, prays thanking God for all that God is about to do, and then he cries with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" It is my opinion that Jesus called Lazarus by name for a good reason here. When the Lord of life calls out into the grave yard, he needed to be specific lest the entire graveyard empty out! He was, on this day, calling Lazarus and only Lazarus, so he called him by name. I believe the day is coming when The Lord of Life will make a general call and we will all answer his voice.
This amazing act of power has brought us to the edge of the passion narrative in John's gospel. The prophetic words of Caiaphas are uttered here in the concluding verses of chapter 11, "But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.” He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God." John 11:49-52 NRSV
In John 11 we have the amazing account of the resurrection of Lazarus. Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary were some of Jesus' key supporters, and Jesus often found himself as a guest in their home in Bethany. It is not a surprise that when Lazarus becomes terribly ill, the sisters send messengers to tell Jesus of their urgent need. When Jesus receives the news he lingers for a while outside of Jerusalem instead of hurrying off to offer comfort or aide. Perhaps his disciples thought he would not dare go because the Jews were looking to kill him as they say openly in vs 7 and following. In verse 15 Jesus says he has waited in order that God might be glorified.
When Jesus and the disciples arrive in Bethany Martha comes out to meet him with a statement of faith and accusation. She says, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” John 11:21&22 NRSV
The exchange between Jesus and Martha is a source of a great deal of Christology. Jesus answers Martha saying that her brother will rise again and Jesus says of himself, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25&26 NRSV.
The scene at the tomb is perhaps the most powerful scene, outside of the passion and resurrection of Jesus, in all of the Gospel accounts. Jesus instructs them to roll the stone away and they caution him that there will be a foul odor because he has been dead 4 days. Jesus looks up to heaven, prays thanking God for all that God is about to do, and then he cries with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" It is my opinion that Jesus called Lazarus by name for a good reason here. When the Lord of life calls out into the grave yard, he needed to be specific lest the entire graveyard empty out! He was, on this day, calling Lazarus and only Lazarus, so he called him by name. I believe the day is coming when The Lord of Life will make a general call and we will all answer his voice.
This amazing act of power has brought us to the edge of the passion narrative in John's gospel. The prophetic words of Caiaphas are uttered here in the concluding verses of chapter 11, "But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.” He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God." John 11:49-52 NRSV
Friday, March 7, 2008
John 10
If you want a deeper view of this chapter, turn and read Psalm 23 first. As you likely already know, Psalm 23 is King David's Psalm that begins, "The Lord is my shepherd..." read it first and it may give you a deeper context for these words of Jesus.
Jesus begins this teaching by telling all who are listening that any who come into the sheepfold by any other way are thieves and bandits. He tells us that his sheep know his voice and follow him, and they will not follow any other. I have seen this demonstrated with a flock of sheep and it is fascinating to see. I stood and called and called those sheep, and they didn't twitch, the owner simply spoke to the sheep and they came running! Lord, I want to be like these sheep - I want to know your voice and come only to you!
Next Jesus tells the crowds that he is the gate to the sheep fold. In the wilderness a shepherd would often find a place where he could enclose his sheep with just a 3 or 4 foot opening. The shepherd would sleep in that opening, literally becoming the gate for the sheepfold. What great comfort to know Jesus places himself at the entry way into my life and nothing can come or go without coming or going through him - that is of course if I remain in his fold.
We are told in vs 22 that it is the Feast of Dedication, a feast better known to us now as Hanukkah. Jesus is again in Jerusalem and the Jewish leaders confront him and demand that he tell them clearly if he is the Messiah. Jesus tells them again, that he is indeed the Messiah. This is different than what we found in Mark with Mark's emphasis on the "secret Messiah". Jesus answer infuriates the Jews and they take up stones to kill him. Jesus escapes from their hands across the Jordan and many come and put their faith in him.
We are coming to the end of Jesus earthly ministry in John. Soon we will enter John's extended treatment of the passion of Christ and in 2 weeks we will be celebrating resurrection! Next week please continue to read chapters 11 - 15 in John's Gospel. Also, don't forget to change your clock Saturday night so you make it to church on time!
Jesus begins this teaching by telling all who are listening that any who come into the sheepfold by any other way are thieves and bandits. He tells us that his sheep know his voice and follow him, and they will not follow any other. I have seen this demonstrated with a flock of sheep and it is fascinating to see. I stood and called and called those sheep, and they didn't twitch, the owner simply spoke to the sheep and they came running! Lord, I want to be like these sheep - I want to know your voice and come only to you!
Next Jesus tells the crowds that he is the gate to the sheep fold. In the wilderness a shepherd would often find a place where he could enclose his sheep with just a 3 or 4 foot opening. The shepherd would sleep in that opening, literally becoming the gate for the sheepfold. What great comfort to know Jesus places himself at the entry way into my life and nothing can come or go without coming or going through him - that is of course if I remain in his fold.
We are told in vs 22 that it is the Feast of Dedication, a feast better known to us now as Hanukkah. Jesus is again in Jerusalem and the Jewish leaders confront him and demand that he tell them clearly if he is the Messiah. Jesus tells them again, that he is indeed the Messiah. This is different than what we found in Mark with Mark's emphasis on the "secret Messiah". Jesus answer infuriates the Jews and they take up stones to kill him. Jesus escapes from their hands across the Jordan and many come and put their faith in him.
We are coming to the end of Jesus earthly ministry in John. Soon we will enter John's extended treatment of the passion of Christ and in 2 weeks we will be celebrating resurrection! Next week please continue to read chapters 11 - 15 in John's Gospel. Also, don't forget to change your clock Saturday night so you make it to church on time!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
John 9
Another of my favorite chapters in the Bible! I really enjoy the exchange and the humanity of the characters in this text. Jesus sees a man who was born blind and his disciples ask him a faulty theological question, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Their presumption is the same mistaken presumption that many make today - If something went wrong, there must be someone to blame. Jesus turns their question into an opportunity to show God's grace and power. He spits on the ground and makes mud and applies the mud to the eyes of the blind man and sends him off to the pool of Siloam to wash. The man washes, and receives his eyesight!
What follows is a who dun it mystery investigation by the Pharisees, a sort of CSI Jerusalem. I love the attitude of the man who has received his sight! He tells the truth over and over and finally tires of the game and suggests that perhaps the Pharisees desire to become Jesus disciples.
The chapter ends with Jesus being reunited with the man who had been healed. Jesus reveals himself to the man and condemns the religious leaders as being those ho are truly blind spiritually.
Spiritually blind. I wonder where I am blinded by a life time of presumption and faithlessness. Spiritually blind. Are there areas where we presume to speak for God when God has not really spoken to us? Lord, apply the mud to my eyes and help me to really see what you see.
What follows is a who dun it mystery investigation by the Pharisees, a sort of CSI Jerusalem. I love the attitude of the man who has received his sight! He tells the truth over and over and finally tires of the game and suggests that perhaps the Pharisees desire to become Jesus disciples.
The chapter ends with Jesus being reunited with the man who had been healed. Jesus reveals himself to the man and condemns the religious leaders as being those ho are truly blind spiritually.
Spiritually blind. I wonder where I am blinded by a life time of presumption and faithlessness. Spiritually blind. Are there areas where we presume to speak for God when God has not really spoken to us? Lord, apply the mud to my eyes and help me to really see what you see.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
John 8
Chapter eight begins with one of my favorite accounts of Jesus interacting with the religious leaders of his day. Jesus has come early in the morning to the temple and he is teaching the crowd that has gathered there. as he sits teaching the scribes and Pharisees arrive, dragging a woman who had been caught in adultery and they made her stand before Jesus. As they bring their accusation my first question comes to mind. They say, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery." Without being too vulgar I have to ask, "where is the man she was committing adultery with?" Wouldn't it seem there should be a man involved here somewhere?
The reaction they get from Jesus is wonderful in its simplicity and depth. When they press him for his judgment upon this woman Jesus squats down and begins to write with his finger in the sand. Imagine how frustrating that must have been! It gets worse for the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus stands up and looks them in the eye and says, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." And then he squatted back down and continued writing in the dirt. The text says, "When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders;". They started to wander away one by one beginning with the elders? How odd. I wonder what it was that Jesus was drawing in the dirt? Perhaps he was writing down the sins of the accusers, or perhaps the names of mistresses? whatever he was writing he was soon left standing alone with the accused woman. Jesus turns to her and asks, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" and she replies no one. Then Jesus sends her on her way with these important words, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again."
How often do we see the sin of others yet overlook our own sin? Why can we often be so patient with ourselves and so harsh with others? Jesus is the only one that has a right to condemn sin and sinners, and he contents himself to send us on our way with the call to sin no more. it's not that sinful behavior is OK, it's not OK. It is all about grace and mercy and a savior who lives and dies and lives again for us.
The reaction they get from Jesus is wonderful in its simplicity and depth. When they press him for his judgment upon this woman Jesus squats down and begins to write with his finger in the sand. Imagine how frustrating that must have been! It gets worse for the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus stands up and looks them in the eye and says, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." And then he squatted back down and continued writing in the dirt. The text says, "When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders;". They started to wander away one by one beginning with the elders? How odd. I wonder what it was that Jesus was drawing in the dirt? Perhaps he was writing down the sins of the accusers, or perhaps the names of mistresses? whatever he was writing he was soon left standing alone with the accused woman. Jesus turns to her and asks, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" and she replies no one. Then Jesus sends her on her way with these important words, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again."
How often do we see the sin of others yet overlook our own sin? Why can we often be so patient with ourselves and so harsh with others? Jesus is the only one that has a right to condemn sin and sinners, and he contents himself to send us on our way with the call to sin no more. it's not that sinful behavior is OK, it's not OK. It is all about grace and mercy and a savior who lives and dies and lives again for us.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
John 7
Jesus and his brothers are about to celebrate the Festival of Booths or Sukkot. This was probably the grandest of the Jewish celebrations other than Passover itself. It was very much like our Thanksgiving and was celebrated around the first of October. part of the celebration had the people staying outside in booths they constructed to remind them of the sojourn their ancestors had made through the desert. Jesus' brothers push him to go to the Festival, for they do not even believe he is the messiah. Jesus says he won't go, but after his brothers have gone he follows alone.
A part of this celebration that we don't read about was called Nisuch HaMayim or water pouring ceremony. Water was drawn from the Pool of Shiloah and was then carried in procession with great joy to be poured over the altar. The ceremony was instructed to be done with great joy and it was widely said "He who has not seen the rejoicing at the Place of the Water-Drawing has never seen rejoicing in his life." Perhaps it was at this point in the water ceremony that Jesus calls out to the gathered throngs, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" John 7:38 NRSV
The Pharisees and the temple guards are conflicted about arresting him and Nicodemus speaks up asking how they can condemn him without a trial. We get a glimpse here of Jesus Jewishness and the conflict between who he is as Messiah and the Jewish authorities as their relationship heats up.
A part of this celebration that we don't read about was called Nisuch HaMayim or water pouring ceremony. Water was drawn from the Pool of Shiloah and was then carried in procession with great joy to be poured over the altar. The ceremony was instructed to be done with great joy and it was widely said "He who has not seen the rejoicing at the Place of the Water-Drawing has never seen rejoicing in his life." Perhaps it was at this point in the water ceremony that Jesus calls out to the gathered throngs, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" John 7:38 NRSV
The Pharisees and the temple guards are conflicted about arresting him and Nicodemus speaks up asking how they can condemn him without a trial. We get a glimpse here of Jesus Jewishness and the conflict between who he is as Messiah and the Jewish authorities as their relationship heats up.
Monday, March 3, 2008
John 6
The account of the feeding of the 5,000 men (perhaps 15 - 20,000 people all together) and Jesus walking on the water is told here in Johns Gospel. I enjoy reading the accounts, but I must admit i like Matthew's account better. In all 4 gospels the story remains substantially the same: Jesus is in a remote place teaching and a crowd has gathered, he feeds the crowds miraculously with just a small amount of food being multiplied to feed thousands, in the night he walks on water to an astonished and terrified group of his disciples on the sea.
John's account does a great job of exposing the real desires of the crowds that followed Jesus. When the crowds find Jesus, Jesus first statement to them is, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." John 6:26 & 27 NRSV. Read this section again carefully and their transparency may make you laugh out loud - or cry. They counter his assessment with, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" or How do we learn to do the bread trick? Jesus tries to turn them from their stomachs to their hearts by telling them the works of God is to believe. They are undaunted and ask for bread again, saying "What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” Again, Jesus tries to turn their hearts toward the Kingdom but they only beg more - "Sir, give us this bread always."
Now Jesus throws them some theology that they can't "swallow". He tells them clearly - "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." The Jews begin to dispute with him now, but he will not turn from this path. He says over and over again in the following verses essentially, I am the bread of Life and if you would live you must eat my flesh!
As chapter 6 closes we see some of the first defectors from Jesus camp when John tells us, "Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him." Jesus turns to the twelve disciples and asks if they will leave as well and Peter answers for the group, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:68 & 69.
How often do we come to Jesus looking for some "goodies" to make us happy? I wonder how often Jesus tries to turn me in another holy direction, only to have me try to out smart the master. Lord, have patience with me, turn me and I shall be turned.
John's account does a great job of exposing the real desires of the crowds that followed Jesus. When the crowds find Jesus, Jesus first statement to them is, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." John 6:26 & 27 NRSV. Read this section again carefully and their transparency may make you laugh out loud - or cry. They counter his assessment with, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" or How do we learn to do the bread trick? Jesus tries to turn them from their stomachs to their hearts by telling them the works of God is to believe. They are undaunted and ask for bread again, saying "What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” Again, Jesus tries to turn their hearts toward the Kingdom but they only beg more - "Sir, give us this bread always."
Now Jesus throws them some theology that they can't "swallow". He tells them clearly - "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." The Jews begin to dispute with him now, but he will not turn from this path. He says over and over again in the following verses essentially, I am the bread of Life and if you would live you must eat my flesh!
As chapter 6 closes we see some of the first defectors from Jesus camp when John tells us, "Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him." Jesus turns to the twelve disciples and asks if they will leave as well and Peter answers for the group, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:68 & 69.
How often do we come to Jesus looking for some "goodies" to make us happy? I wonder how often Jesus tries to turn me in another holy direction, only to have me try to out smart the master. Lord, have patience with me, turn me and I shall be turned.
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