In the final three chapters, focus on the death (ch 19), resurrection (ch 20), and restoration (of Peter) (ch 21) that Christ provides.
But most of all...Think about Ch 20:30-31 which states,
"30Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name."
Remember that this is the theme verse of John, and if you miss this point you will miss the whole point of this Gospel.
Get this point.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Gospel of John Jet Tour pt .6 Ch. 16-18
In this section of the Gospel of John, Jesus ends the upper room discourse (Ch. 16), prays His famous prayer (Ch. 17), and begins to be tried by the Jews/Romans (Ch. 18).
With Christs' departure on the way, which will be followed by religious persecution, the disciples hear about the promised helper (The Holy Spirit) 16:1-15
to be continued...
With Christs' departure on the way, which will be followed by religious persecution, the disciples hear about the promised helper (The Holy Spirit) 16:1-15
to be continued...
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Gospel of John Jet Tour pt. 5 Ch. 13-15
As you read this section, keep in mind that Jesus is just hours from the cross. He serves, comforts, teaches, and loves His disciples...even in light of His impending death.
As you read the passage where Jesus refers to Himself as the true vine, read these passages as well; Ephesians 3:14-19, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:16, Romans 8. You will notice that each one of the references above are a valid cross reference to John 15 (Romans 8 has at least a section that is devoted to it). The main point in each of these cross references, is to show you that God empowers believers by His Spirit to exhibit Christ-likeness (or fruit) in their lives. This is done objectively i.e. the power of God does not come from our own strength (I know that this is obvious, but it is helpful to be reminded of this truth.) I once heard from a dear believer, that the truth stated above is like Christ Himself taking up residence within you, and living His life through you by faith in Him...and so it is at least in one sense.
Jamen
As you read the passage where Jesus refers to Himself as the true vine, read these passages as well; Ephesians 3:14-19, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:16, Romans 8. You will notice that each one of the references above are a valid cross reference to John 15 (Romans 8 has at least a section that is devoted to it). The main point in each of these cross references, is to show you that God empowers believers by His Spirit to exhibit Christ-likeness (or fruit) in their lives. This is done objectively i.e. the power of God does not come from our own strength (I know that this is obvious, but it is helpful to be reminded of this truth.) I once heard from a dear believer, that the truth stated above is like Christ Himself taking up residence within you, and living His life through you by faith in Him...and so it is at least in one sense.
Jamen
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Gospel of John Jet Tour pt. 4 Ch. 10-12 (Focus on 10)
Chapter 10 continues the discourse between Jesus and the Pharisees.
Ch. 10:1-21
Main point: Jesus uses shepherd terminology to display His care for believers, while at the same time He rebukes the Pharisees.
Only those who enter through the door (Christ) to minister to the sheep (believers) are qualified to teach and lead, but the Pharisees are contrasted as thieves and robbers. (V.1)
Yet Christ is the shepherd of the sheep who enters by the door, receives the response of the sheep, while leading them in complete safety. (v. 2-4)
After a failure to communicate, Jesus uses another title for Himself..."I AM the door..." Jesus may have been referring to the practice of shepherds who would build a "C" shaped stone enclosure and leave one section with a gap to allow entrance and exit for the sheep. Next, the shepherd would lay down across the only gap in the wall during night time hours to keep the sheep safe. Therefore he was technically the "door" of the sheep. Thus, having complete access rights, both in and out, for the sheep. Jesus' elaborates on this by saying, "I AM the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
Jesus next describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. His point in saying this is, "...the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." Contrast this care, and commitment with the hired hand who, "...sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees.." with the result that, "...the wolf snatches them and scatters them." The hired hand is not concerned about the welfare of the sheep but Jesus knows His own and vice-versa.
Drop down to verse 16 now which says, "I have other sheep..." This statement refers to "gentiles" or "nations" or "non-Jews"...whatever way you would like to put it. Yet, both Jew and Gentile will become one flock in Christ.
After mentioning His death that will be the substitution for the flock, and demonstrating His authority to lay down His life...Jesus concludes the discourse. 19-21 summarizes the response of the Jews.
Please respond to this question...How does 10:22-31 depict salvation, and can it be lost?
My answer: v. 28 Jesus says that "He gives" eternal life. So salvation is a free gift (see Ephesians 2:8-10). I also believe that salvation cannot be lost, for Jesus says, "...I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
FYI, people usually don't like eternal security because of the old saying, "If you can't lose it, then why don't you live like the world?" The answer is in Romans 6.
Jamen
Ch. 10:1-21
Main point: Jesus uses shepherd terminology to display His care for believers, while at the same time He rebukes the Pharisees.
Only those who enter through the door (Christ) to minister to the sheep (believers) are qualified to teach and lead, but the Pharisees are contrasted as thieves and robbers. (V.1)
Yet Christ is the shepherd of the sheep who enters by the door, receives the response of the sheep, while leading them in complete safety. (v. 2-4)
After a failure to communicate, Jesus uses another title for Himself..."I AM the door..." Jesus may have been referring to the practice of shepherds who would build a "C" shaped stone enclosure and leave one section with a gap to allow entrance and exit for the sheep. Next, the shepherd would lay down across the only gap in the wall during night time hours to keep the sheep safe. Therefore he was technically the "door" of the sheep. Thus, having complete access rights, both in and out, for the sheep. Jesus' elaborates on this by saying, "I AM the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
Jesus next describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. His point in saying this is, "...the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." Contrast this care, and commitment with the hired hand who, "...sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees.." with the result that, "...the wolf snatches them and scatters them." The hired hand is not concerned about the welfare of the sheep but Jesus knows His own and vice-versa.
Drop down to verse 16 now which says, "I have other sheep..." This statement refers to "gentiles" or "nations" or "non-Jews"...whatever way you would like to put it. Yet, both Jew and Gentile will become one flock in Christ.
After mentioning His death that will be the substitution for the flock, and demonstrating His authority to lay down His life...Jesus concludes the discourse. 19-21 summarizes the response of the Jews.
Please respond to this question...How does 10:22-31 depict salvation, and can it be lost?
My answer: v. 28 Jesus says that "He gives" eternal life. So salvation is a free gift (see Ephesians 2:8-10). I also believe that salvation cannot be lost, for Jesus says, "...I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
FYI, people usually don't like eternal security because of the old saying, "If you can't lose it, then why don't you live like the world?" The answer is in Romans 6.
Jamen
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Gospel of John Jet Tour pt. 3 Ch. 7-9
The Glory of Christ has already been revealed in the first 6 chapters, but God's time-line for Christ will continually inch Him closer to Calvary and the Glories to follow.
Ch. 7-9
Chapter 7 begins with a bit of background information. It tells the reader that Christ was walking in Northern Israel (Galilee) because of hostility emerging from Judea (southern Israel). Furthermore, a major feast of the Jews was at hand (Feast of Booths or Tabernacles). And after a brief discourse with His brothers, Jesus then left for Judea (A pretty bold move, seeing how the Jews were trying to kill Him V.1).
And after arriving and having an incredibly important discourse including the two statements 7:38-39, and 8:12 which says, "I AM the Light of the world..." This statement also carries the emphatic "I AM" referring to Christs' Deity.
As the story continues, the reader of the gospel sees an awkward verse that says, "Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. (V. 8:59) What!!! The Son of God escapes a murder attempt? Why did they want to kill Him? Simple... in 8:58 Jesus claimed to be God by saying (once again) "I AM." This statement was enough for the Jews to pick up stones to throw at Him. They would have considered this well worthy of death (see also 5:18 for a similar account).
With this context in mind, we now will turn our attention to ch. 9.
John 9
After claiming to be the Light of the world, Jesus now will perform a miracle to back it up. Versus 1-7 records the healing of the man born blind. Think about this miracle just a second...Without modern technology or medical capacities, Jesus heals a man who was BORN blind. Wow! This is also a fulfillment of Isaiah 35:5 which says, "The eyes of the blind will be opened." This was spoken by Isaiah 700 years before this event took place.
You would think that such a miracle would win the hearts of even the most stubborn people...but not the Pharisees. In 13-34 the discourse between the man born blind and the Pharisees takes place. Many events follow:
A.) The man is brought before them.
B.) Jesus is accused of breaking the Sabbath (but this is a false charge)
C.) The Pharisees have an inward dispute over their opinion on Christ.
D.) The Pharisees bring in the man's parents to bear witness...they confirm.
E.) The Pharisees still believe that Christ is a sinner.
F.) The Pharisees should have known that Jesus was from God, because of His sign.
G.) The man is thrown out of the synagogue (this is a big, big deal)
Jesus then comes to the man's rescue by saving him, and pronouncing SPIRITUAL blindness on the Pharisees. (vs. 35-41)
To be Continued...
Ch. 7-9
Chapter 7 begins with a bit of background information. It tells the reader that Christ was walking in Northern Israel (Galilee) because of hostility emerging from Judea (southern Israel). Furthermore, a major feast of the Jews was at hand (Feast of Booths or Tabernacles). And after a brief discourse with His brothers, Jesus then left for Judea (A pretty bold move, seeing how the Jews were trying to kill Him V.1).
And after arriving and having an incredibly important discourse including the two statements 7:38-39, and 8:12 which says, "I AM the Light of the world..." This statement also carries the emphatic "I AM" referring to Christs' Deity.
As the story continues, the reader of the gospel sees an awkward verse that says, "Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. (V. 8:59) What!!! The Son of God escapes a murder attempt? Why did they want to kill Him? Simple... in 8:58 Jesus claimed to be God by saying (once again) "I AM." This statement was enough for the Jews to pick up stones to throw at Him. They would have considered this well worthy of death (see also 5:18 for a similar account).
With this context in mind, we now will turn our attention to ch. 9.
John 9
After claiming to be the Light of the world, Jesus now will perform a miracle to back it up. Versus 1-7 records the healing of the man born blind. Think about this miracle just a second...Without modern technology or medical capacities, Jesus heals a man who was BORN blind. Wow! This is also a fulfillment of Isaiah 35:5 which says, "The eyes of the blind will be opened." This was spoken by Isaiah 700 years before this event took place.
You would think that such a miracle would win the hearts of even the most stubborn people...but not the Pharisees. In 13-34 the discourse between the man born blind and the Pharisees takes place. Many events follow:
A.) The man is brought before them.
B.) Jesus is accused of breaking the Sabbath (but this is a false charge)
C.) The Pharisees have an inward dispute over their opinion on Christ.
D.) The Pharisees bring in the man's parents to bear witness...they confirm.
E.) The Pharisees still believe that Christ is a sinner.
F.) The Pharisees should have known that Jesus was from God, because of His sign.
G.) The man is thrown out of the synagogue (this is a big, big deal)
Jesus then comes to the man's rescue by saving him, and pronouncing SPIRITUAL blindness on the Pharisees. (vs. 35-41)
To be Continued...
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Gospel of John Jet Tour pt. 2 Ch. 4-6 (8/3/2010)
The Gospel of John Ch. 4-6
Continued...
John Ch. 1-3 was a deep look into the person of Christ, I hope that 4-6 will continue to show you the grandeur of Christ's person.
The Samaritan Woman Ch 4:1-38
Main Point: Jesus sets up a divine appointment in order to save not only one woman, but a whole village. He is also displayed as God in the flesh in this passage (read below for my explanation of this).
Samaritans were "half-blooded" Jews who were involved in a blended religious system. Full blooded Jews hated them and would normally travel around Samaria in order to get to Galilee. Not so with Christ, for the text says, "He left Judea and went away again into Galilee. And He had to pass through Samaria." (V. 3-4)
Furthermore, for a Jewish man to talk with a Samaritan woman would be a tremendous cultural shock (notice the response from the disciples in verse 27). Jesus, totally ignored the racial, sexist, and cultural norm for that day in order to bring salvation to this woman.
After the discourse about living water (eternal life) versus the contrasted temporary water of the well, a short discussion about worship ensues. Jesus then navigates the conversation to its' climax in versus 25-26 which say, "The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He."
It is helpful to know that the word, "Christ" is a title to refer to the Messianic office of Jesus. But what the woman did not know was that she was talking to the long awaited Messiah who was predicted in the Old Testament. Furthermore Jesus drops a massive bomb shell in His statement, "I who speak to you am He." A literal translation from the Greek reads, "Jesus says to her, I AM the one who speaks to you." The Greek phrase for "I AM" is "Ego Eimi" which is emphatic language. But why would Jesus use emphatic language to say I AM? The answer is found in Exodus 3:13-14 which says,
"13Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Therefore Jesus was very clearly stating that He is God...even the very God who spoke with Moses over a thousand years before He even came to the earth!
Following this encounter with Jesus, the woman left her waterpot, and told everyone in the town that Jesus had read her life like an open book. This resulted in many of the Samaritans coming to Christ for salvation.
Notice three elements included in this passage 1.) The Exposing of sin by Christ in v. 16-18, 2.) The offer of eternal life v. 13-14. and 3.) The announcement of Christ's Deity (or Godship for lack of a better term).
Time to speed up...
Healing of the Nobleman's son (4:46-54)
Main Point: This is the fourth sign done by Christ to announce His deity.
Walking on the Water 6:16-25
Main Point: Jesus is not a king with an earthly origin (v. 15), rather His Kingship is much more glorious, and His deity is once again displayed to the disciples.
The motive of the crowd 6:26-40
Main Point: The crowd seeks Jesus for the physical food, rather than the spiritual life that Jesus gives.
Important note: Jesus says that He is the bread of life. In this phrase Jesus contrasts His life giving capacity, to the temporary manna that the Jews ate in Exodus 16:4. This statement is the first of 7 "I AM..." statements. Once again, Jesus refers to Exodus 3:14. But this time He qualifies His statement with the phrase, "...the bread of life." Jesus is the bread of God that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (v. 33).
The drawing Power of Christ v. 41-58
Main point: In the midst of grumbling, God remains sovereign in salvation by drawing the elect to Christ (v. 43-44)
Forsook yet proclaimed 6:59-71
Main Point: The hard message of Jesus drives many of His disciples (learners) away, but the contrasted faith of the apostles are illustrated at this time by Peter's confession of Christ.
To be continued...
Continued...
John Ch. 1-3 was a deep look into the person of Christ, I hope that 4-6 will continue to show you the grandeur of Christ's person.
The Samaritan Woman Ch 4:1-38
Main Point: Jesus sets up a divine appointment in order to save not only one woman, but a whole village. He is also displayed as God in the flesh in this passage (read below for my explanation of this).
Samaritans were "half-blooded" Jews who were involved in a blended religious system. Full blooded Jews hated them and would normally travel around Samaria in order to get to Galilee. Not so with Christ, for the text says, "He left Judea and went away again into Galilee. And He had to pass through Samaria." (V. 3-4)
Furthermore, for a Jewish man to talk with a Samaritan woman would be a tremendous cultural shock (notice the response from the disciples in verse 27). Jesus, totally ignored the racial, sexist, and cultural norm for that day in order to bring salvation to this woman.
After the discourse about living water (eternal life) versus the contrasted temporary water of the well, a short discussion about worship ensues. Jesus then navigates the conversation to its' climax in versus 25-26 which say, "The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He."
It is helpful to know that the word, "Christ" is a title to refer to the Messianic office of Jesus. But what the woman did not know was that she was talking to the long awaited Messiah who was predicted in the Old Testament. Furthermore Jesus drops a massive bomb shell in His statement, "I who speak to you am He." A literal translation from the Greek reads, "Jesus says to her, I AM the one who speaks to you." The Greek phrase for "I AM" is "Ego Eimi" which is emphatic language. But why would Jesus use emphatic language to say I AM? The answer is found in Exodus 3:13-14 which says,
"13Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Therefore Jesus was very clearly stating that He is God...even the very God who spoke with Moses over a thousand years before He even came to the earth!
Following this encounter with Jesus, the woman left her waterpot, and told everyone in the town that Jesus had read her life like an open book. This resulted in many of the Samaritans coming to Christ for salvation.
Notice three elements included in this passage 1.) The Exposing of sin by Christ in v. 16-18, 2.) The offer of eternal life v. 13-14. and 3.) The announcement of Christ's Deity (or Godship for lack of a better term).
Time to speed up...
Healing of the Nobleman's son (4:46-54)
Main Point:Jesus performs His second miracle in the Gospel to proclaim His deity by demonstrating the power of His spoken word to heal across a long distance.
The Healing at Bethesda 5:1-9a
The Healing at Bethesda 5:1-9a
Main Point: Jesus performs His third recorded miracle to proclaim His deity by demonstrating His power to heal a man without the ability to walk.
Ensuing discourse and hostility 5:9b-24
Ensuing discourse and hostility 5:9b-24
Background information: The sabbath to the Law keeping Jew was a big deal to say the least, but to many Jews their idea of taking a day off to Glorify God had drifted away from what God had originally prescribed in the Law of Moses. The Jews added tradition to the Scripture...that is a bad idea! Therefore the text says, "Now it was the Sabbath on that day..." Remember: to the Jew this is a big deal. Notice the complaint of the Jews, "...it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet." Jesus or the man had done nothing wrong in the eyes of God, but the oral tradition of the Jews forbade the carrying of a pallet during the Sabbath.
After Jesus is identified to the Jews as the One who commanded the man to walk, the Jews begin to persecute Him. Therefore Jesus responded, "...My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." Then comes the bombshell verse, "For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God." The hostility from the Jews will start here and end with the cross in ch. 19. There are no excuses for the person who says, "Jesus is not God."
Time to speed up again...
The Witnesses for Christ 5:31-47
After Jesus is identified to the Jews as the One who commanded the man to walk, the Jews begin to persecute Him. Therefore Jesus responded, "...My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." Then comes the bombshell verse, "For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God." The hostility from the Jews will start here and end with the cross in ch. 19. There are no excuses for the person who says, "Jesus is not God."
Time to speed up again...
The Witnesses for Christ 5:31-47
- John the Baptist v 33-35
- The works or miracles of Christ v. 36
- God the Father v. 37-38
- The Scriptures v. 39-47
Main Point: This is the fourth sign done by Christ to announce His deity.
Walking on the Water 6:16-25
Main Point: Jesus is not a king with an earthly origin (v. 15), rather His Kingship is much more glorious, and His deity is once again displayed to the disciples.
The motive of the crowd 6:26-40
Main Point: The crowd seeks Jesus for the physical food, rather than the spiritual life that Jesus gives.
Important note: Jesus says that He is the bread of life. In this phrase Jesus contrasts His life giving capacity, to the temporary manna that the Jews ate in Exodus 16:4. This statement is the first of 7 "I AM..." statements. Once again, Jesus refers to Exodus 3:14. But this time He qualifies His statement with the phrase, "...the bread of life." Jesus is the bread of God that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (v. 33).
The drawing Power of Christ v. 41-58
Main point: In the midst of grumbling, God remains sovereign in salvation by drawing the elect to Christ (v. 43-44)
Forsook yet proclaimed 6:59-71
Main Point: The hard message of Jesus drives many of His disciples (learners) away, but the contrasted faith of the apostles are illustrated at this time by Peter's confession of Christ.
To be continued...
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Gospel of John Jet Tour pt. 1 Ch. 1-3 (8/2/2010)
The Gospel of John Ch. 1-3
by: Jamen Smiley
Hi everyone,
This is round one of the Gospel of John jet tour. The format will be as follows 1.) Read 3 Chapters of the Gospel of John in the NASB (http://nasb.scripturetext.com/john/1-1.htm) once a day for 7 days. 2.) Read the blog I post once a day that relates to the reading that you did. 3.) Feel free to interact with me.
Overview and main point of the Gospel: The theme verse of the whole book is found in Ch. 20:30-31, "Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name."
This Gospel was written to declare two things 1.) The Deity of Christ i.e. Jesus is God in the flesh, and 2.) Only those who trust in Christ for salvation will have eternal life. That is to say, sinful man must come to the Son for eternal life and forgiveness of sins. This is done without any works or merit of our own, for if we could earn salvation, then why did Christ die?
Authorship: John the Apostle, written around c. 90 A.D.
John Ch. 1-3
The Prologue Ch. 1:1-18 Main point: Jesus is the Eternal God who became flesh and offered salvation to the world.
The Eternal Word
The Eternal Word (Jesus) existed from eternity past with the Father in intimate "face to face" communion. He was, is, and always will be The Eternal God (V. 1-2). He was the agent of Creation (V. 3) And eternal life was in Him (V. 4-5)
The Witness of John the Baptizer (FYI not the author of the book: see Authorship)
John the Baptist was not the Christ (or Messiah), but rather the fore-runner for Him (V. 6-8). Although proclaimed by John to be the Christ, Jesus was still rejected by many (V. 10-11) yet to those who trusted Him, He gave salvation. This act was apart from any human merit "who were born...of God" (V. 13).
The Incarnation
The eternal Word (Logos in the Greek) became a human being i.e. the God man. Unique, beloved, and full of grace and truth. It would be He who explained God the Father (V. 18)
Time to speed up...
The testimony of John and the first disciples Ch. 1:19-51
Main Point: John proclaims that Jesus is the God man, which launches the public ministry of Christ.
The first miracle of Christ Ch. 2:1-12
Main Point: After accumulating the initial disciples, Jesus manifests His person and power to His disciples. (FYI disciple means learner).
This book contains 7 miracles of Jesus which are (This section is FYI)
1.) Water into wine at Cana of Galilee (Northern Israel) Ch. 2:1-11
2.) The healing of the Nobleman's son (same location) Ch. 4:46-54
3.) The healing of the Invalid. (In Jerusalem or Southern Israel) Ch. 5:5-9
4.) The feeding of the five thousand (Tiberias near the Sea of Galilee) Ch. 6:1-14
5.) Jesus walks on water (On the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel) Ch. 6:16-21
6.) Jesus heals a man born blind (In Jerusalem) Ch. 9:1-7
7.) Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (near Jerusalem and His impending death) Ch. 11:38-44
Each sign gives Jesus validity, authority, and proof to back up His multiple claims to be God.
The Cleansing of the Temple Ch. 2:13-25
Main Point: Jesus shows His zeal for God the Father's Holiness, as God's Son.
The Nicodemus Discourse Ch. 3:1-21
Main Point: Jesus discusses the Gospel of Grace through faith with a high ranking Jewish official from the Sanhedrin i.e. Jewish supreme court.
The Dialogue V. 1-9
Jesus meets with a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus, who was of the sect called the Pharisees; who were leaders in the religious community*. ( FYI Most of the encounters Jesus had with the Pharisees were hostile. In Matthew 23 Jesus exposes the sinfulness of the pharisees.)
Although Nicodemus is religious and carries a high ranking position, he is not saved. Therefore Jesus explains to him the gospel. Jesus does so by explaining the birth from above i.e. spiritual regeneration. (V. 1-3)
Nicodemus does not understand the spiritual truth that Jesus has explained, but rather thinks about a physical birth. Therefore Jesus will began to use language that is more plain in the monologue. (V 4-9)
Monologue V. 10-21
Main Point: In this section, Jesus explains the Gospel in simple terms.
This section begins with a strong rebuke to Nicodemus for being a leader, yet not having understood the concept of spiritual regeneration (a concept found in the Old Testament). (V. 10-13)
Jesus now begins to tell Nicodemus the plain truth of the Gospel by using an Old Testament story. He says "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life." Jesus is referring to the story found in Numbers 21:5-9, were the sinning Israelites were bitten by venomous snakes sent by God. The only hope they had was to look with faith at the fiery serpent that Moses sat on a standard (this means he lifted it up). If they looked at it, they were healed. Likewise Jesus said that He would be lifted up (on a cross) in the same manner as the fiery serpent so that whoever looks to Him for salvation will be saved. (V. 14-15)
Because of the previous truth Jesus just spoke (V. 14-15), He begins V. 16 with a "For." This is to link what has just been said to the following truth as an explanation of 14-15.
16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18“He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”
The Last recorded words of John the Baptist Ch. 3:22-36
Main Point: John the Baptist, who is the forerunner or herald to announce Christ, is now fading into the background. This is only natural, because by definition the forerunner must decrease and the Christ must increase.
To be continued...
by: Jamen Smiley
Hi everyone,
This is round one of the Gospel of John jet tour. The format will be as follows 1.) Read 3 Chapters of the Gospel of John in the NASB (http://nasb.scripturetext.com/john/1-1.htm) once a day for 7 days. 2.) Read the blog I post once a day that relates to the reading that you did. 3.) Feel free to interact with me.
Overview and main point of the Gospel: The theme verse of the whole book is found in Ch. 20:30-31, "Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name."
This Gospel was written to declare two things 1.) The Deity of Christ i.e. Jesus is God in the flesh, and 2.) Only those who trust in Christ for salvation will have eternal life. That is to say, sinful man must come to the Son for eternal life and forgiveness of sins. This is done without any works or merit of our own, for if we could earn salvation, then why did Christ die?
Authorship: John the Apostle, written around c. 90 A.D.
John Ch. 1-3
The Prologue Ch. 1:1-18 Main point: Jesus is the Eternal God who became flesh and offered salvation to the world.
The Eternal Word
The Eternal Word (Jesus) existed from eternity past with the Father in intimate "face to face" communion. He was, is, and always will be The Eternal God (V. 1-2). He was the agent of Creation (V. 3) And eternal life was in Him (V. 4-5)
The Witness of John the Baptizer (FYI not the author of the book: see Authorship)
John the Baptist was not the Christ (or Messiah), but rather the fore-runner for Him (V. 6-8). Although proclaimed by John to be the Christ, Jesus was still rejected by many (V. 10-11) yet to those who trusted Him, He gave salvation. This act was apart from any human merit "who were born...of God" (V. 13).
The Incarnation
The eternal Word (Logos in the Greek) became a human being i.e. the God man. Unique, beloved, and full of grace and truth. It would be He who explained God the Father (V. 18)
Time to speed up...
The testimony of John and the first disciples Ch. 1:19-51
Main Point: John proclaims that Jesus is the God man, which launches the public ministry of Christ.
The first miracle of Christ Ch. 2:1-12
Main Point: After accumulating the initial disciples, Jesus manifests His person and power to His disciples. (FYI disciple means learner).
This book contains 7 miracles of Jesus which are (This section is FYI)
1.) Water into wine at Cana of Galilee (Northern Israel) Ch. 2:1-11
2.) The healing of the Nobleman's son (same location) Ch. 4:46-54
3.) The healing of the Invalid. (In Jerusalem or Southern Israel) Ch. 5:5-9
4.) The feeding of the five thousand (Tiberias near the Sea of Galilee) Ch. 6:1-14
5.) Jesus walks on water (On the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel) Ch. 6:16-21
6.) Jesus heals a man born blind (In Jerusalem) Ch. 9:1-7
7.) Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (near Jerusalem and His impending death) Ch. 11:38-44
Each sign gives Jesus validity, authority, and proof to back up His multiple claims to be God.
The Cleansing of the Temple Ch. 2:13-25
Main Point: Jesus shows His zeal for God the Father's Holiness, as God's Son.
The Nicodemus Discourse Ch. 3:1-21
Main Point: Jesus discusses the Gospel of Grace through faith with a high ranking Jewish official from the Sanhedrin i.e. Jewish supreme court.
The Dialogue V. 1-9
Jesus meets with a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus, who was of the sect called the Pharisees; who were leaders in the religious community*. ( FYI Most of the encounters Jesus had with the Pharisees were hostile. In Matthew 23 Jesus exposes the sinfulness of the pharisees.)
Although Nicodemus is religious and carries a high ranking position, he is not saved. Therefore Jesus explains to him the gospel. Jesus does so by explaining the birth from above i.e. spiritual regeneration. (V. 1-3)
Nicodemus does not understand the spiritual truth that Jesus has explained, but rather thinks about a physical birth. Therefore Jesus will began to use language that is more plain in the monologue. (V 4-9)
Monologue V. 10-21
Main Point: In this section, Jesus explains the Gospel in simple terms.
This section begins with a strong rebuke to Nicodemus for being a leader, yet not having understood the concept of spiritual regeneration (a concept found in the Old Testament). (V. 10-13)
Jesus now begins to tell Nicodemus the plain truth of the Gospel by using an Old Testament story. He says "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life." Jesus is referring to the story found in Numbers 21:5-9, were the sinning Israelites were bitten by venomous snakes sent by God. The only hope they had was to look with faith at the fiery serpent that Moses sat on a standard (this means he lifted it up). If they looked at it, they were healed. Likewise Jesus said that He would be lifted up (on a cross) in the same manner as the fiery serpent so that whoever looks to Him for salvation will be saved. (V. 14-15)
Because of the previous truth Jesus just spoke (V. 14-15), He begins V. 16 with a "For." This is to link what has just been said to the following truth as an explanation of 14-15.
16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18“He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”
The Last recorded words of John the Baptist Ch. 3:22-36
Main Point: John the Baptist, who is the forerunner or herald to announce Christ, is now fading into the background. This is only natural, because by definition the forerunner must decrease and the Christ must increase.
To be continued...
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