The Gospel According to John - AWS

THE GO SPEL ACCO RD ING

TO J O HN

robert holst

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1. PERSONAL – The student prays for guidance from the Holy Spirit and answers the Personal Application (P.A.) questions at home using only the Bible (no commentaries).

2. SMALL GROUPS – The class meets for an opening and divides into small groups of 8–10 people. The small group leader guides the group through the P.A. questions, encouraging each to share their answers and discuss further as time allows.

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The Gospel According to John 23 LessonsDr. robert Holst

Author InformAtIon I

IntroductIon Lesson 1

John 1:1-18 Lesson 2





Bibliography i

ImportantScholarlyWorks i

PopularStudies i

Introduction 1

PurposeoftheGospel 1

Authorship 1

John’sRelationtoGospelofMatthew,MarkandLuke2

TheFirstReadersofJohn’sGospel 3

MajorThemesintheGospel 3

TheStructureofJohn’sGospel 4

AFinalWord 4

PersonalApplication–John1:1-18 5

Purpose 7

Background 7

UniquenessofthePrologue 8

John1:1-5 8

The“Word”or“Logos” 8

TheWordwasGod–John1:1c 9

InHimwasLife–John1:1-4 9

TheLightofMenShinesinDarkness–John1:4-5 9

John1:6-8&15 9

John1:9-13 9

John1:14-18 10


ComeSeetheGreatnessofJesus 13

JohntheBaptistisQuestioned–John1:19-28 14

TheLambofGod–John1:29-34 14

TheFirstDisciples–John1:35-51 15


SignsofGlory 19

ASignofJesus’GloryCreatesFaith–John2:1-11 19

JesustheReformer–John2:12-25 20

SomeConcludingThoughts 21


Introduction 24

NicodemusConfrontsJesus–John3:1-15 25

JesusFacestheIssuesofLifeandDeath–John3:16-21 26

JohntheBaptist’sConfession–John3:22-30 26

“LooktotheLordforSecurity”–John3:31-36 26



Introduction 30

TheSamaritanWoman–John4:4-26 31

FocusontheDisciples–John4:27and31-38 32

TheSamaritanVillages–John4:28-30and39-42 33


PersonalApplication–John4:43-54,5:1-47 34

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© living way bible study, inc. not to be reproduced in any form without permission.

John 4:43-54, 5:1-47 Lesson 7









SignsandWonders–John4:43-54 36

HealingSigns–John5:1-9b 37

TheAuthorityofJesus–John5:9b-18 38

JesusTeachesAboutHisMinistry–John5:19-47 38



BackgroundandSetting–John6:1-4 42

TeachingDisciples–John6:5-13 43

“King-makingTheology”-John6:14-15 44

JesusWalksonWater–John6:16-24 44

JesusBetterThanWorldlyExpectations–John6:25-59 44

FourReactionstoJesus’Words–John6:60-71 45



Introduction 48

WhyCelebrate?–John7:1-13 48

FamilyMisunderstandingorRejection 49

ChangeYourStandardsofJudgment–John7:14-24 50

AGreatDebate–John7:25-44 51

TheFollyofJudgmentbyAppearances–John7:45-53 51


Context 54

LightorDarkness;ForgivenessorRejection–John7:53-8:11 54

AHistoricalQuestion: 54

TheTrap 55

TheGreatClaim–John8:12 55

TheChallengeofCredentials–John8:13-30 55

TheChallengeofAncestryorLegitimacy–John8:31-59 55


Context 59

TheQuestionandAnswer–John9:1-5 59

TheGiftofSight–John9:6-7 60

TheBattleofBlindness–John9:8-17 61

DoubtingtheSign–John9:18-23 61

RejectingtheSign–John9:24-34 62

JesusSearches–John9:35-41 62


Context 66

Jesus’Ministry–John10:1-21 66

TheUglyFaceofRejection–John10:22-42 67


PurposeandStructure 71

PhysicalandSpiritualDeath–John11:1-16 71

OntheRoadNearBethany–John11:17-37 73

LazarusRaised–John11:38-44 74

Rejection–John11:45-57 74


Context 77

JesusAnointed–John12:1-11 77

JesusEntersJerusalem–John12:12-19 78

SeeingJesus–John12:20-36 79

TheMysteryofUnbeliefandFaith–John12:37-50 79


Context 83

TheFootWashing–John13:1-17 83

TheBetrayal–John13:18-30 84

TheCalltoDiscipleship–John13:31-38 85










Context 88

JesusComfortsHisDisciples–John14:1-4 89

Jesus’RelationshiptotheFather–John14:5-14 89

JesusPromisestheHolySpirit–John14:15-31 90


Context 95

TheMeaningofDiscipleship–John15:1-17 95

AWarningtoDisciples–John15:18-27 96

Summary 97


Context 100

TwoApplicationsofJesus’Teaching–John16:1-4 101

JesusLeaves–TheHolySpiritComes–John16:5-15 101

JesusOffersJoy–John16:16-33 103

Summary 103


IntroductionandContext 106

Jesus’Glory–John17:1-5 106

Jesus’PrayerforHisDisciples–John17:6-19 107

JesusPraysforallBelievers–John17:20-26 108

Conclusion 108


Context 111

JesusisArrested–John18:1-11 111

JesusRejected–John18:12-27 112

JesusonTrial–John18:28-40 114


Context 117

TheTrial–John19:1-16a 117

TheCrucifixion–John19:16b-37 118

TheBurial–John19:38-42 120


Context 123

ExperiencesattheGrave–John20:1-9 123

TheAppearancetoMary–John20:10-18 124

JesusAppearstoHisDisciples–John20:19-23 125

JesusandThomas–John20:24-29 126

John’sConclusion–John20:30-31 126

Summary 126


Context 129

JesusAppearstoSevenDisciples–John21:1-14 129

JesusConfrontsPeter–John21:15-19 130

TheRumor–John21:20-23 132

TheEditorialComments–John21:24-25 132

Bibliography – The Gospel According to John

ImportAnt schoLArLy Works

CharlesK.Barrett,The Gospel According to St. John,S.P.C.K.,London1956.

RaymondE.Brown,The Gospel According to John,(AnchorBible,volumes29and29A),

DoubledayandCompany,GardenCity,N.Y.,1966&1970

LeonMorris,The Gospel According to John,(NewInternationalCommentaryoftheNewTestament)EerdmansPublishingCo.,GrandRapids,MI,1971

BarclayM.NewmanandEugeneA.Nida,A Translator’s Handbook on the Gospel of John,UnitedBibleSocieties,London,1980.

RudolfSchnackenburg,The Gospel According to St. John,(threevolumesSeaburyPress,NewYork,1960,1980,1982).

popuLAr studIes

WilliamBarclay,The Gospel of John,(2volumes),reviseded,WestminsterPress,Philadelphia,1975.

F.F.Bruce,The Gospel of John,Eerdmans,GrandRapids,MI,1983.

A.M.Hunter,According to John,SCMPress,London,1968.

RobertKysar,John,Augsburg,Minneapolis,1986.

JohnMarsh,The Gospel of St. John,Penguinbooks,Baltimore,1968.

V.C.Pfitzner,God So Loved: A Study of the Gospel According to John,Sheki-nahFoundation,Indianapolis,1979.

AlanRichardson,The Gospel According to St. John,SCM,London,1959.

BruceE.Schein,Following the Way: The Setting of John’s Gospel,Augsburg,Minneapolis,1980.

i



Author Information – Dr. Robert HolstLWBSCourses: The Gospel of John

The Letters of John

BorninAustin,MN–baptizedatTrinityLutheranChurch,Dexter,MN–ConfirmedatSt.John’s

LutheranChurch,Austin,MN.

GraduatedfromConcordiaHighSchoolandCollege,St.Paul,MNandConcordiaSeminary,St.Louis,MO.

VicaragespentinCalgary,Alberta,Canada.

ReceivedMasterofSacredTheologyfromConcordiaSeminary,St.Louis,MO.

ReceivedPh.D.inBiblicalStudiesfromPrincetonTheologicalSeminary.

MarriedLynne(nee)Grabowski-threechildren,Mark,ThomasandRuth.

ServedasassistantpastoratSt.Paul’sLutheranChurch,Hardin,IL.

ServedfiveyearsasamissionaryinPapuaNewGuinea.

TaughtatConcordiaSeniorCollege,FortWayne,IN(1970-76).TaughtatChristCollegeIrvine,Irvine,CA(1976-91).

ServedasPresidentofConcordiaCollege,St.Paul,MN.(1991-2011)

ii



The Gospel According to John Dr. robert Holst

© living way bible study, inc. 1not to be reproduced in any form without permission.

Lesson 1IntroDuctIon

John’s reLAtIon to GospeL of mAttheW, mArk And Luke 2the fIrst reAders of John’s GospeL 3mAJor themes In the GospeL 3the structure of John’s GospeL 4A fInAL Word 4personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 1:1-18 5

“John’s Gospel is no idle tale. Its goal is not entertainment. It calls for commitment. Like great music, it begins softly

before reaching a dramatic crescendo. You may enjoy the music or plug your ears but you cannot ignore it.”

IntroductIonThankGodfortheGospelofJohn.ItpreservesandteachesthestoryofJesuswithtremendousclarityandforce.OftenusingsimplewordsJohnconveyscomplextruths.“GodsolovedtheworldthatHesentHisonlySonthatwhoeverbelievesinHimshallnotperishbuthaveeternallife”(John3:16).Thatsimpleso-called“Gospelinanutshell”summarizestheChristianfaithwell.ItleavesusponderingtherelationshipoftheFatherandtheSon,theuniquenessofJesus,themeaningoffaith,thethreatofjudgment,theblessingofeternallifeandthemysteryofGod’slove.

purpose of the GospeLThereisnomysterywhytheGospelwaswritten.John20:31clearlygivesthegoal.“These(signs)arewrittenthatyoumaybelievethatJesusistheChrist,theSonofGod,andthatbybelievingyoumayhavelifeinhisname.”ThewordsringclearwithtypicalJohanninesimplicityandtruth.YetcarefulconsiderationrevealstypicalJohanninecomplexity.Forexample,whatis“Iife?”Is it spiritual life, or life after death, or both?Does“believing”meantoknowthatJesusisGod’sSon,tobeawareofHispower,totrustHimasreliable,toexpectHimtosolvelife’sproblems,tounderstandthevalueofHisdeathandresurrection,oralloftheabove?WhatdoesitmeantocallJesus“Christ”and“SonofGod?”Dothetitlescomplementeachotherorteachdifferenttruths?Does“inHisname”refertoJesus’powerfulsigns(miracles),HisteachingandrevelationofGod’struth,Hisentirelifeandministry,ordoesitevenhinttoChristianbaptism?Hopefully,carefulstudyoftheGospelwillhelpusanswersuchquestions.

AuthorshIpStudiesontheGospelofJohnoftenbeginbynotingthetraditionthatclaimsthebookwaswrittenbyJohn,theSonofZebedee,about90ADin




The Gospel According to John Dr . Robert Holst In t roduct ion – Lesson 1

Ephesus.Thetraditionmaybetrue,buttheGospelitselfsuggestssuchinformationisunimportant.TheGospelauthorremainsanonymous(21:24).John,theSonofZebedee,isneverevennamedinthebook.UnlikePaul’sletters,John’sGospeldoesnottellbywhomitwasoriginallywritten.Ratherthanevaluatethetraditionaboutauthorship,profitablestudybeginswiththestudyoftheGospelitself.

“On the other hand, John’s uniqueness is not limited to theological insights. Thanks to John’s Gospel we have a more complete

historical understanding of Jesus’ ministry.”

John’s reLAtIon to GospeL of mAttheW, mArk And LukeTheGospelsofMatthew,Mark,andLukeareoftencalledthe“SynopticGospels”because,astheGreekwordsbehind“synoptic”suggest,they“looktogether”witha“commonperspective”atJesus’lifeandwork.TheGospelofJohnpresentsthestoryofJesusfromsuchauniqueperspectivethatitisusuallystudiedsomewhatindependentoftheotherthreeGospels.Forexample,readhowthedifferentGospelsdescribetheeventsintheGardenofGethsemaneonthenightJesusisarrested(Matthew26:36-56,Mark14:32-50,Luke22:40-53,John18:1-11).Matthew,MarkandLukeshowtheagonyandhumiliationofJesus.JohnshowsJesus,asGod,dominatingthearrestprocedure.He“gives”HimselftofulfillingGod’swill.

AsanotherexampleofJohannineuniqueness,readthestoriesofJesuscleansingthetemple(Matthew21:12-13,Mark11:15-17,Luke19:45-46andJohn2:13-17).Onemajordifferenceisthetimingofthecleansing.TheSynopticsrecorditaftertheentryintoJerusalembutJohnputsitearlyinJesus’ministry.MartinLuther,andscholarslongbeforeandafterhim,havedebatedtheimportanceofthedifferences.TheydebatewhetherJesuscleansedthetempleonceortwice.Iftwice,whydidJohnreportonlytheearlierincidentandifoncewhydidJohntellitatatimesodifferentfromthatoftheSynoptics?SomeChristiansthinkthatJohntellsoftheeventearlyinJesus’careerfortheological(ratherthanchronological)reasons.JohnshowsfromtheverybeginninghowJesuscritiquesoldreligiouspracticesandcallsforanewrelationshipwithGod.With

thesignsinJerusalemthegreatnessofJesusbeginstounfoldaspromisedtoNathanael(John1:51).Furthermore,John’sversioneliminatesthepossibilityofunbelieversthinkingthatJesuswasarevolutionarywhowascrucifiedbecauseHetriedtoinstigatearebellioninthetempleprecincts.AsyounotewaysinwhichJohndiffersfromtheSynoptics,thinkaboutwaysinwhichJohnmaybeusingthematerialtoteachmoreclearlyJesus’meaning.

Ontheotherhand,John’suniquenessisnotlimitedtotheologicalinsights.ThankstoJohn’sGospelwehaveamorecompletehistoricalunderstandingofJesus’ministry.MostofJesus’publicministryreportedintheSynopticsisinGalileewhileJohnalsodescribesHisworkinornearJerusalem.IfwereadonlySynoptics,wecouldthinkthatJesus’publicministrylastedlessthanoneyearbecauseHegoestoJerusalemtocelebratethePassoveronlyonetime(Matthew21:1ff,Mark11:1ff,Luke19:28ff).BecauseofJohn,wespeakofJesus’threeyearpublicministry.OnlyJohnrecordsJesusgoingtoJerusalemforthreePassovercelebrations(d.John2:13ff,6:4,13:1ff).

PartofthegreatnessofJohn’sGospelliesintellingusthingsnotrecordedintheSynoptics.PartofthemysteryofJohn’sGospelIiesinnottellingusmajorimportantthingsaboutJesusthattheSynopticsallrecord.Forexample,intheGospelofJohntherearenobirthstories,noreportofJesus’ownbaptismorHissubsequenttemptations.JohnrecordsnoneoftheSynopticparables,fewermiracles(Johnrecordssevensigns,butMark’sshorterGospelrecordsnineteenmiracles),noconfessionbyPeteratCaesareaPhilippi,notransfiguration,nowordsofinstitutionofeitherbaptismoreucharist,noprayerfulstruggleinGethsemane,nohelpbySimonofCyreneincarryingthecross,nodarknessonCalvaryandnocryofrejectionfromthecross.DidJohndeliberatelyleaveout(Synoptic)informationalreadyknown?OrdidJohn,withoutreferencetotheSynopticGospels,simpletellthestorydifferently?

ReferencetotheJohanninematerialsnotfoundintheSynopticsalsohelpsusthinkaboutsuchquestions.Forexample,onlyJohnrecordstheconfessionofJohntheBaptist,thatJesusistheLambofGod(1:29),theweddingatCana(2:1ff),theconversationwithNicodemus(3:1ff),themissionwiththeSamaritanwoman(4:4ff),thehealingatBethesada(5:1ff),theselfexplanationafter



feeding5,000people(6:25ff),theeventsattheFeastoftheTabernacles(7:1ff),thehealingoftheblindmaninJerusalem(9:1ff),theeventssurroundingthedeathofLazarus(11:4ff),theupperroomteachings(14-17),theeventsofEasterinvolvingPeter,MaryMagdaleneandotherdisciples(20:1-29),andthepost-EastereventsneartheSeaofTiberias(21:1-22).

NotonlydoesJohnrecorddifferenteventsinthelifeofJesusbuthealsoshowsadifferentsideofJesus’teaching.Tobecomemoreawareofsomeofthedifferences,readtheSermonontheMountinchapterfivethroughsevenofMatthewandthenreadJesussayingsinJohn6:32-49orinchaptersfourteenthroughseventeen.NotethatMatthew’sreportoftheSermonontheMountemphasizeshumanconductanditdoesnotdealexplicitlywithwhoJesusis.ThefocusisGod’slovingpowerandhumanbeings’lovingresponse.InJohn,however,notehowmuchJesustalksaboutHimselfandHisrelationshiptoHisFatherandtoHisdisciples.InMatthew,JesusproclaimsGod’sway,truth,andlife.InJohn,JesusshowsthatHeistheway,thetruth,andthelife.

Insummary,whenwestudytheGospelofJohnitishelpfultokeepinmindtheuniquenessofJohn.JohnisnotmerelytellingthehistoryaboutJesusbutwantsustosharethefaithofJesus.AwarenessofJohn’suniquenessoftenenrichesourunderstandingofJesus.IntheSynoptics,JesusspeaksexplicitlyoftheKingdomofGodbutmerelyimpliesHisrelationshiptotheFather.Onthecontrary,inJohn’sGospel,JesusspeaksexplicitlyaboutHisrelationshipwiththeFatherwhileimplyingthetruthsabouttheKingdomofGod.IntheSynopticsJesusstresseswhatGodisworkingwhileinJohnJesusstresseshowGodisworkinginHisSon.AsthestatementofpurposeinJohn20:30-31toldus,JohnwriteswithaspecialconcernthatweunderstandJesus.

the fIrst reAders of John’s GospeLWhofirstreadJohn’sGospel?SomereadersmusthaveknownJewishtraditionverywell.TheGospelcontainssomenuancesthatwouldbeunderstoodonlybyJewishpeople.JohnisthemostJewishGospeleventhoughMatthewquotestheOldTestamentmoreoften.AswewillseewhenwereadtheGospel,JohndoesnotfrequentlyquotetheOldTestamentbutratherpointstoitsallusions

andsymbolicreferences.Forexample,Jewish-ChristianreaderswouldfullyunderstandandtreasureJesus’allusiontoJacob’sladder(John1:51.Cf.Genesis28:12).KnowingJesusislikehavingJacob’sBethelexperience.GentileswouldwonderwhatJohn1:51isallabout.JewishpeoplewouldalsocatchtheechoofExodus3:14inJesus’saying,“BeforeAbrahamwas,IAM”(John8:58).The“IAM”whichMosesheardfromaburningbushnowcomesfromJesus’ownmouth(Cf,John1:17).JewishpeoplefamiliarwiththeusageofwaterduringTabernacleswouldfindspecialironyandforceinJesusproclamationsonthelastdayofthefeast(John7:37-39).Repeatedly,thebookcontraststhesignificanceofJesusandHismessagetoMoses,nationalJewishholidays,andJewishtraditions.SuchclaimsreachouttoJewishpeople.John’sGospelclearlyseekstoconvincepeopleofJewishbackgroundthatJesuscallsthemtobelieve.

Ontheotherhand,theGospelseemstobewrittenforsomereaderswhoknowlittleaboutJewishtraditions.TheGospelcontainsseveraleditorialcommentstohelpsuchreadersunderstandthestory.Forexample,JohntranslatessimpleHebrewnamesandtitles(e.g.John1:38,41,42).Heoffersanexplanation(4:9)toreaderswhoapparentlydonotknowaboutJewish-Samaritansegregationpractices.ItremindsmeofthewaywetodaymusttellyoungpeopleaboutsegregationlawsintheUnitedStatesthatwereinforceagenerationago.Finally,onlyreaderswhohadnevervisitedJerusalemwouldneedtobetoldthedistanceofBethanyfromJerusalem(11:18).TheseandotherexplanatorycommentshintthatsomereaderslivedfarremovedfromthetimeandplacesofJesus.

“The most important theme in the Gospel of John is the meaning of Jesus.”

mAJor themes In the GospeLReadJohn1:1-18andJohn20:30-31andyouhaveagoodreviewofmajorthemesinJohn’sGospel.Nevertheless,letmepointoutafewthemes.

1. ThemostimportantthemeintheGospelofJohnisthemeaningofJesus.HeistheMessiah,thatis,God’sappointedleader.JohnshowshowJesusfulfillsandsurpassesexpectationsandhopesbasedontheOld



TestamentandevenJewishtraditions.JesusisalsotheSonofGod.JohnrecordsagainandagainhowJesusrelatedHimselfandHisworktotheFather.AlmostonehundredtimestheGospelpointstoGodasFatherandallbutelevenoftheseareoutofthemouthofJesus.Christology,theteachingofChrist,dominatestheGospel.

2. TheGospelcallspeopletofaith.Johnexploresthemeaningoffaithandalsodoubt.Strangers,likeSamaritans(4:42),believe,butadisciple,likeThomas(20:25),doubts.Seeingamiraculoussigncancreatefaith(11:45)butitsreportcanalsocreateincredibleunbelief(11:53).Thesignsarerecordedsothatpeoplewillbelieve(20:30)butJesusHimselfdeclaresthatbelievingwithoutseeingismoreblessed(20:29).Faithismoreimportantthanmiracles.

3. Lifeoreternallifeisamajortheme.TheGospelwantsustoknowwhattruelifeisandhowwegetit.JohnmakesusthinkaboutthemysteriousrelationshipoftheChristianlifeonearthandthelifeafterdeath.Aswewillsee,thegiftoflifeinchapterelevendealsnotmerelywiththephysicaldeathofLazarusbutespeciallywiththespiritualdeathofMartha,Mary,andothers.

4. Johnemphasizeswitnessingorrevelation.JesusisthelightwhichmeansthatHerevealsthetruth.Theverb“towitness”appearsaboutthirtytimesinJohnbutonlyonceeachinMatthewandLukeandneverinMark.Thenoun“witness”occursfourteentimesinJohn,neverinMatthew,threetimesinMark,andbutonceinLuke.JohnwantstoteachushowtheFatherwitnessestheSon,theSonwitnessestheFatherand,inJesus,wewitnesstotruth,andtolife.

5. JohnemphasizesthetotalityofGod’saction.Godlovesthewholeworld.JewishtraditionsandfestivalsfinddeepermeaninginJesus.PaganSamaritansandGreeksseekHim.HumanneedsforessentialslikefoodandwateraremetandsurpassedbyJesus.Humaninstitutions,forexamplethemightyRomanempireexemplifiedbyPilate,standsconfusedandindecisivecomparedtoJesus.ThetrueworldrulerisJesus,notRome.ThegiftoftheHolySpiritconnectsthepastactionsofGodinJesuswiththefutureactivitiesofGodinthelivesofallHisdisciples.

the structure of John’s GospeLSomepeopleprefertostudyJohn’sGospellikeaseamlessrobe.Theythinkthatonesectionleadsintoanotherwithoutabreakandthestoriesbuildonandinterpreteachother.AdeedofJesusoftenprecedesateachingbyJesuswhichbuildsonandexplainsthedeed.NodoubtifyoureadthroughtheGospelwithoutinterruptionyouwillexperienceitsunfoldingpower.

Ontheotherhand,ChristiansforcenturieshavedividedtheGospelintochaptersandversesandproposedvariousoutlines.Suchlogicaldivisionsalsofacilitatestudyandunderstanding.UsuallyJohn1:1-18isidentifiedasoneunitandcalled“theprologue.”ItservesasanintroductiontotheGospelandcanbestudiedindependently.Itanticipatesthetheologyofthebookbutdoesnotreportstories.

ThebulkoftheGospeltellswhatJesusdidandsaid.OftenthefirsttwelvechaptersaredescribedasJesus’“publicministry”andchaptersthirteenthroughtwentystandasHis“privateministry.”Inscholarlyliterature,theunitsareoftencalled“TheBookofSigns”and“TheBookofGlory,”respectively.ThedivisionishelpfulalthoughIprefertoseechapterselevenandtwelveasahinge-sectionconnectingthelifeofJesuswithHisdeathandresurrection.

Untilrecently,chaptertwenty-onehasbeenviewedasastrange,evenunnecessary,lateadditiontotheGospel.Itisoftencalledanappendix.Ithinkthatiswrong.Chaptertwenty-oneeffectivelybridgesthegapbetweenEasterandtheongoingactivityofthechurch.

A fInAL WordAsyoureadandstudytheGospelaccordingtoJohn,IpraythatyouwillfeelthepoweroftheHolySpiritgivingyounewunderstandingandinsightsintothegreattruthofourChristianfaithandlife.John’sGospelisnoidletale.Itsgoalisnotentertainment.Itcallsforcommitment.Likegreatmusic,itbeginssoftlybeforereachingadramaticcrescendo.Youmayenjoythemusicorplugyourearsbutyoucannotignoreit.WhenwereadJohnwetoocannotignorethemessage.Thetruthsoarshighanddear.Theinvitationistofaith.Thechoiceisacceptanceorrejection.MayGodenrichyourfaith.


The Gospel According to John Dr . Robert Holst John 1:1-18 – Lesson 1

personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 1:1-18

Pray that the Word of God will bless you as you read John 1:1-18.

1. John1:1-18isusuallycalledtheprologue.WhatisthepurposeofThePrologue?

2. Whatwordsorversesintheprologueinterestyouthemost?Why?

3. ReadtheintroductoryversesofeachoftheotherGospels.Writewhateachsuggestaboutthepurposeofthebookandwhatitmeanstoyou.

Matthew1:1-17

Mark1:1

Luke1:1-4

4. WhydoyouthinkJohn’sprologueissodifferentfromtheintroductoryversesoftheotherGospels?

5. HowisthebeginningofJohnsimilartothebeginningofGenesis?

6. HowdoesthesimilarityinfluenceyourthinkingasyoubeginreadingJohn?

7. Describethestatusandfunctionofthe“Word”inJohn1:1-5. Whatwasit?

Whatdiditdo?

Whatisitdoingnow?

8. WhydoyouthinkJohnbeganwiththeterm“Word”insteadofsimplyusingthenameJesus?ThinkabouthowGodcreatesinGenesischapter1andtheroleoftheWordofGodfortheHebrewprophetsbeforeyoureply.

9. CompareJohn1:3toColossians1:17.WhatactivityofJesusisdescribed?



HowdoesawarenessofJesus’activityaffectyourattitudetowardcreation?

10. Whatdoes“life”meantoyou?ReadJohn1:4,3:3,5:25,11:25-26and20:20-31.

11. InJohn1:4&5,whatdoyouthinklightanddarknessmeanorsymbolize?

12. HowisJohntheBaptist(John1:6-8and15)amodelforus?

13. JohncarefullyshowsthatJohntheBaptistisnotgreaterthanJesus.ListsomethingsthatyousometimesmakemoreimportantthanJesus.

14. Accordingtoverses12and13,howdopeoplenotbecomechildrenofGod?

NamesomeincorrectreasonswhypeopletodaythinktheyhavearelationshipwithGod.

15. Accordingtoversefourteen,whathappenswhentheWordbecomesflesh?

16. Today,howcanJesus“becomefleshanddwellamongus”sothatthegloryofGodcanbeseen?

17. CompareExodus34:6andPsalm86:15toJohn1:14and16.HowdotheOldTestamentpassageshelpyouunderstandJesus?

18. Whatdoesitmeantoyouthat(1:16)weallreceive“graceupongrace?”Listsome“graceupongrace”thatyouhaveexperienced.

19. WhyareyouthankfulforthelawgiventhroughMosesbutevenmorethankfulforgraceandtruthinJesusChrist?

20. AccordingtoJohn1:18,whatistheworkofJesus?

Howdoesthisworkaffectyourfaith?



unIqueness of the proLoGue 8John 1:1-5 8the “Word” or “LoGos” 8the Word WAs God – John 1:1c 9In hIm WAs LIfe – John 1:1-4 9the LIGht of men shInes In dArkness – John 1:4-5 9John 1:6-8 & 15 9John 1:9-13 9John 1:14-18 10personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 1:19-51 11

Lesson 2JoHn 1 :1 -18

“If the prologue is comparable to a musical overture, the concluding verses provide a powerful theological crescendo. ”

purposeImagineyourselfinabeautifulmusichallawaitinganoperasungbyfamoussoloistswiththemusicprovidedbyagreatorchestrawitharenowneddirector.Thelightsareloweredandyouwatchthedirectorsteptothepodium.Hisbatonisraisedandmusicfillstheair.Beforethecurtaingoesuporanynoteissung,thatmagnificentorchestraplaysanovertureintroducingthemusicalthemesoftheevening.Theoverturepreviewstheconcertandalertsthelistenerstothepower,pathos,andbeautytofollow.Theartisticappetiteiswhetted.

ThefirsteighteenversesoftheGospelofJohnarelikeagrandoverture.Usuallycalledtheprologue,theversesintroducetheGospelbypresentingmajorthemes.Buttheydomorethanintroduceideas.Theywhetthetheologicalappetitebyraisingprofoundtheologicalquestions.Wheredoestheworldcomefrom?Whomadeit?Whyarewealive?Whatistheoriginoflight?Whatdoesitmeanthatpeoplereceiveorrejectlight?WhatistheimportanceofJohntheBaptist?HowdoesJohncomparetoJesus?HowdoesJesuscomparetoMoses?WhatsortofpersonisJesus?WhatisHisrelationshiptoGodtheFather?TheprologuedisplaysthemysteryofGodandthethoughtfulreaderwantstolearnmore.

BAckGroundAlthoughtheprologueisanexcellentintroductiontotheGospel,italsomakessenseifstudiedalone.Infact,onemajorthemeintheprologue,the“Word”or,totransliteratetheGreek,the“Logos”theme,neverappearselsewhereintheGospel.TheindependenceoftheprologueanditscarefulorganizationhaveledmanyBiblicalscholarstothinktheprologuewas





ahymnsungintheearlychurch.Forexample,theJerusalemBibleprintstheprologueinpoeticform.Ifthescholarlyconjectureistrue,theGospelbeginswithwordsfamiliartotheworshippingChristians.Likeapastorbeginningasermonbyquotingwordsfromafamiliarhymn,theGospelofJohnstartswithwordsexpressingtheconvictionsofthepeople.ThefamiliarwordscatchtheattentionofChristiansandputtheminadevotionalframeofmindastheybeginreading.

“John begins by shining the light of the Gospel on all time and history.”

unIqueness of the proLoGueLetusrapidlysurveytheJohannineProloguebycomparingittothewaytheotherGospelsbegin.UnlikeMark,Johndisplaysnosenseofurgency.UnlikeMatthew,JohndoesnotbeginexplicitlyinJewishtraditions.AndunlikeLuke,Johndoesnotargueforhisowncredibility.Johnstartstheprologueasfarbackasthehumanmindcanmove(1:1)andendswitharevelationnomindcandiscover(1:18).Themysteriesofcreationanddivinepurposecometogetherintheunendingstruggleoflightanddarkness(goodandevil),thewitnessofamannamedJohn,humanreceptionorrejectionofthelightandthefullnessofgracecomingintheWordmadeflesh.JohnbeginsbyshiningthelightoftheGospelonalltimeandhistory.TheprologuespeakstopersecutedChristians,piousJews,educatedGreeks,nobleRomansandindeedallpeopleofeverytimeandplace.

“The mysterious Word is connected with God, and then creation is inextricably bound to both God and the Word.”

John 1:1-5IliketocallthefirstfiveversesofJohn“staircasepoetry.”Thewordsbuildoneachothermovingthetheologicalrevelationforward.Notehowthewordsweavetogetherandinterlock.ThemysteriousWordisconnectedwithGod,andthencreationisinextricablyboundtobothGodandtheWord.Finally,theWordisthesourceofthelifeandlightshiningintodarkness.Keywordstoconsiderin1:1-5are“Inthebeginning,”Word,life,light,anddarkness.

“Inthebeginning”isapregnantexpressionthatchallengesGreeks,Romans,andJewstogobacktothebasics.Whatisprimal?JohnchallengesGreeksandRomanswhoconsider“manthemeasureofallthings”torethinktheirpriorities.HowdoesGodfitintotheoriginsoftheiranthropocentricworldview?Thewordsalsodefythewisdomofpaganphilosopherswhothoughttheworldevolvedfromfire,water,earth,air,orsomeprimalelement.JewishreaderswouldfindalsoechoesofBiblicaltruth.“Inthebeginning”isnotonlythefirstphraseofGenesis1:1butalsotranslatestheHebrewnameofGenesis.Byalludingto“IntheBeginning”(or‘Genesis’)thefirstthreewordscallJewsnotonlytothinkaboutelementsofprimalmatterbutalsomattersofprimalfaith.

the “Word” or “LoGos”TheGreekword“logos”tauntsandtormentsinterpretersbecauseitsfullmeaningcannotbecapturedinthetranslation“Word.”AUnitedBibleSocietystudysuggestsasearchforequivalentsto“anexpressionwithmeaning,amessage,acommunication,atypeofrevelation.”(cf.BarclayM.NewmanandEugeneA.Nida,Translator’s Handbook on the Gospel of John,p.7).Tokeepopenafullrangeofmeaning,sometimesitishelpfulsimplytospeaktheGreekword“logos.”

“Logos”offersvariousmeaningsandallusionsfordifferentreaders.ThefamousGreekphilosopher,Heraclitus,writing(inEphesus)about600yearsbeforeJohn,thoughtthat“logos”gaveordertotheuniverse.Paganphilosophers,likethestoics,considered“logos”thedivinecausethatdeterminedindividualandcorporatefate.AGreekspeakingJewnamedPhilofrequentlyused“Logos”todescribesomeoneorsomethingthatconnectedGodandmatterandadministeredthedivineplanfortheworld.

Theterm“logos”holdsevenricherallusionsforreadersfamiliarwiththeHebrewBible.Genesis1revealedthatcreationhappenswhenGodgivesthewordandthePsalmist(33:6)sangaboutthattruth.TheLawtaughtthattheWordguidedandevengavelife(Deuteronomy32:46-47;cf.Psalm119,especiallyverse105).WeoftenincorrectlyrefertoGod’sguidanceasthe“TenCommandments”buttheHebrewBiblesimplycallsthemthe“TenWords”(Exodus34:28,Deuteronomy4:13,10:4).ThewordoftheLordmadeprophetsseeandproclaim



thetruth(e.g.Jeremiah1:4,Hosea1:1,Joel1:1,Jonah1:1,Micah1:1,Zephaniah1:1,Haggai1:1,Zechariah1:1,Malachi1:1).Furthermore,theWordhadaninherentpowerwhichinsureditseffectiveness(Isaiah55:11).UsingaconcordanceyoucanfindOldTestamentallusionstotheWordwhichfilledthemindsofreadersofJohn1:1.Finally,ChristianreadersmayhavethoughtoftheGospelitself(Mark4:14-15andActs8:25).

the Word WAs God – John 1:1cInthethirdphraseofJohn1:1,peoplewhodenytheTrinityoftenpointoutthatthereisnodefinitearticle“the”beforetheword“God.”Theyarguethephrasemeans“TheWordwasagod.”Theyarewrong.ThereisatechnicalGreekgrammaticalinterpretation,usuallycalledColwell’sLaw,thatprovesthatsuchtranslationisnotrequired.TheGreekissimilartoEnglishsincethetranslation“TheWordwasGod”implies,“theWordwastheGod.”OfteninEnglish(asinGreek),weneednotusetheword“the”tobespecific.Forexample,werefertothesameGodifwesay“TheGodofloveisgood”or“Godislove.”TheGreekwordforGodappearswithoutadefinitearticle(no“the”)alsoinJohn1:6,12,13,and18.

“Life is a major theme in the Gospel of John.”

In hIm WAs LIfe – John 1:1-4LifeisamajorthemeintheGospelofJohn.Infact,enablingpeopletohavelifeistheverypurposeoftheGospel(20:30-31).Manypeoplethinksomuchaboutlifeinthisworldthattheyignoretherealityofdeathandavoidthequestionofexistenceafterdeath.Johnhaswordsofwarningtosuchpeople(John5:28).Thereislifeafterdeath.Butsomepeople,includingChristians,thinksomuchaboutlifeafterdeaththattheyoverlookthepowerandpurposeofGodintheirlivesnow.JohnhasaspecialconcerntohelpsuchpeopleusingJesus’teachingaboutspirituallifebeforedeath(John3:3,5:25-26).

the LIGht of men shInes In dArkness – John 1:4-5“Light”inJohn’sGospelsymbolizesrevelation,truth,goodnessorGod’slove.Thecorrespondingmetaphor“darkness”symbolizessin,humanrebellion,ignoranceorevil.Jesus’claimtobethelightoftheworld(e.g.8:12)meansthatJesusrevealsthetruthofGodtopeople.Insymbolicandliteralways,John’sGospelrefersagain

andagaintotherevelationofGod’struthinJesus.Intheprologueitself,therearetwomorereferences.Symboliclanguageisusedinverse9(“Thetruelightthatenlightenseverymanwascomingintotheworld”)butthetruthstandsexplicitinverse18.(“NoonehaseverseenGod,butGodtheOneandOnly,whoisattheFather’sside,hasmadehimknown”).

John 1:6-8 & 15TheroleofJohn(theBaptist)aswitnessdominatestheseverses.Thethemehaspositiveandnegativeintent.Theverses,togetherwithverse15,showtheimportanceofJohnbutalsocarefullydistinguishesprimary(“beingthelight”)andsecondary(“witnessingtothelight”)responsibilities.StressonthesecondarynatureofJohn(theBaptist)suggeststhatsomeChristiansmayhaveoveremphasizedhisimportance.Perhaps,likesomeChristianstoday,theylovedhimsomuch(asasaint?)thattheythoughtmoreabouthimthantheydidaboutJesus.TheideabecomesmorecrediblewhenwerememberthatsomeChristiansinEphesus,atthetimeofPaul’sthirdmissionaryjourney(AD53-57),knewonlyaboutJohntheBaptist’sbaptism(Acts19:1-5).Thepositivelessonforallofus,however,remainsthatwe,likeJohn,arewitnessestothelight.Yet,negatively,Godwarnsusthatdenominations,congregations,committees,clergy,individuals,andevenBiblestudygroupsaretemptedtobecomeself-important.All,likeJohn,deservementiononlybecausetheywitnesstothelight.

John 1:9-13HerewereadclearlyofthetragedyofhumansinandthenecessityofGod’saction.RejectiongreetsGod’slightwhenitcomestotheworldHemadeandthepeopleHecallsHisown.Theversesbuildon5(“Thelightshinesindarknessandthedarknesshasnotovercomeit”)byshowingtheastoundinghumanpreferenceofdarknessratherthanlight,evilratherthengood.ThatsadthemewillbedescribedrepeatedlyintheGospel(e.g.5:17-18,6:66,11:45-53.19:38).Theversesalsointroducethecalltobelieve(1:12).ThepowerofGodcomestopeoplewhobelieveandmakesthemGod’schildren.

ObservehowtheGospelcarefullydescribestheChristianrelationshiptoGoddifferentlythanJesus’relationship.TheGospelofJohncallsJesusa“son”ofGodandnevera“child”



ofGod.(TheGreekwordfor“children”referstopeoplebuttheword“son”pointstoJesus).ThedistinctionispartoftheGospel’scarefulteachingabouttheuniquenessofJesus.

John 1:14-18Iftheprologueiscomparabletoamusicaloverture,theconcludingversesprovideapowerfultheologicalcrescendo.Verse14presentstheagonyandecstasyofChristology.TheWordbecameflesh,butinthehumanitywasseenthegloryoftheOneandOnly(onlybegotten)whocamefromtheFather.ThewordemphasizestheuniquenessofJesus.ThesamewordisusedinHebrews11:17toshowtheuniquenessofIsaac.Thetranslation“onlybegotten”becamepopularafterSt.Jerome’s(incorrect)translation,becauseitfoughttheheresywhichclaimedthatJesuswas“made”bytheFatherratherthan“begotten.”

Verses15-17showthegreatnessofJesus.HeisgreaterthanJohntheBaptistaccordingtoJohn’sowntestimony.GoodchronologicalhistorywouldarguethatJesusisJohn’ssuccessorbutsoundtheologygivesprioritytoJesus.Verse16callsforeliminationofhistoricalcompetitionandcelebrationofthemanyblessingsreceivedbygrace.Verse17remindsusthatGodcertainly

blessedHispeoplebygivingtheLawthroughMoses,butthatblessingpalesincomparisontograceandtruthwhichcamethroughJesusChrist.

TruthisamajorconcerninJohn’sbook,butthemeaningismoreprofoundthanourown.We,liketheGreeks,considertruthanintellectualissue.Somethingistrueoritisfalse,rightorwrong.JohnusuallyusestheHebrewconceptoftruth.Truthbecomesamoralissue.Itmeanstrustworthy,faithful,reliable,orhonest.UnlikethewritingsofPaul,theword,grace,neveragainappearsintheGospelofJohn.Itsusagewithtruth,in1:14and18,recallstheOldTestamentdescriptionofGod.Psalm25:10describesGod’swaysas“lovingandfaithful.”InExodus34:6andPsalm86:15,Godappearsascompassionateandgracious,slowtoanger,aboundinginloveandfaithfulness.ThatOldTestamentdescriptionofGod,JohnappliestoJesusChrist.

Thefinalverseoftheprologue(1:18),summarizesitstheologicalmessage.KnowledgeaboutGodcomesnotfromhumanexperiencebutfromChrist’srevelation.Withthatmajesticnote,theprologueendsandwestandeagertolearnmoreabouttherevelationbyreadingthewordsanddeedsofJesus.

The Word became flesh, but in the humanity was seen the glory of the One and Only (only begotten) who came from the Father.




Read prayerfully John 1:19-51 and ask the Lord to bless your study of this powerful Gospel.

1. WhatarethequestionswhichpeopleaskJohntheBaptistregardinghisministry?(1:19-22)

2. HowdoesJohndescribehisownministry?

3. Didpeopleexpect(orwant)morethanJohn’sministryoffers?Or,doyouthinkpeoplewerepleasedthatJohnisnotChrist,Elijah,ortheprophet?Givereasonsforyouranswer.

4. DowehavefalsedemandsorexpectationsofthechurchorfellowChristians?Listwaysinwhichwemaywantpeople,likeJohntheBaptist,tosolveour-problems.

5. PeoplequestionnotwhatJohnwasdoingasmuchashisrighttodoit(1:25).Inwhatwaysmightwediscreditotherpeople’sservicetoGodbyaskingquestions?

6. JohntheBaptistneverexplainswhyhebaptizes.Instead,howdoesheanswerthequestion?(1:26-27)

7. ThinkofquestionsorcircumstancesthatarebestansweredbypointingtoJesusratherthanbymakingapersonaldefense.

8. WhatisJohn’semphaticmessageconcerningJesus?(1:26-27,29-34,36)

9. WhywouldJohntheBaptistdescribeJesusasthe“LambofGod”?(Exodus12:5;Isaiah53)

WhatmeaningmightJohn’slistenersgivethetitle?

10. Inanurbansettingtoday,wheresomepeopleunderstandneitherlambsnortheOldTestamentsymbolisminvolved,whattitlemightbeusedtopointpeopletoJesus.(Example:Beholdthe“greenberet!”)See:Acts10:42;1John2:1;Hebrews7:27,9:12,10:10.

11. TwodisciplesofJohntheBaptisttellJesusthattheywanttoknowwhereheisstaying.(1:38)Doyouthinktheirstatementcompletelypresentstheirinterestoraretheresomeunspokenreasons?Why?



12. WhatisJesus’responsetothedisciples’questionandwhatistheresultofHisresponse?(1:39-42)

Canthenarrativebeusedasamodelforevangelism?Ifso,how?

13. WhatisthefirstthingJesusdoestoSimon?(vs.42)

14. Considerthesignificanceofbeingpeoplewitha“newname.”IsitpossibletounderstandlifeinChristandevenourbaptismas(likePeter)receivinganewname?(Romans6:4;2Corinthians5:17;James2:17;1Peter4:14-16;John10:3)

15. HowdoesJesuscallPhilip?(1:43)

Whatisthefullmeaningofthewords“followme?”(John8:12,10:4-5,12:26;Matthew16:24)

16. WhydoesNathanaelrespondsoenthusiasticallytoJesus?(1:49)

Whatdothetitlesmean?

Couldthe“KingofIsrael”indicateanincorrectfaith?(6:15)

17. HowdoesJesusexpandNathanael’sfaith?

Canextraordinary“signsandwonders”sometimeshinderfaith?(John4:48,20:29;1Corinthians1:22-31)

18. Inv.50-51whatdoyouthinkarethegreaterthingsthatJesuspromisesNathanael?

19. HowhasthischapterincreasedyourinterestinthelifeofJesus?



John the BAptIst Is questIoned – John 1:19-28 14the LAmB of God – John 1:29-34 14the fIrst dIscIpLes – John 1:35-51 15personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 2:1-25 16

Lesson 3JoHn 1 :19-51

come see the GreAtness of JesusChristianitybeginswiththequestion,“WhatdoyouthinkaboutJesus?”John1:19-51posesthatquestioninavarietyofforms.WhatisJohntheBaptist’srelationtoJesus?WhatisJesus’roleasLambofGod?WhatisJesus’ministryintheHolySpirit?WhatisHisrelationtoMosesandtheprophets?IsHegreat?SuchquestionstouchlivesofseveralpeopleasJohnbeginstellingthestoryofJesus.ThereactionsofthepeopleillustratewaysinwhichancientandmodernhumanscanunderstandormisunderstandJesus.Faith,curiosity,anddoubtpresentthemselvesvividlyevenbeforeJesus’publicministrybegins.

Thissectionofstudydividesintotwounits.Verses19through34dealwiththewitnessofJohntheBaptist.Thesecondunit,verses35through51,tellshowfivepeoplefacethedecisionofwhetherornottofollowJesus.JohntheBaptistandhistestimonyintroducethefirstsection.PeoplecometoquestionJohn’spersonalclaimsandseekhisrationaleforbaptizingpeople.

BeforecontinuingitisdesirabletocommentonJohn’suseoftheword“Jews.”ItisanimportantissuesincesomepeoplechargeJohnwithbeinganti-semiticoranti-Jewish.FrequentlytheGospelofJohnusestheword“Jews”nottodescribearaceofpeoplebuttoindicatereligiousleadershipthatopposesJesus.CertainBibletranslationsinterpretthewordcorrectlywhentheytranslate“Jewishleaders”(LivingBible)or“Jewishauthorities”(Today’sEnglishVersion).Iliketoparaphrase“Jews”withtermslike,“religiousleadersopposedtoJesus.”Forexample,theterminverse19mustindicatesuchameaningbecausethepriestsandLeviteswould,intheethnicsense,alsobe“Jews.”Themaincharactersinchapterone,includingJohntheBaptist,Andrew,SimonPeter,andJesusHimself,wereethnicJews.TheGospelofJohnisnotanti-Jewish.TheGospelofJohnwantsallpeople,includingethnicJews,torespondinfaithtotheGoodNewsofJesus.

“Jesus promises Nathanael that, as a disciple, he will see not only God’s power but also God’s love.”





John the BAptIst Is questIoned – John 1:19-28Theprologuetoldus(1:6-8)thatJohntheBaptistwassentbyGod,notasthelightoftheworldbuttobearwitnesstothelight.John1:19-28elaboratesandillustratesthetruth.“Whoareyou?”standsasaloadedquestion.TheintentofthequestionwouldbecapturedwellinAmericanslangwiththewords,“Whodoyouthinkyouareanyway?”

Theinquisitorssuggestthreeoptions.First,“IsJohntheChrist?”“TheChrist”translatestheHebrewtitle“TheMessiah”(cf.1:41)andwasaloadedwordatthetimeofJohn.

DuringtheRomanoccupationofPalestinethetitleoftenreferredtoaleaderwhowouldbringnationalfreedombyprovidingmilitaryleadership.PopularusagehadsodrainedthetitleofitsspiritualmeaningthatJesusavoidedthetermandpreferredthemoreneutraltitle“SonofMan”(cf.Mark8:29-31).ByaskingJohntheBaptistifhewastheMessiah,thepeopleaskifheviewshimselfasaGod-givenmilitaryleader.JohntheBaptistproclaimsthatheisnotinthedeserttryingtoraiseandorganizeanarmy.

ThesecondquestiontheyaskedofJohnwas:“AreyouElijah?OnthebasisofMalachi4:5,peopleofJohn’stimebelievedthatElijahwouldreturnshortlybeforetheLordwouldrescueHispeople.Therefore,theyaskifJohnisthebeginningoftheend.Johnrepliesinthenegative(Matthew11:14).

Finally,theyaskifJohnis“theprophet.”AgainthequestionhasanOldTestamentbackgroundbasedonaninterpretationofDeuteronomy18:18.“TheProphet,”accordingtopopularbelief,wouldbeaMoses-likefigurewhowouldagainleadpeopleintorealizingGod’spromises.Although“TheProphetand“TheMessiah”covertwodistinctexpections(cf.John7:40-41),theyaresimilar.ThepeopleareaskingJohnifheispersonallyusheringinGod’sRule.Johncorrectlyrejectssucharole.

JohntheBaptistinterpretshisministryintermsofIsaiah40:3.Heisavoicecallingpeopletoaction.HeisnottheMessiah,Elijah,ortheProphetbringingaboutGod’sRule.HeishelpingpeoplegetreadyforGod’scoming.JohniswitnesstotheimpendingactionofGod.HepreparespeopleforGod’sactionbuthehimselfisnottheDivineActor.

Johnthenfacesasecondquestion.Whydoeshebaptize?(vs.25)Johndoesnotimmediatelyanswerthequestion.Heneitherexplainsnordefendshisministryofbaptism,buthecontinuestofunctionaswitnessandpointstosomethingor,actually,someonegreater.Johntellsthequestionersthattheysearchforunimportantinformation.SeekingtounderstandJohn’sministrytheyoverlooksomeonegreater—someonewhosesandalsJohnisnotworthytountie.

ThecuriosityofJohn’squestionersis,nevertheless,understandable.“Baptizing”hadabroadermeaningatJohn’stimethanitdoesforChristianstoday.“Baptism”referredtoarangeofwaysinwhichwaterwasusedtopurifypeopleorthingsforservicetoGod.(cf.Leviticus14:9,15:6-23,17:15;Mark7:1-5)John’squestionerswanttoknowwhyhedaresto“purifythem.”Tousemodernslang,“Whatgivesyoutherightto‘cleanupouract?’

ButJohn,asthefaithfulwitness,willnotbedivertedbyunimportantquestions.Ratherthandealwithignoranceofhisbaptismalauthority,Johnpointstoamoreimportantdeficiency.Theydon’tknowJesus.Thefirstsectionleadsusfromthequestion,“WhoisJohntheBaptist?”toamuchmoreimportantquestion,“WhoistheunknownonewhoisgreaterthanJohn?”JohntheBaptistintroducestheGospelstorypointingtoJesusratherthandrawingattentiontohimself.

the LAmB of God – John 1:29-34Inverses29-34,theperson,power,andministryofJesusissetforthinthewitnessoftheBaptist.First,JohncallsJesus“theLambofGod.”ThatmetaphorisloadedwithOldTestamentsymbolismandmeaning.ReadersfamiliarwiththehistoryofIsraelconnectJesusasthe“LambofGod”withthePassoverlamb(Exodus12),thelambsofdailytemplesacrifice(Exodus24),andthepropheticlambofIsaiah53:7.SincetheLambisdescribedascarryingthesinsoftheworld,Isaiah53:4-6createsavividbackgroundforinterpretingJohn’sproclamation.

Second,JohntheBaptistpointstoJesusastheonewhowas“before”him(vs.30).ThenJohnconfessesthattheSpiritenabledhimtoknowthatJesusistheonewhobaptizeswiththeHolySpirit(vs.32-33).Finally,thesectionendswiththetestimonythatJesusistheSonofGod(vs.34).



ObservehowclearlyJohn’sGospelfocusesonJesus.Intellingthestory,Johnevenomitsimportantdetailsthatmightdistractourattention.Forexample,fromtheSynopticsweknowthattheBaptistsawthedovedescendatJesus’baptism.John’sGospeldoesn’tevenmentionthebaptismofJesus.TheGospelsoarslikeaneagle.Earthlydetailsfadeawayaswesoarinthetheologicalvisionoftheheavens.Theimportantquestionis“WhoisJesus?”—not“WhatisJohndoingtoHim(inbaptism)?”

the fIrst dIscIpLes – John 1:35-51Thechapterconcludesonthethemeofdiscipleship.ThepersonandpowerofJesusdonotoperateinavacuum.Jesusaffectspeople.Hechangeslives.JohntheBaptisttakestheinitiativeinthefirstscene(vs.35).John’switnessthatJesusistheLambofGodleadstwopeopletoinvestigate,tostaywithJesus,andthen(oneofthem)toinvitehisbrothertoconsiderJesusastheMessiah(vs.36-41).ToredirectSimon’slife,Jesusnameshim“Peter.”Furthermore,namingorre-namingapersonwasawaytoclaim,bless,orguideaperson(cf.Genesis17:5-8,15-16;32:28).Likeagoodshepherd,JesuscallsHisownbynametoshowHisprotectinglove(cf.John10:3,14;John20:16).

Thestorycontinueswhen,movingnorthtoGalilee,JesusfindsandcallsPhiliptofollowHim.(vs.1:43).AsiftoillustratethefactthatGoodNewsdarenotbehidden(4:35-48;20:21;21:15,17),PhilipapproachesNathanaelwiththeclaimtohavefoundinJesusfulfillmentofexpectationsgivenintheprophesies.Nathanael’shesitationneednotbecriticizedbecausethereisnotonespecificpassageclaimingthattheMessiahwillcomefromNazareth.TheexpectionseemstorestonanumberofpassagesusingHebrewwordsthatsoundsomethinglike“Nazareth.”Forexample,a“nazir”isapersonconsecratedtodoGod’swork(Judges6:1-21).ThepromisedMessiahcomesfromthe“neser”(stump)ofJesse(Isaiah11:1,cf.Matthew2:23).Philip’sinvitationrests(1:46),likethatofJesus(1:39),ondirectcontact.RatherthanengageinanargumentconcerningdataoreventheinterpretationofScripture,properevangelismmeansaskingpeopletocomeandseeJesus.

JesusthenconfrontsNathanaelontwolevels.First,Hespeakswithdivineextraordinaryknowledge(1:47,48).HiswordsgiveasignthatleadsNathanaeltoconfessJesusasSonofGodandKingofIsrael.Second,asiftostrengthenNathanael’s-faith,Jesuspointstoafaithbasedonrevelationofdivinematters.

Jesus’words(1:51)alludetoJacob’sexperience(Genesis28:12)wherealadderconnectsheavenandearth.JesuspromisesthatHeisnowthatlinktoGod.Significantly,JesuspointstoHimselfasSonofManratherthanrepeatingeithertitle,SonofGodorKingofIsrael.SonofGodandKingofIsraelmaybeunderstoodtoembraceonlykingdom,power,andglory.SonofManincludesrejectionandsuffering(cf.John3:14;6:27,53;8:28;12:23-28;Mark8:31).JesuspromisesNathanaelthat,asadisciple,hewillseenotonlyGod’spowerbutalsoGod’slove.




Read thoughtfully John 2 and pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you fill in your answers to the questions on this chapter.

John2:1-111. WhyisitsignificantthatJesus’firstmiracle-takesplaceatawedding?

Whatsortof“tone”doesthatsetforthepowerofJesus?

2. MarysimplytellsJesusthattheweddinglackswine(2:3).Whatdoyouthinkisherintentionormotivation?

Isshemerelygivinginformationorissheaskingafavor?

3. DoyousometimespraylikeMarywithstatementsthathidedeepermeaning?Ifso,canyouillustrate?

4. (a)HowdoesJesusanswerMary?

(b)DothewordsinEnglishsoundkindorrude?

(c)HowdoweexpectJesustoanswerourprayers?

(d)DoesyourunderstandingofJesus’wordsfitthatimage?

5. Fromthefollowingreferences,whatisthe“hour”ofJesus?(John12:23,27;13:1;17:1)



Whatdoes“Myhourisnotyetcome”mean?(2:4)

6. HowdoesMaryreacttoJesus’reply?

Howissheamodelforus?

7. AssumingthatJohnwantsustoobserveacontrastbetweenthe“rawmaterials”(stonejarsandwater)andthe“finishedproduct”(goodwine),whatmightthecontrastmean?

8. UsuallywespeakofJesus’“miracles”butwhatdoesJohncallthiswonderfuldeed?

9. A“sign”oftenpointstosomeoneorsomethingapartfromitself.Towhatdoesthe“sign”ofCanapoint?

10. ItisimportantthatJohnsaysthe“glory”,ratherthanthe“power”ofJesuswasrevealed.Whydidthedisciplesbelieve?

John2:12-2511. Tellwhenandwheretheeventdescribedintheseversestookplaceandwhattheemotionalandreligiousstateofmind

ofthepeoplewasatthistimeandplace.

12. WhatthreethingsdoesJesusdointhetemplearea?

13. Thetempleplazawasfilledwithcommercialenterprisessetuptofacilitatetheofferingofsacrificesandgivingofcharity.WhydidJesusattackactivitiesthatwereintendedtosupportworship?



14. Arethere“religiousactivities”or“programsthatsupportservicetoGod”thatkeepyoufromlovingGodwithallyourheart,soulandmind?Aretherethingsthatwedoforthechurchthat,insomeways,aresimilartothe‘buyingandsellinginthetemplearea?”Ifso,describeandstatehowyouthinktheyhindergenuineworship.

15. Psalm69:9interpretsJesus’actionforHisdisciples(2:17).Whatdoesbeing“consumed”byzealmean?

ReadthecontextoftheverseinthePsalm.DoestheversesuggestthatJesus’actionalreadypointstoHissufferingandsubsequentglorification?

16. HowdoopponentsofJesusreacttothecleansingofthetemplearea?HaveyoueverreactedtoGod’swork(ortheworkofoneofHisdisciples)inasimilarway?

17. NotetheeventinJesus’lifegivenin2:19asthekeytounderstandingHiscleansingministry.Howcancontemplationofthatsameeventinfluencethewayweview“cleansings”inourlives?

18. WhatdoesJesus’reactiontosomebelieverssuggestabouttheirmotivation?(AlsoseeMatthew15:19:Romans7:19-20:Galatians5:15-21)

Howdoes“whatisinus”sometimespushChristaway?

19. HowdoesthisstoryhelpourlivesinChristwhenwe,likethedisciples,“rememberandbelieve?”



Jesus the reformer – John 2:12-25 20some concLudInG thouGhts 21personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 3:1-36 22


sIGns of GLoryChaptertwodescribestwoseparateincidentsthatmarkthebeginningofJesus’activepublicministry.First,Jesuschangeswaterintowine(2:1-11),andthenHeworkstochangeadesecratedareaintoaplaceoftrueworship(2:12-25).BothactionsaresignsofwhoJesusisandwhatHislifeonearthisallabout.ThechapterbuildsonthewordsofJohn1:51whereJesuspromisedNathanaelthatHewouldsee“greaterthings.”Twogreatereventscallpeopletofaith.

A sIGn of Jesus’ GLory creAtes fAIth – John 2:1-11Jesus’miraculousministrybeginsatajoyfulcelebrationintheGospelofJohn.ItisasifJohnwantstoemphasizethejoyinservingChrist.Incontrast,MarkandLukeemphasizeChrist’svictoryoverSatan’spowerwiththefirstmiraclesthattheydescribeinMark1:21-28andinLuke4:1-13.

Likeapainter,ratherthanaphotographer,JohnportraysonlywhatisnecessarytosetforththegloryofJesus.ThemotherofJesusisnevernamedintheGospelofJohn—wecanonlyspeculatewhysheremainsanonymous.WelearnfromLuke1:27thathernameisMary.PerhapsthedescriptionofherrelationshiptoJesushonorshermorethanwouldamerename.WealsodonotknowhowmanydisciplesarewithJesusalthoughchapteronesuggeststhatJesusattendswithfivedisciples.

Thestoryisalsoremarkablewhenwerealizehowmuchwearenottold.Wedon’tknowwhoisgettingmarried.Wedon’tknowwhytherewasashortageofwine.Werethehoststoopoororthegueststoobibulous?Onlytheimplicationsofthestewardsobservation(2:10)tellusthatthecelebrationwasdrawingtoaclose.

CarefulreadingofthepreliminarydialogueofJesusandMaryraisessomepuzzling,eventroublesome,questions.Mary’sstatementtoJesus(2:3)mustimplythepresenceoffaith.Jesus’responseisframedinidiomaticlanguage

“A religious awakening in our lives is never the end of the story. Spiritual awakening permits

growth if one continues in the Word.”





thatisnotharshlikethetranslationintoEnglishsuggests.ToaddressHismotheras“woman,”canbeanaddressofrespectandlove.Inchapternineteen(vs.26and27)itseemstobesynonymouswith“mother.”AngelsandJesususethewordwithrespectwhentheytalktoMaryMagdalene(20:13and15).Plutrach,anancientGreekwriter,usesthesamewordstoaddresshiswifeinatenderletterofconsolationafterthedeathoftheirtwelveyearolddaughter.TheUnitedBibleSocieties’translationguidesuggeststhattheaddressbedroppedsinceitcouldbemisinterpreted.Today’sEnglishVersionthereforedeletesJesus’directaddresstoHismother.Isuggestthewordbetranslatedsimply,“Mother”toeliminatethecross-culturaltranslationproblems.Besidetheaddress,thetwostatementsofJesusgenerateagreatdealofthinkinganddebate.“Whathaveyoutodowithme?”isaratherliteraltranslationofaGreekexpression.TheGreekwordsoughtbetranslated,“Whydoyouinvolveme?”orsimply,“What’sup?”FranklyIdonotlike,“Youmustnottellmewhattodo”(TEV)or,“Ican’thelpyounow“(LivingBible).IprefertheJerusalemBible’s,“Whyturntome?”ThecontextdoesnotindicatethatMaryfeelsrejected.

Thesecondstatement,“Myhourisnotyetcome”alsoconfusesreaders.Thekeytointerpretationliesincorrectlyunderstandingtheword“hour.”JesusfrequentlyusesthatwordinJohn’sGospeltospeakofthetimeforHissufferinganddeath.(7:30;8:20;12:23,27;13:1;17:1).Jesus’statementthereforemeans,“Itisnotyettimeformetodie.”

John2:4isatranslator’snightmareandmycommentsexposeonlythetipofthelinguisticiceberg.Nevertheless,Isuggestthattheversebetranslated,“Mother,whydoyouinvolveme?Itisnotyettimeformetodie.”Therefore,JesusteachesorwarnsHismotherthateasymiraclesarenotGod’sultimatesolutiontolife’sproblems.JesusknowsthatthemoreclearlyHemanifestsHisdivinitythemoreforcefullyunbelieverswillattackevenHishumanity.

RegardlessofhowweinterpretJesus’replytoMary,shedirectstheservantstoobeyHim.Marythendisappearsfromthestory.Thedramanowfocusesonmassivestonewaterjarsusedtoholdwaterforritualpurification,fillingthejarswithwater,tastingandevaluationofthenewwine.Asiftoillustratedifferentreactionstoamiracle,

thestorycloseswiththestewardsurprisedatthebridegroom’stimescheduleforservingvintagewine,butthedisciplesbelieve(2:10).

Althoughamiraclehasoccurred,greatfaithisnotcreated.Theservantsknewwherethewinecamefrombutwearenottoldthattheybelieved(2:9).Thestewardremainsignorantofthemiracleandpursuestrivialcommentsaboutunusualwaysofservingdifferentqualitywine(2:10).Wegainnoinformationaboutthebridegroom’s,orevenMary’sknowledgeandresponse.Onlytwothingsareimportant:thesignmanifestsJesus’divinegloryandHisdisciplesbelieveonHim(2:11).

“Jesus offers new meaning for old, bad religious habits.”

Jesus the reformer – John 2:12-25ThesceneshiftstoJerusalematPassovertimeforthesecondeventofChaptertwo.TheGospeltellsusinasubtlewaythatJesusreformsreligiouspractices.Jesusoffersnewmeaningforold,badreligioushabits.FrequentlyintheGospelofJohn,JesusinjectsnewlifeandmeaningintothetraditionalJewishfestivals.Forexample,HebringsnewmeaningtotheSabbath(John5and9),thePassover(John6),theFeastofTabernacles(John7:1-16),andthefeastofDedicationorHanukkah(John10:22-42).ThePassovernotation(2:13)againunderscoresthetruthofJohn1:17-18;JesusuniquelyrevealstheFather.

Jesus’actiontakesplaceinthetemplewhichisactuallyalargeopenplazaaroundthebuildingoftheHolyofHolies.ThisinnercourtyardwasusedforsacrificeandprayerbyJewishpeopleandintowhichnoGentilewaspermittedtoenter.TheTempleareawasroughly500yardslongby300yardswide.EventodaytheareanotonlyholdstheDomeoftheRock,ahugemosque,andnumeroustourists,butalsohaspark-likeareasandschools.

Thebuyingandsellingofanimalsandthechangingofmoneywerepracticesintendedtoaidworshippers.Pilgrimsfromdistantforeigncountriescouldnotbringsacrificialanimalswiththem.EvenJesus,andHisgroup,probablydidnotbringaPassoverlambwiththemontheir



threedaywalkfromGalilee.ThemerchantsprovidedthenecessaryanimalsfordevoutpilgrimswantingtoworshipwithOldTestamentsacrificialpractices.MoneychangerswerealsoimportantbecauseregularcoinageusuallydisplayedanimageoftheRomanCaesarorhonoredsomeRomandeity(Matthew22:20;Mark12:16;Luke20:24).ItwassacrilegioustooffersuchcoinstotheOneandOnlyGodwhoforbadethemakingofidolatrousimages(Exodus20:4-5;Deuteronomy5:7-9).ThemoneychangershelpedpilgrimsusingGreek,Roman,orothercoinstoexchangetheirmoneyforcurrencyacceptablefortheworkoftheLord.Theproblemarosebecausewhatwasintendedtoaidworshippersbecameanimpedimenttoworship.Probablythemoneychangerscheatedthepeopleandselfishlymadehugeprofits.

Jesusreactstothebusinessactivitiesinthetempleareabydoingthreethings.First,Hetakesawhipanddrivesoutthelargeranimals(2:14-15).Second,Heoverturnsthebanker’stablesandspillstheircoins(2:15).Finally,Jesusspoketothepeoplesellingpigeons(2:16).Hetellsthem,“Takethesethingsaway;youshallnotmakemyFather’shouseahouseoftrade.”Theircustomerswouldbepoorpeople(Leviticus12:2-8;Luke2:22-24).Perhapsthewordsreflectaspecialloveforpeoplewhowerenodoubtbeingovercharged.Jesus’wordspointtoHisrelationshipwiththeFather.JesusproclaimsHissonshipaswellasHislove.

TworeactionsmeetJesus’decisiveaction.Thedisciplesbelieve(2:17&22),butothersquestionHisrighttoact(2:18).Howtypicalofhumanbehaviortoquestioncredentialsratherthanconfrontanissue!Howtemptingtoavoidaproblembysaying,“Whatrightdoyouhavetotellmewhattodo?”

Jesus,likeagoodrabbinicteacher,answerstheirquestionbymakingthemthink.HadJesusrepliedwithasignofpower,peoplemighthaveworshippedthepowerandwantedtouseitfortheiradvantage.Johnisprobablyreferringtothathumanweaknessin2:24-25.Jesusknewthatthebasicmotivation(or‘heart’)ofpeopleisselfishandself-serving(Matthew15:19;Mark7:21).HadJesusrepliedbyclaimingunitywiththeFather,peoplewouldhavestoppedlisteningandstartedchargingHimwithblasphemy(John6:66).Therefore,toencourage

furtherthought,Jesusgivesacrypticreplywhichforcesthepeopletoshowiftheyhaveaspiritualormaterialperspective.ThepeopleimmediatelyshowthattheyunderstandJesus’wordsonlyinamaterialsense.TheyassumethatJesusmustbetalkingaboutthetempleareasurroundingthemeventhoughJesus’cleansingactiondisruptedworshippracticesthere.TheythinkofatemplemadebyhumanhandsbutJesusisinvitingthemtothinkofaGod-giventemple.

Thewordsoftheunbelieversdemonstrateonereactiontothecleansingofthetemple.Thepeopledon’tunderstand,questionJesus’righttoact,andareunabletogrowspiritually.Thedisciplesexemplifyanotherreaction.OnthebasisofScripture(2:17&22),andJesus’words(2:22),theybelieveandareopenforspiritualgrowth.Johnpointsoutthatspiritualunderstandingisnotimmediate.Jesus’remarkaboutthetempleisnotunderstooduntilJesusfulfillsHispredictionwithHisownresurrection.BesidesteachingthattheresurrectionofJesusisvitalforunderstandingChrist’sdeeds,wealsolearnthatwaitingmaybeapartoffaithfullearning.

Inapracticalpoliticalsense,somepeopleprobablywantedJesustofollow-upHistemplecleansingwithacalltoarmstooverthrowthepoweraswellasthepracticesofthereligiousandevenpoliticalestablishment.TheysawthesignsandbelievedthatJesuswastheonetoleadthemoutofbondage.Jesusdidnot“trustHimself,”thatis,“commitHiscause”tothembecausetheyneededtogrowintoafaithbased,likethatofthedisciples,onthewordofScriptureandthemessageofJesus.

some concLudInG thouGhtsJesus’attackonreligiouspracticeslackingreligiouszealcallpeopletoexaminetheirbasisoffaith.ReligioushabitsmayreplacezealorpersonalfaithandservicetoGod.Cleansingthetemplecallsustodriveoutandoverturnpractices,evendefensiblereligiouspractices,thatkeepusfromworshippingGodinspiritandtruth.Thestoryalsocallsustospiritualgrowth.ThecleansingisnottheendofJesus’ministry.Areligiousawakeninginourlivesisnevertheendofthestory.SpiritualawakeningpermitsgrowthifonecontinuesintheWord.




Open my heart to Your Word, Lord Jesus. Make me attentive to the news of your Gospel and rid me of all resistance to Your leading. Lead me to peace of mind and heart. Amen.

John3:1-151. ListsomefactswearetoldaboutNicodemusinverses1and2.

2. Why,doyouthink,NicodemuscametoJesus?

3. ForwhatreasonsdopeoplecometoJesustoday?

4. Studyversesfivethrougheight.Thinkaboutthemandexplainwhattheseversesmeantoyou.

5. NowconsiderthegiftsoftheSpirit(1Corinthians12:7-10)andthefruitoftheSpirit(Galatians5:22-23).Condensethesereferencesintotwoorthreesentences.

John3:9-156. CompareJesus’teachingabouthimself(3:10-15)withNicodemus’originalobservationthatJesusdoesgreatthings

(vs.2).Stateyourideaoftherelationshipbetweenfaithandmiracles.

John3:16-217. Readinunisonverse16placingyourfirstnameintheplaceofthe“whosoever”(KJV).Doesthisgivenewmeaningto

thisverseforyou?Why?

8. Readagainverses16-21.Listthecontrastsorchoicesandthereferenceverseinwhichtheyarefound.

John3:22-309. AdiscussionarosebetweenJohn’sdisciplesandacertainJew(orJews).Whatwastheargumentaboutandwhy?

Whatanxietiesor“arguments”arecreatedinyourpersonalfaithoryourcongregationwhenpeopleleaveandgoelsewhere?



10. HowdoesJohntheBaptistdescribeJesusandhisrelationshiptoJesus?

11. HowcanJohn’swordsserveasamodelforourownrelationshiptoJesus?

12. WhatdoJohn’swordssayaboutjealousiesthattroubleChristianfellowshiptoday?

John3:31-3613. Discussthemeaningofverses31-33.

14. Whatdoesv.34-35tellusaboutJesus?(AlsoseeMatthew12:18,Luke4:18,Acts10:38)

15. HowdoesJohn14:26helpusunderstandJesus’promisein3:34?

16. Whatdoes3:36meantoyouandhowdoyouapplyittoyourlife?



nIcodemus confronts Jesus – John 3:1-15 25Jesus fAces the Issues of LIfe And deAth – John 3:16-21 26John the BAptIst’s confessIon – John 3:22-30 26“Look to the Lord for securIty” – John 3:31-36 26some concLudInG thouGhts 27personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 4:1-42 28


IntroductIonWhyshouldpeoplecometoJesusandwhathappenswhentheydo?ChapterthreefocusesonthosetwoquestionsandhelpsusunderstandbetterwhatJesusmeansforourlives.Foravarietyofreasons,welooktoGodforhelp.Forexample,modernsocietyseemstoinventpressuresandsomanythingsareoutofourcontrol.Thepoliticalpoliciesofothersoftendetermineourpersonalfinancialstatus.Theimpersonal“jobmarket”determinesifweareemployed,unemployedorunderemployed.Thelikesordislikesofothersdetermineourpersonalrelationshipsandevenourhappiness.Foravarietyofreasons,wecometoJesusbecauseweneedhelp.

TounderstandbetterhowGodhelpsuswhenwecometoHim,letusfocusonthelivesoftwopeopleinchapterthreeofJohn’sGospel.NicodemuscomestoJesusandfacesthechallengeofnewideasandanawesomeclaim(3:10ff).JohntheBaptist,ontheotherhand,challengeshislistenerswithnewideasaboutsuccessandhumbleservice(3:28-30).

BeginthestudybynotingthepositionofchapterthreeintheJohannineGospel.Discipleshavebeencalledandtheteachinghasbegun.AcreativemiraclehasbeenperformedatCana.Theprecedingchaptersshowthatthebattlelinesareforming.Discipleshavebeencalledbuttheirfaithdoesnoteliminateevilfromlifeorhostilequestions(2:18-20).Followingchapterthree,aSamaritanandtheparentofasickchildgivefurtherevidenceofwhatitmeanstofaceJesus.

Afternotingtheprecedingandfollowingcontextofchapterthree,readthechaptercarefullyasawhole.Observethatitisreallytwostories(3:1-21and3:22-36).TrytousebothstoriesinthestudyofseekingtoknowGodbetter.WhenyoureadthestoriesobservehowwonderfulthepowerandpromiseofJesusappear.

“Eternal life comes from trusting the One whom God, in His love, sent into the world.”





“Jesus wants to teach him about the presence of God’s love in His Son.”

nIcodemus confronts Jesus – John 3:1-15ThestorybeginsbytellingusthatNicodemus,animportantPharisee,comestoJesusbynight.AtthetimeofJesus,eveningwasagoodtimetostudytheTorahbecausetheday’sworkwasdone.ObservethatwearenottoldwhyNicodemuscomestoJesus.Nicodemusappearsratherconfident(3:2)andbeginswithanassertionofwhatheknows.HeapproachesJesusexpectingadiscussionwithateacher.HewantstotalkaboutthepowerofGodinJesus’miracles(3:2).Jesusoffershimmuchmore.JesuswantstoteachhimaboutthepresenceofGod’sloveinHisSon.

Jesus’wordsinJohn3:3challengethethinkingofNicodemusandourownfaith.ThewordsstandasahighpointinScriptureandmeritcarefulconsideration.Whatdoesitmean“tobebornagain?”Whatdoesitmean“toseetheKingdomofGod?”

“ToseetheKingdomofGod”doesnotsimplymean“gotoheaven.”AsanoteintheConcordiaStudyBible,page1450,states,God’sKingdomis“theRuleofGodandisbothapresentrealityandafuturehope.”InthecontextofJohnthree,JesususesthetermtochallengetheassertionofNicodemus.NicodemusstatesheknowsGod’swork(or“Kingdom”)becausehehasseensomemiracles(3:2).JesustellsNicodemusthatrealunderstandingofGod’swork(Rule)doesnotcomefromobservingmiraculouspowerbutbybeing“bornagain.”

Unfortunately,“bornagain”isanattempttotranslateanuntranslatableGreekword.Theword(“anothen”)hastwodistinctpossiblemeanings.Itcanmean“fromabove”or“again;anothertime.”TheambiguityofJesus’statementforcesNicodemustomakeadecision.Hemustdecidewhetherthedebatewillbeaboutphysical(“again”)orspiritual(“fromabove”)birth.Hisreplyrevealshisperspective.Hethinksaboutphysicalthings.HedoesnotseetheKingdomofGod!Armedwiththatinsight,Jesusbeginsthetaskofleadinghimtoahigherlevel.

TheconversationhasconfusedNicodemus.Jesusisleading

Nicodemus(asHewilllaterleadThomas,20:29)awayfromthetrustofmightyworksintoatrustingrelationship.JesuswantsNicodemus(andus)totrust(“believein”)Him(vs.15)ratherthanstandinaweofHispower.Thesignsmaybeastartingpointbutfaithisthegoal.

Jesusexplainswhatitmeanstobe“bornagain”or“fromabove”.Hestates,“Itellyouthetruth,noonecanenterthekingdomofGodunlessheisbornofwaterandtheSpirit.”

WhatdoesitmeantobebornofwaterandtheSpirit?ChristianshavelongwonderedwhatJesusmeantandthedebatecontinuesovertheprecisemeaningofthewords.Does“water”refertothewaterpurificationritesofJews(John2:6)orofJohntheBaptist(1:33)whopointedtothegiftoftheSpirit?“JesuscallsNicodemustoacceptthewater(ofrepentance)andthenewlifeoftheSpirit.SincesomePhariseesrejectedJohn’sbaptism(Luke7:30)andopposedJesus,thecalltoNicodemuscouldbetoaccepttheministriesofbothJohnandJesus(ratherthaninsistingondoingthingshisownway).Theinterpretationrestsonthecontrastoftheideasandsomeinterpretershavepointedtoverse6astheexplanationofthecontrast.Waterreferstoa“fleshly”elementandSpiritreferstodivinework.Oneneedsnotonly“birth”(thehuman)butrebirth(thedivinelife).

AnotherinterpretationstandsontheremarkablesimilarityofJohn3:3and3:5.Doesthephrase“waterandthespirit”(3:5)repeatordevelopthe“bornagain-fromabove”(3:3)teaching?Inthatcase,thewordscomplementeachotherandmean“spiritualwater”or“watereffectiveforrebirthbecauseoftheSpirit.”

ItmustberecognizedthattheGreekphrasedoesnotcontainthedefinitearticlewith“Spirit.”Itsimplesays“waterandspirit.”Greekgrammarmayimplytheword“the”andthe“spirit”wouldbecapitalized.Ontheotherhand,itmayrefertothehumanspirit.DoesJesuswantNicodemustothinkofEzekiel36:25-26?TheretheLordsays,“Iwillsprinklecleanwateronyouandyouwillbeclean;Iwillcleanseyoufromallyourimpuritiesandfromallyouridols.Iwillgiveyouanewheartandputanewspiritinyou.”IfJesushastheseversesinmind,HeteachesNicodemusthatthe(purifying)waterofGodwillchangehimandgivehimanewspirit.



Intheend,theversecouldhaveavarietyofmeanings.MyownopinionisthatJesusisdeliberatelyambiguousinordertochallengethethinkingofNicodemus(andus)andtoexposehis(andour)limitations.WhenNicodemusreviewsthepossiblemeaningshewillrealizethatheneedstherevelationofJesus.Maythedebateofmeaningaffectusthesameway.ThequestionJesusposesisclear.HowdoesoneentertheKingdomofGod?Theissueishowtoattainlife,reallife.Therestofchapter3,andindeedthewholeGospelofJohn,explainsthatJesusisGod’swayofbringinglifeintotheworld,or,toputitanotherway,HebringspeopleintotheKingdomofGod.

ThecalltofaithismostvividwhenJesusproclaimsthattheSonofManmustbe“liftedup”(vs.14).“Liftedup”hintsofexaltationbutalso,ironically,alludestoexecutionbycrucifixion.ThepowerthatwickedleadersseekbyliftingupJesusinexecutionwillonlyexposetheirowndepravitywhile“liftingup”Jesus’goodness.Publicexecution,commonsensetellsus,expressesabsolutehelplessness.YetJesususesthatexperiencetoliftupthepowerofGod.

“Above all, John 3:16-21 calls us to see the love of God, with all the blessings of God’s

Kingdom, present in the saving work of Jesus.”

Jesus fAces the Issues of LIfe And deAth – John 3:16-21Translators,editors,interpretersandpublishersdebatewhetherJohn3:16-21arewordsspokenbyJesusatthattime,orwordsoftheSpirit-inspiredauthoroftheFourthGospel.Itreallymakeslittledifference.ThewordsaretruewhetherJesusreferstoHimselfinthethirdpersonorifsomeoneelseistalkingaboutJesus.IpersonallyliketothinkofthemasJohn’sinspiredconfession.InterpretingthewordsthatwayaddsanotherdimensiontotheGospelMessage.ThestoryisnotmerelyadialogueofJesusandNicodemusbutalsoadialoguebetweenJohnandhisreaders.ThequestionsthatNicodemusraisesarerelevantlongafterthateveningrendezvous.IthelpsusfocusonourownconfessionaboutJesus.

Notehowtheparagraphbristleswithcontrasts.Perishingisopposedtohavingeternallife(vs.16).Seethecontrastofcondemnationandsalvation(vs.17),believingandnot

believing(vs.18),darknessandlight(vs.19),deedsofdarkness(vs.19-20)andthedeedoflightofGod(vs.21).Theparagraphcallsustoseethechoicesoflife.Areourvaluesspiritualormaterial?Dowewantgood,evil,lightordarkness?

Theparagraphalsocallsustoseetheultimateforceofourpresentchoices.Lifemovesonbutthechoiceswemaketodayhavefutureconsequences.Evilchoicesnowbuildinaharvestofevil.GoodchoicesgrowinginGod’slovepromiseaharvestofgood.Aboveall,John3:16-21callsustoseetheloveofGod,withalltheblessingsofGod’sKingdom,presentinthesavingworkofJesus.

John the BAptIst’s confessIon – John 3:22-30Withadramaticliteraryleap,ourattentionmovesfromateachingrulerwhoappearstohaveeverythingtoamaninthedesertwhowouldseemstolackalmosteverything.Onthesocialscaleofthetimes,Nicodemusstoodwiththetheological“in-group”whileJohntheBaptistwasdefinitely“counter-culture.”JohntheBaptist’sdisciplesapparentlyfeelsomeinsecurityaboutthesituation.JohnislosingfollowerstoJesus(vs.26).ForpeoplewithoutChristologicalvision,thatiscauseforalarm.

Surprisingly,Johnfindssecurityinwhattroubleshisdisciples.Jesus’successconfirmsJohn’sministry.Johndoesnotmeasuresuccessbypersonalstatistics,countingthenumberofpeoplewhofollowhim,butbyfaithfulnesstoJesus.ThesuccessofJohn’sministryrestsinthesuccessofJesus’work.

John’swordsopposemuchofthethinkingofourAmericanculture.Johndoesn’twanttobe“numberone.”Heisnotinthebusinessof“takingcareofselffirst.”Thinkofhowadvertisingtechniquesandthegeneralvaluesofourcultureaffectourviewoflife.ThenapplythewordsofJohntheBaptisttoyourlife.“Jesusmustincrease:Imustdecrease.”

“Look to the Lord for securIty” – John 3:31-36Interpretersalsodebatewhetherverses32-36arethewordsofJohntheBaptistorcommentsoftheinspiredwriter.Onceagain,IprefertotakethewordsasGod’sWordspokenfromtheperspectiveoftheauthor.Ifindmorelastingforceinthatperspective.Wearenotmerely



eavesdroppingontheconversationbetweenJohntheBaptistandhisdisciples.TheHolySpiritisteachinguswhattheconversationmeans(cf.John14:26).ListentothewordsspeakaboutyourownlimitationsandaboutGod’sgifttoyouinJesus.

Observeagainthecontrastsgivenintheparagraph.Thereisonefromaboveandonefromearth,earthlyknowledgeandheavenlywitness(vs.31-32).Moreimportant,observetheultimatecontrast:eternallifeisforthebelieverbutthewrathofGodisforthedisobedient.NotehowtheversemakesbelievingtheSonantitheticaltonotobeying.Sincefaithistheoppositeofdisobeying,faithmustcontainanelementofobedience.Notealsothestrangetimefactorsinthefinalverse(36).Hewhobelieves(presenttense)has(presenttense)eternallife.Thedisobedient,ontheotherhand,notonlywillnotseelife(futuretense)butalreadyhas(presenttense)thewrathofGod.

some concLudInG thouGhtsInsummary,byworldlystandards,NicodemushasreasontofeelsecureandJohntheBaptistreasontofeelinsecure.Jesus,however,exposedNicodemus’weaknessandofferstheChristologicalbasisforreallife—realsecurity.JohntheBaptist,ontheotherhand,dismissesanysuggestionoffailureandcelebrateshissecurityinJesus’success.Youmaydebatethepolitical,psychological,sociologicalandeconomicmarksofpersonalknowledgeandsuccess.Butwhenhumanwisdomisexhausted,theLawandGospelofJohn3:36clearlyspeaksGod’sWord.EternallifecomesfromtrustingtheOnewhomGod,inHislove,sentintotheworld.RejectingthatLovebringsconfusion,failure,death,andthewrathofGod.

You may debate the political, psychological, sociological and economic marks of personal knowledge and success. But when human wisdom is exhausted, the Law and Gospel of John 3:36 clearly speaks God’s Word.




Lead me, dear Lord, to sense Your presence with me as I search Your word and seek Your will for me and from my life. Amen.

John4:1-261. WhydidJesus“haveto”gothroughSamaria?

2. WhydoestheSamaritanwomannotofferJesusadrink?

3. WhataresomeOldTestamentrootsforhostilitybetweenJewandSamaritan?1Kings12:1-33(Note:ShechemisintheareaofSamaria).

Ezra4

Nehemiah4

4. HowdoprejudicesliterallyhindercontactwithJesusinyourlife?

5. “Livingwatercanreferliterallyto“freshwater”ratherthan“cistern”water,oritcanfigurativelyrefertotheAlmightyCreator’sblessings.(John7:37-38;Revelation21:6&22:17).WhywouldJesususethisambiguousphrasewhenaddressingtheSamaritanwoman?

6. GivethreereasonswhythewomanisskepticalofJesus’offer.

WhatisthegoalofJesus’reply?

7. WhatthemedoestheGospelofJohnemphasizebyshowingthatJesusisgreaterthanJacob(4:11-15),JohntheBaptist(3:22-30and1:19-34),Nicodemus,ateacherofIsrael(3:1-21),thetemple(2:13-22)andpurificationwater2:5-11)?

HowdothefirstfourchaptersofJohnillustrateJohn1:17?

8. WhathappenedatShechem(i.e.Samaria)toindicatetheproperplaceofworshipatasitedifferentfromJerusalem(Joshua24:1-28)?



DoesDeuteronomy11:26-29and12:14supporttheirclaim?

9. WhywouldtheJewsconsiderJerusalemtheplacetoworship(1Kings9:1-3)?

10. Thewoman’sconfession(4:25),althoughtrue,steersclearofJesus’calltotrueworship.Aretherewaysinwhichour“trueconfessions”avoid“trueworship?”Ifso,illustrateandexplain.

Anotherwaytofacetheissueistoask,“Howdowesometimespreferto‘argueaboutreligion’ratherthan‘bereligious?”

11. Couldthe“Iam(He)”inJesus’answersymbolizemorethansimpleself-identificationasMessiah?Whatdivineclaimmightitalsomake?(Exodus3:14,Isaiah43:25&51:12,John8:58&18:6)

John4:27-3812. Whatisthedisciples’reactionwhentheyreturnandseeJesustalkingwiththeSamaritanwoman?

13. Analyzethewoman’sinvitationforotherstocametoJesus.Whatdoesshewantthepeopletodo?

Whatpersonalandtheologicalmotivationdoessheuse?

14. AssumingthatJesusspeakstothe(unasked)questionsofthedisciples,whatproblemsisJesusseekingtosolvewhenHeteachesthem?

HowcanthemessageofJesusbeappliedtochurchandmissionworktoday?

John4:39-4215. WhatistheconfessionoffaithoftheSamaritansandwhatisthebasisofthatfaith?

16. ConsideringJesus’wordstotheSamaritanwoman,tothedisciples,andtotheSamaritanpeopleas,insomeway,speakingtous,whatpersonalmessagedoyoufindinHiswordsto:

TheSamaritanwoman?

Thedisciples?

TheSamaritanpeople?



the sAmArItAn WomAn – John 4:4-26 31focus on the dIscIpLes – John 4:27 And 31-38 32the sAmArItAn VILLAGes – John 4:28-30 And 39-42 33some concLudInG thouGhts 33personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 4:43-54, 5:1-47 34


IntroductIonTherearemanywaystosharethefaithrangingfrompublicproclamationfromapulpittopersonalwitnessinanintimatesetting.Time,place,people,need,andabovealltheHolySpiritshapeourwitness.Jesus’wordsandexampleinJohn4helpourwitnessbecauseHefacessomanydifferentpeople,moodsandsituationsinthisstory.HetalksalonetotheSamaritanwoman,thentoHisdisciplesasagroup,andfinallytotheSamaritanvillagers.Hespeakstoapersonwhoexpectsnoconversation(4:9),andHisactionssurprisethosewhoknowHimbest(4:27).Jesus’primarysharingofthefaithis,ofcourse,withtheSamaritanwoman.Sheisattimessuspicious(vs.9),eager(vs.15),deceitful(vs.17),curiousorperhapsevasive(vs.20),andconfessional(vs.25).ThroughitallJesusleadshertoanawarenessofwhoHeis.Personal,cultural,andtraditionalbarriersmakethepathcircuitous,butJesusshowsthatthegoalofsharingistodrawpeopletoHim.

Thecontextheightensthemeaningoftheevent.JohnunderscoresthewonderoftheSamaritanmissionbyrelatingthestoryofthesinful,pagan(Samaritan)womansoonafterthestoryofNicodemus.Herfaithshinesmorebrightlythanthatoftherecognizedspiritualleader.Ontheotherhand,thespiritualmiracleofJohn4,inasense,introducesthegreatmiraclesofJohn5&6.SensethatJohnwantsustomarvelattheinnermiracleofconversionandfaithbeforethinkingaboutothervisuallymorespectacularsignsofJesus’power.

Thechapterbreaksdownintothreedistinctparts.Chapter4:4-26dealswiththeSamaritanwoman;verses27and31-38focusonthedisciples,andverses28-30,39-42speakoftheSamaritanvillagers.

“Sometimes God, in Christ, calls us to faith, sometimes He expands our faithful vision, and

sometimes He proves the power of the truth with a great harvest of confessing saints.”





the sAmArItAn WomAn – John 4:4-26Humanlyspeaking,JesusdidnothavetogothroughSamaria.HecouldhaveusedtheJordanvalleypaths,asHedidaccordingtoMark10:1,whengoingtoJerusalem.TheGreekwordtranslated“hadto”sometimesisacircumlocutionfor“God’swill.”ThesameGreekverbisusedinMark8:31whenJesusstatesthattheSonofManmustsuffer.God-fearingpeopleusedtheexpressiontohonorGodandnottouseHisnameinvain.Itisfairtoparaphrasethestory,“ItwasGod’swillforJesustogothroughSamaria.”PerhapstheknowledgeofthePharisees(4:1)implieshostility,butJesusdoesnot“have”togothroughSamariatoescapehumanhate.God’slovingwillleadsHimonasthestorywillshow.

Countallthedetailsinverses5&6.Samaria,Sychar,nearafield,atawell,thesixthhour,Jesussits,Heistired.ThedetailsremindusthatGoddoesnotactoutofsightinheaven,orinavacuum.Godactsinhistory.Witnessingnevertakesplaceinavacuum.Sharingthefaithinvolvesrealpeopleinrealplacesatrealtimes.“Iwillwitness”isnotaseffectiveas“IwillsharemyfaithwithFranonSaturdayatthepicnic.”

Astereotypeisthatwitnessingmustbeginwiththequestion,“Areyousaved?”Jesusbreaksthatstereotypewithapparentselfinterest.HebeginsbyaskingforadrinkwhenHeisweary(4:6-7).Aneedprovidesopportunityforwitness.ThedetailsshownotonlythehumanityandhumilityofJesusbutalsomodelsanotherwaytomakeevangelisticcontact.

Thewoman’squestioningrestsonprejudicethathaddevelopedforaboutathousandyearsbeginning,atleast,withthedividedKingdomintheOldTestamenterawhichseparatedIsraelandJudah.VaryingpoliticalpoliciesduringconflictsinvolvingGreeksandRomanssincethetimeofAlexandertheGreathadgreatlyincreasedoldsuspicionsandhatreds.Sadly,eventodayvirtualapartheidseparatesIsraeliJewsandArabsofNablus(Samaria).

Thesuspicionorrejectioninthewoman’squestioncreatesavividstartingpointforJesus’willingnesstogive(vs.10).ThedarknessofprejudicefacesthelightofthegivingGod.Thechapterfunctionsasanhistoricalcommentaryonthe

truthsofJohn1:9-13(and3:16-21),aswellasshowingthecontrastbetweenfleshandspirit(John3:6and3:31).

Jesus’expression“livingwater”(vs.10),challengesthewoman’sthinking(similartothewayHechallengedNicodemusinJohn3:3).Theexpressioncanmeansimply“springwater”(ratherthan“cisternwater”).TheexpressioncouldalsobeametaphorforGod’sgoodness,thatis,havespiritualmeaning(cf.Proverbs13:14;15:4andIsaiah44:3-4;55:1;Revelation21:6;22:17).Jesus’ambiguityenablesorcompelsthepersonaddressedtorevealherinterest.Thewoman’sresponseshowsthatshethinksonaphysical,notaspirituallevel.ThegreatnessofJacob,thedepthofthewell,andthefactthatJesushadnocontainermakeJesus’offerquestionable.Herresponseillustrateswhatitmeanstobefleshandliveindarkness.Sheneedstobebornanew,fromabovebytheSpirit.

Jesusacceptsthewoman’schallenge(vs.13-14)andoffersagiftgreaterthangivenJacob.Jesus’wordscontinuethethemethatHisgracebuildsonandsurpassestheOldTestamentheritage(cf.John1:17).Jesus’wordsagaincouldhavetwomeanings,andthewomanmustrevealherperspective.ThehumanperspectivewouldinterpretJesus’wordsasanofferofmagicwaterthatwillpreventthirstanddeath.Peoplesearchingforthefountainofyouth,likePoncedeLeon,wouldpounceonJesus’offerasanendtotheirquest!Jesus,however,speaksnot“offlesh”but“ofthespirit.”“Wateroflife”carries,forspiritualpeople,themeaningofGod-givenvitality.

AsnotedinJohn3:15,“eternallife”isarichBiblicalconceptthatwesometimesmistakenlylimitinmeaningto“lifeafterdeath”or“unendinglifeinheaven.”Westressonlythequantitativeaspect.“Eternallife”doesindeedincludethemeaning“unendinglifeafterdeath”butitalsocarriesaqualitativeforce.“Eternallife”isthatqualityoflifethatevenbeforedeathtrustsGodandexperiencestheloveandpowerofHiseternalnature.Jesus’wordsofferthewomanalifegreaterthanonelimitedbyhistory,tradition,opinionandprejudice.

ThewomancannotunderstandthespiritualdimensionofJesus’offer(4:15)soJesusapproachesheronaveryhumanlevel.Exposingthewoman’shumanproblems



Jesusleadshertowardthespiritualsolution.Sheisabouttobeborn“again,fromabove.”Bydealingwiththewoman’sevasivereply(4:17),andmaritaltrauma(4:18),Jesusopensherformorespiritualconcerns(4:19)andprovidesabasisforherfuturewitness(4:29).

ThespiritualbirthprocessbeginswhensheraisesanissueofprofoundandrelevanttheologicalimportanceforJewsandSamaritans(4:20).Forcenturiestheyhadarguedovertheproperplacetoworship(1Kings12:28-33).

TheSamaritanclaimrestedonthefactthatAbrahamandJoshuahadworshippedinSamaritanterritorywhileJerusalemwasstillaCanaanitevillage(Genesis12:8;Joshua24:1-18).FurthermoretheythoughtGod’swordindicatedthatMt.Gerizim(Deuteronomy11:29)wastheoneplaceforburntofferings(Deuteronomy12:14).

JesusteachesthreetruthsinHisreplytothewoman(4:21-24).First,HeteachesherthatproperworshiptotheFatherdependsonspiritandtruth,notplace.Second,heconnects“endtime”with“presenttime.”Third,Heasksthewomantobelieve(4:21).Thecalltofaithactuallylinksallthreeconcerns.IfproperworshipinthefuturewillbeneitherinJerusalemorSamaria,wherewillitbe?TheanswerisChristological;JesusalreadytaughtthatinJerusalem(2:19).Whenwillthathappen?TheanswerisChristological;trueworship-futureandpresent-comesfrombelievingJesus.

AgainthewomanseekstodivertJesus’blunttruth.RatherthanrecognizethatJesushasansweredhertimelyquestionbyofferinganeternaltruth,shediscreditsJesus’answerbypointingtoahigherauthority.Sheskillfullyavoidsspiritualtruth(Jesus’replyinverses21and22)withavalidtheologicalconfession.HerMessianicconfessionstatesageneraltruth,however,whichJesususestomakeapersonalChristologicalclaim.Jesuswantsherabstractknowledgetochangeintoapersonalrelationship.

Jesus’callcanbeappliedtoourfaithinanumberofways.Christiansoften,liketheSamaritanwoman,knowmuchabouttheBibleandBiblicaltruthsbutfailtohaveacloserelationshiptoGod.Generaltruthcannotreplacepersonaltruthorpersonaltrust.Jesus’simpleanswerconcludesHisdialoguewiththewoman.Herresponse(4:28-30)

showsthatJesus’wordsfinallycreatefaith.Jesus’wordsnotonlyidentifyHimastheMessiahbutmayalsohaveadeepermeaning.“IAm”intheOldTestamentisGod’snamerevealedtoMoses(Exodus3:14).IntheGospelofJohn,whenJesussays,“IAm”(8:58),peoplewanttostonehim,probably,forblasphemy.WhenpeoplehearJesusidentifyHimselfintheGardenofGethsemane,theyfalltothegroundasonemightwhenstandinginthepresenceofGod(John18:6).Thus,Jesus’replytothewomanmaycarryaninvitationnotonlytoseeJesusasMessiahbutalsoasIncarnateGod.TheSamaritanwomanmaynothavegraspedthatfullermeaning(4:29),buttheGospelofJohnhasalreadytoldusthatsomethingswerefullyunderstoodonlyafterJesus’resurrection(2:22).Nevertheless,thewomanwaspreparedtoinviteotherstoconsiderJesusastheMessiahbyusingwordssimilartothecallissuedbyJesus(1:39)andPhilip(1:46).

“Jesus does not defend His right to share the Gospel with the Samaritan woman. Rather, He teaches the disciples that there is a sharing

of the labor in the bountiful harvest.”

focus on the dIscIpLes – John 4:27 And 31-38Suddenlytheplotthickens.JesushassuccessfullyinauguratedSamaritanmissionsandnowexplainsthatworktosurprised(4:27)disciples.Thediscipleshavereasontobesurprised.AncientliteratureshowsthatreligiousleadersatJesus’timediscouraged,orevenforbade,womenfromstudyingtheScriptures.JesusHimselfwascriticizedforpermittingawomantolistentoHisteaching.TheTempleatJesus’timeenabledmentoprayapartfromwomenjustasprayertodayattheWesternWallinJerusalemsegregatesmenandwomen.

Furthermore,Iwonderifhumanpridethreatenedthedisciples’faith.JesusdoesnotdefendHisrighttosharetheGospelwiththeSamaritanwoman.Rather,Heteachesthedisciplesthatthereisasharingofthelaborinthebountifulharvest(4:36-38).ThatshowsJesus’majorconcern.Ordinaryhumanpridecoulddrivethedisciplestoresentbeingby-passedintheinaugurationoftheSamaritanchurch.WhywouldJesuschooseanovice(woman)todoworkforwhichtheyfeltmorequalified?InmanywaysIthinkthatJesus’messageinJohn4:34-38



presentsthemostimportantthemeofthechapter.PettyjealousiesandungodlyambitionoftendisrupttheworkofChristinmanytragicways.AgainandagaindisciplesneedtoviewthegigantictaskandrejoicetogetherastheChristsendsforthHisworkers.Whyarelongtimeregularchurchmemberssometimesupsetaboutnewmembersornewideasfromnewmembers?Whatmakesthatthreatespeciallyacuteif,aswiththeJewishdisciplesandtheSamaritanmission,differentethnicgroupsareinvolved.

the sAmArItAn VILLAGes – John 4:28-30 And 39-42AfterteachingHisdisciplesaChristologicaland“missionlogical”lesson,thestoryquicklyconcludes.Samaritanshearandbelieve.TheyknowJesusistheSavioroftheworld(4:42).Don’toverlookthereasonfortheirfaith.Theyborrownofaithfromtheinitialbeliever.LikeJohntheBaptist(3:30),theSamaritanwomandecreasesandJesusincreases.FaithrestsonJesusandHisWord,notonthebeareroftheGospel.

some concLudInG thouGhtsJesussharesHisdivinerevelationinthreeverydifferentways.TotheSamaritanwoman,Jesuslovinglyseeksanopportunity,keepspursuingtheultimatespiritualgoal,acceptsherassheis,andfinallyoffersHimselfasMessiahforherfaith.Tothewonderingdisciples,HeoffersanexpandedvisionofGod’swork.TotheSamaritanpeople,Heoffersfaith.Notallsharingoffaithissimpleoreasy.Differentpeoplerequiredifferentstrategiesandtechniques.SometimesGod,inChrist,callsustofaith,sometimesHeexpandsourfaithfulvision,andsometimesHeprovesthepowerofthetruthwithagreatharvestofconfessingsaints.

Faith rests on Jesus and His Word, not on the bearer of the Gospel.


The Gospel According to John Dr . Robert Holst John 4:43-54 , 5 :1 -47 – Lesson 6

personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 4:43-54, 5:1-47

Open my mind and heart, dear Savior, as I read and study Your Word. Use my life to serve You and to glorify Your Name. Amen.

John4:43-541. WhatdoJesus’words“aprophethasnohonorinhisowncountry”mean?

2. DoJesus’wordsrefertotheSamaritanexperience(4:1-42)orpickuptheattitudeofpeopledescribedinJudea(3:1-36and4:1-3)?

3. HowcanweapplyJesus’wordstoourlivesasChristians?Howdoweas“Hisowncountry,”dishonorHim?

4. WhydoGalileanswelcomeJesustotheirarea(4:45-46)?

5. DoyouthinkJesusiscompletelypleasedwithafaithbasedsolelyontheobservationofsigns(4:48)?Why?

6. Howdo“signsandwonders”affectyourfaith?Giveanexample.

7. HowdoesJesushealtheofficial’sson(4:50)?

8. Whendoesthemanbelieve-beforeorafterthemiracleisconfirmed?Whatlessonconcerningfaithdoesthisorderofeventsteachus?

9. Whatistheroleofthemiracleinthisstory?

Isthemiraclethebasisoffaith?Whyorwhynot?

John5:1-1810. WhereisJesusfortheeventsofchapter5?

11. Explainwhythesettinghasimportanceinunderstandingtheevent.



12. Rabbinictraditionspermittedmedicalworkonthesabbathinalife-threateningsituation.Whyisthelengthoftheman’sillnessthereforeimportant?

13. WhatisthefirstactionJesus’enemiescontemplateandwhatisthereasonforit(vs.16)?

14. Whydotheyplanmoredrasticaction(vs.17-18)?

15. DiscusswaysinwhichweserveGodthatcausedifferentreactions.

John5:19-4716. HowdoesJesusanswerthechargesthatHemakesHimselfequaltoGod?

17. WhatdoesitmeantoyouthatJesus“makeshimselfequaltoGod?”

18. StateJesus’offertopeoplewhotrustHim(vs.19-24).

19. WhendowehearthevoiceoftheSonofGod?

Howdoesthataffectourlives?

20. WhatorwhoarethefivewitnessesthatJesuscitestosupportHisauthority(5:30-46).Listverse. 1

2

3

4

5

21. WhatareyourpersonalreasonsfortrustingJesus?

22. WhatisyourconceptofGodandhowdoesJesusfitintothatconcept?



heALInG sIGns – John 5:1-9B 37the AuthorIty of Jesus – John 5:9B-18 38Jesus teAches ABout hIs mInIstry – John 5:19-47 38some concLudInG thouGhts 39personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 6:1-71 40

Lesson 7JoHn 4 :43-54 , 5 :1 -47

sIGns And Wonders – John 4:43-54ToNicodemusandtheSamaritanwomanJesustalkedaboutfaithandanewlife.Now,asiftoillustrateHisteaching,Jesusrestoreslifetotwopeopleinhealingsigns(John4:43-54and5:1-18).JesusthenexplainshowandwhyHedoessigns(5:1-18).

Threeshortverses(4:43-46)markthetransitionbetweentheincidentinSamaria(4:1-42)andthehealingofthenobleman’sson.Theversestakeourmindsbacktochapter4,verse3,whereJesusleavesJudeabecauseoftensionwiththePharisees.UnlessyouconnecttheverseswithJesus’experiencebeforetheSamaritanstory,HiswordssoundasthoughHeleavesSamariawithouthonor(4:44),when,infact,theyglorifyHimas“Savioroftheworld”(4:42).

Jesus’wordsactuallyquoteaJewishproverb.Thewords,“Aprophethasnohonorinhisowncountry,”formaproverbthatappearsinslightlydifferentformsinotherplacesinJesus’ministry(Matthew13:57b;Mark6:4;Luke4:24).ItmeansaboutthesameastheEnglishproverb,“Familiaritybreedscontempt.”Thetemptationtointerpret“hisowncountry”asGalileealsocreatesconfusion.BecauseMatthew,Mark,andLukedescribesomanyactivitiesofJesusinGalilee,wetendtothinkofthatareaasJesus’“owncountry.”However,theGospelofJohnstressesthebroaderperspective.TheprologuespokeofJesuscomingto“hisownhomeandhisownpeoplereceivedhimnot”(1:11).Jesus’proverbialwordstothedisciplesexplaintherejectioninJerusalem.

Unfortunately,theconfusioncanleadustooverlookastunningtruth.PeoplewhoshouldhonorJesusdonot.Thatisatimelesstruth,certainlyrelevanteventoday.Forexample,Dr.BillyGrahaminhis1985CrusadeinSouthernCalifornia,pointedoutthatnon-ChristianssometimesdomoreforhungryAfricansthandodisciplesofChrist.ByignoringtheParableoftheJudgment(Matthew25:31-46)andthedirective“feedthehungry,”dopeopletoday“ofHisowncountry”dishonortheLord?

“Two signs demonstrate the power and love of Jesus.”





IncontrasttothepeopleofJudea,theGalileanswelcomeJesus.Yettheirfaithmustalsogrow.Theirfaithrestsonsignsandwonders(4:45,48).TheGospellessonwillpointtoadeeperfaithbasedonthetestimonyofMosesand,especially,ofJesus(5:47).

heALInG sIGns – John 5:1-9BThehealingoftheroyalofficial’ssoniswellknownbecauseitistoldwithadditionaldetailsinbothMatthew(8:5-13)andLuke(7:1-10).

SomepeoplethinkthatthestoriesdonotdescribethesameincidentbecauseMatthewdescribesthepatientasa“servant”or“child,”Lukecallshima“slave”andJohnsaysheistheofficial’s“son.”Brothersandsisters,aneasywaytoharmonizethosedetailsistorememberthataworddescribingafamilyrelationshipneednotalwayshavealiteralmeaning(Philemon1;1Timothy1:2,18).Furthermore,inantiquity,aslavecouldbeadoptedandbecomethelegalheir.Forexample,beforeIsaacisborn,Abraham’slegalheir(“son”)isEliezerofDamascus(Genesis15:2)whomtraditionallyhasbeenidentifiedasaservant(Genesis24:2).

Assuming,however,thatthethreeGospelsdescribethesameincident,JohnstripsawaythedetailstohighlightfaithbasedonthewordofJesus(4:50,53).Forexample,Johndoesnotmentiontheofficial’smilitaryconnection,hisbeinganon-Israelite,norhishumility(cf.Matthew8:8-10;Luke7:6-10).ForJohn’sGospelthetheologicalspotlightshinesprimarilyontheWordofJesusandthefaithitcreates.TheofficialbelievesafterJesusspeaksbutbeforeheseesasign(4:50).Jesus’messageisthebasisforfaith.AsHetaughtNicodemusandtheSamaritans,Hisword“saves”or“givesnewlife.”

Letmeillustrate,onemoretime,theproblemsignspresentinJesus’ministry.Ithinkthatitcanbecomparedtotheproblemwealthcreatesforapersonseekingfriendshipandlove.Awealthypersonwantstrustandcompanionshipbasedonlove,butsometimesreceivesapseudo-friendshipbasedonloveofmoney.Tofindatruefriend,awealthypersonmayhaveto“playpoor”or,insomeotherway,eliminatethe“moneyfactor.”Inasimilarway,Jesus“richinthepowerofGod,”wantspeopletoloveHimbecauseHelovesthem.People,however,maybetempted

todevelopa“pseudo-friendship”basedontheirloveof“Hisrichpower.”Faith,likecompanionship,requiresselflesstrustnotselfishmanipulation.

ChapterfiveexhibitsapatternfamiliartoJohn’sGospel.UnliketheSynopticGospelswhereJesus’miraclesreceivelittleexplanation,inJohn’sGospel,signsusuallyareinterpreted,debated,andcloselyconnectedwithJesus’divinemission.ThusJohn5:1-9atellsofthehealingsign,5:9b-18establishesthecontroversybetweentheauthorityofJesusandtheauthorityoftheSabbath.Thechapterconcludes(5:19-47)withJesusteachingaboutHisrelationtotheFather,Hispurposeforcomingintotheworld,thevalidityofHisministry,andthereasonsfortrustingHim.Sadly,theincidentdescribedintroducesintotheGospelstorytheterriblehostilityunbelieversdirectatJesus.ForthefirsttimewereadthatpeoplewanttokillJesus(5:18).ThestoryillustratestheterribletruthJesusobservedconcerningaprophetinhisowncountry(4:44).

JohnbeginsbyanchoringtheeventfirmlyinthesettinginJerusalem(5:1).Wedonotknowwhichfestivalisbeingcelebrated.SinceoneancientGreekmanuscriptdescribesitas“the”(ratherthan“a”)festivaloftheJews,weassumethescribethoughttheeventwaseithertheFestivalofTabernaclesorPassover.

Althoughwedon’tknowtheprecisetime,awarenessofthereligioussettingpreparesustoappreciatethehostilityJesus’actioncreates.Thesettingmayspeakwithamissionaryorevangelistictheme.SomescholarspointoutthatJesus’actionsinJohnusuallytakeplaceonandsurpasstraditionalreligiousfestivals.SofartheGospeltellsofJesusmakingwinefrompurificationwaterusedforreligiouspurificationrites(2:6-10),cleansingthetempleandofferingHimselfasthesacrifice(2:14-21),teachingateacher(3:1ff).IthinktheGospelofJohnnotesthesedetailsbecausesomeoftheearlyreadersareofJewishbackgroundandtheyareuncertainhowJesusfitsintotheirfaith.John’srecitationofJesus’wordsanddeedstellthemtotrustHimbecauseheoffersmuchmorethantheyhadbefore.

ThepreciseplaceoftheactioniswellknownalthoughthevariousGreekmanuscriptsgivedifferentwaystospelltheHebrewname.YourEnglishtranslationmaynamethe



placeBethzatha,Bethesda,orBethsaida.Regardlesshowthenameisspelled,archaeologyshowsthesiteaboutonehundredyardsnorthofthetemplearea.

Johnincludesoneimportantdetailwhenhetellsthatthemanhadbeenillforthirty-eightyears.ThedetailisimportantbecausehealingwaspermittedontheSabbathonlyinanemergencysituation.Sincetheman’slifewasnotindanger,Jesus’criticswouldclaimthatJesusshouldnothavehealedontheSabbath(butshouldhavewaiteduntilanotherdaycf.5:16).

Johntellsthestorywithbrevitybutforce.Jesusknowsthemanhasbeenlyingtherealongtimeandwelearnofhisdesiretobehealed(5:6).WeseehowJesus’wordsendlongtermhelplessness.Jesusaccomplishedinaninstantwhattheman,hisassistants(orlackofthem)andthepoolcouldnotdointhirty-eightyears.

“John rivets our attention to the sabbath conflict and demands that we think about

Jesus’ relationship to the Father.”

the AuthorIty of Jesus – John 5:9B-18Thehealingsignoffersavarietyoftheologicalmeanings.WecertainlycouldstressthedivinepowerorcompassionofJesus,butJohn’sGospelmentionsneitherofthesetwothemes.JohnrivetsourattentiontothesabbathconflictanddemandsthatwethinkaboutJesus’relationshiptotheFather.Thehighpointofthechapterisactually5:17-18.Thesabbathcontroversyraisesthatissue.Firstthemaniscriticizedforcarryinghismatonthesabbath(5:10)andthentheyattackJesusforthesabbath(non-emergency)healing(5:16).TheGospel,however,helpsusseeclearlythatthedebateisnotaboutwhatonecanorcannotdoonthesabbath.TheissueisJesus’relationshiptoGod.

Verses16through18touchtheheartofthecontroversyand,hopefully,thefollowingparaphrasewillclarifytheissue.BecauseJesushealedonthesabbath,thosewhodidnottrustHimwantedtohurtHim.JesusansweredtheirchargesofdisrespectforGod’steachingbysaying,“MyFatherworksontheSabbathandsodoI.”Thatmadethemwanttokillhim.HenotonlybrokeGod’slawconcerningtheSabbath,but,whenHeclaimedGodas

HisownFather,Heclaimeddivinity.Thentheywanted(“themore”)tokillHim(John5:16-18).Strictmonotheists(Jews)claimedJesusdeniedthecreed-liketruthofDeuteronomy6:4.

Thereareavarietyofwaysinwhichthestorycanbeappliedtoday.PerhapsweshouldstartbyponderingthepositionofthosewhodidnottrustJesus.Whentheirreligiousrulesareviolatedevenwithamiracleoflove,theyarepreparedtokill.Christiansaretemptedtohateenemiesinsteadofprayingforthemandshowinglove.Theprimarypurpose,ofcourse,leadsustotakeacloserlookatJesus.Doourreligiousactionsincludingrules,regulations,customsandinterpretationsseparateusfromthepowerandloveofJesus?DoHispersonandWordrevealGodtousordowefindGodinourownworksandways?WemightquestioneventhegoalofourBiblestudiestogether.DowestudytheBibleto“proveourpoints”orto“knowGod?”

Jesus teAches ABout hIs mInIstry – John 5:19-47ThewordsofJesusintherestofthechapterchallengepeopletoidentifywithJesusorwiththosewhodonottrustHim.HenotonlyacceptsbutexplainsthechargesmadeagainstHim.HisworkisthesameastheFather’swork(5:19).BecauseoftheFather,Hegiveslifeandjudgespeople(5:21).ThereasonforthisistheFather’slove(5:20).Thepromiseislife,ratherthandeath,forthosewhotrustandhonorJesusastheytrustandhonorGod(5:23-24).ThefirstpartofJesus’wordsthereforeemphasizeHisdivineauthorityandmission.

Thenextsectiondealswiththematteroflife.ThosewhodonottrustJesusapparentlyusetheideaoflifeafterdeathtopostponegivingtheirlivestoGod.Jesuschallengesreligiositythatsharplydivideslifebeforedeathandlifeafterdeath.Therealityofafinaljudgment(5:29)affectslifenow(5:25).HearingtheSonorfollowingJesusmeansdoinggood.Theimplicationisthattheyshouldacceptthehealing(good)andnotdoevil(persecuteorkill).

Noticetheusageofthetitle“SonofGod”(5:25)whichemphasizesJesus’authorityfromabove.Butobservethatinverse27Heisidentifiedas“SonofMan”which,inlightof1:51,emphasizesHeisthelinkbetweenGodaboveandhumanbeingsbelow.Thechallengetoourthinkingis



toseeGod-givenlifeasapresentfactoflife.ThejudgmentoftheSon,givenbytheFather,willbebasedonthegood(orevil)peopledobecausetheytrust(ordonottrust)Jesus.Jesus’parableoftheLastJudgment(Matthew25:31-46)illustratesthesameteaching.

Finally,thechapterendswithJesuslistingthewitnessesthatproveHisequalitywithGodisnotself-delusion.JohntheBaptist(5:31-35),Jesus’deeds(5:36-38),theScriptures(5:39)andespeciallythewritingsofMoses(5:45-47)proveHisrelationshipwiththeFather.Jesus’criticsfaceadefensethatdiscreditstheirbasiccharge.TheywanttokillJesusbecausehe“doesHisownthing”(touseourslang)andself-righteouslyactslikeGodwhenHedoesit.JesusmakesthemfacethefactthatHedoesnotactalone.Scripture,includingMoses’writings,theteachingofJohntheBaptistthattheyenjoyedforatime,andJesus’worksbackupHisclaims.TheirattackonJesusparadoxicallyattackstheirownheritage.

Jesus’wordsherecallustoframeourloveforHiminabroadertheologicalcontext.Jesus’teachinganddeedsarepartofapatternofdivineactionthatispresentinavarietyofforms.Fromthecreation,intheExodus,intheWrittenWord,inoralproclamationofthatWord,ingoodactions,thegoodnessofGod(asrevealedinJesus)isknown.DivineloveinJesusisnotanincredibleleapoffaith.JesusfillsourlogicandourliveswithwitnessesofHistruth.

some concLudInG thouGhtsTwosignsdemonstratethepowerandloveofJesus.Unfortunately,suchgoodnessshowshowpeoplechoosetolive.SomewanttocontrolGod,sotospeak.TheydictatehowandwhenGodacts.TheymustseektogetridofJesusbecauseHedoesnotfittheirpreconceivednotionsofgodlyaction.Jesus’wordswarnusfromclosingourselvesofffromHispowerandlovebytrustingourselvesfordivinejudgment.ThelifegivingsignsareseenbythosewhotrustJesusasevidencethatGodtoucheslivesnow.Despiteourhopes,notallarehealedandnotallarehappywiththehealingthatdoesoccur.YetthemessageisthattheSonofGodbringsGodintolifenow.Forthat,Hedeservesourtrust.

Jesus’ words warn us from closing ourselves off from His power and love by trusting

ourselves for divine judgment.




Pray that God would feed you spiritually as you read how Jesus provides.

John6:1-151. WhydothecrowdsfollowJesus?

Howistheirreasonvalidandhowmightitbewrong?Read1:50,2:18,4:48,6:30,20:27-29.

2. AtPassover,allmaleJewsweredirectedtoworshipatthetempleinJerusalem(Deuteronomy16:15-16).WhydoyouthinkJesusdidnotdothataccordingtoJohn6:3-4?(NotewhathappenedonthepreviousPassoverinJohn2:14-25).

3. Whatdidthat“nationalholiday”meantotheJews?ReadExodus12:17-20.

WhyisitsignificantthatJesus’feedingofthe5,000takesplaceatPassovertime?

4. DowesometimesuseChristiantraditionsornationalholidaysinungodlyways?Explainyouranswer.

5. Symbolically,howdoesJesuscomparetothingsassociatedwiththePassover?ReadJohn1:17,29andcompareJohn19:33toExodus12:46.

6. IntheSynopticGospels,thedisciplestellJesustosendthepeoplehome(Matthew14:15,Mark6:36,andLuke9:12).WhydoyouthinkJohnomitstheirrequest?

HowdoestheeditorialcommentinJohn6:6influenceyouranswer?

7. WhoseloavesandfishdoesJesususe?

WhatdoesthissuggestaboutGod’spower?(John3:3,Matthew18:3,Mark10:14-16andLuke18:16-17)

8. InJesus’time,barleywasusedtofeedanimalsorasfoodforthepoor.WhatlessoncanJohn’suniquedetailteachus?



9. HowdothepeoplerespondtoJesus’miracle?

10. HowdoyourespondtoGod’smiracles?DogreatblessingsalwaysbringyouclosertoGod?Explainyouranswer.

11. WhydoesJesuswithdrawinsteadofbecomingking?(John19:36a)

John6:16-2412. Johnsetsthestage(6:17b)forJesuswalkingonthewaterbyrecording,“BynowitwasdarkandJesushadnotyetjoined

them.”Whatsymbolicmeaningdoesthatsuggestforthoseofuswhoarenotphysicallyrowingaboatonalake?

13. WhatisJesus’messagetotheterrifieddisciplesandhowdoyouapplythatmessagetoyourlife?

14. WhathappenswhenthedisciplesarewillingtotakeJesusintotheirboat?

15. DiscusssomegoalsyouhavereachedwhenyouwerewillingtoletJesusintoyourlife?

John6:25-5916. WhyarethepeoplelookingforJesusandwhatisJesus’attitudetowardsuchmotivation?

WhydoyouseekJesus?

17. HowdoesJesuscomparethebreadofthewildernesswiththebreadHisFathergives?

18. WhatmetaphordoesJesususetodescribeHimselfandwhatdoesitmean?(6:35-53)

19. HowdoyouunderstandJohn6:53-58andapplyJesus’wordstoyourfaithandlife?

John6:60-7120. ExplainthereactionstoJesus’miracleandteaching.Identifysimilarreactionstoday.

21. WhatdoesPeter’sconfessionmeantoyou?



teAchInG dIscIpLes – John 6:5-13 43“kInG-mAkInG theoLoGy” -John 6:14-15 44Jesus WALks on WAter – John 6:16-24 44Jesus Better thAn WorLdLy expectAtIons – John 6:25-59 44four reActIons to Jesus’ Words – John 6:60-71 45some concLudInG thouGhts 45personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 7:1-53 46

BAckGround And settInG – John 6:1-4JesushadreturnedfromJerusalem(John5:1-48)toGalilee.WedonotknowHispreciselocationexceptthatitwasatthenorthernendofthelakenearCapernaum(John6:59)andPhillip’shomeatBethsaida(John1:44,6:5).

SinceitisPassover,itissurprisingthatJesusissofarfromJerusalem.Deuteronomy16:15requiredeveryadultJewishmaletomakeaPassoverpilgrimagetotheHolyCity.JohntellsusthatJesusmadethatpilgrimageatleasttwice(John2:13fand12:1f).WhydoesJesuscelebratethisPassoverinGalilee?MarkexplainswhyJesuswithdrewfromGalileetoanisolatedplace(Mark6:31)butdoesnottellusthatitisPassovertime.AlthoughJohndoesnotrecordMark’sreasons,bynotingthatitisPassover,heinspiresustospeculatethatthedetailmayenrichourunderstandingofthestory.WasitthatJesusneededmoretimeforHispublicministry,thatitwasnotyettimeforHimtodie,ordidHeleaveJerusalemtocelebrateamore“spiritual”Passover?ThepreviousPassoverhadsufferedfromgreatdistractions(2:13-25)andperhapsJesuswantedtoteachHisdisciplestocelebrateamorespiritualPassoverwith“thetemple”thatHewould“buildinthreedays”(cf.John2:19-21).

ItmustbenotedthatthecrowdsmayhavefollowedJesusforthewrongreasons.Johndoesn’tsaythattheycamebecausetheybelieved(John6:2).MaybetheyselfishlywantedtoexperiencethepowerofJesusbutdidnotcareaboutHisrelationtotheFather.Theungodlyself-interestisillustratedbythecrowd’sresponsetothesign(6:15).TheannualPassovercelebratednationalvictoryfromslaveryandthecreationofapeoplegovernedbyGod’sLaw.PeopleatJesus’timehopedthatasimilarmiraclewouldfreethemfromRomanmilitaryoccupationandcreateanindependentnation.AccordingtosomeJewishtraditions,thedeliverancewouldtakeplaceataPassover.

“The disciples, alone, in the dark, work hard but reach their destination only when Jesus comes. That is a timeless message of grace.”






Perhaps.Johnheightenedthatawarenessbyredundantlycallingitthe“JewishPassoverFeast”(6:4).NootherethnicgroupcelebratedPassover.Sincethepeopleheldhighnationalistic,political,andmilitaryhopesfordeliveranceatPassovertime,JesusneededtorevisetheirideasofPassover,kingship,nation,temple,worshipandGod’srule.

ThespeculationonwhyJesusisinGalileeisnotfrivolousbecauseitprovidesacontextforJesus’celebration.ItalsomakesusquestionwhywefollowJesus.AretherereasonswhyJesuswouldwantustohaveamountainside(or“mountaintop”)experienceawayfromourtraditional“religious”activities?DowewantreligioustraditionstomakeusfeelsecureoraretheyspiritualexercisesthatpraiseGod?ToHisdisciples,JesusofferstheWay,TruthandLifedifferentfromtraditionalrituals.TheteachingofJesus,inthesecondhalfofthechapter,drawssharpcontrastsbetweenthelimitedblessingsoftraditionalPassoversandHisgiftofHimself(John6:29,32-33,49,50-51,58).TheLaw,includingthePassoverrulesandregulations,wasgiventhroughMosesbutthedivinerealityofgraceandtruthcomesthroughJesusChrist(John1:16-18).

teAchInG dIscIpLes – John 6:5-13Thefeedingofthe5,000obviouslyhadgreatmeaningintheearlychurch.BesidetheresurrectionofJesus,itistheonlymiraclereportedinallfourGospels(Matthew14:13-21,Mark6:32-44,Luke9:10-17andJohn6:1-15).TheloavesandthefishwereoftenusedbyearlyChristianartiststosymbolizetheEucharist.

Jesus’LordshipdominatesJohn’sversionofthefeedingofthefivethousand.ComparisonwiththeSynopticversionshelpsoneseemoreclearlyJohn’sfocalpoint.TheSynopticsstatethatthedisciplesapproachJesustosolveaproblemattheendofalongday(Matthew14:15,Mark6:35-36andLuke9:12).InJohn6:5,Jesusinitiatestheaction.Johndoesn’tmentiontheproblem,thedisciples’suggestion,orthetimeofday.Johndoesn’tevenmentionthecompassionofJesus(Matthew14:14,Mark6:34),butshowsJesusasLordofthesituation.Johndoesn’trecordJesus’directivethatthedisciplesthemselvesfeedthepeople(Matthew14:16,Mark6:37,Luke9:13).RatheralreadyknowingHissolution,Jesusasksaquestionmerelytotestadisciple(John6:6).TheSynopticsoften

presentJesus’Messianicpowerhiddeninhumility,but,forJohn’sreaders,thedivineknowledgeandpowerofJesusisobvious.

Jesus’questionandJohn’seditorialcomment(John6:5-6)teachustolookatlifefromJesus’spiritualperspective.Aphysicalproblemmaydemandaspiritualsolution.Jesusseesbeyondthepeople’sphysicalneedstothenecessityoffaith.Beforemeetingthephysicalneedsofahungrycrowd,JesusoffersHisclosestdisciplesaspiritualmeal.Jesuscallsustoseethespiritualsideofahumanproblem.Howoftenwe,likePhilipandAndrew,usecommonsenseinsteadoffaith.LikePhilip,oftenourfirstthoughtsfocusonabudget.LikeAndrew,wejudgeourresourcesinadequate.Perhapswehungerforabetterfamilylife,bettercongregationallife,orbettermissionservicebutfailtoactbecauseofbudgetconcernsoradesireforbetterresources.PerhapsGodistestingustomakeclearifwearedisciplessearchingforhumansolutionswithcommonsense,or,awaitingamiracleinChristianfaith.

Havingestablishedthathumaningenuitywillnotsolvetheproblem,Jesusperformsamiracle.Hetakesthebarleyloavesandfish,givesthanksanddistributesthemtothecrowd.ObservehowJohnemphasizestheLordshipofJesusagain.TheSynopticstellusthatJesusutilizedthedisciplesinthedistributionprocess(Matthew14:19,Mark6:41,Luke9:16).Johntellsustheultimatetruth.JesusHimselffeedsthepeople.ThestoryillustratesthetruthalreadysetforwardinJohn1:3.Jesus,theWordofGod,creates.Furthermore,asJohn1:14teaches,theWordinfleshamongpeoplerevealsthegloryofGod.

John’sreportgivessomeunique,thoughtprovokingdetails.NoneoftheSynopticsidentifytheloavesasthebarleybreadofasmallboy.ReadingonlytheSynopticswewouldassumethatthedisciplesspeakoftheirownfood(Matthew14:17,Mark6:38,Luke9:13).DoJohn’suniquedetailscontainamessage?DoesJohntellusthatitwasaboy’slunchtoremindusthatnooneistoosmalltobepartofJesus’ministry?RememberJesus’wordsinMatthew18:3,19:14,Mark10:14-15,Luke18:16-17andJohn3:3-5.Since“barley”breadwasfoodforpoorpeopleatJesus’time,doesthatdetailremindusthatnooneistoopoortobeapartofJesus’ministry?Peoplefamiliar



withtheHebrewScriptureswouldrememberhowElishasharedtwentybarleyloaveswithonehundredmen(2Kings4:42-44).LikeJesus’disciples,theservantofElishaconsideredthebreadinsufficient,but,aswithJesus,theWordoftheLordcreatedasurplus.JesusisthatcreativeWordalreadyactiveinElisha’sministry.ThemagnitudeofJesus’miracle-fewerloavesandmorepeople-alsoshowsthatJesusisgreaterthanElisha.

“kInG-mAkInG theoLoGy” -John 6:14-15Johnendsthestorybyshowingthemysteriousfaceofunbelief.Matthew,Mark,andLukedonotrecordthereactionofthecrowd.Johnrecallsaviolentreaction.ThemiraculousfeedingdemonstratingthegloryofGodalsobringsouttheselfishnessofhumanbeings.ThepeoplejudgeJesustobetheprophetpromisedinDeuteronomy18:15.YettheirpunytheologicalvisionthinksnotofGod’swillbutoftheirownforcetobringthehelptheywant.Astheprologueforewarned(John1:10-11),“Theworlddidnotrecognizehim…hisowndidnotreceivehim.”Likefools,theythinkthatJesus’kingshipneedshumanforce.Likeselfishchildren,theywillfighttohavethetoyforthemselves.

Jesus’withdrawal(6:15)showsGod’sattitudetoward“king-makingtheology.”Themessagespeaksdirectlytoustoday.OurpowerdoesnotforceChristtoserveus.God’slovesentHimtosaveus.OurprayersdonotforceGodtoact.WeprayforhelpandofferpraisebecauseHismercyenduresforever.OurgiftsoftimeandmoneyarenotlikeaninvestmentonwhichGodmustpayhighinterestrates.Suchgifts,likeananniversarypresent,respondtolovealreadyknown.

TheJohanninestoryofthefeedingofthefivethousandgivesmuchfoodforthought.TheactionofJesusatPassovertimesuggestshowJesuscansurpassourtraditionsandpractices.Histestingofthedisciplestestsourfaith.DoweseeChrist-givenopportunityorhumanlimitations?Discipleswhothinkfirstandforemostofmoneyandlimitedresourcesneedfaith.Yet,sadly,evenabountifulfeedingcreatesnogratefulfollowers.Evenamiraclecanbemisunderstood.Asthestoryends,werealizethattheWordofGod,notmerelyGod’smiraculouspower,mustaddresstheterribleforceofselfishsin.

Jesus WALks on WAter – John 6:16-24Afterthefeedingofthe5,000,JohnshowsanothermiracleofJesusovernature.Hewalksonastormysea.Ofcourse,thestoryshowsthepowerofJesus.OnlyGod,rulerofwindandwave,canwalkonwater.Themiraclealsohasmeaningforthoseofusnotrowingaboatinthemiddleofstormywaters.ThephysicalmiracleillustrateshowJesusspirituallycalmsthestormsoflife.ThedarknessofdiscipleswithoutJesus’presence(6:17b)remindsusofthespiritualsituationofallpeoplewithoutHim.

Jesus Better thAn WorLdLy expectAtIons – John 6:25-59ThissectionoftheGospelofJohnexplainsthemeaningoftheFeedingoftheFiveThousandandrelatesittoJesus.Previously,thepeoplewhohadeatenwantedtomakeJesuskingbyforce(6:15).NowJesusteachesthemthattheyarelookingforthewrongthing.Sincemanydonotwanttochangetheirexpectations,theywillrejectJesus(6:66).

JesuschallengestheselfishmotivesofthepeoplewholookforHim.TheythinkaboutbreadanddonotseethespiritualmeaningbehindHismiraculousfeeding(6:26).TheyworkforthefoodofthisworldbutJesuswantstogivethemspiritualfood(6:27).Jesusspeakstoourneedsalso.Wealsoaretemptedtospendallourenergyworkingforthethingsofthisworld.Ifmaterialismistheprimarygoaloflife,oneisendlesslysearchingandstriving.JesuswillstoinstructusalsoonGod’sbetterway.Unfortunately,wetoo,likeJesus’originallisteners,thinkwemustworktosatisfyGod’srequirements(6:28)orearnHislove.JesuswantsthemandustoknowthatGod’sloveisgiven.WerespondtoGod’slovebutdonotearnorcreateit.OurresponsibilityistotrustJesus(6:29).

ThepeoplerespondtoJesus’wordsbyaskingforreasonstotrustHim(6:30-31).TheyjudgeHismiracleoffeedingacrowdonemeallessimpressivethanthemiraculousfeedingoftheirwholenationforfortyyearsinadesert.Jesus’response(6:32-33)showsthattheyfindHimlesstrustworthythanMoses.Jesusexplainswhytheyarewrong.GodtheFather,notMoses,givesbreadfromheaven.ThebreadgivenduringthetimeofMosesdidnotgiveeternallife.Peopleateanddied(6:49,58).JesusisthebreadfromheaventhattheFathergivesforeternallife.Jesusraisespeopleonthelastdayofhumanhistory



(6:39-40,54).Likethepeoplelongago,wewantproofthatGodcanmeetourneedsorwants.WeputGodontrialandaskHimtoproveHimselftrustworthy.JesuswantstofeedusspiritualtruthsothatwetrustGodinsteadofjudgingHimbythematerialisticstandardsoftheworld.

ReadcarefullyJesus’claimtobethebreadoflife(6:35-40,42,51,53-58).WhenJesussays,“Iamthebreadoflife,”theGreekwordstranslated“Iam”emphaticallypointbacktothedivinedescriptiongiventoMosesinExodus3:14.Thisisthefirstofthesevendifferentwaysinwhich“Iam”isusedbyJesustodescribeHimself(6:35).Cf.8:12,10:7and11,11:25,14:6,15:1.Asthebreadoflife,Jesus’promiseisthatHewillraiseHisownonthelastday(6:39-40).Jesusgiveslife,notdeath.

Finally,thinkaboutwhatitmeans“toeatJesus’fleshanddrinkHisblood”(6:54-55).Inthecontextofthischapter,JesususesfigurativelanguagetocallfortrustinHimoridentificationwithHim.PerhapswecanillustrateJesus’intentbynotingourownexpressions.Whenasked,“WhatdoyouthinkofBruceSpringsteen?”anavidfanmayrespond,“Igobblehimup!”Or,youmayaskafriend,“DidyouenjoyDisneyland?”“Iateitup!”isanintelligibleresponse.InJohn,Chapter6,afterfeedingpeoplesomefoodof“thisworld,”Jesuswantsthemto“eat”somespiritualfood.HecallsthemtoacceptHisworkastheworkofGod.HewantsthemtotrustHim.

AlthoughatthispointinHisministry,JesushasnotyetestablishedtheSacramentoftheAltar,HisteachingherepreparesHisdisciplesforthatsacredact.Jesus’wordsabouteatingHisfleshanddrinkingHisblood(6:53-57)have,throughouttheages,madeChristiansthinkaboutthebodyandbloodofJesusgivenintheSacramentoftheAltar(Matthew26:26-28,Mark14:22-24,Luke22:17-20,1Corinthians11:24-25).Asnotedabove,earlyChristianartistsusedbreadandfishasthesymboloftheLord’sSupperbecauseofthecloseconnectionofthefeedingofthefivethousandwithJesus’“explanatorycomments”givenhere.AlthoughmanyChristiansprefertoemphasizethestraightforwardwordsJesususedwhenHeinstitutedtheLord’sSupper,thecalltofaithgiveninJohncanhelpputthesacramentintothelargercontextofJesus’entireministry.RealizingthattheLord’sSupperstandsnotonlyonthewordsofinstitutionbutalsoflowsfromthefullness

ofJesus’lifeandministrymaymakecelebrationofitevenmoremeaningful.

four reActIons to Jesus’ Words – John 6:60-71Thefinalsectionofchaptersixillustratesthefactthatnotallpeopleacceptthetruth.Jesus’wordsreceivefourreactions.SomefindHisteachinghardtoaccept(6:60).OthersrejectJesus(6:66).OnewilleventuallybetrayJesus(6:70-71).ButSimonPeter,speakingforotherbelievers,confessesthatJesusistheHolyOneofGodwhohasthewordsofeternallife(6:68).

Nowwemustaskourselvesforourreaction.Essentially,wehaveonlytwochoices-rejectionoracceptanceofJesus.Thechoicecanbestatedinmorevividterms.Dowewantapowerinthisworld,likeaking,ordowewantGod’slovetoruleus?DoweconcentrateonourwantsoronGod’splan?Doweworryaboutstayingalive(orstaying“young”)ordowecelebratethewonderofhavingeternallife?

MaySimonPeter’sreplybeourown.Therereallyisnooptionifonewantslife.JesusistheHolyOneofGod.Humanbeingsneedfoodandaresatisfiedifthatneedismet.Jesusknowstheyneedmorethanthefoodofthisworld.HewantsthemtoseeHimasmorethana(miraculous)chefforabanquetof5,000people.HewantspeopletosharetheloveandtruthofGodlylife…

some concLudInG thouGhtsInsummary,chaptersixrangesfrommundanethingslikebread,fish,humanfearandhungertodivinerevelationaboutJesusastheBreadofGodwhogiveseternallife.DivinepowerisalsothecentralthemeinthestoryofJesuswalkingonthesea.Yetthereisanelementofgrace.Thedisciples,alone,inthedark,workhardbutreachtheirdestinationonlywhenJesuscomes.Thatisatimelessmessageofgrace.Thechaptergivesusopportunitytosurveyourhumanneedsandrecognizetheblessingsofthisworld.Maysuchrecognitionofmaterialisticblessingsleadtothemoreimportantspiritualquestions.MaytheLoveofJesusinviteustoacceptHiswillandwayasthepatternandpowerofourlives.




Pray for enlightenment and understanding of God’s word that we may apply it to our daily lives and grow daily in our faith.

John7:1-131. FromthefollowingreferencestellwhyandhowpeoplecelebratedtheFeastofTabernacles.(Leviticus23:33-43,

Numbers29:12-38,andDeuteronomy16:13-15)

2. SinceJesus’enemieswereplottingtokillHim,whydidHisbrotherswantHimtogototheFestival?Explainhowtheirreasonisanactionofunbelief.

3. HowmightdoubteffectthewayyoutalktoJesusoryourprayerlife?

4. IntellingHisbrothersthatitisnotan“opportunetime”forHimtofollowtheiradvice,Jesus,inessence,iscallingthem“opportunists.”ApplyJesus’wordsandtellinwhatways“opportunists,”includingyourself,misuseJesusortheChristianfaith.

5. WhydoyouthinkJesuswenttothefeastinsecret?

6. HasGodeverdonesomethingimportantinyourlifewhich,atthetime,youdidnotseeasHiswork?Ifso,howandwhydoyouthinkGod“actedinsecret?”

7. Inverses11-13,whatdopeoplesayaboutJesus?

HowdopeoplesaysimilarthingsaboutJesusortheChristianfaithtoday?

John7:14-248. WhyarethepeopleamazedatJesus’message?

Howis“Christianfaith”differentfrom“acquiredknowledge?”

9. HowdoesJesusdefendHisteachingagainstthecriticismandnamecallingofunbelievers?



10. MentionwaysinwhichChristianpeoplesometimesargueaboutthefaithorcriticizeothersforreasonssimilartotheargumentsusedagainstJesus?

John7:25-4411. SomeJewishpeoplebelievedthattheMessiahwouldcomefromBethlehem(Micah5:2)butothersheldanon-Biblical

traditionthattheMessiahwouldbemysteriouslyrevealed.HowcanJesus’wordshelpusdealwithpeoplewithnon-Biblicalideas?

12. HowdoestheconfusionoftheJewsillustratetheconfusionoftheworldtoday?

13. DuringtheFestivalofTabernacles,priestswouldmarchinasolemnprocessiontothepoolofSiloamandbringbackwaterinsacredvesselstobepouredoverthealtar.TheharvestfestivalactionssymbolizedaprayerforGodtoblessHispeoplewithrain.WhatimpactdoyouthinkJesus’words(vs.37-38),spokenduringtheobservanceofthe“waterprocessionalliturgy,”mighthaveonthepeople?

14. HowistheSpiritmoreimportantthananythingelseyoucanreceive?

15. HowaretheancientopinionsaboutJesussimilarordifferentfromopinionsthatpeopleholdtoday?

John7:45-5316. HowdothewelltrainedJewishleadersevaluateopinionswithwhichtheydisagree?

Howdoyouevaluateopinionswithwhichyoudisagree?

17. DoesNicodemusofferanadequatedefenseofJesus?Whyorwhynot?

18. HowdoJesus’enemiesendthedebate?

Howdoestheiranswerillustratetheirunbelief?



fAmILy mIsunderstAndInG or reJectIon 49chAnGe your stAndArds of JudGment – John 7:14-24 50A GreAt deBAte – John 7:25-44 51the foLLy of JudGment By AppeArAnces – John 7:45-53 51personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 8:1-59 52


IntroductIonChaptersevenshowsJesusgivingadeepermeaningtopeoplecelebratingareligiousholiday.Hecallsthemtoamoredynamicspirituallifebyexposingthepettinessoftheircriticism,thefoolishnessoftheirlogic,andthebasisforHisownministry.Chaptersfiveandsixremindedusofthewordsoftheprologue.“Hecametothatwhichwashisownbuthisowndidnotreceivehim”(1:11).Astheeventsofchaptersevenunfold,wealreadyknowthat“hisown”wanttokillJesus(5:18),stopfollowingHim(6:66)andaredestinedtobetrayHim(6:71).ChaptersevenwillcontinuetoshowhowtheworldcondemnsitselfwiththerejectionofJesus.

Wewillexaminethechapterinfoursections.Thefirstsection(7:1-13)givesusbackgroundinformationbeforeJesusgoestoJerusalem.Inthesecondsection(7:14-24),JesusdefendsHisministrybycallingpeopleto“stopjudgingbymereappearances”(7:24).Thethirdsection(7:25-44)isdominatedbysillyreasonsforrejectingJesusandsensationalpromisesforthosewhoacceptHim.Thefinalsection(7:45-52)givesthefrustratingdebateofpeoplejustifyingtheirownactionsandattitudes.

Why ceLeBrAte? – John 7:1-13Countriescreateholidaysandreligionsobservefestivalstoprovideinspirationandeducationforlife.Unfortunately,selfishinterestsorsimpleignoranceoftenovershadowtheoriginalpurposeofsuchcelebrations.Forexample,intheUnitedStates,MemorialDayhasbecomesimplyathree-dayvacationweekendformanypeopleinsteadofadayofgratefulpatrioticrememberingofheroicmilitaryandciviliansacrifices.Asanotherexample,inthechurch,Lentbeganasatimeformoralexamination,buttoday,formany,itisignoredormerelyatradition.

Whathappenswhenpeoplecelebrateforthewrongreasons?Theymustagainlearntherealreasonforcelebration.Inchapterseven,Jesus

“Like Jesus’ enemies of old, unbelievers today reject great blessings when they are satisfied with their own opinions.”





teachesHisdisciples,Hisenemies,anduswhatrealChristiancelebrationisallabout.TheeventtakesplaceatthetimeoftheFeastofTabernacles.TabernacleswasoneofthethreemostimportantreligiousholidaysatthetimeofJesus.Itwasoneofthethreeso-calledpilgrimagefestivalssincemaleswererequiredtomakeapilgrimagetoJerusalem(Exodus23:14-17,34:22-23andDeuteronomy16:1-17).Passover,inthespringcelebratedtheGod-givenreleasefromslavery.ThesecondgreatfestivaloriginallywasacelebrationofthebeginningofthewheatharvestbutitalsobecameacelebrationofthegivingoftheLawatMt.Sinai.GreekspeakingJewsgave,itthenamePentecostbecauseitwasapproximatelyfiftydays(Greek:“Pentecoste”)afterPassover.

TheFestivalofTabernacleswas,inmanyways,themostjoyousofthethreepilgrimfestivals.LikeaThanksgivingDay,itjoyfullyandgratefullymarkedthecompletionoftheharvest.TabernaclesalsorecallednationalglorybecauseitwasthetimewhenSolomondedicatedthemagnificenttemple(1Kings8:2).TheholidayalsoexpressedalongingforpeacewhenallnationswouldgathertoworshipGod(Zechariah14:16).

TheBiblegivesbasicinformationaboutthefestival.Itwascalledasevendayfestivalalthoughtheclosingceremonieswereheldontheeighthday.Onthefirstandeighthdaynoworkwasdone(Leviticus23:35,36&39).RegularsacrificesofgrainsandotherfoodswereburnedeachdaytopraiseGod.ThepeoplecarriedleavesandbranchesmuchaspeopletodaymightwaveaflagatanOlympiceventornationalholiday(Leviticus23:40).Thebranches,calleda“lubab,”werecarriedandwavedeachdaywhenthecongregationsangPsalms113through118.

Themostconspicuouselementofthecelebrationwastheconstructionoftemporarysheltersorboothsinwhichpeoplelivedduringthefestival(Leviticus23:42).TheoutdoorlivingremindedthepeopleofGod’shistoricprotectionduringthewildernesswanderingsandhelpedthemrealizebettertheirownblessings.

TheTabernaclecelebrationthroughthecenturiesdevelopedthreeliturgicalactsnotmentionedintheBiblebuthelpfulinunderstandingJesus’comments.Everymorning,thepriestsgatheredatthegateoverlooking

theKidronValleyandfacedthetemple.Asthesunrose,theystated,“Ourancestors,whentheywereinthisplace,turnedwiththeirfacestowardtheeast,andtheyworshipedthesuntowardtheeast;butasforus,oureyesareturnedtowardtheLord.”

Thesecondliturgicalacttookplaceeveryeveningwhenfourhugesevenbranchedtorches(Menorahs)werelittogivelighttothewholetemplearea.Worn-outclothingofthepriestsprovidedwicksforthehugelamps.ThechoirofLeviteschantedoneofeachofthefifteenPsalmsofAscent(Psalms120-134)oneachofthefifteenstepsintothecourtofthewomen.Otherpilgrimsworshipedwithatorchdance.Theliturgylastedalmostallnight.That“LiturgyofLight”providesavividbackgroundtoJesus’claimtobethelightoftheworld(John8:12).

ThethirdliturgicalacthelpsusunderstandwhyJesuswouldapplywaterimagerytoHimselfandHiswork(John7:37-38).OnthefirstdayofthefestivaltherewasaprocessionofprieststhatwentdowntothepoolofSiloamtobringwaterinaspecialvesselbacktothetemplearea.Thepriestswouldparadeaboutthealtarwhilethepeoplewavedtheirbranchesandsang“Saveus,webeseechthee,0Lord.”Apriestwouldthenmountthegreataltarandpourwaterandwinefromtwosilverbowlsonthealtar.TheactionremindedthepeopleoftheGod-givengiftofwaterandservedasaprayerforthewinterrainstocome.Withouttherain,therewouldbenoharvestandnolife.RememberingGod’sgiftofrainencouragedmoralexaminationbecausepeoplecouldrememberwhenGodwithheldtherainduringtheimmoraleraofKingAhab(1Kings17:1).TheymayalsohaverememberedhowGodgaverainaspartofthedemonstrationofHispoweroverBaal(1Kings18:41-45).

fAmILy mIsunderstAndInG or reJectIonAfterJesushadclaimedthedivinerighttobreakSabbathtraditionsbyHishealingactofmercy(5:16),certainreligiousleaderswantedtokillHim(5:18and7:1).YetJesus’brothersurgeHimtogotoJerusalem.Theinspiredwritertellsusthattheyspeakasunbelievers(7:5).ThefinesoundingwordstauntJesus.EithertheyexpectJesustostayawayprovingthatHeisacowardlyfalseprophetproclaimingstrongbutemptywords,ortheymayhopethatHewillgoandfacepublichumiliationforHis



preposterous(tothem)claims.LikethejealousbrothersofJoseph(Genesis37),theydonotbelievetheirbrotherhasanimportantpartofGod’swork.OrmaybetheywonderifJesuswillpracticewhatHepreaches.IfJesushasthepowerHeclaims,letHimdosomepublicmiraclethatwillbringhonortothefamily!

Suchunbeliefappearsinthechurchinmanyforms.We,asChristianbrothersandsisters,mayselfishlypraythatJesuswilldowhatwewantdone.Neveraskingthat“Hiswillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven,”ourdemandsfailtoconsiderGod’ssuperiorwisdom.Orwemaydemandchurchworkersandchurchleaderstodothingsourway.Wemayevenhopethattheywillfailbecausetheirfailurecoversourownfailures.WemayseekpublicrecognitionratherthanservingGod.WemayevensupportevangelismwantingnewmemberstosharechurchcostsratherthanwantingotherstosharetheGoodNewsofsalvation.LikeJesus’brothers,goodwordsaboutChristianservicemaycamouflagebadmotives.

Jesus’words(7:6-8)correctHisbrothers’desireforpublicpower.KeywordsinJesus’responseare,“therighttime”or“opportunetime.”JesustellsHisbrothersthateverytimeisan“opportunetime”forpeoplewholiveseekingpublicprestige.Theworldwillnothatesuchpeoplebecauseitapprovesthemotivationofseekingpopularity,goingalongwiththecrowd,keepingupwiththeneighbors,orfollowingpeerpressure.Theworlddoesnotdemandgoodethicsasmuchasgreatsuccess.JesuswillbehatedbecauseHecondemnsevilratherthanpracticesgrandeur.HeteachesthatGod’struthismoreimportantthanpopularapproval.FollowingHisbrothers’advicewouldmakeHimahuman“opportunist”butwoulddenytheGodly“opportunity”tosufferfortheworld(7:30,8:20,12:23,27,13:1,and17:1).

ThepubliccommentsillustratewhyJesuschosenottogotothefeastwithHisbrothers.TheydonotunderstandGod’swillorJesus’work.PeopleprivatelydebateifHeisgoodordeceptivebutfearofothers(7:13)showstheweaknessoftheirfaith.AsJesuswillshow,suchconfusedpeopleneeddivinerevelationandnotmerelydisplaysofmiraculouspower.Hisdramaticpoweratpreviousfestivalshadleftthemconfusedandhostile(2:23-24,5:18).

“God’s word and teaching are not of this world. The revelation of Jesus surpasses human understanding!”

chAnGe your stAndArds of JudGment – John 7:14-24JohnrecordsthatJesuswenttothefeasttoteach(7:14),nottodisplaymiraculouspowerasHisbrothershadurged(7:3).Thepeoples’responseitselfironicallyconvictsthem.TheycannotacceptJesus’claimtospeakasGod,yettheyareamazedatHislearningbecausehumanbeingsdidnotteachHim.Theyignorethelogicalquestion,“Ifhumansdidn’tteachHim,isHisteaching,asHeclaims,fromGod?”

Jesus’responsedealsnotwiththeabstractsourcesofauthoritybuttheconcreteissueofmoralbehavior.Jesus’sourceoftruthistheinvisibleGod,butthelackofobediencetotheMosaiclawvisiblyprovesrejectionofGod.Namecallingandlyingdenial(7:20)addprooftoJesus’witnessofthetruth.AsHehadtoldHisbrothers,HeishatedbecauseHetellsthetruth(7:6-7).Again,JesusdoesnotdebatetheinvisibleissueofwhetherornottheywanttokillHim.Hegoestotheheartoftheproblemandtriestoprovetheirhatredwrong.HeknowstheywanttokillHimbecauseHebroketheSabbathandmadeHimselfequalwithGod(5:18).UsingtheirfaithinMoses,HedefendsHishealingontheSabbath(7:22-23).Moses,whomtheyaccept,provesthattheanger(ordesiretokill)iswrong.Sincetheyarewrongonthatpoint,Jesusdemandsthatthey—likeHisbrothers—stopusingvisiblestandardsandmakerightjudgments,byimplication,onthebasisofGod-givencriteria.

John’sreportexposesthepowerofJesus’teachingandthefollyofhumanlogic.Namecallingandliesstandrevealedasevil.Morepositively,thestoryunderscoresthepriorityofGod’spoweroverreligioustradition.AgoodwaytobeginapplyingJesus’wordsistostartwithversetwenty-four.Jesuscallsustodigdeepertheologicallythanpublicappearances.God’swordandteachingarenotofthisworld.TherevelationofJesussurpasseshumanunderstanding!ThenletGod’swordshowyouwherenamecallingandlieshavedeniedChristianbehaviorandattitudes.



A GreAt deBAte – John 7:25-44ThenextsectionillustrateswhyJesuswouldtellpeopletostopjudgingbymereappearancesandtomakerightjudgments.HumanopinionsandobservationsleadpeopleawayfromJesus.Insteadofdecidingtoaccept(orreject)Jesus’teaching,peoplegrapplewithextraneousissues.Isthisthemanthreatenedwithdeath(7:25)?DoesHispublicactivitymeanthatauthoritieshavechangedtheirminds(7:26)?DoHismiraclesmakeHimtheChrist(7:31)?CanHebetheMessiahsinceHeisfromGalileeandScripturesaystheMessiahwillcomefromBethlehem(7:41-42)?WillHegointoexileandteachtheGreeks(7:35)?TheresponsesillustratethevarietyofquestionspeoplecandebatetodayastheyavoidChrist’scalltofaith.

Christ’scalltofaithembracesthreeteachings.First,HetellsthemthatHe,butnotthey,knowsGodbecauseHeisfromandsentbyGod(7:28-29).Second,JesuswarnsthemthattheyareindangeroflosingtheopportunitytoknowGod(7:33).Finally,Hemakesthedramaticclaimthat,astheScripturepromises,“livingwaterwillflowfromHim”(7:38).

ThegreatclaimclearlymeansthatJesusmeetstheneedsofpeoplealthoughsomedetailsarenotclear.Forexample,doesthelivingwaterflowfromJesusorthebeliever?Furthermore,towhichScripturedoesJesuspoint?Biblicalinterpretersarealmostequallydividedonthefirstquestion.InJohn4:14,JesushadtoldtheSamaritanwomanthatthewaterHegiveswillbecomeaspringinsideabeliever.Yet,inJohn19:34waterflowsfromthesideofJesus.Furthermore,thewatersymbolizedtheSpirit(7:39)whichisgivenbyJesus(20:22).AlthoughIprefertointerpretitascoming“fromJesus,”Iamcontenttoleavetheinterpretationambiguous.ThecalloftheGospelisforbelieverstoreceivetheSpiritgivenbyJesusandtoletthatSpiritflowthroughthemtoothers.

YouropiniononthepreviousquestionwillinfluenceyoursearchfortheScripturetowhichJesusrefers.Isaiah58:11,Zechariah14:8,andProverbs18:4supporttheideathatthelivingwaterflowsfromGod’speople.Isaiah43:19-21,44:3andPsalm78:15supporttheinterpretationthatthewaterflowsfromJesus.Furthermore,Ezekiel47:1-2describeswhenGodwillprovideagreatdealofwatercomingfromthetemple,andtheFeastofTabernaclesalsoinvolvedwaterceremonies.ThusScriptureconnectedtheTemplewiththepromiseofgreat(water)blessingstopeople,butJesuspromisedgreaterblessingsthroughHimselfand/orthosewhobelieveinHim.PerhapsJesuswantedpeopletothinkaboutsuchScripture.

Inconclusion,thereareavarietyofpassagestowhichJesusmayhavereferred.Nevertheless,wemusthonestlyadmitthatwecannotpointtooneBiblepassageandassertthatitmustbeJesus’reference.Perhapstheuncertaintyisdeliberate.ItremindsusofourownlimitedknowledgeandmotivatesustolearnmorefromJesus.Ourownuncertaintymirrorstheconfusionwithwhichthissectionends.Peoplearedivided:theywanttoactbutdon’t(7:43).TheconclusionshowsthathumanindecisivenessandconfusionneedthedivineauthorityandblessingsofJesus.

the foLLy of JudGment By AppeArAnces – John 7:45-53Thefinalsectionreadslikeatragiccomedyoferrors.Unbelieversrejecthonestquestionsandanswers.Theirlowexpectationsrejectevenapleaforpersonalinvolvement(7:51).Theyexpectaprophet,nottheSonofGod.SinceJesusdoesnotmeettheirexpectations,theyrejectHim.TheirneedfordeeperfaithremindsusthattheLawwasgiventhroughMosesbutgraceandtruthcamethroughJesusChrist(1:17).TheirimmediaterejectionwarnsusaboutendingoursearchforGod’struthtoosoon.LikeJesus’enemiesofold,unbelieverstodayrejectgreatblessingswhentheyaresatisfiedwiththeirownopinions.

Their need for deeper faith reminds us that the Law was given through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.




Dear Lord Jesus, Light of the world, give us Your teaching and enable us to hold it so that we can know God’s truth and be free. Amen.

John8:1-121. CheckthefootnotesinyourBibleconcerningJohn7:53to8:11.Whatdoyoulearnaboutthisstoryintheearliest,most

reliablecopiesofJohn?

2. DoyouthinkthestoryisconsistentwiththeteachingsofJesus?Explainyouranswer.

3. WhatdidtheLawofMosesteachaboutsexualimmorality?

Exodus20:14

Leviticus20:10

Deuteronomy22:22-27

4. WhatdidJesusteachintheSermonontheMount(Matthew5:27-30)aboutsexualimmorality?

5. HowweretheteachersofthelawandPhariseestryingtotrapJesus?

6. DescribeJesus’actionandhowHisansweravoidsHisenemies’trap.

7. Whatdoyoufindmostthoughtprovokingaboutthisevent?

8. Whatareyourattitudestowardtheacceptedmoralityofourday?

9. Howwouldyouapplyverse12tothenarrativetoldinthepreviousverses?

10. WhatdoesthisclaimofJesusmeantoyou?



John8:13-3011. HowdoesJesusdefendHiswitness?

12. HowdoyoudefendyourfaithinJesus?

13. HowdidthelistenersmisunderstandJesus’wordsin8:21?ExplainthereactionofJesus’enemies.

14. HowdoesJesusexplainthethoughtthatHemightcommitsuicide?

Whatroledoesdeathorself-destructionhaveforpeoplewhothinkonlyabout“thisworld?”

15. TheGreekwordbehindthetranslation“liftedup”(8:28)canhavealiteralmeaning(“liftup”cf.John3:14,12:32-34)orafigurativemeaning(“praise”or“givehonor”).Whatdoes“liftedup”meaninthecontextofthedebateinchapter8?

John8:31-5916. WhatdoesthegreatpromiseofJesusinverses31-32meantoyou?

17. HowdounbelieverstodaymisunderstandJesusor“underestimate”Hisimportance?

18. WhoarereallychildrenofAbraham?(Romans4:1-5,Galatians3:6-7)

19. WhydoesJesus“challengetheancestry”ofpeoplewhotrusttheirinherentgoodness?

WhodoesHeclaimistheirreal“father?”

20. GivethreereasonswhythepeopleattackJesusandwhatcanwelearnfromtheirattack?

21. Chaptereightraisesthequestionof“inherited”spirituality.HowcanbeingbornintoafamilywithstrongdenominationaltraditionsorevenintoastrongChristianfamilycreatepersonalspiritualproblems?Compare“WearechildrenofAbraham”to“We’vealwaysbeenChristians”.



the trAp 55the GreAt cLAIm – John 8:12 55the chALLenGe of credentIALs – John 8:13-30 55the chALLenGe of Ancestry or LeGItImAcy – John 8:31-59 55personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 9:1-41 57

contextChaptereightanswersquestionsraisedinchaptersevenaboutJesus’righttospeakGod’struth.ItalsopreparesusforthegreatsigninchapterninewhenJesustakesamanwithoutsight,surroundedbypeoplewithoutspiritualvision,andshowshowHeistheLightoftheWorld.ChaptereightcallsustoseekGod’srevealinglightandwarnsusaboutcomplacencybasedontraditions.

LIGht or dArkness; forGIVeness or reJectIon – John 7:53-8:11AlthoughmanyBiblesandcommentarieslabelthisincidentthestoryofawomancaughtinadultery,thatisnotthemajortheme.Itisactuallyastoryofjudgmentalpeoplecaughtinhypocrisy.Thefocalpointisnotadulterybutdivineforgiveness.

A hIstorIcAL questIon:TheConcordia Self-Study Bible(NIV)printsaheadingbeforethestorywhichsays,“TheearliestandmostreliablemanuscriptsandotherancientwitnessesdonothaveJohn7:53-8:11.”AlthoughtheoriginalcopyofJohn’sGospelhasnotsurvived,thecopiesfromthesecond,thirdandfourthcenturiesdonothavethestoryofreligiousleaderstryingtotrapJesusindebateovertheproperpunishmentofasinfulwoman.Thestoryisfirstwritteninafifthcenturymanuscriptbutthenwasincludedinalmostallsubsequentcopies.NotalwaysdoesitappearafterJohn7:52.SomeGreekmanuscriptshaveitafterJohn7:36;othersafterJohn21:25andothersafterLuke21:38.

Thereisnoreasontoinsistthattheeventneverhappened.TheGospelsrecordotherattemptstotrapanddiscreditJesus(e.g.Matthew19:3-9,22:15-21)andJesus’teachingtoforgiveisavitalpartofHisministry(e.g.Matthew6:14,9:1-8,18:21-35,Luke7:36-50or15:1-32).IpersonallythinkthattheincidenthappenedandChristianstolditthroughfourcenturiesasanexampleofhumanevilanddivinegrace.ThankGodthatitwasfinallywritten

“Jesus, the Light of God, calls people to leave the darkness to live in God’s light.”






downsothatitwillneverbeforgotten.Itstandsasavivid,poignantlessonfromthelifeofJesus.

“Jesus frees the sinner not only from the death sentence but also from a life that embraces sin.”

the trApJohntellsusthereligiousleadersdonotseekmoralguidancebutratherwanttotrapJesus(8:6).Thetrapiscleveranddangerous.IfJesusconfirmsthepriorityoftheMosaiclawandapprovesthesinner’sexecution,HechallengestheRomanlaw.Jesus’enemiesknewthattheRomansreservedcapitalpunishmentforthemselves(19:31).ItheightensthetensionorvividnessofthestorytorememberthatJohntheBaptistwenttoprisonandeventuallylosthislifeoveraquestionregardingsexualimmorality(Mark6:17-18).

Ontheotherhand,ifJesusignorestheMosaicedict,HewilldiscreditHisministrysinceHeusedMosestoexposethesinofHisenemies(7:16-19,21-24).Theenemies,likecleverpoliticians,wanttoexposetheiropponentasa“traitortothetraditions!”TheywantBiblebelievingpeopletostoptrustingHimorthepowerfulRomanstogetridofHim.

TheanswerofJesusisintriguingbecauseHecouldhavepointedoutthefailuretofollowcarefullytheMosaiclaw.Leviticus20:10andDeuteronomy22:22decreedthatbothadulterers,themanandthewoman,beexecuted.ThereforeJesus,likeashrewdlawyer,couldhavediscreditedthecasebypointingtoimproperprocedurewithonlythewomanontrialforherlife.JesuschosenottodothatbecauseHedidnotwanttoteachbetterlegalismbutbetterlove.Salvationcomesnotfrommoredetailedstudyofrulesandregulationsbutfrommoregenerousgivingofforgiveness.

JesussharesHislovewiththreeactions.First,HebendsdownandwritesonthegroundwithHisfinger(8:6b).Second,Hedecreesthatasinlesspersonbegintheexecution(8:7).Third,HeproclaimsthatHedoesnotcondemnthesinnerandthatsheshouldleaveherlifeofsin(8:11).

Thinkaboutthethreeactionsandapplythemtothehumantendencytocondemnothers.TherehavebeeningeniousguessesatwhatJesuswroterangingfrommeaninglessdoodlingtoquotingScripturelikeJeremiah17:13orExodus23:1-2.Sincethecontentisunknown,peoplehavealsospeculatedonJesus’intent.DidHewritetoprotectthesinner,condemntheaccusers,orwasHegivingthemtimetorealizetheirinjustice?Hisverbaldecree(8:7)skillfullyeludesthefalseissueHisenemiespresentandforcesthemtofacetherealquestion.Aretheaccuserssoperfectthattheycanexecuteanother?Finally,Jesusfreesthesinnernotonlyfromthedeathsentencebutalsofromalifethatembracessin.Thestoryremindsusofthemanyfacesofhumansinandthedivinemercywhichgivesforgivenessandanewwayoflife.

the GreAt cLAIm – John 8:12John8:12standsasthethesisstatementforchaptereight.ClaimingtobethelightoftheworldmeansthatJesusgivessinfulpeopleGod’struth.Therestofthechapterpresentsmaterialthatchallenges,defendsorexplainsthatclaim.

the chALLenGe of credentIALs – John 8:13-30ThePhariseeschallengeJesusbyobservingthatself-praisemeansnothing(8:13).Itisasmeaninglessasapersontodayframinganawardgivenbyselftoself.JesusrefutesthatchallengebyclaimingcredentialsfromtheFather.Hedefendsthatclaim,warningthemabouttheirdeadlysin.ThefactthattheyrejectHimsupportsJesus’knowledgeoftheFather,sincethey,assinners,aredifferent.Theirsinfulincredulityconfirms,indirectly,theFather’sapproval.Badpeoplerejectgoodpeople,or,inthiscase,God’sPerson.ThereferencetotheSonofManbeingliftedup(8:28-29)preparesustounderstandtheunitedsufferingloveofFatherandSoninthecrucifixionofJesus.

the chALLenGe of Ancestry or LeGItImAcy – John 8:31-59Jesusagainmakesagreatclaimoroffer(8:31-32).Heofferspeopletruthandfreedom.HislistenersclaimnoneedforthegiftoffreedombecausetheyaredescendantsofAbraham.Jesuspointstotheirmurderousintentandotherthings(8:37-39)asinconsistentwithAbraham’swayoflife.Avoidingmoral



introspection,theyclaimaspecialrelationshiptoGod(8:41b).Jesus,whohasidentifiedHimselfastheonewhospeaksforGodtheFather,refutestheirclaimbyremindingthemthatmurderandliescomefromthedevilnotGod.Stillavoidingmoralself-examination,theystartcallingJesusnames(8:48).Thelistenersillustratehowsinfulpeoplereject,hate,criticize,andblameotherpeople,orevenGodfortheirproblemsbutneverconsiderthepossibilityofpersonalresponsibility.

JesusrejectsthechargethatHeispossessedbyademon(8:49),butcallspeopletoseeGod’sgloryinHislife-givingWordoftruth(8:50-51).Theevilofthenamecallersnowbecomesvisible.Jesusteachestimelessspiritualtruthbutthehumanmindisheldcaptivebythelimitsoflogicandtime(8:52-53).WhenJesussaysthatAbraham“rejoicedatthethoughtofseeingmyday;hesawitandwasglad”Jesusisnotclaimingthattheyarechronologicalcontemporariesbutspiritualcoordinates.

TheJewishleadersdonotunderstandJesuswordsregardingAbraham.Theirreasoningsendswarningsignals,“Youarenotyetfiftyyearsold,andyouhaveseenAbraham”(8:57)?InLuke3:23welearnthatJesuswasaboutthirtyyearsoldwhenhebeganHisministrysotheir“notyetfiftyyearsold”wasagenerousallowanceforHispossibleage.

Theremarksmayalsobesarcastic.Theirremarkmaybecomparabletothe“putdown”intendedinourcultureifweremarkthatsomeoneis“notyetdrybehindtheears.”Jesus’antagonistsknewthehighregardtheOldTestamenturgedforoldpeople.TheLawtaughtthem,“Riseinthepresenceofaged,showrespectfortheelderlyandrevereyourGod(Leviticus19:32).”Jobhadasked,“Isnotwisdomfoundamongtheaged?Doesnotlonglifebringunderstanding(Job12:12)?”IfJesuswasabout

thirtyyearsold,thepeoplemightevenmockHimbecauseHedidnothavegrayhair.TheyjudgedHimareligious“smartaleck”because“Grayhairisacrownofsplendor;itisattainedbyarighteouslife(Proverbs16:31).”SinceinJesus’cultureolderpeopleweregivengreatrespect,thehostileremarkattackedJesusbecauseHewasyoungandinexperienced.Thesarcasmillustratesthehumantemptationtousestereotypeswhenlisteningtopeople.Toooften,weunfairlyjudgepeople—evenourselves—withcommentslike,“Whatdoyouexpectfromkids?”or“You’retoooldtounderstand!”or“I’mjustalayperson.”

JesusteachesthatAbraham,longbeforeJesuswasborn,livedinthefaithandtruththatHenowproclaims.Jesus’words,recordedinJohn8:58,demandeitherfaithorrejection.JesusdoesnotlimitHimselftohumanlogicwhenHesays“BeforeAbrahamwas,Iam.”HiswordssoundlikeGodcallingMosestoservewiththeclaimtobe“IamwhoIam”(Exodus3:14).Notethat,asinHispreviousstatements,“Iamthebreadoflife”(6:35),and“Iamthelightoftheworld”(8:12)JesusagainclaimseternityandHisonenesswiththeFather(1:1).

AsJohntheBaptisthadtoldhisstudents,faithlooksnotathumanchronologybutdivineorder(1:27,30-34).TheunbelievingresponsetoJesus’wordsdisplaystheterriblegripofevil.TheJewsnoteJesus’humanage(8:57)andactwithmurderousintent(8:59).TheyseizetheopportunitytointerpretJesus’claimasblasphemy,forwhichstoningwaspermittedasthelegalpenalty(Leviticus24:16).

ThechapterendswithavividillustrationofJesus’wordsin8:12.PeoplewithoutGod’slightliveinmurderousdarkness.Jesus,theLightofGod,callspeopletoleavethedarknesstoliveinGod’slight.

People, without God’s light live in murderous darkness. Jesus, the Light of God, calls people to leave the darkness to live in God’s light.




Dear Lord, open our eyes to see how You lovingly help people and how people sinfully hurt each other. As we study this chapter, give us vision to

see as You see and to love as You love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

John9:1-71. WhatquestiondoJesus’disciplesaskaboutablindman?

2. Answerthedisciples’questiononthebasisof: Exodus20:5

Psalm109:9-14

Psalm137:7-9

Isaiah65:6-7

3. Giveanexampleofhowpeoplehavesufferedforthesinsoftheirparentsorancestors.

4. Thinkofwaysinwhichyouhaveblamed(rightlyorwrongly)yourparents,spouse,childrenorothersforyourpersonalproblems.Or,thinkofwaysinwhichyouhaveblamedyourself(rightlyorwrongly)fortheproblemsofothers.

5. Answerthedisciples’questiononthebasisof: Deuteronomy24:16

Ezekiel18:1-4

Jeremiah31:29-30

6. Giveanexampleofapersonwhohasexperiencedseriousproblemsdespiteagoodbackgroundandenvironment.Arethereexamplesofhowyoucreatedaproblemforyourselfbecauseyousinfullyignoredtheadviceofparentsorsomeothercaringperson?



7. HowdoesJesusanswerthedisciples’questionandwhatarethefourpartsofHisreply?

8. HowdoyouapplyJesus’wordstoblindness,handicapsorotherthingswhichsomepeopletoday,likethedisciples,judgetobepunishmentforsin?

9. HowdidJesusgivethemansight?

WhydoyouthinkHeusedthismethod?

John9:8-2710. ListthewayspeoplereacttoJesus’powerandlove.

11. HowdoyoureactwhensomeoneseemstobeblessedbyGod’sloveandpowerinaspecialway?

12. Howdothe(former)blindman’sparentsreactandwhy?

13. HaveyoueveravoidedChristianwitnessorcommitmentinordertoavoidembarrassmentordanger?Pleaseshareyourexperiencewiththegroup.

14. Howdoesthemanbornblindrespondtopressureto“praiseGod?”

John9:28-4115. WhatdotheenemiesofJesusdotothemanbornblind?

16. Howdo“religiouspeople”todayridiculeor“throwout”peoplewhodisagreewiththem?

17. DescribeJesus’conversationwiththeformerblindmanandtheman’sreaction.

18. HowdoyouinterpretJesus’discussionwiththePhariseesinverses39-41?



the GIft of sIGht – John 9:6-7 60the BAttLe of BLIndness – John 9:8-17 61douBtInG the sIGn – John 9:18-23 61reJectInG the sIGn – John 9:24-34 62Jesus seArches – John 9:35-41 62personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 10:1-42 63

contextChaptereightbeganwithJesusclaimingtobethelightoftheworldandendedwithJesus’enemieswantingtokillHim.Howcouldthepeoplebesoblind?ChapternineexaminesthatquestionandexposestheblindnessofpeoplewhorejectJesus.

the questIon And AnsWer – John 9:1-5ThestorybeginswhenJesusandHisdisciplesseeamanblindsincebirth.Thedisciplesaskaveryhumanquestion.Whosefaultisthisblindness?Itisnotunusualthatthediscipleswanttoknowwhythemanwasbornblind.Historians,congressionalcommitteesandweourselvestrytodeterminecauseandtofixblame.

Furthermoretheoptionsposedinthedisciples’questionarealsoreasonable.Obviously,sometimesoursinshurtus.SatantemptedAdam,Eve,andevenJesus(Matthew4:1-11)todothingstohurtthemselvesandwearetemptedlikewise.Equallyobvious,thesinofparentscanhurtchildren.Forexample,childrenlearnprejudicefromparents,andstatisticsindicatethatchildrenofabusiveparentsfrequentlyabusetheirchildren,childrenofalcoholicparentsaremorelikelytobecomealcoholics,andchildrenwhoareunlovedfrequentlysuffermorepsychologicalproblems.

Thedisciples’questionrestsontheologicalblindnessaswellasnaturalcuriosity.TheyassumethatphysicalblindnessisapunishmentofsinbyGod.Theydon’tquestionthatassumption;theymerelyquestionwhosesinGodispunishing.TheassumptionofthedisciplesdistortstheirreadingoftheOldTestament.TheyoverlookthelovingcreativegoodnessofGodandblindlyassumethatGodwantstohurtpeople.TheyrememberpassageslikeExodus20:5,Psalm109:9-14,137:7-9andIsaiah65:6-7teachingthatitisGod’swillthatchildrensufferforthesinsoftheirparents.Ontheotherhand,theyrememberpassageslikeDeuteronomy24:16,Ezekiel18:1-4andJeremiah

“Jesus graciously tries to help people see.”






31:29-30whichseemtoteachtheopposite.Theblindnesscomeswiththefocusonsinratherthansalvation.

Wesufferfromthesamedistortedtheologicalvision.WeknowthatGodpunishessinand,likeJob’sfriends(Job4:2-8),weforcemoraljudgments.Wejestthat“God’sgoingtogetyou”orthreatenourchildrenbytellingthemthatJesusiswatchinganddoesnotlikenaughtychildren.Ourjestorthreatcreatesproblemsforourselvesandothers.

Jesus’replyignoresthedisciples’question.Heknowsthatthedisciples’questioncreatesmoreproblemsthanitsolves.Answeringtheirquestionwoulddealwithhumansinbutignoredivineglory.Nevertheless,weoftenletthedisciples’questionguideourownconduct.Forexample,wemaynotgivepeopleafairchancebecauseofjudgmentsaboutahandicap,theirbackground,orthecharacteroftheirparents.Weexcuseandtolerateourownbadattitudesorbadactionsbecause“that’sthewayIwastaught!”Jesuswillnotansweraquestionwhichenablesustoblameothersandavoidpersonalresponsibility.Ontheotherhand,usingonlytheoptionsofthedisciples’question,wemayunreasonablyblameourselvesforourownproblemoreventheproblemsofalovedone.Forexample,wemaywonderifbadhealthorabusinessfailureisretributionforasincommittedlongago.Whenachildisbornwithahandicap,diestragically,doespoorlyinschool,orevencommitsacrime,parentsfeelgreatguiltand/orwonderwhyGodispunishingthem.JesusmustteachHisdisciplesthatblamingselforothersdoesnotsolvethequestionofsinorexplainaphysicalhandicap.

Jesus’replyleadsthedisciplesawayfromanexaminationofsinintoadeeperunderstandingofGod’sglory.Hisanswerhasfourparts.First,Herejectstheideathatblindnessiscausedbytheman’sorhisparent’ssin.Second,JesusteachesthattheblindnessisanopportunityforGod’swork.Third,thereisanurgencytodoGod’sworkand,finally,HeteachesthedisciplestounderstandsuchworkasthesharedresponsibilitygivenbytheOneWhosentJesus.

ReflectuponthefouraspectsofJesus’reply.First,rejecttheideathataphysicalhandicapisanopportunitytofixblameorwallowinguilt.Second,seehowhandicapsorproblemsprovideopportunitytodisplaytheworkof

God.Third,thinkurgently.Whatcanbedonenow?Meetpresentopportunities.Finally,understandhelpingpeopleasaGod-givenmission.Inoursociety,human“problems”areoftenput“outofsightandoutofmind.”Jesuscallsustoseesuch“problems”asopportunities.Lovingparents,helpfulchildren,andcaringfriendsareallmissionariesrevealingthegloryofChristianlove.

Inconclusiontothissection,aChristianpastortotheblindoncepointedouttomethattheBiblenevertellsusthatJesus“healed”ablindperson.Jesus“givessight”butHedoesnot“heal.”IthinkthesemanticsareimportantandInowtrytoavoidusingtheword“healing”withregardtoblindnessandotherhandicaps.“Healing”impliesdiseaseandgivesanegativeimagetohandicappedpeople.Itsmacksofpunishment.“Givingsight”expressesloveandsharingablessing.

“Trusting God influences our action and may mean more than simply sitting and waiting.”

the GIft of sIGht – John 9:6-7AlthoughJesushelpedotherblindpeoplewithsimplyawordoratouch(Matthew9:27-31,20:29-34,Mark10:46-52andLuke18:35-43),Henowspitsontheground,makesmudwiththesaliva,putsthepasteontheblindman’seyesandtellshimtogowashinthePoolofSiloam(9:6).

Asanaside,oneshouldnotfeelsqueamishorconsiderJesus’actioncrudeandunsanitary.PeopleatJesus’timethoughtspithadhealingvalue.AncientGreco-RomanwritersasfamousasTacitusandSuetoniuswroteofthetherapeuticusageofspit.ThescientificPlinytheElderwroteanentirebookonhowtousebeneficiallyhumanandanimalspit.PerhapsJesusalsousesthatpositiveattitudeaboutspitintheparableoftherichmanandpoorLazarus(Luke16:19-31).Whenthedogslickthepoorman’ssores(Luke16:20),Jesusmaybeteachingthatthedogsdomorefortheman’shealththantherichman.

Returningtothestory,IthinkthatJesus’actionisimportantfortworeasons.First,Heusesthethingsofthisworldtohelpand,second,Hisactiondemandsfaith.Likeasacramentusingwaterorbreadandwine,somethingoftheworldcombineswithJesus’Wordtooffermiraculous



help.Second,JesusdoesnotimposeHisblessing.ThemanmusttrustHimenoughtogotothepooltowashoffthemud.Jesusforcedthemantomakeadecision.Inunbelief,hecouldhaverejectedJesus’directiveandgonehome.Instead,hetrustedJesusenoughtodoasHesaid.Inasense,themanfaithfullyparticipatesinJesus’action.Applythetworeasonstolifetoday.TodaythehealingpowerofGodmayplaceworldlythingsonourhandicaps,suchasexercise,rest,goodfood,medicine,surgery,physicaltherapyorother“spit-like”thingsofthisworld.Second,activelytrustthatGodwantstohelp.ThatmeansactingaccordingtoGod’swillandfollowingHisWord.TrustingGodinfluencesouractionandmaymeanmorethansimplysittingandwaiting.

the BAttLe of BLIndness – John 9:8-17Themanrecovershissight!Isthebattlewithblindnessover?Matthew,MarkandLukesimplytellstoriesofblindmenreceivingsight.Theyrecordlittleofthereactiontothemiracle.PerhapstheyknowthattheirreaderswillunderstandthatthemiracleispartoftheMessianicactivityof“givingsighttotheblind(Isaiah29:18,35:5,and42:7).”John’sstoryisradicallydifferent.Hetellsusthatthestrugglewithspiritualblindnessbeginsaftertheblindmansees.Theblindnessmanifestsitselfinanumberofways.First,peoplearenotcertainwhathappened(9:8-9).Thentheywanttoknowhowithappened(9:10).Likethem,wetoo,debatewhethermiraclesreallyhappen.Likethem,wehavemorecuriosityforhowthingsworkthanawefortheworkitself.Weviewamodelshipinatinybottleandweask,“Howdidyoudothat?”Weviewafriend’sblessingandwewanttoknowwhathappenedsothatwe,too,canbeblessed.

NextJohntellsusthatreligiouslegalistsquestionthewayJesusactedsinceHeopenedtheman’seyesontheSabbath.Likemanyreligiouspeople,theycriticizeJesusnotforwhatHedidbutforthewayHedidit.Theircriticismisrootedinreligioustraditionsthatcarefullyinterpreted

God’steachingaboutworkontheSabbath(Exodus20:8-11andDeuteronomy5:12-15).PeopledebatedhowtokeeptheSabbathholyanddevelopedthirty-ninerulesaboutcookingfood,travelingandotherworkwhichpreservedorprofanedthesanctityoftheday.Accordingtosuchtraditions,Jesusprobablybrokefourrules.Hekneadedclay,usedSabbathspittle,anointedeyes,andhealedontheSabbathinanon-lifethreateningsituation.

ThedilemmaofthePhariseesisclear.JesusbroketheSabbathbutwithsuper-humanresults.Theendisgoodbutdoesitjustifythemeans?Theirblindnessisclear.RatherthandebatethevalidityoftheirBiblicalinterpretation,theydebateJesusandHiswork.Assumingthevalidityoftheirowntraditions,eithertheymustrejectthemiracleorthemiracleworker.

Todayweeasilydiscernthefollyofsuchancientblindness.Nevertheless,inasimilarway,Christianstodaymayoverlookagoodthingimproperlydone.Wegrumble,“Irespectwhattheydidbuttheyshouldhavecheckedwiththepropercommitteefirst!”Wearetemptedtooverlooktruthifitisspokenbysomeoneofanopposingpoliticalpartyorofadifferentdenomination.

douBtInG the sIGn – John 9:18-23Jesus’enemiesblindlydebatetherealityofthemiracle.First,theyinterrogatetheparentsoftheformerblindman.Theirblindpredeterminedsentence(9:22)forcestheparentstochoosepersonalsafetyor,inasense,todisowntheirson(9:23).Describingtheiraction,JohnremindstheChristiansthatlovingChristteststheclosesthumanrelationship.PeoplewhothinkprimarilyabouttheirownwelfaremisunderstandandevendisownthosewhofollowGod’swill.TheparentaldecisionremindsusofJesus’wordsinMatthew10:36-38andLuke12:53.Peerpressureandthesearchforsocialacceptabilityabortpreciousopportunitiestoconfessfaithtodayalso.

John reminds the Christians that loving Christ tests the closest human relationship.



reJectInG the sIGn – John 9:24-34AftersuccessfullypressuringtheparentsnottoacknowledgeJesus,Hisenemiesagaininterrogatetheformerblindman(9:24-34).Oncemore,theirblindnessrevealsitself.Theformerblindmanispressuredtodenyhisfaith,ridiculedonthebasisofhisfaith,andfinallyrejected.Theironyisvivid.Sincethemanwasbornblind,theycondemnhimasasinner(9:34and9:2).Butthemanisnolongerblind.Accordingtotheirtheologicallogic,thequestionofsinisnolongerrelevant.TheydonotseethesignofGod’sglory.EvenintheChristianchurchsimilarblindnessstillappears.Thereisareluctancetoaccepttestimony,atemptationtoridiculeexperience,aquicknesstocondemn,andaslownesstoforgive.Newdisciplesarejudgedbytraditionalstandards.Newexpressionsoffaithinnon-traditionalsongsare“thrownout.”Missionworkinadifferentlanguagereceivesnosupportorisrejected.

Jesus seArches – John 9:35-41Thechapterendswhereitbegan.Jesusgraciouslytriestohelppeoplesee.Hefindstheformerblindmanandgiveshimsomethingevenmorepreciousthanphysicalsight.Jesusenableshimtobelieveandtoworship(9:38).Jesus’remarksaftertheexcommunicationcallHisenemiestorecognizetheirblindness(9:39).Jesus’finalwordsstandasLawandGospel(9:41).PeoplewhoremainblindtotheillogicoftheirtheologyandtheinjusticeoftheiractionsmustrejectJesus’ways.However,iftheyseetheirsin,Jesusstandsreadytohelp.

Jesus’finalwordscanbeappliedinanumberofways.Expertsclaimthatalcoholicsmust“see”theproblembeforetheycanbehelped.Marriagepartners,blindtogrowinglovelessness,blindlycreatemorelovelessness.Theydriftapartuntil,byGod’sgrace,theyseetheproblemandsearchfornewwaystoseetheoldlove.Thethrillofhavingthingsblindspeopletothepressureofmaterialism.Onlywhentheyseehowthe“ratrace”createsfrustrationratherthanhappinessaretheyreadytolookbeyondtheblindnessofmaterialismtothelove-givingsightofJesus.

Jesus graciously tries to help people see. He finds the former blind man and gives him something

even more precious than physical sight. Jesus enables him to believe and to worship.




Lord God, with Your great love, protect us from evil and lead us to trust and love You more and more. In Jesus’ name. Amen

John10:1-61. Inyourownwords,whatdoestheillustration,“figureofspeech”(10:6),orparableinverses1-5mean?

2. Whywouldthepeoplehavefailedtounderstandthe“figureofspeech?”(Referto:9:41)

3. ReadPsalm23,Jeremiah23:1-4andEzekiel34fortheBiblicalbackgroundwithwhichJesus’listenerswouldhavetriedtounderstandit.DescribetheblessingsofPsalm23fromthefollowingverses:

VerseOne:

VerseTwo:

VerseThree:

VerseFour:

VerseFive:

VerseSix:

AccordingtoJeremiah23:1-4,whomwillGodpunishandhowwillHeblessHispeople?

WhoaretheshepherdsinEzekiel34:1-10?

Howhavetheytakencareoftheflock(Ezekiel34:1-4)?

Whathappenedtothesheep(Ezekiel34:5-9a)?



HowwillGodhelpHissheep(Ezekiel34:10-31)?

4. Withwhomorwhatcouldyouequatethefollowingtoday?John10:1-6

Sheeppen

Climber/thiefandrobber

Shepherd

Watchman

Gate

Sheep

“Callsbyname”

“Leadsthemout”

“Goesaheadofthem”

“Follow/knowhisvoice”

“Notfollow/runaway”

John10:7-215. Whatwillthegoodshepherddo?

6. TheLatinwordfor“shepherd”is“pastor.”Howisacongregation’spastor(clergy)a“shepherd?”



Howcanthe“GoodShepherd”beamodelforagoodpastor?

Howcana“hiredhand”(asclergy)affectacongregation?

7. Manyofusliveinanurbancultureandseldom,ifever,seeshepherdstakingcareofsheep.Therefore,Jesus’figureofspeechisnotasvividtousasitwastotheoriginallisteners.Listsome“figuresofspeech”thatmeanaboutthesameas“shepherd”butmighthavemoreimpactonurbanpeopletoday.

John10:22-338. UseadictionarytodeterminethemeaningoftheFeastofDedicationorHanukkah.

Ifpossible,askaJewishpersonhowHanukkahiscelebratedtoday.

9. Readagain10:25-30.Summarizewhatthesepassagesmeantoyouandhowyoucanapplythemtoyourlife.

10. WhatgreatclaimdoesJesusmakeandhowdotheunbelieversreacttothatclaim?

John10:34-4211. StatetworeasonsJesusgaveforbelievingthatHeistheSonofGod.

12. WhatreligioussignificanceortraditionisconnectedwiththeJordanRiver?(Joshua4:1-7)

13. WhyisitsignificantthatJesusisrejectedinJerusalembuttrustedneartheJordan?

14. Howcanretreatingtotheoriginaltruthsofourfaithhelpourspirituallife?



the uGLy fAce of reJectIon – John 10:22-42 67personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 11:1-57 69

Lesson 12JoHn 10:1-42

contextInchapterten,JesuschangesthefocusofthetheologicaldisputethatfollowedHisgivingsighttothemanbornblind.Jesus’enemiesrejectedJesusbecausethehealingsignhadbeenperformedontheSabbath(9:16).TheirrejectionincludedthrowingouttheformerblindmanwhobelievedthatJesuscamefromGod(9:33).Inchapterten,JesusexplainsthemeaningofHisministryusingagriculturalmetaphorswithastrongBiblicalbackground.JesusidentifiesHimselfastheGoodShepherdbutalsowarnspeopleaboutbadshepherds,asdidtheprophetsJeremiahandEzekiel.ThefollowingchapterwilldemonstrateevenmorevividlythepowerandloveofJesusforHispeople.

Wewillstudythechapterintwoparts.Thefirstsection(10:1-21)consistsprimarilyofJesus’wordsaboutHisministry.Itpresentsanexcitinginvitationtobelieve.Thesecondsection(10:22-42)continuesJesus’calltofaithbutshowstheuglyfaceofrejection.

Jesus’ mInIstry – John 10:1-21AlthoughtheGospelofJohncallsthematerialinJohn10:1-5a“figureofspeech,”itremindsusofthe“parables”recordedintheSynopticGospels.Asanagriculturalmetaphor,theillustrationissimpleandmakestwopoints.Theapproachandreceptiondiffersforasheepthiefandashepherd.Robberssneakintoasheeppenwhiletheshepherdentersthroughthegate(10:1-2).Thesecurityguardforthesheepandthesheepthemselvesaccepttheshepherdbutnotthethief.Jesusremindsushowdifferentlywereacttopeoplewetrustandtothosewedonottrust.PerhapstodayJesuswouldillustratethetruthbysayingthatapetdogwagsitstailforitsownerbutgrowlsataburglar.

Johntellsus(10:6)thatthefigureofspeechwasnotunderstood.Jesus’wordsthusillustratethetruthproclaimedindebatewiththePharisees(9:41).Theydon’tseehowmuchJesuscaresforpeopleandhowlittletheycare.TheirblindnessandJesus’wordshaveaddedforcebecauseofthe

“The love of God stands face to face with human hate. The choice now faces us. Will we seek our fate with human

hate, or will the love of Jesus Christ shepherd us?”





propheticusageofshepherdmetaphors.ReadEzekiel34tounderstandtheBiblicalforceofJesus’illustrations.ThewordsteachtheplightofGod’speople(thesheep),theselfishnessofuncaringshepherds(falseprophets),andtheprotectingloveofGod,asashepherd.Jeremiah,writingaboutagenerationbeforeEzekiel,proclaimedthesamebasictruthsinhiscondemnationoffalseshepherdsscatteringGod’ssheep,andofGod’spromisetogathertheremnant(Jeremiah23:1-4).

ThusreaderswithanawarenessoftheprophetictruthswouldfindinJesus’wordsclearreferencetotheBiblicalmessageofGod’slove,andtoself-servingreligioushypocrisy.JesusHimselfappliesthetruthcontainedinthefiguresofspeechtoHisowntimeinthenextverses(10:7-18).First,JesusidentifiesHimselfasthegate(10:7-10)and,then,asthegoodshepherd(10:11-17).Thetwometaphorscomplementeachotherandworktopresentthewholetruth.

Asthegate,JesusisthewaytotheFather.AsthewaytotheFather,Heofferspeoplefulllife(10:10).Inlightoftheimmediatecontext(John9),JesusissayingthatHegavetheblindmanspiritualaswellasphysicalsight.ThewordsremindusofJohn1:18,“NoonehaseverseenGod,butGodtheOneandOnly(i.e.Jesus),whoisattheFather’sside,hasmadehimknown.”JesuswillexpressthesametruthinJohn14:6whenHesays,“Iamthewayandthetruthandthelife.NoonecomestotheFatherexceptthroughme.”ThethievesandrobberswhocamebeforeJesusremainanonymous,butthetextmustrefertothefalseprophetsofthepastandthespirituallyblindhypocritesfacingHim.

ApplyJesus’firstmetaphortoyourfaith.PraiseJesusforleadingyouinthepastureofGod’sword,forHisforgivinglove,andforHiscaringpeace.ThankHimforcomingtogivelife-fulllife.Usethewordstoidentifythievesandrobbersthatthreatenyou.Theymaybeinnerselfishimpulsesthat,ifactedupon,woulddestroyyou.Theymaybeattractivebutfalsespiritualclaims.Theymaybepeoplewithcharmandsinceritywhowillleadyourlifeinthewrongdirection.

Thesecondmetaphor(10:11-18)buildsonthefirst.Jesusismorethantheway(“gate”)toGod.HeistheGood

Shepherd.Themetaphorcontainspositiveandnegativemeaning.Onthepositiveside,JesusiswillingtogiveHislifeforHissheep(10:11,15,17-19).Hisloveistotal.HelovespeoplemorethanHisownlife.Furthermore,HeservesastheSonofGoddoingthewillofGod.Onthenegativeside,whenevil(“wolf”)attacks,selfishreligiousforces(“hiredman”)willfail.Falsereligiousleaderslookoutfortheirowninterestsandnotforthewelfareofthepeopletheyclaimtoserve.

Again,trytoapplythemetaphortoyourlife.RememberandsenseJesus’loveandthinkabouthowitguidesandprotectsyou.Second,thinkaboutthe“wolves”oflifethatthreatenyou.Identifythe“hiredhands”withfalsepromisesofsecurity.

ThefinalthreeversesofthefirstsectionillustratehowpeoplerespondtoJesus’truth.SomerejectJesusasacrazedperson,caughtundertheinfluenceofadevil(10:20).Thedepthandforceoftheirunbeliefwillbeexposedinthenextsection(10:22-40).OthersknowwhatJesushasdone,andknowthatthedevildoesnotworkthatway(10:21).Theformerblindman,whonowsees,provesthepoweroftheGoodShepherd.Thewordstestusalso.OnecannotbeneutralaboutJesus.Hisloveandpowerdemandacceptanceorrejection.

the uGLy fAce of reJectIon – John 10:22-42Thesecondmajorsectionofchaptertenhasthreeparts.First(10:22-30),unbelieverswanttoknowifJesusistheMessiah(10:24),and,then(10:31-39),theywanttostoneHimbecauseHeclaimstobeGod(10:33).ThesectionconcludeswithJesusmovingtotheareaeastoftheJordanRiver(10:40-42).Forthefourthtime,JesusisinJerusalemforareligiousfestival.ThesameFeastofDedicationiscelebratedtodayinDecemberasHanukkah.Itmarksthepurificationofthetemplein165BCfollowingmilitaryvictoriesoftheleaderJudasMaccabeus.Forseveralyearsthetemplehadbeendesecratedbecauseanon-JewishrulernamedAntiochusEpiphanesIVhadmadeitashrine,offeringsacrificestoZeus.Itwasquitenatural,therefore,forthepeopletowantJesustotellplainlyifHewasMessiahornot.Tounderstandtheirquestion,rememberthattheJewishpeopleheldmanydifferentideasabouttheMessiah.Theword“Messiah”translatesaHebrewwordwhichmeans“anointedone”



or,simply,“leader.”ThenationalisticcelebrationmadepeoplewonderifJesuswouldleadthemagainstenemiesashadtheirhero,JudasMaccabeus.Theirquestioniscomparabletopre-electionyearcuriosityintheUnitedStatesaboutthosewhowanttobePresident.

Jesusrespondstothequestionbyclaimingtobeabetterleaderthantheyexpect(10:25-29).Heisnotanationaldelivererbutthelife-givingSonofGod.ThecalltodiscipleshiprestsontheclaimthatJesusandtheFatherare“one”(10:30).Theironyisthatpeopleinsuspense(10:24)abouttheleadershipofferedbyamereman(10:33),rejectasblasphemyGodlyleadership.Usingthepreviousmetaphors,Jesus’questionersshowthattheyarethievesorrobberswhokillanddestroy(10:33,Cf.10:10).

Jesusrespondstothechargeofblasphemybyusingateachingmethodinwhicha“lesser”(or“obvious”)truthillustratesa“greater”(or“debatable)truth.LiketherabbisofHistime,Jesusfrequentlyusedsuchateachingdevice(Matthew7:9-11,10:29-31,Luke18:1-8).ThedebatableissuehereisJesus’claimtobeGod(10:33).JesussupportsHisclaimbypointingtoPsalm82:6.ThepoetryofthePsalmcalls“gods”theunjustrulersandjudgeswhopracticeevilinsteadofdefendingtheweak,poor,oppressedandneedy.ThePsalmstatesthatsuch“gods”willdielike“meremen”(Psalm82:7,Cf.John10:33).ThestrengthofJesus’argumentrestsonthefactthattheBiblecallsunjustrulers“gods”andthepremisethattheBibletellsthetruthi.e.“cannotbebroken”(10:35).Therefore,claimingthetitleofGodisnotblasphemyperse.JesuswantsHisaccuserstoseethemselvesactingliketheunjust“god”portrayedinPsalm82.Ontheotherhand,Jesus’“rescueoftheneedy”correspondstothePsalm’sdeclarationofthetrueGod’swill.Anotherwaytosayit,JesuswantsHis

enemiestoquestiontheirrighttocondemnHim.HegavesighttoablindmanontheSabbath.TheycondemnedHimandtheblindman.WhoseactionismoreGodlike?Whoreallyis“mereman?”

Alongwiththe“argumentfromlessertogreater”usingScripture,JesusalsosupportsHisdivineclaimbypointingtoHismiracles(10:38).SuchwonderspointbeyondhumanitytoGod(10:21,9:31-32).Sadly,neitherteachingdrawnfromScripturenorwonderbasedonexperiencechangethemindsoftheunbelievers.Thatsadtruthrepeatsitselfmanytimesinourownlives.Today,too,peopleresisttheWordofGodandrejectitstruths.Alsotoday,peopleignorethewondersofGodrangingfromtheuniverseasamonumentofHiscreativehandiworktoforgivenessofsinsasamonumentofHislove.

Thechapterends(10:40-42)withJesusleavingJerusalemandgoingacrosstheJordan.TheconclusionsadlyshowsthatpeopleinJerusalemaretrappedbytheirownspiritualblindness.Thecitadel,establishedasaplacetoworshipGod,isfilledwithpeoplewhodonotknowHim.TheJordanmarksthesitewhereGod’schosenpeopleenteredthelandwithJoshua.Theretheproclamationofthedesertprophet,JohntheBaptist,provesreliablyinsightfulwhilepeopleinthetemplemodelspiritualblindness.

Insummary,chaptertenshowsthatpeopleneedprotectionandguidance.Thequestioniswheretogetthathelp.Thechoicesofferedare:JesusastheGoodShepherdwhoiswillingtodieforothers,orpeoplewithreligiousconvictionsthatmakethemwillingtokill.TheloveofGodstandsfacetofacewithhumanhate.Thechoicenowfacesus.Willweseekourfatewithhumanhate,orwilltheloveofJesusChristshepherdus?

…people ignore the wonders of God ranging from the universe as a monument of His creative handiwork to forgiveness of sins as a monument of His love.




Dear Lord, use Your Word to raise me from the death of unbelief into the eternal life of faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John11:1-161. John11:4isakeytounderstandingthewholestory.HowdoesJesusexplainthepurposeofLazarus’illness?

2. HowdoyouthinkthedisciplesunderstoodJesus’diagnosisinverse4?

3. Howwouldyouinterpret11:9-10?

4. WhydothedisciplesnotwanttoreturntoJudea?

5. HowdoyourelateJesus’statementinverse11withthatofverse14?

6. InterpretthestatementofThomasasirony.IsLazarusorJesustheantecedentof“him”whenThomassays,“Letusalsogothatwemaydiewithhim?”(11:16)

Howishisstatementbasedonhumanfear?

Howdoesitexpresstruediscipleship?(15:13-16:2,Mark8:34-38)

John11:17-377. WhatisMartha’sattitudeasshegreetsJesus?

8. HowdoesJesus“expand”or“deepen”Martha’sfaith?

9. WhatdoJesus’wordsinverses25-26meantoyou?

10. HowisJesus’conversationwithMarydifferentfromHisconversationwithMartha?



11. Intheopinionofunbelievers,whydoesJesusweep?

12. InthelightofJohn11:4,11,23,25and33,whydoyouthinkJesuswept?

DoyouthinkthatJesusweepswhenHelooksatourlivesorourworldtoday?Explainyouranswer

John11:38-4413. ExplainMartha’scommentin11:39inthelightofhergreatconfessionin11:27.

14. Doestherealityofdeaththreatenyourfaith?Howdoesdeath“test”yourtrustofJesus?

15. CommentonJesus’prayerandtellwhyHeprays?

16. WhydoyouthinkJohntellsusthatLazaruswasstillwrappedingraveclothes?

John11:45-5717. ListthreewaysinwhichpeoplereactedtowhatJesusdid.

18. ListthreewaysinwhichpeopletodayreacttoJesus’giftoflife.

19. ExplainthedilemmaofJesus’enemies.

Haveyoueverfacedasimilardilemma?Ifso,explain.

20. WhatisCaiaphas’adviceandwhatironictruthliesinhiswords?

21. Haveyoueverhurtonepersontohelpmany?Howdoesloveforindividualssometimesconflictwithgrouployalty?

Howdoyou,asaChristian,solvethatconflict?



on the roAd neAr BethAny – John 11:17-37 73LAzArus rAIsed – John 11:38-44 74reJectIon – John 11:45-57 74personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 12:1-50 75

purpose And structureManyBibleoutlinescallthisstory“TheRaisingofLazarus”.AlthoughitistruethatLazarus’calltolifefromdeathprovidesthefocalpointofthestory,thetheologicalspotlightisonthepowerofJesustogivelife,eternallife.TheGospelteachesusthatJesus’realconcernisnotthedeadbodyofLazarusbutthe“dead”(weak)faithofMartha,Mary,mourningcompatriots,doubtingreligiousleaders,andfinallyyouandme.

Thestoryisdividedintofourmainparts,andwecanidentifythembylocation.Theactionbegins(11:1-6)beyondtheJordanRiverwhereJesuslearnsthatLazarusissick.ThenthestorymovestoJesus’encounterwithLazarus’twosisterssomewherenearBethanyontheJerichotoJerusalemroad(11:17-37).NextwemovetothecavewhereLazaruswasburied(11:38-44)and,finally,thestoryclosesinJerusalemwiththesolemnassemblyofreligiousleadersplanningJesus’death(11:45-57).Ineachsection,Jesusseekstogivepeoplelife.

physIcAL And spIrItuAL deAth – John 11:1-16Sectiononerevealsboththeproblemofphysicalandspiritualdeath.LazarusofBethanyisill,deadlyill,andhissisterssendwordtoJesuswhoisavoidingarrestbeyondtheJordanRiver.JesusisneartheJordanwhereJohnbaptizedHimandHispublicministrybegan.LikethatcovenantpeopleofGod,whobegantheconquestandestablishmentofanationattheJordan,soJesusnowbeginsHismarchtoJerusalemandbacktothegloryoftheFather.TheTrueSonofGoddoesinamoresignificantorcompletewaywhatJoshua(whoseHebrewnameinGreekisalsotranslatedJesus)andthepeopleofGoddidbeforeHim.

WhileattheJordan,twosisterssendJesusasimplemessage.“Lord,hewhomyouloveisill.”Itisasimplestatement.Nodirective.Norequest.ItremindsmeofthemotherofJesussaying,“Theyhavenowine”(2:3).IsthisasubtlehintremindingusthatprayerdoesnottellGodwhattodobutsimplyshareswithHimtheconcernsofourheart?IstheinformationbasedontrustthatJesuswillknowwhattodoandwilldoit?Whatevertheintentbehindthe

“The words make us pause and examine our own faith.”






information,Jesusrespondswithwhatmusthavebeengoodnews.“Theillnessisnotuntodeath”(11:4).Hiswordssoundlikeapromisethatthesickmanwillrecover.ButthesecondpartofHisresponseismoreimportant,“It(theillness)isforthegloryofGod,sothattheSonofGodmaybeglorifiedbymeansofit.”WeneedtoponderthesewordscarefullybecausetheGospelofJohnteasesuswithirony.Or,tomovefromaliteraryemphasistoatheologicalemphasis,theJohanninerecordcreatesacrisis-amomentoftruthwhichtestswhetherwethinkonaspiritualormateriallevel.TorecallthecrisisofNicodemus(3:3),isourlifenaturalorsupernatural?Or,toputitanotherway,dowetrustJesusornot?Doweseeaspectacularraisingofonemanfromthedeadordoweseethelife-givinggloryoftheSon?Dopersonalproblemsproducecomplaintsorprayers?

Whateveroursickness,JesushassomeGoodNews,“Itisnotuntodeath.ItisuntothegloryofGod.”Hedoesn’ttellushowitwillhappen.Hetestsfaith.Therearemanywaystoapplythisversetolifetoday.IllnessmaybecursedaspainfuloracceptedasatimetorealizehumanweaknessandtheimportanceofGod’sblessings.

Thecalltofaithreceivesanewchallengeinversefive.WehearthatJesuslovesMartha,Mary,andLazarusandthatmakesiteasytoanticipatewhatwillhappennext.WeexpecttheOnewhogavesighttoablindman(9:1-7),healedanobleman’sson(4:46-54),andenabledacrippletowalk(5:1-9),tobreakcampandmovequicklytohealagain.Thesurprisingaction(orinaction)inversesixisdeliberateonJesus’partbutnotwhatthesisterswantedorwhatweexpect.Letmyparaphrasetrytoexpressthefullimpactofversesfiveandsix,“Therefore,becauseJesuslovedMartha,andMary,whenHeheardthatLazaruswassick,Hedidn’tbudgefortwodays.”

WhatdoesJesuswanttoteachthesistersandus?IsHeteachingusthatsometimesGodrequiresthatwewaitforHispresence?God’swaysofdealingwithillnessarenotourways.NorareGod’smotivesourmotives.Weseekquicksolutions.Jesuswaitstwodays.Waiting,lettingtimepass,lettingeventsdevelop,maybeapartofGod’splan.EvenonahumanlevelwecanlearnfromJesus.Parentsmustwaitandgivechildrenthetimenecessarytostruggletomaturity.Humansmaybemotivatedbythe

gloryofsuccessandtheabsenceofsuffering.Jesusismotivatedbylove.HelovedthemsoHedidnothingfortwodays.ItremindsmeofoneofmyfavoritequotationsattributedtoPresidentEisenhowerspeakingtoSecretaryofStateDulles.Aspeopleclamoredfordecisiveactioninsomediplomaticcrises,thePresidentwarnedDulles,“Don’tjustdosomething,standthere.”IcanimaginethedisciplespressuringJesus,“Dosomething.Afriendmightdie.”AndJesusreplies,“Don’tjustdosomething.Standhere—infaith.”

Butletusreturntothestory.Afterthetwodaydelay,JesuspreparestogotoBethanyinJudea(11:7).Awareofthedanger,thedisciplesmakeareasonableprotest.ToreturntoJudeaistofacedangerbecausetheenemiesofJesushavetwicetriedtostoneHimthere(8:59and10:31).Readingbetweenthelines,theirfearstandsasasadcommentaryonJesus’delay.TheymusthaveinterpretedJesus’twodaydelayasmotivatedbyfearofoppositionandanattempttoprotectHimself.Iwonderiftheyhopedforsome“longrangemiracle.”Afterall,Jesuswasnotpresentwhenthenobleman’ssonrecovered(4:50)ortheblindman(9:7)gainedhissight.Thedisciples’commentsshowthatJesusneedstogotoJerusalemnottoraisedeadLazarus,buttoshow“dead”disciplesthatHisdivinemissiondoesnotwaitbecauseoffearorlackofpower.

Insomeways,wearelikethedisciples.WehaveseensignsofthegloryofourLord.ThereissecuritywithJesusneartheJordanRiverofourownbaptisms,butthereisdangergoingtotheplacesoftheworldwherepeoplearesickanddying.Jesus’enemiesarethere.WewanttostayneartheJericho-likeoasisandenjoythepresenceofJesus.IsittheJerichoofagreatliturgicaltradition?Isitthesecurityofawell-organizedmissionprogram?Isittheoasisofacarefullystructuredchurchwithwelldefinedjobdescriptionsandanaccurateorganizationalchart?WhatgiftsGodgivesuswithourdecencyandorder!ButsometimesunbeliefmotivatesustoinactivityratherthanfollowingtheLordasHefacestheenemiesoflife.

Versesnineandtenare,inasense,aparableoraproverb.Jesusvividlytellsthedisciplesthatthereislimitedtimeforaction.Themeaningiscomparabletoourexpressions,“Strikewhiletheironishot”or,“Makehay



whilethesunshines.”Thereferencestodayandlightalsosuggestthatamoralissueisinvolved.TorespondtoLazarus’needisright(“ofthelight”).Failuretoactwouldbewrong(“notwalkinginthelight”).

Jesus’nextwords(11:11)ironicallynotonlygivethereasonHemustgobutalsochallengethedisciplestounderstandtherealcrisis.JesustellsthedisciplesthatLazarusissleeping.Thedisciplesfailthetest.Theythinkofthingsofthisworld.TheythinkthatJesus’wordsmeanthatLazarusissleepingphysically.Suchsleepwouldsuggestthatthefeverhasbrokenorthatthepainhassubsided.ThedisciplesintheirhumanwisdomthinkthatahumanmedicalcrisishaspassedanddonotunderstandthattheLordofgloryistalkingaboutsomethingmuchmoreserious.

Theinspirededitormakessure,inversethirteen,thatwedonotsharethedisciples’ignorance.And,inversefourteen,Jesusclearlyinformsthedisciplesoftheirlackoffaith(“Lazarusisdead”).Thomas’responsetranslatedintheGreeksays,“Letusalsogoinorderthatwetoomightdiewithhim.”Theironyofthestatementrestsondeterminingwhoistheantecedentofthepronoun“him?”If“him”referstoLazarus,Thomasis,sarcasticallywithoutfaith,saying,“We(includingJesus?)willalljoinLazarusifwefollowJesus!”If“him”referstoJesus,hiswordsalsomayrevealhislackoftrust,butatanironicleveltheystandasachallengetothedisciples’faithwhichwillbecalledontofacedeathforthesakeofJesus.

Thusendsthefirstsectionofthestory.Lazarusisdead.Jesus’loverejoicesinthatdeathandcallsthedisciplestoanticipatethegloryofFatherandSon.Thedisciplesare,inamoreimportantsense,alsodead.Theirspokesmanacceptstherealityofdeathratherthantheanticipationofglory.

on the roAd neAr BethAny – John 11:17-37ThesecondsectiontakesplacesomewhereontheroadfromJerichotoJerusalem,nearBethany.Thedisciplesareunimportantinthispartofthestory.NowMartha,MaryandanonymousJewishpeoplejoinJesus.Thehumandramaisexplainedinversesseventeenthroughtwenty.

MarthafirstmeetsandaddressesJesuswithatwofoldprayeroffaith.ShestatesthatsheknowsJesuscould

havehelpedhadHebeenthere,andsherealizesGodwillgrantHisprayers.ThinkcarefullyaboutMartha’swords.Whatisthestateofherfaith?Atleastthefirststatement(vs.21)mayimplyacriticalquestion,suchas,“Whyweren’tyouhere,Jesus?”Inthesecondstatement,issheaskingforamiracle(vs.22)?

Inrathertypicalfashion,Jesus’replyleadsMarthatowardadeeperfaith.MarthamustjudgeifJesusisaffirmingthefaithintheresurrectionofthedeadattheendoftimeorifHeishintingatamoreimmediateresponsetoherfaithfulcomment(vs.22),“ButIknowthatevennowGodwillgiveyouwhateveryouask(NIV).”IsJesusinvitingMarthatothinkthatHecouldduplicatethemiracleofElishawho“askedGod”(2Kings4:33)andaboyregainedlife?WecanonlyspeculateifMarthahadheardabouthowJesushadgivenlifetothedaughterofJairus(Matthew9:18-26,Mark5:22-43,Luke8:41-56)ortothesonofthewidowofNain(Luke7:11-17)but,ifshehad,thoseeventswouldalsohelpprobethedepthofherconfession.Marthaconfesses(vs.24)thatshebelievesintheresurrectionattheendoftime.Thatis,ofcourse,agreatandimportantfaith.Notallpeopleathertimeoratourssharethatvitalbelief(Matthew22:23,Mark12:18,Luke20:27andActs23:8).

Jesus’response(11:25)standsasoneofthegreateststatementsofScripturerepeatedtodayatalmosteveryChristianfuneral.AfterthegreatclaimthatJesusistheresurrectionandthelifenotonlyinthehereafterbutalreadyinthehereandnow,HeasksMarthaifshebelievesthat.Hecallshertoadeeperfaiththanherpreviousconfession.Martha’sresponse(11:27)standsasanidealconfession.CompareherfaithfulstatementtothegoaloftheGospel(20:31).HerconfessionstandsasahighpointintheGospelofJohn,similartotheconfessionofPeterintheSynopticGospels(Matthew16:16,Mark8:29,Luke9:20).AfterherconfessionshetellshersisterthatJesusasksforher.MarthanotonlyconfessesbutalsobearswitnesstoJesus.However,asweshallsee(11:39b),despiteheridealconfessionandherwitness,she—likePeterintheSynoptics—mustcontinuetogrowinthefaith.

MarygreetsJesuswithwordssimilartohersister’s(11:32)butwithoutthefaiththatHemightstilldosomething(11:22).Herfaithislimitedby“whatmighthavebeen”andexpressesnohopeinJesusforthefuture.Readcarefully



Jesus’response.Jesusweepsforthe“dead”(flagging)faithofMaryandothers,notforthedeadbodyofLazarus.JesusisdeeplymovedandtroubledbytheweepingofMaryandthepeoplewithher.Heweeps(11:35)becausedeathhasweakenedthefaithofMaryandthepeoplemourningwithher.Jesusisnotweeping,asissometimesclaimed,becauseHeregretsthedeathofLazarus.HeisnotatthetombofLazarus.Furthermore,HealreadytoldthedisciplesthatHewasgladthatLazarusdied(11:14)andhasevenrevealedHissolutionforthatproblem(11:11).UnbelieversthinkthatJesusweepsbecauseofHisloveforLazarusandbecauseHecouldhavekeptthatmanfromdying(11:36-37).

TheprimarylessontobedrawnfromthisshortsectionisthecalltoseeJesusastheResurrectionandtheLife.Jesuscallsustobelieveinlifeafterdeath,butalsotoseeHimnowastheOneWhogiveslife.PeoplewhotrustJesusconfesstheirfaith,likeMartha,andtellothersthatJesusasksforthem.People,likeMary,whodonotconfessthatJesusistheSonofGod,weepbecauseofdeathandseeJesusasaratherhelplessfigure.IfwedonotseeJesusastheLordoflife,wemisunderstandChrist,and,likethecrowd,mockHim.

LAzArus rAIsed – John 11:38-44JesusraisesLazarusfromthedeadwithfouractions.First,Heordersthestonerolledaway(11:39a).Second,JesusrecallsMarthatofaith(11:40).Martha’sstatementabouttheodorofdeath(11:39b)seemstocontradictherrecentconfession(11:27).Hasshelostherfaith?Herlapse(11:40)remindsoneofPeter’sobjectiontoJesus’predictionofHisowndeathontheheelsofPeter’sgreatconfession(Matthew16:22-23,Mark8:32-33).Martha’sobjectionservestoremindusthatdoubtoftenfollowsfaithandthestruggletobelievecontinues.HerworryunderscorestheimportanceofPaul’sadvicein1Corinthians10:12,“So,ifyouthinkyouarestandingfirm,becarefulthatyoudon’tfall!”Jesus’thirdactionisformallyaprayeraddressedtotheFather(11:41-42)butalso,infact,isarevelationtopeoplefacingdeath.HeputswhatisabouttohappeninthecategoryofaGospeleventcallingpeopletotrustHim.JesuswillnotraiseLazarusfromthedeadtohelpLazarusbuttohelpunbelievers.Finally,JesuscallsLazarusoutofthetomb.LestpeoplethinkonlythespiritofLazarushasbeen

raised,orthatheappearsasaghost,Jesusordershimreleasedfromthegraveclothes.ThelifegivingpowerofJesusisnotanhallucinationbutisreal.RaisingLazarusfromthedeadcallspeopletobelievethatJesuswassentas“theresurrectionandthelife.”ItconfirmsJesus’wordsthatanyone“whobelievesinmewillliveeventhoughhediesandwhoeverlivesandbelievesinmewillneverdie”(11:25-26).SuchclearGospelpowerneedsnoexplanationorcomment.Itcallsforfaith.

reJectIon – John 11:45-57Nowthestorycomestoitsastonishingandsadconclusion.JesushasperformedasignwhichgiveslifetoLazarusandcallsforlifegivingfaithfromothers.Whathappens?PeoplerejectthesignandplottokillJesus(11:53).Twoprinciplesworktowarddeath.First,peoplewanttoprotecttheirowninterestsTheenemiesofJesusworryabouttheRomansdestroyingtheirplaceandnation(11:48).Second,theyarewillingtodestroyaninnocentpersontoprotecttheirinterests(11:50).TheadviceofCaiaphasisdemonicbecauseitsoundscorrect.Itistruethattherightsandprivilegesofanindividualoftenmustbesacrificedforthecommongood.Forexample,allofuswanttospendourmoneyaswechoose,butwepaytaxestosupportcommunityaffairs.Caiaphas,likeamobsterwithnorespectforhumanlife,wantstokillJesusforhisowngood.

ThewonderoftheGospelofJohnappearsclearlyintheinspirededitorialcommentofverses51-53.Caiaphashasspokenlikeagangsterorderingtheexecutionofaninnocentman.JohnshowstheironyofthestatementinthatJesuswill,infact,dietosaveallnationsandpeople.GodusesthewordsofasinnertospeakGod’struth.TheironyprovesthatGod’swillisdone.Powerful,wickedpeopledonotthwartGod’splan.ByGod’spower,wickedCaiaphasfulfillsHisGod-givenpurposeandexplainsGod’ssavingworkinJesus.

Theclosingversesconfirmthetragedyofunbelief(11:54-57).AfterJesus’greatestsign-thegivingoflife-sinshowitsugliestface:rejectionandadesiretokill.Thewordsmakeuspauseandexamineourownfaith.AfterexperiencingGod’spower,doweliveinwayswhichforceJesusawayfromus?




Pray that, as Mary anointed Jesus and crowds welcomed Him to Jerusalem, so the joy of loving Him will motivate your thoughts and deeds.

John12:1-111. Accordingto(12:1)whatisthesettingofchaptertwelve?

HowhadpeoplereactedtotheraisingofLazarusfromthedead?(11:45-57)

2. Whywerethepeopletogetherforadinnerandwhatwouldyouthinkwastheirmood?

3. VisualizeMary’sactandmakesomementalnotes.Whatmotivatedher?HowwasshefeelingandthinkingassheanointedJesusandastheotherswatched?HowdidshefeelaboutJudas’andJesus’remarks?

4. ThinkaboutyourmotivesandfeelingsaboutdoingthingsforJesus.Howandwhyhaveyou“anointed”Jesus?

5. WhatdoesthemotiveofJudasrevealabouthisattitudetowardMary?Jesus?Lazarus?Himself?

6. HowdoyoureactwhenyouobservemeaningfulactsoflovetowardGod,tothechurchortocharity?

WhatdothereasonsrevealaboutyourattitudetowardGod?Otherpeople?Yourself?

7. HowdoesJesusrespondtoJudas?

8. Howdo“un-Christian”attitudesandactions(“absenceofJesus”)createpovertyoraffectpoorpeople?

9. Howdoesvs.9-11illustrateJesus’remarktoJudas?

John12:12-1610. OnlytheGospelofJohntellsusthat“palmbranches”werewavedwhenJesusenteredJerusalem.Whatdoyouthink

theusageofpalmssymbolizes?(Useadictionaryor1Kings6:29-32,Psalm92:12,Revelation7:9)



11. Explainv.12-16.HowmightthediscipleshavemisunderstoodtheeventsofPalmSunday?WhywouldtheyunderstandafterJesus’resurrection?

John12:17-3612. WhatdoesJesusmeanwhenHesays,“TheHourhascome...?”CompareJohn2:4,7:6,8:20toJohn12:23,27,13:1.

Howdoesthe12:24passageillustratethemeaningof“thehour?”

13. Howdoes12:25-26describeafollowerofJesus?

HowdoyouapplyJesus’wordstoyourlife?

14. Howdoes12:27showthehumanityandalsothedivinityofJesus?

15. Inwhatthreewayswasthe“voicefromheaven”explained?

16. Listthreewaysinwhichthe“voicefromheaven”orGod’sWordisexplainedintheworldtoday.

John12:37-5017. ExplainthequotationfromIsaiah6:10(12:40,Matthew13:14,Mark4:12andLuke8:10).Romans11mayhelp.

18. Whatdoes12:42-43teachaboutpeopleunwillingtoconfessJesusopenly?

19. SummarizethemessageJesusgivestothedisciplesandusintheclosingversesofthischapter.



Jesus enters JerusALem – John 12:12-19 78seeInG Jesus – John 12:20-36 79the mystery of unBeLIef And fAIth – John 12:37-50 79personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 13:1-38 81

contextChaptertwelveplaysavitalliteraryroleintheGospelofJohn.Theactionbuildsontheprecedingevent,theresurrectionofLazarus,andactuallypullstogetherallofJesus’previousministry.Ontheotherhand,thechainofeventstoldintherestofthegospelbeginstounfoldinchaptertwelve.JesusmovestoJerusalemforthelasttime.Furthermore,JesusinterpretsMary’sanointingofHisfeetintermsofHisownburial(12:7)and,forthefirsttime,proclaimsthatHishour(todie)hascome(12:23&32).

Fourmajoreventsarecontainedinchaptertwelve.First,Jesusisanointed(12:1-11),then,HeentersJerusalem(12:12-19),followedbysomeGreeksseekingHim(12:20-36)andendingwithwordsontheperplexingproblemofunbelief(12:37-50).

Jesus AnoInted – John 12:1-11ThesimplewordsofJohn12:1-2standagainstthevividbackdropofthepreviousevents.Lazarus,whohasbeengivenanewleaseonlife(11:44),andhissisterMartha,whoconfessedalivingfaith(11:27),sharea“dinnergiveninJesus’honor.”WhathonormusthavebeengiventoourLordthateveningforHislife-givingpowerandlove!

SuddenlyMaryenterstheroomandinadramaticactionanointsJesus’feetwithexpensiveperfumeandwipesHisfeetwithherhair.Inasense,thesurprisingactioncompletesthestoryoftheresurrectionofLazarus.Inchaptereleven,Mary’sstatementtoJesusandherweepingtroubledHim(11:32-33).AlthoughwelearnedthatJesus’wordsanddeedstrengthenedMartha’sfaithandgavelifetoLazarus,wewerenottoldhowtheeventaffectedMary.Shenowrespondswithanextravagantactofhonorandlove.

TwodetailsofJohn’sintroductorycommentsmaybemeaningful.Accordingtosomescholars,sixdaysbeforethePassover,lambswerebroughtfrompasturestospecialpenstobeinspectedforPassoverusage.DoesJohn’s

“Yet in the face of rejection, Jesus is still Lord and we are told that many, even among the leaders, believed in Him.”

Lesson 14JoHn12:1-50




The Gospel According to John Dr . Robert Holst John12:1-50 – Lesson 14

uniquetimedatumremindsome(Jewish)readersthatJesus,asthetrueLambofGodwhobearsthesinoftheworld,comestoJerusalemtodieatthesametimeastheordinaryPassoverlambs?Theothersurprisingdetail,isthenotationthatMarthaservedthemeal(12:2).Rabbinicliteratureconfirmshowunusualitisforawoman,evenawifeordaughter,toservemen.Eventoday,wheneverIhavebeenaguestinthehomeofaPalestinian,thewomencookthemealbutthemenserveit.Perhaps,JohnreportsMartha’sactiontoshowhowJesus’giftoflifeandfaithcreatessurprisingresponses.

Returningtothestory,Mary’sactionexpressestremendousgratitude.Hergiftiscostly.DoyouknowanyonewhohasgivenJesusayear’ssalary?Heractionalsoexpressedhumility.NotethatsheanointedJesus’feetinsteadof,asmightbeexpected,Hishead(Psalm23:5band133:2).DoesshepresentherselfasJesus’slavesincefootwashingwasaslave’stask?Doessheanointthefeetratherthantheheadbecauseshe,likeJohntheBaptist(1:27),consideredherselfunworthyofmoreimportantwork?Furthermore,shepubliclydisgracesherselfbywipingJesus’feetwithherhair(1Corinthians11:6).HeractionexemplifiesworshipandpraiseofChristwithoutregardforfinancialcostorpersonalpride.

Mary’sfaithfulactionfacesJudas’criticalreaction.Let’snotmakeJudasavillaintooquickly.Hisquestionisreasonable.Sometimes,reasonablepeoplemayquestionthewisdomofparentsgivingextravagantgiftstochildren.Reasonablechurchleadersmayactwithresponsibleintegritywhentheystopabuildingprojectandgivethemoneyforareliefproject.Judasstandsasavillainnotbecausehiscareforthepoorisunimportantbutbecauseheisahypocrite.JudasseekstotakepersonaladvantageofJesus’concernforthepoor.Thereiscertainlyanimportantlessonhere.Individualsandorganizationsoftenraisegreatfundsclaimingtoservethepoorbutsometimesthefundsarepoorlyorselfishlyspent,JesusrespondstoJudasbydefendingMary’ssincerityandexposingJudas’hypocrisy.HetellsJudastoleaveheralone.HeexplainsthatshedidnotgivethemoneytothepoorbecausetheperfumewasforHisownburial.Judasthinksofpersonaladvantage,butMary’sgiftstandsaspartofJesus’giftofHislifefortheworld’ssalvation.Thelessonisobvious.PeoplemayexpressChristianconcernbut,ifitis

hypocritical,itpushesChristawayandperpetuateshumansuffering.TouseJesus’wordstoexplainpoverty,andtotolerateitasafactoflifestandsasamisunderstandingofJesus’teachingofdivinelovenowandforever.

ThefirstsectionofchaptertwelveclosesshowingevenmorevividlytheinhumanityoflivingwithoutChrist.PeoplewhorejectJesuswanttokillLazarus!LikeJudas,peoplewhoelecttolivewithoutJesuswillignoretherightsofothersandwillstopatnothingtoprotecttheirowninterests.LivingwithChristcreatesthejoyofgivingthingsofthisworld,inworshipoftheLordofLife.LivingwithoutHimmeanscriticizingthegenerosityofothers,hypocriticallystealingfromthepoor,aridplanningtokilltheblessed.

“The Gospel of John will not emphasize the agony of Jesus in Jerusalem as much as the Synoptic accounts. Instead, John

will stress the glory of Jesus.”

Jesus enters JerusALem – John 12:12-19John’sGospelaccountofJesus’entryintoJerusalemissurprisinglydifferentfromthewaytheSynopticstellthestory.YoumaywanttoreadMatthew21:1-13,Mark11:1-10andLuke19:28-41beforestudyingthedetailsofJohn.Ingeneral,Johnmoreclearlyrecordsthepeople’smisunderstandingofJesus’glory.JohnbeginsbyvividlyportrayingJesusasonewhohasbeenanointed.JohntellsusthatJesusentersJerusalemthedayaftertheanointing.SincetwooftheSynopticGospelsrecordtheanointingofJesusafterHistriumphalentry(Matthew26:6-13,Mark14:3-9),John’snarrativemorevividlysymbolizesanimportanttheologicaltruth.JesusentersastheAnointedone,i.e.theChristorKing.HecomesasKingtoclaimHisthrone.TheGospelofJohnwillnotemphasizetheagonyofJesusinJerusalemasmuchastheSynopticaccounts.Instead,JohnwillstressthegloryofJesus.Jesusentersnotsomuchtosufferastobeglorified.Likethecoachofavictoriousteam,Hewillbe“liftedup.”Ofcourse,that“liftingup”involvestheagonyofRomantortureonacross,but,moreimportant,itdisplaysthewonderofdivinelove.

Johnalsoshowstheroyalwelcomebysayingthatthepeoplehavepalmbranches(12:13).OnlyJohnshares



thatinformationwhichgivesthenamePalmSundaytotheSundaybeforeEaster.Itprobablyalsoshowsthenationalisticmessianichopesofthepeople.AnothermajordifferencefromtheSynopticaccountsisthefactthatJohndoesnotrecordJesus’directionstothedisciplestogethisdonkey(Matthew21:2-3,Mark11:2-3andLuke19:30-31).IntheJohanninenarrative,JesusreceivespraisebeforewelearnthatHeisonadonkey.Thecontraststandsvivid.Thepeoplewelcomeaking!Jesussitsonadomesticbeastofburdenprobablytocritiquetheirclaim.Jesusclaimsadifferentkindofkingshipthanpeopleofferorwant(6:15).ThemassescomebecausetheyhaveheardofJesus’power(12:18).HisenemiesworrybecauseHispopularitythreatenstheirs.JohntellsusthateventhedisciplesdidnotunderstandtheeventuntilthetruehumilityandgloryofJesuswasrevealed.OnlyafterJesus’deathandresurrectiondothedisciplesunderstandhowtheScriptureandJesus’actionproclaimedalovingSaviorratherthanapowerfulmiracleworkingking.

Themessageoftheeventdeservesourprayerfulconsideration.WhydowewelcomeJesusintoourheartsandlives?DowemerelywantHispower?DowepraiseHimbecauseweexpectHimimmediatelytosolveallourproblems?Ifso,likethecrowd,wewillbeconfusedanddisappointed.Likethedisciples,weneedtotakeanotherlookatScriptureandEaster.JesuscomeswithsurprisinghumilityanddeceptiveweaknessbecauseHisgloryliesinHiswillingnesstodieandtoriseagaintoshowthatGod’sgiftoflifeismoreimportantthanthegloryofthisworld.

seeInG Jesus – John 12:20-36ThenexteventinthechapterbeginswithsomeGreeksaskingtoseeJesus(12:20-22).JohntellshowtheirrequestispassedfromPhiliptoAndrewandfinallytoJesus.Surprisingly,wedon’tknowiftheGreekseverseeJesus.IthinkthatwearenottoldbecauseJohnwantstoshowGod’sperspectiveonourinterestinthingsofthisworld.Insteadofsatisfyingourhistoricalcuriosity,Johnplungesintowhatisreallyimportant.HerecordsthewordsofJesusaboutHimself.

TheresponseofJesusteachesfourtruths.First,Jesus’ministryisoverandthetimetodiehascome(12:23).Second,Jesusillustratesthe“productive”powerofdeathbycomparingittoplantingaseed.The“burial”ofa

seedproducesaharvest.Third,Jesuscallsdisciplestoevaluatetheirpriorities(12:25).Finally,JesuspromiseslifetoallwhofollowHim(12:26).Thetruthisprofound.JesuswillnowshowthegloryofGodindeathandHistruthinvolvesourlives.WearepartoftheharvestandarecalledtofollowHisexample.Likethecrowdwavingpalmbranches,wemaywelcomeJesusforwhatHecandoforusbuthesitatetobelikeHiminsharingthegloryofself-givingservicetoGod.Jesus’wordsseemtospeaktothathesitancyinthenextverse(12:27b).Self-givingserviceispainfulandcausestroubleevenforourLord.ButHerefusestoprayforescapefromHisdivinework.Hisprayer(12:28a)revealsHisdivineharmonywiththeFatherandmodelsourservice.LetallbedonetothegloryofGod.

AvoicefromheavensignifiesthattheFathercommunicateswiththeSon.Theiruniquerelationshipisdemonstratedbythefactthatthecrowdthinksofthunderorangelicspeech.Thevoicefromheaven,GodtheFather,affirmsJesus’pastandfuturework(12:28b).HowhadJesusalreadyglorifiedGod’sname?ProbablythevoicereferstotheteachingandsignsofHispublicministry.HowwouldJesusglorifyGod’snameinthefuture?ThenextchapterswillshowGod’sgloryasJesusgivesHislifefacinghumansinanddeath.

ThefinalwordsofthissectionalreadyshowtheunfoldingfuturegloryofGodinJesus.Therulerofthisworldisbeingdrivenout(12:31).Missionwork-drawingpeopletosalvation-comesfromthecross(12:32).HumanquestionsshowtheneedforGod’srevelation(12:34)andJesuscallsthemtofindtheLightofGodinHim(12:35-36).But,asHesaid(12:31),thetimeofjudgmenthasarrivedandJesushidesfromtheunbelievers.Thefinalsectionofthechapter(12:37-50)willpresentinstarkcontrasttheuglydarknessofunbeliefandthebrightlightofGod’ssavingtruth.

the mystery of unBeLIef And fAIth – John 12:37-50JohnexplainstheunbeliefofthecrowdbyreferringtothewordofIsaiahtheprophet.ThewordsarenoteasytounderstandsincetheyseemtoteachthatGodwantssomepeoplenottobelieve.YetweknowotherpassagesofScriptureclearlyteachthatGodwantsallpeopletobesavedandtocometotheknowledgeofthetruth(3:16,1Timothy2:4).StudythecarefulwayinwhichtheSynopticGospelsusetheIsaiahpassageandyouwillbeginto



understandtheintentionoftheverses(Matthew13:13-15,Mark4:1-12andLuke8:10).Asissooftentrueinhumanlanguage,readingbetweenthelinestofindtheintentionmaybemoreimportantthanexaminingthewordsasapreciseexpression.

PerhapswecanunderstandthestatementsfromIsaiahbetterwhenwerealizethattheBibleteachestwotruthsthatseemtoconflict.ThefirsttruthdealswiththeloveofGod.Godlovesall.WhentheScriptureemphasizestheloveofGod,itstressesthathumansinisduetoSatan’spowerorhumanstubbornnessandresistancetoGod.ThesecondtruthdealswithGod’spower.Godhasallpower.WhentheScriptureemphasizesGod’spoweritspeaksinawaywhichshowsthatGodpermitsevil(Job1:12and2:6)inordertobringaboutgood.Humanlogiccannotreconcilethedifferenttruthsbutbothstandastrue.WeseethetensionvividlyinSt.PaulwhoclearlypreachedthepowerandloveofGod.Forexample,inRomanschaptersninethrougheleven,GodteachesthroughPaulthatthemysteryoftherejectionofJesusrestsonGod’splantobringGentilestosavingfaith.

IamnotcertainthatIunderstandthetheologicaltensionorcanexplainitcorrectlybutletmeshareananalogywhichwillrevealmythoughts.Aparentmaysay,“Youmadethatmess,nowyoucleanitup.”“Youmadeyourbed,nowyousleepinit.”Suchwordsteachchildrenthatactionsmaycreateproblemswhichparentallovewillnotremove.Theyteachchildrenthatyouhavetolivewiththeconsequencesofpersonalactions.IthinkthatispartofthetruthIsaiahteaches.

Letmesuggestanother,morecomplex,analogybasedontheprincipleof“toughlove.”Forexample,ifapersonI

loveisanalcoholic,itisnotmyfault(justasmyproblemsarenotGod’sfault).Ontheotherhand,mylovecannotactively“save”thatperson.Thepersonmustpersonallyrealizetheproblemandwanthelp.Infact,mylovemay“drive”thepersonintodeeperproblems.Sincerewarningsandpleadingsmay“create”rejectionandantagonism.Toreallyhelpmayrequire“toughlove.”Imayhaveto“permit”thepersonto“hitthebottomofthebarrel”sothatthelovedoneblamesselfandseekshelp.Imayeven,inlove,pushtowardthatfatefulmoment.PerhapstheanalogyhelpsusunderstandthedifficultwordsfromIsaiahusedinJohn.ThewarningsofGodmayleadtodeeperrejectionandthequickestwayforGodtorescueusisforsintotakeitsuglycourse.

InsummaryofJohn12:37-43,thedifficultpassagesshouldnotbeinterpretedtomeanthatGoddoesnotlovethewholeworld.OthersectionsofScriptureclearlyshowGod’suniversallove.TheversesaremeanttoshowGod’spower.ThewordsattacktheideathattheprinceofthisworldmightbemorepowerfulthanJesuswhenpeoplerejectHim.Yetinthefaceofrejection,JesusisstillLordandwearetoldthatmany,evenamongtheleaders,believedinHim.Godrulesall,notSatan.Inthefinalsection(John12:44-50)Jesus’wordsexplainHisrelationshiptotheFatherandhowrejectionofHiswordleadstoself-condemnation.JesuspointsagaintoHisinseparabilitywiththeFatherandtoHismission.HehascomeintotheworldsothatwhoeverbelievesinHimhasLight(eternallife)andnotdarkness(eternaldeath).JesusendsHispublicministrywiththesewordsofconfirmation,“SowhateverIsayisjustwhattheFatherhastoldmetosay”(NIV).

“So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say” (NIV).




Pray for the spirit of humility and commitment to service as you read about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.

John13:1-171. Inthefirstverseofthischapter,whatarewetoldJesusknewandhowdidHereacttothatknowledge?

2. Whatisyourattitudewhenyoufacesuffering?Howdoyoutreatothersatsuchtimes?

3. Accordingto13:2-5,JesusactsinthefaceofJudas’decisiontobetrayHim.Whatisa“normal”reactiontobetrayalbyafriend?

4. DescribewhatJesusdidtothedisciples.

5. AlthoughtheGospelofLukedoesnotrecordJesus’actionofwashingfeet,howdoesLuke22:24-27helpputthedeedinabroadercontext?

6. WhatthreestatementsdoesPetermaketoJesusandhowdoesJesusreply?

7. WhatdoyouthinkmotivatedPeter’sremarks?HowdoessuchmotivationaffectyouwhenofferedhelpinChristianlove?

8. AnswerJesus’questionin13:12andexplainyourreply.

9. HowcanweimitateChrist?(Ephesians5:1-2).HowhaveyoufollowedJesus’exampleandbeenblessedindoingso?

John13:18-3010. ExplainJesus’teachingin19-20.Howdoyouapplythewordtoyourlife?

11. WhatstartlingannouncementdidJesusmaketoHisdisciplesinverse21?

12. Ifyouknowthatsomeoneplanstohurtyou,shouldyousharethatinformationwithadearfriend?Whyorwhynot?



13. In13:26-27,whatdoesJesusdoandwhydoyouthinkHedidit?

John13:31-3814. Accordingto13:34-35,whatshouldChristiansdo?

Howshouldtheydoit?

Whyshouldtheydoit?

15. Canyouthinkofanexampleofhowverse35hasworkedinyourlife?Ifso,explainbriefly.

16. InyourownwordsstatethetwoquestionsPeteraskedJesusandalsogiveJesus’answers.

WhydoyouthinkPeteraskedthequestions?

EvaluatePeter’sattitudetowardhisownabilitytofollowJesus.

WhydoesJesusspeakthewordsofverse38?

17. Listwaysinwhichpridegivesfalseconfidenceinone’sownabilitytofollowJesus.

CanyougiveanexampleofhowfalseconfidencetodayleadstodenialofJesus?



the BetrAyAL – John 13:18-30 84the cALL to dIscIpLeshIp – John 13:31-38 85personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 14:1-31 86


contextJohn13buildsonchapter12asthedetailsofthehourwhichJesusannounced(12:23)nowbegintounfold.ThehumbleactionofJesusprovidesalovingbackgroundforHisprofoundwordsinthenextfourchaptersandstandinvividcontrasttothetreacheryofJudas.Wewilldividethestoryintothreeparts.First,welookatthestoryofthefootwashing(13:1-17),then,thedialogueaboutbetrayal(13:18-30)and,finally,thecalltodiscipleship(13:31-38).

the foot WAshInG – John 13:1-17AccordingtoSt.Luke,atthelastsupperJesus’disciplesarguedaboutwhowastobethegreatestintheKingdomofGod(Luke22:24).John’sGospeldoesnotmentionthatargumentbutperhapsduringthatdebateJesuswashedthedisciples’feet.ThedustypathsaroundJerusalemwouldhavemadethefeetdirty.WashingthefeetofaguestwasataskperformedbyslavesintheRomanworld,althoughJewsconsideredthetasksodisgracefulthattheydidnotevenrequireslavestodoit.WearingonlythegarmentsunderHistunic,Jesuswouldhavelookedlikeasemi-clothedslave.JesusisevenmorehumblethanJohntheBaptistwhohaddeclaredhimselfunworthytoloosenJesus’sandals(1:27).

ThehumbleactionofJesusstandsinsharpcontrasttothedemonicactofJudas(13:2).JesusgivesHimselfwhileJudaswillgiveawayJesus.Jesus’actioninthefaceofJudas’treacherydemonstratesthechoicethatweoftenmustmakeasdisciples.ShouldwefollowthedemonicurgestobetrayJesusorthecallofJesustoGod-givenlife?WiththeloveoftheSonofGodcanwelovinglyserveeventhosewhohateHimorus?JesuslovesevenonewhohatesHimandmakesalastditchefforttorescuehimfromdestruction.

PeterfailstounderstandthemeaningofJesus’action.First,hequestionsJesusintentions(13:6),whichhethenrejects(13:8)and,finally,hewantsevenmorethanJesusoffers(13:9).Thereseemtobetwoimportantpointshere.First,PeterdoesnotwanttotrustahumbleServantSavior.Second,

“Jesus’ great example of humble love calls us away from God-denying self-interest into a life of self-giving love.”





PeterwantstodeterminehowJesusshouldblesshim.Bothtemptationsplagueusaswell.WewantthepowerofGodbutmayconsiderChristianserviceundignified.OrwemaywanttotellGodhowandwhentoblessus.

JesusteachesPeterinalovingprogressivemanner.First,HepromisesPeterthatsomedayhe’llfullyunderstand(13:7).TheironyhereisthatifPeterfindsfootwashingbeneaththeLord’sdignity,heistotallyunpreparedtoaccepttheignominyofthecrucifixion.ThedisgraceanddegradationofJesushasjustbegun!ThecrucifixionwillfinallymakePeterunderstandthetotalityofChrist’sself-givinglove.Second,JesuswarnspeoplethatrejectionofHishumbleservicemeansrejectionofHim(13:8b).ThewordsremindusthatbeingadisciplemeanstrustingGodandacceptingHisgoodness.JesusrebukesalldiscipleswhowoulddictatetermsfortheirrelationshipwithGod.Finally,JesustellsPeterthatitisnottheamountofthebodywashedthatisimportant.Theactissymbolic.JustasanointingJesus’feet(12:3)hadsymbolicallypreparedHisbodyforburial(12:7),sothewashingofPeter’sfeetsymbolizedthecompletenessofGod’slove.

ThefootwashingstoryconcludeswithJesusdeclaringthatHehassetanexample(13:15).SomeChristiansinterpretthistomeanJesuswantsdisciplesliterallytowasheachothers’feet.Forexample,onMaundyThursday,somecongregationshavespecialfootwashingservicesandthereareChristianliturgiesforsuchworshipservices.IhavereadthatonMaundyThursdaythePopewashesthefeetofsomebeggarsinRome.Ifsuchservicessymbolizehumbleconcernforothers,theymayblesstheChristianfaith.MyownopinionisthatJesus’exampleholdsbroaderapplicationthanliteralrepetitionofanactoffootwashing.Itisan“example”ofhumbleservicethatshouldbeexpressedinmanydifferentways.Itisan“example”formarriedpeopleservingthewelfareoftheotherspouseinavarietyofwaysrangingfromtakingoutthegarbage,tocleaningbathrooms,tobalancingthecheckbook.Jesus’examplemayinspiremorecourteousdrivingonthefreewayormorepatientwaitinginagrocerystoreline.IthinkthatJesus’exampleisapracticalillustrationoftheso-calledGoldenRule,“Dountoothersasyouwouldhavethemdountoyou.”Matthew7:12.

the BetrAyAL – John 13:18-30ThisisoneofthemostpainfulandpoignantsectionsofScripture.JesusidentifiesJudasasthedisciplewhowillbetrayHim.WhydoesJesus“bringoutintotheopen”Judas’plot?Obviously,JesusdoesnotdothistoprotectHimself.IthinkthatitisafinalattempttobreakJudasawayfromthegripofSatan.Jesussharesopenlove(13:26)whileJudaseatswithhiddentreachery.Tosharefood,especiallyatthetimeofJesus,wastopromisefriendship.JesusisreachingouttoJudas.PerhapsJesus’actioniscomparabletowhenyouhearthatafriendhasgossipedaboutyou.Becauseyouloveyourfriend,youconfrontthepersonwithyourawarenessofthebetrayal.Youhopethattheconfrontationwillcreaterealizationoflovelessnessandrepairthefriendship.So,withanexpressionofopenlove,JesustriestomakeJudasrealizehishiddenevil.

ItisnotclearwhyJesustellsJudas(13:27b),“Whatyouareabouttodo,doquickly.”ProbablyitisanotherexampleofwillingnesswithwhichJesusacceptstheFather’swill(12:27).Jesus’wordsmaybecomparabletoamedicaldoctor’sdecisiontofacetheevilofcancerwithimmediatesurgery.Delaywillonlyprolongtheproblemandmakeitworse.Jesusstandsreadyandeveneagertosolvethedarkproblemofhumanhate.ThewordsalsodemonstratethepowerofJesus.HewillnotbeoverpoweredbyJudasandtheforcescomingtoarrestandcondemnHim.RatherJudasisoverpoweredbySatan(13:27a)andservesinpatheticweaknessaspartofthedivineactiondestroyingSatan’spower.

Theignoranceofthedisciples(13:28-29)showsthattheyrespectJudasmorethanhedeserves.Theythinkthathe

The Gospel had clearly expressed the danger and tragedy of

walking in darkness.



leavesbecausehewasobeyingadirectivebyJesusforaPassovernecessityortoshowloveinhelpingthepoor.Thefinalwords,“Itwasnight,”notonlysetthetimeofJudas’departurebutalsosymbolizehisspiritualcondition.Hewalksindarkness.JudaswasnolongerwalkinginthelightofJesus’teachingbutwasfollowingSatanintodarkness.TheGospelhadclearlyexpressedthedangerandtragedyofwalkingindarkness.RememberJesus’words(8:12),“Iamthelightoftheworld.Whoeverhateshisbrotherisinthedarknessandwalksaroundinthedarkness.”

the cALL to dIscIpLeshIp – John 13:31-38Thefinalversesofchapterthirteenteachthepowerandproblemsofdiscipleship.ThepowerofdiscipleshipcomesfromthegloryofJesusandenablesHimtocommanddisciplestoloveasHehasloved(13:34-35).ThegloryofGodintheSon(13:31-32)becomesvisibletoallpeoplebytheloveofJesus’disciples(13:35).SimonPeteralsoshowstheproblemofdiscipleshipandtheneedforallofustogrowinunderstandingandcommitmenttoJesus’calltolove.AfterJesus’loftyspiritualteaching(13:31-35),Peterhasamostmundanequestion,“Lord,whereareyougoing?”(13:36).JesusspeakspropheticallywhenHetellsthatPeterwillnotfollownowbutwillfollowlater.ThosewordshadspecialimpactonthereadersofJohnwhoknewthat,infact,PeterhadgivenhislifeasamartyrforJesus’love.Butatthepresent,Peter’sself-confidenceismisplaced.LikeJudas,hewillnotfaithfullyfollowJesus.Andagain,JesusbringstolightthedarknessthreateningHisdisciple.

Jesus’wordstoPetersummarizewellthethrustoftheentirechapter.Jesus’greatexampleofhumblelovecallsusawayfromGod-denyingself-interestintoalifeofself-givinglove.

The power of discipleship comes from the glory of Jesus and enables Him to command

disciples to love as He has loved.




Pray that Jesus’ words calm troubled hearts and take away fear.

John14:1-41. WhatareJesus’threedirectivesinJohn14:1?

2. ListthereasonsgivenforfollowingJesus’directives.

John14:5-143. WhenandwhyhasyourattitudetowardlifeoryourfaithbeensimilartothewordsofThomas?

4. HowdoesJesusrespondtoThomas’confusionordoubt?

ContrastJesus’responsetoThomas’doubtwithHisresponsetoPeter’sconfidence(John13:38).

Whatlessondoyoudrawfromthecomparison?

5. Hasanythingimportanthappenedtoyouwhenyouhaveexpressedconfusionordoubt?HaveyoueverreceivedclearerdirectionfromChristafteradmittingsuchemotions?Ifso,explainbriefly.

6. HowisJesustheway,truthandlifeinyourlife?

7. WhatquestionsdopeopletodayaskthathaveasearchingintentsimilartoPhilip’sremark?

8. GiveatleastfourbasictruthsthatJesusteachesin14:9-14. 1

2

3

4



John14:15-219. HowdoesadiscipleofJesusproveloveforHim(14:15,21a)?(John13:12-and14:12)

10. Howcouldlifeinthisworldmakepeople,evenJesus’disciples,feellike“orphans”?(14:18aNIV)?Howhaveyoueverfeltlikean“orphan?”

11. SummarizethepromisesofJesusthat“leaveusnotasorphans.”(14:18-21)

John14:22-3112. WhydoyouthinkJudas(notJudasIscariot)askedthequestionrecordedinverse22?

Haveyoueveraskedasimilarquestion?Ifso,whenandwhy?

13. HowisthedoctrineoftheTrinitydemonstratedin14:23-30?

14. WhatwilltheHolySpiritdo?

15. Whatdoes14:27meantoyou?



Jesus comforts hIs dIscIpLes – John 14:1-4 89Jesus’ reLAtIonshIp to the fAther – John 14:5-14 89Jesus promIses the hoLy spIrIt – John 14:15-31 90personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 15:1-27 92


contextWenowbeginstudyofaveryimportantanduniqueunitoftheGospelofJohn.ChaptersfourteenthroughsixteenareusuallycalledJesus’FarewellDiscoursesandarenotrecordedinanyotherGospel.Afterthediscourses,JohnwillrecordJesus’so-calledHighPriestlyPrayer(John17).ThesettingforJesus’teachingistheeveningmeal(John13)duringwhichHehadwashedthedisciples’feet(13:1-17),predictedHisbetrayal(13:18-30),andtoldofHisdeparture(13:31-38).TheFarewellDiscoursespreparethedisciplestofacethefuture.Jesuswarnsthemofthedangers,promisesthemtheHolySpirit,andexplainsHisownministryandrelationshiptoGodtheFather.Thewordsreadlikea“lastwillandtestament”andaresimilarinintenttothefinalblessingofJacob(Genesis49:1-27),Moses(Deuteronomy32:1&33:29),Joshua(Joshua23:1&24:23),orDavid(1Kings2:1-9).Todaythewordscouldbecomparedtoawillortoaconversationwithalovedonewithaterminaldisease.

Unfortunately,manymodernreadersjudgeJesus’FarewellDiscoursesrepetitious,disjointed,ordisorganized.Thereforemanypeople,evenChristians,neitherenjoyreadingnorfullyunderstandthem.Theywantdevotionalliteraturetoexplain,encourage,orinspirefollowingacrisplogicaloutline.Suchpeopledonotwantsermons(discourses)that“repeatthesamethingoverandover.”ReadJohnChapters14-17expectingmorethanthelogicorprogressofmodernliterature.Letrepetitioncreateemphasis.May“lackoforder”expressintimacyinsteadofformality.DonotreadtheFarewellDiscoursesasdoctrinalstatementswithphilosophicallogicbutaslovingstatementswithpersonalconcern.ReadJohn14-17likealoveletter.Onedoesnotgetboredwiththerepetitionof“Iloveyou.”DonotwearyofhearingJesus’wisdomandconcernexpressedagainandagain.

BasicthemesappearagainandagainintheFarewellDiscourses.JesuscomfortsthedisciplesbyexplainingHisrelationshiptotheFather,bypromisingthemtheHolySpirit,andbytellingthemtoloveeachother.He

“Jesus does not explain the mystery of the Trinity in these verses but simply shows how the complex, continuing presence

of God in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit removes fear.”





warnsthemaboutthepoweroftheRulerofthisworld,thedangerofseparatingthemselvesfromHimself,thatis,Jesus,andjudgmentaboutnotdoinggoodworks(“producingfruit”).TousePaulinewords(1Corinthians13:13),againandagain,JesuscallsHisdisciplestofaith,hope,andlove.Wewillstudychapterfourteeninthreeparts.First,JesuscomfortsHisdisciples(14:1-4),thenHeexplainsHisrelationshiptotheFather(14:5-14),andfinallyHegivesthepromiseoftheHolySpirit(14:15-31).

“Jesus’ words challenge our tendency to worry and invite us to replace

worry with trust in God.”

Jesus comforts hIs dIscIpLes – John 14:1-4ThefirstversepresentsthethemeofthissmallunitandintroducesalloftheFarewellDiscourses.Jesusspeakstocomforttroubledhearts.HecallspeopletotrustHim.Thefourversesare,infact,asummarystatementforthenextthreechapters,butinabroadersense,thewordsevendescribethepurposeandcontentofthewholeGospelofJohn.

Thecallisnotsimply“letnotyourheartsbetroubled”whichwemightparaphrasesimply,“Don’tworry.”Tworeasonsfornotworryingquicklyfollow.First,trustreplacesworry(14:2).Second,trustJesusbecauseHeisgoingtoprepareaplaceintheFather’shouseandthenwillcomebacktogetHisdisciples(14:3).

Jesusprobablyspeaksthepromisethattherearemany“rooms”intheFather’shousetoremindthemoftheunlimitedloveofGod.ThewordsmayremindthedisciplesandusofthelimitedspaceintheTempleinJerusalemandhowreligiousleadersinchargeoftheinstitutionlimitedaccesstotherooms.ThewordsremindusthatthebuildingsandinstitutionsonearthhavelimitationsbutGod’sloveisbigenoughtoholdeveryone.

WhenJesussaysthatHeisgoingto“prepareaplaceforHisdisciples”(14:2b-3a),wethinkabouttheascendedLorddoingsomethinginHeavenuntilJudgmentDay.Suchthoughtsarenotwrong,butinthecontextJesusisalsotalkingaboutHisdeath.HisdeathpreparesaplaceinGod’skingdomforHisdisciples.Jesus’promisetocome

backprobablyrefersnotonlytoHisSecondComing(Acts1:11),butalsotoHisresurrectionappearances(John20:21),andevenHiscominginthepoweroftheHolySpirit(14:18).ThepromisetotakethediscipleswhereHeHimselfis,againnotonlypointstolifeinHeaven,butalsotolifeonearthinJesus’powerandlove.

Jesus’wordschallengeourtendencytoworryandinviteustoreplaceworrywithtrustinGod.Wefeel“leftout”orunimportantwhenworriesholdus.WeaskifGodreallyknowsandcaresaboutourlives.“Micasaessucasa”(“Myhouseisyourhouse”)isapopularSpanishsayingwhichexpressesfriendshipandpromisesnecessaryhelp.SuchistheintentofJesus’words.HeremindsHisdisciplesofthewayofsalvationthatHehasrevealedtothem(14:4).VersefournotonlysummarizesHisinvitationtotrust(14:1-3),butalsodrawsaresponsefromThomas(14:5)whichshowsthatdisciplesneedsuchwords.

“His statement, “No one comes to the Father except through me,” remains vital for Christian

mission work and deserves careful thought.”

Jesus’ reLAtIonshIp to the fAther – John 14:5-14ThomasrespondstoJesus’directionslikeapersonunabletoreadaroadmap.Headmitshedoesn’tknowwhereJesusisgoing.ThomasfailstounderstandthatJesusinvitesdisciplestotrustHiminaspiritualjourney.Fortunately,Thomas’admissionofignoranceprovidestheopportunityforJesus’proclamationthatHeis“thewayandthetruthandthelife.”Hisstatement,“NoonecomestotheFatherexceptthroughme,”remainsvitalforChristianmissionworkanddeservescarefulthought.

InordertounderstandhowJesusstandsas“theway,thetruth,andthelife”(14:6)thinkabouteachwordindividuallyandalsohowtheycomplementeachother.Jesus,asthe“way,”connectsGodwithpeople(John1:11-15,51;3:16-21;6:35-51;11:41-42;12:23-28).Asthe“truth”Heisreliable,thatis,HiswaysconformtoGod’sways.DisciplescandependonJesusbecauseHeobeystheFatherandlovestheworld.Asthe“life,”JesusgiveswhatonlyGodcangive.HisministrypullspeopleawayfromeviltoGod’sgood.



Jesus’saying“NoonecomestotheFatherexceptthroughme”(14:6)continuestoinspireandguideChristianmissionariesthroughouttheworld.Unfortunately,thewordsalsomotivateunlovingcondemnationandevenpersecutionofpeoplefollowingotherreligions.Christ’swaycandisappearwhenarrogantpeopleproclaim,“BecomeaChristian,orgotohell.”Abuse,hate,andhurtinflictedonotherscontradictthepeace,loveandhelpofferedbyJesusastheway,truthandlife.IthinkthatanoldLatinhymn,“Ubicaritasetamor,Deusibiest”helpsusdiscoverthedivineloveinJesus’call.Thehymn(translated“Wherethereisaffectionandlove,thereisGod”)remindsusthatChristianmissionsrestnotprimarilyonexclusiveclaimsaboutChristianitybutontheextraordinarypowerofChrist’slove.ThevitalforceofChristianmissionspresentsChrist’sway,truth,andlifeinHislove(13:34-35)ratherthaninsmugcondemnationofothers.Ratherthanarguewithnon-Christianson(exclusive)doctrinesaboutJesus,itmaybemorehelpfultostartbyaskingifloveisbetterthanhate,forgivenessbetterthanrevenge,peacebetterthanwar,orprotectinglifebetterthanmurder?SuchbasicquestionsmayleadtoaconstructiveconversationonwhatitmeanstobelievethatJesusistheway,thetruth,andthelife.

WeshouldnotbesurprisedifJesus’answertoThomasconfusesusandleadstomorequestions.Atthetime,Philipalsodidnotunderstandandaskedformoreinformation(14:8).Jesus’responsetellsconfusedpeoplewheretoseeGod:“Anyonewhohasseenme(Jesus)hasseentheFather(14:9).”Jesus’words(14:10)andmiracles(14:11)showthatHebringsGodtopeople.HealsoteachesthatfaithfulpeoplewilldowhatHeisdoingand,infact,willdoevengreaterthings(14:12).Healsopromisesthatprayer,inHisname,willproduceDivineaction.ReviewtheteachingofJesustorecallhowHiswordsbringyoutoGod.RemembertheteachingofJohn;heexplainedJesus’work,love,andpower.ReviewthesevenmiraculoussignsrecordedinJohn.RememberhowtheydemonstratedJesus’powerandlove.

JesusthenoffersathirdwaytoknowthatHeshowsustheFather.Heteachesustopray(14:13-14).HepromisesthatwhateverweaskinHisnameHewilldo.ThepromisedoesnotpledgeGod’sblessingtofoolishnessorselfishness.Prayer“inthenameofhuman

whim”willremainunanswered.“InHisname”guidesourprayertoseekJesus’willandtobringglorytotheFather(14:13).Jesus’HighPriestlyprayer(John17)offersanillustrationofwhatitmeanstopray“inJesus’name.”ThereJesuspraysthatpeoplemayknowGod’sglory(17:1-3).HepraysthatpeoplereceiveDivineprotection(17:11,15),andbegood(“sanctified”)people(17:19).HepraysthatthemissionworkofHisdiscipleswillbringloveandunitytotheworld(17:21-23).“PrayinginJesus’name”changesselfishprayersaboutourwantsintocaringprayersaboutother’sneeds.Suchprayercontradictsourspiritofself-protectionandself-interest.Thenextsectionsolvesthatproblem.

“Let Jesus’ promise touch your emotions. Let the stress of worldly concerns be replaced

with the confidence of God’s eternal love.”

Jesus promIses the hoLy spIrIt – John 14:15-31AftertellingdisciplestoprayinHisname,JesusplacestheirresponseintherealmoftheirloveandHisblessing(14:15).PrayerflowsfromloveforJesusinobediencetoHiscommand.NowHeannouncesthekeytoall,thegiftoftheHolySpiritorComforter(14:16).ComparetranslationsoftheBibleandyouwillfindtermslikeCounselor,Comforter,Helper,andAdvocateusedhere.TheGreekwordincludesallthosedistinctEnglishconcepts.PutallthetitlesintoonenameandyouwillcomeupwiththepersonandworkoftheHolySpirit.

AnotherwaytounderstandJesus’giftoftheCounselor(14:16)istonotewhattheSpiritdoes.ItistheSpiritoftruththatbringsustoChristsothatpeoplearenotorphans(14:17-18).TheSpiritwillbesentbytheFatherinJesus’nametoteachallthingsandtoremindpeopleofeverythingthatJesushassaid(14:25-27).Lookingahead,theSpirittestifiesaboutJesus(15:26)andwillconvicttheworldofguilt,sin,andrighteousnessleadingdisciplestoalltruth(16:8-12).Inthecontextofthischapter(14),JesusplacestheworkoftheHolySpiritintheareaoflove(14:21).TheHolySpiritreplacesworry(14:1)andfear(14:27)withlove.LetJesus’promisetouchyouremotions.LetthestressofworldlyconcernsbereplacedwiththeconfidenceofGod’seternallove.



Thequestion(14:22)ofJudas(notJudasIscariot)showsthesurprisingnatureoflove.WhenJesuspromisestorevealHimselftothedisciples,Judasaskswhynottoeveryone(14:22).Becauseofourignorance,insecurity,orguiltweoftenaskthesamequestion.WhyshouldweknowthatGodlovesus?Perhapsthequestionrestsondoubt.Couldourfaithbetrueifitisnotgenerallyaccepted?Howoftenweusestatisticstojustifyanopinion.Ifnineoutoftendoctorsapprovesomemedicine,weassumethatitisgood.If65%ofthepublicfavoranidea,peoplemayforgetthatthemajorityalsocanbewrong.Judas’questionremindsusthatourfaithisfirmevenwhenothersremainignorant.

PerhapsJudas’questionalsoseeksreasonswhyJesusdoesn’tshowHimselftothewholeworldtosolvetheproblemsoflife.Judaswantsheavenonearthnow!Wewonderthesamething.Whydoesn’tGod,onceandforall,eradicateevilintheworldor,atleast,gettheeviloftheworldoutofourlives!ReadcarefullyJohn14:23-31andnotethatJesusdoesnotexplicitlyanswerthatquestion.ItisasifJudasprays“inhisownname”insteadof“inJesus’name.”InsteadJesusposesandanswersadifferentquestion.JesuswantsJudastoconsiderhowHewillrevealHimselftotheworld.JesuswillrevealHimselftotheworldbygivingpeacetoHisdisciples(14:27)andteachingof,HisloveoftheFatherbyobediencetoHiswill,thatis,bydyinginlove(14:30-31).

We,likeJudas,maylongfordirectrevelationofChristtotheworld.JesuscallsJudasandustoseeHissufferinganddeathandourpeaceasthatrevelation.Theprinceofthisworldwillcome(14:30).Evilremainsaproblem,buthasnogriponJesusor,becauseofHislove,onHisdisciples.Jesus’lovefortheFatherdefeatstheruleroftheworldwhogloriesinworryandfear.JesusdoesnotexplainthemysteryoftheTrinityintheseversesbutsimplyshowshowthecomplex,continuingpresenceofGodinFather,Son,andHolySpiritremovesfear.Insummary,JesusreachesouttocomfortdisciplestroubledwithprospectsofHisdeparture.Facedwithanuncertainfuture,Jesuspromisesthemcertaingifts.HisloveandworkconfirmGod’sloveandtheHolySpiritpromisesunderstandingandguidance.

Jesus does not explain the mystery of the Trinity in these verses but simply shows how the complex, continuing presence of God in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit removes fear.




Pray for the power of Jesus which enables you to love as He has loved us.

1. WhatdoesavineorvineyardsymbolizeinthefollowingBibleversesandisitforgoodorevil?

Psalm80:8-16

Isaiah5:1-7

Isaiah27:2-6

Jeremiah5:7-13

Ezekiel15:1-8

Mark12:1-11

2. WhatdoesJesusmeanwhenHecallsHimselfthe“truevine?”

3. Inverse4,whatdoesJesustellthedisciplestodo?Why?

4. Whatisthepromiseandthewarninginverse5?

Canyouthinkofwaysinwhichthispromiseorwarninghasbeenrealizedinyourlife?Ifso,explainbriefly.

5. Howdoes15:9-12explain15:8?

6. Read15:1-13again.Summarize,inyouownwords,whatthissectionmeanstoyouaboutthewillofGod,theworkofJesus,andhowyouapplyittoyourlifeasadisciple.

7. WhatisJesus’commandinverses14-17?



8. Listtheconditions(“if”)andtheresponsesthatJesusstatesin15:5-10?

15:5 If

Then

15:6 If

Then

15:7 If

Then

15:10 If

Then

9. Fromquestion8,summarizethepromisesorwarningsinthisteachingbyJesus.

10. Whataretheconditions(“if”)andtheresponsesthatJesusstatesin: 15:18 If

Then

15:19 If

Then

15:20b If

Then



15:20c If

Then

15:23 If

Then

15:24 If

Then

SummarizetheexplanationsorwarningsofthisteachingbyJesus.

11. Doyouthinkthe“worldhatesyou”becauseyouareaChristian?Explainyouranswerintermsof15:18-19.

12. HowdoesJesus’teachingin15:18-25bringunderstandingandevencomforttoyourlife?

13. Howdoes15:26-27encourageaChristianwhoishated?

Isthereawayinwhichthewordsencourageyouina“troubledrelationship?”Ifso,explainbriefly.

14. CheckotherBibletranslationsyoumayhaveforthemeaningoftheword“Counselor”in15:26.Summarizeinyourownwordsthe“combinedmeaning”ofthevarioustranslations.

ReviewotherpassagesinJohninwhichJesustalksabouttheHolySpiritorCounselor.WhatdoesHeteachabouttheSpiritinthefollowing:14:15-17,14:26,16:7-11,and16:12-14?

15. Howdoes15:26-27givechapterfifteenagoodconclusion?

16. WhatdoesJesus’messageinJohn15meantoyou?



A WArnInG to dIscIpLes – John 15:18-27 96summAry 97personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 16:1-33 98


contextChapterfifteenexploreswhatitmeanstobeadisciplewhenJesusnolongerlivesphysicallyonearth.AlthoughchapterfourteenendedwithJesustellingthedisciples,“Comenow,letusleave,”chapterfifteenspeakswiththesamesolemnityandbuildsonthesamethemes.Chapterfourteencomfortsthedisciples(14:1-14)andpromisesthemtheHolySpirit(14:15-31)whenJesusisgone.ChapterfifteenbeginsshowingthepositivesideoflifeundertheHolySpirit(15:1-17)andendsshowingthenegativeside(15:18-27).Forthesakeofsimplicity,wewillobservethenormalchapterdivisionalthoughJesus’wordsonthehostilityoftheworldactuallyextendtoJohn16:4.ChapterfifteenpreparesusforJesus’furtherteachingabouttheworkoftheHolySpirit(16:5-16)andthejoyofdiscipleship(16:17-33).

Asnotedbefore,Jesus’discoursemayseemrepetitiousorboring.Hiswordsflowwithsemiticlogicpickingupideasandthemesagainandagain.Westernlogicdemandsspeechorwritingthatunfoldsideasprogressively.Wecriticizesermonsthat“gooverthesamethingagainandagain.”ButfortheJohanninereadersrepetitionexpressedemphasis.Itrenewedinterestandrevivedideas.TrytosetyourwesternlogicasideandletJesus’truthebbandflowwiththerepetitiousjoyofwadinginasurgingsurfofdivinetruth.

Wewillstudychapterfifteenintwoparts.SectiononeshowswhatitmeanstobeadiscipleofJesusandendswiththecommandtoloveeachother(15:17).Thesecondsectionpreparesdisciplesfortheshockingandviciousresponseoftheworldtoalifeoflove(15:18-27).

the meAnInG of dIscIpLeshIp – John 15:1-17Jesusbeginsbyusingametaphor(“thetruevine”)thatillustratestworelationships.JesusconnectsHimselfwiththeFather(asgardener,15:1)andHisdisciples(asbranches,15:5).JesuschosethevinesymbolismbecauseitremindedlistenersofBiblicaltruths.Psalm80:8sangofGod’speopleasavine.Isaiah(5:1-7,27:2-6),Jeremiah(5:7-13),andEzekiel(15:1-8)usedvineandvineyardsymbolismtoshowGod’sgoodnessandhuman’sfailure.Jesus

“The rejection and persecution He experienced will burden the lives of loving disciples.”





usedavineyardparabletoshowthepowerofhumanrebellion(Matthew21:33-46,Mark12:1-12;Luke20:9-19).JewishreadersofJohnmayhavecontrastedJesustothetemplebecauseHerodhadagreatgoldenvineengravedonthedoor.GreekreadersmayhavethoughtofDionysius,godofthevinethatwasprunedinthefallinordertoberesurrectedinthespring.Insummary,whenJesuscalledHimselfthe“truevine,”listenersrememberedhowGodhadblessedthemand,inturn,howtheyhadbeenfruitfulasGod’speople.

Moreimportant,Jesus’metaphorcallsthemtoconsiderHimeverythingthatGodwantedthemtobe.Asthetruevine,JesusrevealswhatGod’sgloriousgraceandtruthareallabout(1:14,17).

Jesusbeginswithagreatclaimandalsoawarning(15:1-4).HeclaimsthatGodtheFatherisactiveinHisministry.HewarnsthatpeoplewhodonotremainwithHimwillbearnofruitandwillberejectedbyGod.AnticipatingJesus’furtherteaching,thismeansthatadisciple’slifeoflovecomesfromJesusandseparationfromHimmeansalifeofhate.

Thenextverses(15:5-8)addforcetothepreviousteachingbyshowingthestarkcontrastbetweenthefateofafruitfulandadeadbranch.Again,anticipatingJesus’teaching,theversescalldisciplestoliveinlove,warningthemofsufferingandpunishmentiftheydonot.ThemetaphorassumesthecovenantrelationshipformedbyGod’sgoodnessandwarnsdisciplesnottorejectGod’scalltoserviceandlove.

Finally(15:9-17),JesusspellsoutinmoreliterallanguagethenuancesofHissymbolicteaching.HecallsdisciplestoremainInHislove(15:9)andtoloveoneanother(15:12,17).LoveisthefruitthatHeenablesdisciplestobear.Withirony,JesusshowsthegreatlovewithwhichHewillobeytheFatheranddieforHisfriendswhileatthesametimechallengingthemtodeepentheirownlove(15:13).WithsemiticlogicJesusteachesdisciplesthatGod’slovetouchesthemthroughHimandenablesthemtoloveothers.ExtendedcommentsonJesus’words,inmyopinion,seemtritebutIinviteyoutoreadJesus’ownwordsslowlyandthoughtfullysothatyouexperiencetheirfullforce.

A WArnInG to dIscIpLes – John 15:18-27Jesus’wordschangewithshockingforceasHebeginstowarnhowlovingpeoplewillbehated(15:18).Thereisnothingmorepainfulforthehumanpsychethantoexperiencerejectedlove.Ourliteratureandartportrayfrequentlythepainfulandviolentreactionsofajealousorjiltedlover.JesuspreparesHisdisciplesfortherejectionoftheirlovebytheworld.HetellsthemtounderstandtheirexperienceintermsofHisownrejection.Thesearehardandtroublesomewords.Psychologiststellusthattoloveandbelovedarebasichumanneeds.YetJesustellsusthatChrist-likelovewillexperiencehatred(15:18-19),andpersecution(15:20-21).

MeditateonthesewordsandsearchforJesus’comfort.Recognizethatordinaryhumanloveisreciprocal.Wehelppeoplewhohelpus.Wewantlovingrelationshipswithpeoplewhoappreciateus.Jesusherechallengesustolivewithvaluesthatcannotbemeasuredinapopularitycontest.Adisciples’lovedoesnotseekappreciationbutanticipatesrejection.MayJesus’wordsstrengthenthoselovingdiscipleshurtingfromtherejectionofabrokenhome.MayHiscomforttouchpeoplewithdrawing

Love is the fruit that He enables disciples to bear. With irony,

Jesus shows the great love with which He will obey the Father and die for His friends while at the same time challenging

them to deepen their own love.



intothemselveswithinsecurity,anger,orfrustrationbecausetheirlovegoesunnoticedandunappreciated.Anunlovingparent,child,spouseorfriendshouldnotdriveonetodespair.MaytherejectionrathercreateawarenessofthegreatnessofChrist’sloveinanunlovingworld.

Becausewenaturallywanttoavoidhateandpersecution,followingJesusbecomesimpossiblebyourownreasonorwillpower.ThereforeJesuspromisestheCounselor.Jesusis,ofcourse,referringtotheworkoftheHolySpiritbutusesawordthatdescribesthedivineactivityratherthansimplynamingtheThirdPersonoftheTrinity.TheGreekwordfor“HolySpirit”containssuchrichnuancesthatitcannotbetranslatedaccuratelybyoneEnglishword.ManyBiblicalscholarsprefertotransliterateitasthe“Paraclete”butthatduckstheissueforallexceptthosewhounderstandGreek.Mostcommentarieshaveagooddiscussionontherichmeaningofthetermbutitisalsohelpfultocomparevarioustranslations.Eachispartlycorrectandbringsoutaparticularmeaning.Assometranslationssuggest,inthefaceofhatred,theHolySpiritisComforterorDivineCounselorwhocomesasHelperorDefender-advocate.

Jesus’finalwords(15:26-27)offerstrengthbutdonotpromisealifewithoutpain.TheGreekwordsshowmoreclearlytheironyofdiscipleshipinthatthewordtranslated“testify”or“bearwitness”isthesamerootastheEnglishword“martyr.”LivinginJesus’lovemeansfacinghatredandpersecution.ButtheLovingLordsendstheLovingCounselingSpiritsothatwecanbearwitness(or“beamartyr”)thatourlivesbegininrelationshipwithJesus.

summAryJesussetsforwardthegoalandobstaclesofChristiandiscipleship.HewarnsaboutrejectingHisloveandcallsustolivewithlove.Hewarnsusthatlivinginloveisnoteasy.TherejectionandpersecutionHeexperiencedwillburdenthelivesoflovingdisciples.ButJesuswillsendtheCounselorfromtheFathertoenabledisciplestobearthatburdenandshow(“martyr”)God’struth.

Jesus’ final words offer strength but do not promise a life without pain.




Pray that the love, power and courage of Jesus as He faces death will strengthen all His disciples when they too face danger and death.

John16:1-41. HowdoesJesus’teachingin15:18-27enablethedisciples“nottogoastray(16:1)?”

2. WhatwillhappentoJesus’disciplesandwhywillithappen?

3. Listthingsthataredonetoday“inservicetoGod”(or,atleast,ingoodconscience)that,literallyorfiguratively,killpeople?

4. HowdoesJesus’warning(16:4)helpdiscipleship?

John16:5-155. WhatdoesJohn16:7meantoyou?

6. Wehaveanexpression,“Hindsightis20/20”meaningthatweunderstandthingsbetterwhenwelookbackatpastevents.Canyouthinkofeventsthatseemed“withoutmeaning”whentheyhappenedbutlateryourealizedtheirfullmeaning?Perhapsitwashowyoumetyourspouse,discoveredyourvocationorhelpedafriend.ExplainhowtheHolySpirithashelpedyouunderstandsuchaneventbetter.

ComparethedepartureofJesusfromHisdisciplesandHissendingoftheHolySpirittoanexperiencefromourtimes.

IdentifywaysinwhichyouthinkitisbettertohavetheHolySpiritthanthehistoricalJesusinyourlife(asHisdisciplesdid).

7. WhatarethethreewaysinwhichtheHolySpiritconvictstheworld(16:8-11)?

8. UsingtheBiblepassageslistedand16:8-11summarizehowtheyconvicttheworldinregardto: (a)sin:(John1:10-13,3:17-21,6:35-46,10:31-39,12:37,15:18-27,Romans3:19-20,23)



(b)righteousness:(John5:18,7:12,9:24,10:33,1Timothy3:16

(c)judgment:(oftheprinceofthisworld).(John12:31,14:30,1John2:13,4:4,1Peter5:8-11)

9. HowhastheHolySpirithelpedyou(16:12-15): (a)TrustJesus?

(b)UnderstandtherighteousnessofJesus?

(c)UnderstandandrejecttheevilofSatan?

John16:16-3310. ExplainJesus’teachinginverses16-20.

11. John16:21isaparable.HowdoesitillustrateJesus’life?

12. HowdoyouunderstandJesus’wordsin16:23-24?Howdoes“askinginJesus’name”affectthewayyoupray?(14:27,20:19-23).

13. CanyouthinkofthingsforwhichyouprayedferventlybutlatertheHolySpirithelpedyouunderstandthatyouwerenotpraying“inthenameofJesus”butinyourownname(orself-interest)?

14. Evaluatethedisciples’statementin16:29-30.Whydotheyspeak?Whatdotheymean?

15. WhydoesJesusrespondtoHisdisciplesasHedoesin16:31-32?

16. WhatcomfortdoyoufindinJesus’wordsin16:33?



tWo AppLIcAtIons of Jesus’ teAchInG – John 16:1-4 101Jesus LeAVes – the hoLy spIrIt comes – John 16:5-15 101Jesus offers Joy – John 16:16-33 103summAry 103personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 17:1-26 104


contextChaptersixteencontinuesthediscoursesofJesuswithHisdisciplesattheLastSupper.ItcontinuestoteachthedisciplesaboutlifeintheHolySpiritafterJesusphysicallyleavesthem.ThepowerofthewordsincreaseswhenoneremembersthattheteachingfollowsJesus’humbleexampleofwashingthedisciplesfeet(13:1-17)andHiscommandmentthattheyloveoneanotherasHelovedthem(13:34).

JesusbeganHisfinalwordswithHisdisciplesbyofferingthemcomfortasHeannouncedHisreturntotheFatherandpromisedthemtheHolySpirit(John14).Chapterfifteenbegan(15:1-8)withaparable-likeillustrationunitingtheFather,Jesus,andthediscipleslikeagardener,vineandbranchesrespectively.Jesusrepeatsthecommandthatdisciplesloveoneanother(15:12)butthenteachesthedisciplesthattheirlovewillbecounteredbytheworld’shateandpersecution(15:18-26).Manyofthepromisesandtheologicalthemespresentedinchaptersfourteenandfifteenarerepeatedinchaptersixteen.Therepetitionistoincreaseloveandencouragementlikeaspouserepeatingthewords,“Iloveyou,”oracoachinspiringtheteamwiththerepeatedencouragement,“Youcandoit.”Theimportanceoftheteachingofchaptersfourteen,fifteen,andsixteenwillbeunderscoredbythegreatprayerofJesusinchapterseventeen.Intheprayer,JesuscommitsalltheproblemsandpromisesofthefarewelldiscoursestotheFathertoshowthattheyarenotemptyspeculationsoridlewords.

Chaptersixteenhasthreedistinctparts.ThefirstfourversesarecloselyconnectedtochapterfifteenandexplainwhyJesushastoldthedisciplesabouttheworld’shatred.ThenJesusexplainsthepoweroftheHolySpiritwhichwillenablethemtofaceevilforcesoftheworld(16:5-15).ThechapterconcludeswithadescriptionoftheemotionalrollercoasterChristiansexperienceastheywaitforJesustoreturn(16:16-33).

“His death and resurrection are but preliminary to a new era in which the Holy Spirit will

call humanity to a godly way of life.”





“Jesus’ warning about religious persecution prepares Christians to face suffering.”

tWo AppLIcAtIons of Jesus’ teAchInG – John 16:1-4JesushadwarnedHisdisciplesaboutthehatredoftheworld(15:18-25).In16:2,Hetellsthemthatthehatredwillevenhavereligioussupport.PeoplewillthinkthatkillingadiscipleofJesuswillbeareligiousservice.TheActsoftheApostlesgivesusseveralexamplesofsuchmisguidedreligiouszeal.ReligiouspeoplekilledStephen(Acts7:57-58).ThezealousreligiousmanwhowaslatertobecometheApostlePaulapprovedthedeathofStephen(Acts8:1)andactivelyattackedChrist’sdisciples(Acts9:1-2,22:3-5,19-20,Galatians1:13-14).Ontheotherhand,Paulhimselfsufferedatthehandsofpeoplewhoactedforreligiousreasons(Acts9:23-26,14:5,19-20,16:20,23:12-21and24:1-8).

TheteachingofJesusin16:1-4canbeappliedintwoways.First,itshouldwarnusofdangerofhurtingChrist’sdisciplesdespitereligiousconvictions.Second,itshouldencourageandstrengthendiscipleswhosufferbecausetheyfollowJesus.Letusexplorebrieflythosetwoapplications.

OnthebasisofJesus’teaching,humblyexamineyourownfaithandthepracticesofyourcongregationtoseeifyouknowof“religious”attacksonChrist’sdisciples.Afewexamplesmaystimulateyourthinking.Ithinkwithshameofhowasteenagersweconsideredclassmates“toopious”whoprayedpubliclybeforetheyateinourpublichighschoolcafeteria.Peoplewithso-called“Charismatic”experiencessometimesarecriticizedby“regular”Christiansas“too(hypocritically!)Godly”andontheotherhand,sometimes“Charismatic”Christianssuggestthat“regular”Christianshave“inadequate”faith.Stewardshipprogramsmayimply(correctly,attimes!)thatsomeChristianssharetheirfinancialgiftsofloveinimproperways.Christianspousessometimesmakeeachothersufferasthey“argue”abouthowmuchmoneytogivetochurchandcharity.IhaveheardChristiansmockathleteswhomakethesignofthecrossbeforetakingafreethroworpreparingtobat.Inrecentyears,ChristiansbitterlyattackedotherChristianswhowerefollowingtheirconsciencesinworkingforpeaceorracialequality.In

ourpresenttime,someChristiansattackeachotherinGod’snameforsupportingoropposinggiving“sanctuary”orprotectiontopeoplewhoclaimthattheirlivesareindangerintheirhomelandbutareunabletogetdocumentsforlegalmigrationtotheUnitedStates.

Jesus’warningaboutreligiouspersecutionpreparesChristianstofacesuffering.ThereisafalseoptimismamongChristianssometimes.SomethinkthattheproblemsoflifewilldisappearwhenoneacceptsJesusasLordandSavior.CertainlyitistruethatChristsolvestheultimateproblemsofeternalsalvation.ButitisequallytruethatbecomingaChristianmaymakelifenowmoredifficultbecauseonedoesnotsurrendertoevilandisattackedbyit.Peersmaymockmoralbehavior.Businessassociatesmaydemanddishonesty.Jesus’wordsofwarningarecomparabletoaparentwarningachildaboutthedangerofcrossingabusystreet,ateacherurgingstudentstostudyhardbecausethenexttestwillbeverydifficult,apre-maritalcounselorhelpingyoungromanticsbecomemorerealistic,orafinancialadvisortalkingtomiddleagedpeopleaboutretirementplans.“Beingforewarnedisbeingforearmed,”isasloganIoftenheardasachild.MeditateonhowJesus’wordsofwarningprepareyoutostruggleagainstevil.YoumaywanttorereadJohn15:1-16torecallthepowerandpurposeofdiscipleship.Ephesians6:10-18givesvividguidanceforthestruggle.Romans8,especially8:28-39,givesgreatcomfortandconfidenceinthestruggle.ListpracticalwaysbywhichyoumayrespondtoJesus’warning.SuchpracticalthingsmayincludemoreeffortinstudyofGod’sWord,moretimeinprayer,morefellowshipwiththecommunionofsaints,avoidingtemptingsituations,oraskingGodtoremovesuspiciousorjudgmentalattitudesfromyourheart.Itmaybeassimpleasdecidingnottowatchcertainmoviesortelevisionprogramsorasdifficultaspubliclyopposingdenigrationofpeopleinethnicjokes.

Jesus LeAVes – the hoLy spIrIt comes – John 16:5-15ThemostastoundingstatementinthissectionisJesus’proclamationthatitistothedisciplesadvantagethatHeleave(16:7).Reflectuponthatstatementandyouwillrealizethattherearetwogeneralreasonsforthestatement.First,JesuscanleavebecauseHisworkiscomplete.Jesuslastwordsfromthecross(19:30)willbe,“Itisfinished.”Second,Hisleavinggivesmeaningtoour



lives.JesusgivesustheresponsibilitytocontinuewhatHebeganinHislifeandministry.Aftertheresurrection,JesuswilltellHisdisciples,“AstheFatherhassentme,evensoIsendyou.”ThevictoryofJesusoverdeathmoveshumanityintotheeraoftheHolySpirit.PerhapsthemeaningisclearerifwecomparelifeafterJesus’departuretothelifeofayoungmarriedcoupleaftertheyleavetheirparentalhomes.Theloveestablishedbyparentsprovidesamodelandbasisfortheir“independent”relationship.

Thesecondmajorteachinginthissectioncomesin16:8-11.WhatdoesitmeanthattheHolySpiritwillconvicttheworldofsin,righteousnessandjudgment?

TheHolySpiritconvictstheworldofsinbecause,despitetheSpirit’spower,peoplerefusetobelieve.Jesus’departureordeathbecomesthefocalpointoftheHolySpirit’seternalstrugglewithsin.TheHolySpiritinScriptureexposesthereligiousleaders,Pilate,andthemobashypocritical,lying,inconsistent,blood-thirstysinnersbecausetheydonotacceptJesus’teachings.TheHolySpiritcontinuessuchexposuretoday.1John4:1-6tellsChristianstotrythespirits,meaningtheyshouldaskforGod’sSpirittotestwhatisrightandwrong,goodorevil.JesuswillsendtheHolySpiritgivingdisciplesthegiftofdiscernment(1Corinthians2:14,12:1-3).

Galatians5:16-25listsspecificwaysinwhichtheSpiritlifestandsdemonstrablydifferentfromanordinarylife.ThosewhodonotbelieveinJesusareguidedbyself-interestwhichacceptssuchobvioussinsasfornication,impurity,licentiousness,idolatry,sorcery,enmity,strife,jealousy,anger,selfishness,dissension,partyspirit,envy,drunkenness,carousingandthelike(Galatians5:19-21).TheSpiritshowsthatthereisanalternativebygivingthepowertopracticelove,joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,self-control,noself-conceit,noprovokingoneanother,andnotenvyofoneanother(Galatians5:22-23&26).JesuspromisesasimpletruththatbecomesobviousinthelifeofeveryChristian.PeoplewhobelieveinJesushaveaspiritwhichleadsthemtorejectsinfulpracticesthatotherpeopletolerateorpractice.TheHolySpiritinspiresJesus’disciplestorecognizetheirownsinandneedforagraciousSaviorand,afterbelieving,tostruggletoliveaChrist-likelife.

“His death and resurrection become the heart of the Gospel used by the Holy

Spirit to demonstrate the sinful nature of people and the loving nature of God.”

TheHolySpiritalsoconvictstheworldofrighteousnessbecauseJesusgoestotheFatherandwillbeseennomore(16:10).ThedepartureofJesusshowsrighteousnessbothinthesenseofGod’sgiftandalsointhesimplesenseofhumanjustice.Thetrialor“departure”scenesabouttobetoldinJohn’sGospelrevealtheloveandobedienceofJesustotheFather’srighteousplanofsalvation.Theeventsalsorevealhowtheworlddoesnotdemandevenbasichumanjustice.Thereligiousleaders,Pilate,andthemobopenlypursueunrighteousness!Jesus’“departure,”thatis,HisdeathandresurrectionbecometheheartoftheGospelusedbytheHolySpirittodemonstratethesinfulnatureofpeopleandthelovingnatureofGod.

JesuspromisesHisdisciplesthattheHolySpiritwillconvicttheworldofthejudgmentbecausetherulerofthisworldisjudged.TheRulerofthisworldsupportsthepowerofsinanddeath.TheHolySpiritstandsforloveandlife.1John3:11-12givesavividexampleoflivingunderthepowerofthisworld’sruler.Cainlivedunderthatrulerandkilledhisbrother.Jesus’victoryenablesustolove!

TheHolySpiritpresentsintheGospelavividchoice.Jesusfacedhumansinanddiedbecauseofit.Butthestorycontinues.JesustrustedtheFather,lovedpeople,andwasraisedfromthedead.SinceJesus’victory,theHolySpirithasan“example”ofhowweneednotaccept,fatalistically,sinanddeathastheultimateforcesinlife.Jesus’departureshowsthatthisworld’sdominantforceisbroken.Thepowerfulwordsin1Corinthians15explainshowChrist’sresurrectiongivesbelieversthedivinevictory.TheRulerofthisworlddealswithmattersperishable,dishonorable,weakandphysical.TheHolySpiritleadspeopletoaresurrectionfaithinthevictoryoftheimperishable,honorable,powerful,andspiritual(1Corinthians15:42-44).JesusconcludesHisteachingbyagainpromisingtheHolySpiritanddescribingHiswork(16:12-15).



Insummary,Jesus’departuremeansthattheHolySpiritcancallustotrustthatChrist’slifewasforus.UsingChrist’sdeathandresurrectionastheultimateexpressionofGod’slove,wearecalledtoseethegoodnessandpowerofGodandtheevilanddestructionoftherulerofthisworld.

Jesus offers Joy – John 16:16-33ThissectionbeginswiththedisciplesquestioningwhatJesusmeanswithHistalkaboutleaving(16:16-17).TheircommentsillustratetheneedfortheHolySpiritwhichJesushasjustpromised(16:13).Jesusaddressestheirconfusionimmediatelybyusinganillustrationaboutlaborpains(16:21).Joycanfollowsorrow.Jesuswantstheillustrationtopreparethedisciplesforthepainfultimesaheadtoenablethemtopersevereinconfidenceofthejoytocome.JoybecomesJesus’mostimportantteachinginthissection.Hetellsthedisciplestoaskthattheirjoywouldbefull(16:24)andtobeofgoodcheerbecauseHehasovercometheworld(16:33).Jesus’invitationtojoystandsinstarkcomparisontotheself-confidenceofthediscipleswhichpainfullyrevealstheirignorance.Theythinkthattheyknowitall(16:29-30)!TheirhollowcommentrevealstheneedforJesus’sufferinghouroflaborsothattheycanbebornintothejoyoftheSpirit-leddiscipleship.

summAryJesuswarnsHisdisciplesaboutthepoweroftheworldbutpromisesthemagreaterpowerinHisdeparture.HisdeathandresurrectionarebutpreliminarytoanewerainwhichtheHolySpiritwillcallhumanitytoagodlywayoflife.Thedisciples’confusionrevealsourownneedforsuchcontinuedloveandguidance.

Jesus wants the illustration to prepare the disciples for the painful times ahead to enable them to

persevere in confidence of the joy to come.




Pray that Jesus’ prayer for His disciples will inspire, comfort and guide you.

1. ReadcarefullyJohn17andnotehowJesus’prayerhasthreeconcerns:

ForwhomdoesJesusprayin17:1-5?

ForwhomdoesHeprayin17:6-19?

ForwhomdoesHeprayin17:20-26?

2. DoJesus’threeprayerfulconcernsgiveguidancetothefocusofyourprayers?Ifso,explainhow.

John17:1-53. HowwillJesusglorifytheFather?

4. Howdoyouseekto“glorify”God?

5. Anotherwaytothinkabouthowwe“glorifyGod”istoaskthequestion,“Whatdoyou‘bragabout’(or“glorify”)whenyouaskpeopletobecomeaChristian,tojoinyourchurch,oreventojoinLivingWayBibleStudy?”HowdoesitcomparewiththewayJesusglorifiedtheFather?

6. WhatdoesJesusmeanby“eternallife?”Inyouranswer,consideralso3:16-21,5:24-29,6:40,44,47,51,54,and11:25-26).

John17:6-197. Accordingto17:6-8,whathasJesusdoneforHisdisciples?

8. WhatdoesJesusaskforHisdisciplesin17:10-17?

9. ApplyJesus’prayertoyourself.WhatdoesJesuswantforyouandwhatdoesHenotwant?



10. DoyoueverreverseJesus’prayerandwant“escape”butnotholiness?Ifso,explainwhen,why,andhowyoureverseJesus’prayer.

11. WhatdoesJesusmeanby“Sanctifythemthroughthytruth:thywordistruth”(17:17)?(John8:31-32)

12. Explainhowwecanbe“intheworld”but“notoftheworld.”(Romans12:1-2)

John17:20-2613. WhatisthemajorconcernofJesus’prayerin17:20-23?

WhatdoyouthinkJesus’prayermeansfor:Yourcongregation?

YourLivingWayBibleStudygroup?

Yourdenomination?

14. HowcanGod’swordleadustoknowthatGodblessesdiversityinpersonalities,talentsandperspectivesbycreatingunityinChrist?(Ephesians5:1-16,1Corinthians12:4-31)

15. Whatdoes17:24meantoyou?

16. Christianmissionisoftendescribedas“inreach”and“outreach.”WhatdoJesus’wordsin17:25-26teachabout“inreach”and“outreach?”

17. ReadJohn17again.Itisoftencalled“Jesus’HighPriestlyPrayer.”Doyouthinkthatisagoodtitle?(Hebrews5:5-6)Explainwhyorwhynot.

18. Insummary,whatdoesJesus’prayerinthischaptermeantoyou?



Jesus’ prAyer for hIs dIscIpLes – John 17:6-19 107Jesus prAys for ALL BeLIeVers – John 17:20-26 108concLusIon 108personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 18:1-40 109


“The glory rests on the truth that Jesus is about to die to give eternal life to all whom the Father has given Him.”

IntroductIon And contextJohnseventeenisthelongestrecordedexampleofJesus’ownprayerlifeandisusuallycalledHis“HighPriestlyPrayer.”LikeagreatmediatingHighPriest,Jesuspleadsforothers.Thereisgreatmysteryintheprayer.GodpraystoGod.Jesusmixesconfidenceandknowledgewithhumbleobedienceandfaithfulpleading.Thereisgreatmajestyintheprayer.IliketocallitJesus’“RoyalPrayer.”Likeamightymonarch,Jesushaspoweroverallfleshandsharesthatpowerwithothers.Jesus’humbleobediencetotheFatherstandssidebysidewithHisdivinemajesty.Aboveall,thereisgreatloveintheprayer.EternalLovespeaksandwelisten.

JohnseventeenisJesus’prayerbutitisalsoourprayer.Jesuspraysforus,butalsoteachesushowtopray.HetalkstotheFatherandteachesusofGod’scareforus.Jesus’prayerreachesoutandembracespeople.

ThegreatprayerisasummaryandreviewofJesus’wordsanddeedsaimedatdisciplesisolatedinanupperroom.Ontheotherhand,theprayerintroducesJesus’trial,death,andresurrectionorglorification.Thefreepublicministryisover.Hissufferingisabouttobegin.Thebetrayalandarrestareathand.Jesusisbeing“liftedup.”“Liftedup”presentsthatdoubleentendremeaningthat“liftedup”byhumanhateonthecrossisactuallybeing“liftedup”toGodsothatlifecanbegivenforothers.

Wewillexaminethechapterinthreeunits.John17:1-5isaprayeraboutJesus’glorywhileinJohn17:6-19,Jesuspraysforthedisciples.ThechapterconcludeswithJesus’concernaboutfuturebelievers.

Jesus’ GLory – John 17:1-5“Glory”standsasthecentralthemeofthissection.ThegloryrestsonthetruththatJesusisabouttodietogiveeternallifetoallwhomtheFatherhasgivenHim.TheversesrepeatandexpandupontheprayerofJohn12:27-32.Christians,ofcourse,knowthatthegloryofJesusbecomes





publicinamostignominiousway.Thepublicimagewillbeofabatteredvictim.Thegloryisthepowerfulwillingnesstoloveuntodeath.

TheprimarypurposeofthesectionistorevealthedepthofJesus’loveandthegloryofHistotallove.Itcanalsoservetoremindusthatgloryisnotfoundinhavingthingsorinbeingcomfortable.Jesus’gloryingivingHimselfforothersisalsoamodelforus(15:12-17).

Jesus’ prAyer for hIs dIscIpLes – John 17:6-19JesusnowmovesfromprayingaboutthegloryofHisdeathtotheimpactofthatdeathonHisdisciples.Theprayeraffirmsthegiftalreadygiventothedisciples.ThewordsthatJesushasgiventhemhavepreparedthemtoknowthetruthandbelieveintheFather(17:8).

TheministryofJesusenablesHimtoexpressthreespecificconcernsforHisdisciples.First,HepraysthatthedisciplesareoneevenasJesusandtheFatherareone(17:11).Second,Heasksthatthedisciplesbekeptfromtheevilone(17:15)and,finally,thattheybesanctifiedintruth(17:17).Eachconcernmeritsspecialthought.

ThinkdeeplyaboutJesus’prayerforChristianunity.Ephesians4:1-6helpsoneunderstandtheunityaboutwhichJesusprays.HumilityandloveforotherscreateabondofpeaceintheonenessofGod’sglory.Theprayerchallengesustothinkabouttwothings.First,Jesuswantsustocommitourlivestounity.ChristianssometimespursuetruthwithsuchcommitmentthattheGod-givenconcernforunityisforgotten.TheclassicexampleremainstheSpanishInquisitionanditsmedievalterror.FearofheresyshouldnoteliminatetheprayerforChristianunity.

Thequestfortruthshouldnotcreatesatisfactionwithdivisions.Second,theprayermakesusthinkabouthowweachieveunity.Ononelevel,unityisgivenintheloveofFatherandSonand,onanotherlevel,thelovinglivesofdisciplesconstantlystriveforandevencreatethatunity.SinceJesushasprayedabouttheHolySpirit,itseemsfairtorefertoGalatians5:22-23forinsightsonhowChristiansachieveunity.DiscipleswhohavethefruitoftheSpirit,whichislove,joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,andself-control,willhaveunity.

Jesus’secondconcernisthatthedisciplesbekeptfromtheevilone(17:15).SincedisciplesmustcarryonJesus’work,Hecannotanddoesnotpraythattheyberemovedfromthefieldofbattlewithevil.Heactuallypraysthatthey,likeHe,willbeglorified.SeldomdoweagreewholeheartedlywithJesus’concern.Wewanttoescapetheproblemsoftheworld.Wemaynotwanttobetakenoutoftheworldifitmeansthatwearetodieimmediately,but,insomelesserway,weseektoavoidthethingsJesusmentionedin15:18-16:4.ThedangeristhatChristiansseektowithdrawfromtheworlddespiteJesus’prayer.ChristianswithdrawfromtherealityoftheworldasdescribedinHisparableoftherichmanandpoorLazarus.TherichmanseemstohavewithdrawnfromtherealityofthesufferingofpoorLazarus(Luke16:19-31).Thepeoplewhoignoredtheplightofthehungry,thirsty,naked,sickandimprisonedpeopleintheparableoftheLastJudgment(Matthew25:31-46)alsowithdrew.PerhapsagoodmodernexampleofsomeonewhohasbeenprotectedfromtheevilonebuthasnotwithdrawnfromtheworldisSisterTheresaofIndia.BythegraceofGod,sheandherco-workersareprotecteddailyintheworld’sdangerousanddegradingsituations.

May Jesus’ words remind us that our holiness, given by the goodness of God and guided by the power of the Spirit, serves as

an example of Christ’s love and a model for human conduct.



Finally,Jesuspraysthatdisciplesbesanctifiedintruth.JesuswantspeopletolivewithHisownholypurpose.Bluntly,ChristwantsHisdisciplestobegoodpeople.ThepoweroftheholyprocessisGod’sWord.ThegoalisaChrist-likemissionintotheworld.Theprayermakesusthinkof1Corinthians11:1,Ephesians5:1,orPhilippians3:17wherewearecalledtobeimitatorsofGodandholypeople.Sometimespeoplelamentthatweliveinanagewithoutheroes.MayJesus’wordsremindusthatourholiness,givenbythegoodnessofGodandguidedbythepoweroftheSpirit,servesasanexampleofChrist’sloveandamodelforhumanconduct.

Jesus prAys for ALL BeLIeVers – John 17:20-26AfterprayingthatdisciplesentertheworldasHeenteredit(17:18),Jesuspraysthattheirworkbeblessed(17:20).Evenmoreemphatically,thecallistounity(17:21&23).TheunityinvolvesFather,Sonandbelievers.Theunionisnottobeunderstoodinabstractordoctrinalterms.Theunionisexpressedintherealityoflove(17:26).TheseversesshouldnotleadtoadiscussionofthemysteryoftheunityintheTrinityorhowtheSpiritdwellswithinus.Ratheritdealswiththepracticalexpressionoftheholylife.Loveistheunifyingforce.Itsexpressionisrealunity.

Jesus’prayerremindsusofGod’swillinaction.Liketheparableofthevineandbranches(15:1-5),JesusbegsthatthepowerofGodwithinusbecomeevidenttotheworldoutsideus.IfyouareperplexedbythedoctrineoftheTrinityorthemeaningofecumenicaldialogue,Jesus’wordspointtosomethingsimpleandintelligible.GodwantsHispeopletoliveinlove.TheresultoflivinginlovewillcelebrateandcreatetheunitythatistypicaloftherelationshipofFathertoSon,andSontobelievers.

concLusIonJesustalkstotheFatherasHebeginsHiswalkonthepathtoglory.HepraysaboutHimself,Hisdisciples,andpeoplewhowillbelievethroughtheworkofthedisciples.TheprayergraciouslyremindsusofJesus’loveinGod’sWill.TheprayerchallengesustolovinglyexpressGod-givenunity.

Jesus talks to the Father as He begins His walk on the path to glory.




Pray that the love that Jesus displayed in the face of human injustice and hate will guide your life.

John18:1-111. Compare18:1withMatthew26:36-46,Mark14:32-42,andLuke22:39-46.HowdoesJohndifferfromtheSynoptics?

WhydoyouthinkJohnisdifferent?

2. ComparethestoryofthearrestofJesusin18:2-11withthestoryinMatthew26:47-56,Mark14:43-52andLuke22:47-53.HowdoesthewayJesusisidentifiedasthepersontobearresteddifferaccordingtoMatthew,Mark,andLukeoveragainsttheGospelofJohn?

3. Whathappensin18:6whenJesusidentifiesHimself?

4. Whydoyouthinkthesoldiersreactedastheydid?Beforeyouanswer,thinkaboutPsalm27:2,Psalm35:4,Daniel8:17-18,Matthew17:6,Revelation1:17.

5. Haveyouever“fallenback”whenyourealizedGod’spresenceinyourlifeinadramaticway?Ifso,explainbriefly.

6. Howdoes18:8-11anticipate18:36and19:11?

7. WhydoesJesustellPetertoputawayhissword?

8. Haveyouevertriedto“defend”Jesusinanunacceptedway?Ifso,explainbriefly.

John18:12-279. DescribePeter’sactionin18:15-18.

10. WhydoyouthinkPeteractedashedid?

Haveyoueveractedinasimilarway?Ifso,explainbriefly.



11. HowdoesJohn18:19-24illustrateJohn1:5or1:11?

12. Compare18:25-27toMatthew26:75,Mark14:72,andLuke22:62.WhatdoesJohnomitinrecordingPeter’ssin?

John18:28-4013. Howdoes18:28emphasizethehypocrisyofJesus’enemies?

14. ReflectingonthehypocrisyofJesus’enemiesandPeter’sdenial,thinkofwaysinwhichthepowerofsinsurprisesyou.Notesomethatyoucouldsharewithotherpeople.

15. GivetworeasonswhyJewishauthoritiesdidnotexecuteJesus(18:31-32).

16. WhattwothingsindicatehowJesusiskingaccordingto18:36-37?

17. WhatdoyouthinkPilatemeantwhenhesaid,“Whatistruth?”

18. WhatistheironyintherequestforthefreedomofBarabbasinJohn18:40?CompareJohn18:30.

19. Whoisreallybeingjudgedin18:33-40?Explainyouranswer.

20. HowdoesJohn18illustratethestruggleofGod’sloveandhumanevilinyourlife?



Jesus reJected – John 18:12-27 112Jesus on trIAL – John 18:28-40 114personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 19:1-42 115

contextChaptereighteenresumesthenarrativeaboutpubliceventsinthelifeofJesusafterfourchaptersinwhichJesushadspokeninprivatetoHisdisciples.JesushadexplainedthatHewasleavingorbeing“liftedup”andhadtalkedaboutHisloveandGod’slove.NowreadersbegintolearnthedetailsofhowHeleavesandwhatHislovedoes.Themesofpower,love,service,faith,unbelief,judgment,life,anddeathwerewovenintotheUpperRoomdiscoursesandmanyoftheconceptsbecomepartofhumanhistoryintheeventsofchaptereighteen.Inanutshell,theeventsofthischaptershowwhattheloveofGodisallabout.

Theeventsofchaptereighteenareanintegralpartofchapternineteenandanecessarypreliminarytochaptertwenty.Thetrialbeguninchaptereighteenreachesaverdictinchapternineteenandthepunishmentisadministered.Tounderstandbetterthefulldramaticdevelopmentofthetrialthatbeginsinchaptereighteen,youneedtoreadpartofchapternineteen,atleastthroughversesixteen.

Wewillstudychaptereighteeninthreeparts.First,Jesusisarrested(18:1-11).ThenJesusisrejectedbyHisownpeople,includingHisdisciplePeter(18:12-27).Thesectionillustratesthetruthoftheprologue.“Hecametothatwhichwashisown,buthisowndidnotreceivehim(1:11).”ThefinalsectionofthechapterbeginstellingthestoryofthetrialbeforePilate(18:28-40).Itillustrates1:10,“Hewasintheworld,andthoughtheworldwasmadethroughhim,theworlddidnotrecognizehim.”

Jesus Is Arrested – John 18:1-11ThestoryofthearrestofJesusdemonstratesinadramaticwaytheuniquenessofJohn’sGospel.TheSynopticGospels,especiallyMark,emphasizethehumilityofJesus.TheSynopticwritersvividlyportraytheprayerfulagonyofJesusasHefacesdeath(Matthew26:36-46,Mark14:32-42,andLuke22:39-46).TheyshowthehumansideofJesus.Johnshowsthe

“The hypocrisy of Jesus’ accusers marks the beginning of the Roman trial. They want to kill Jesus but remain

ritually pure for their religious holiday (18:28)!”






divinesideofJesus.A“sorrowful”struggleinthegardenovertheFather’swill,asinMatthew26:37,Mark14:33,Luke22:44,wouldclashwiththeJohannineemphasisonthelovingwillingnessofJesustodowhattheFather’sloveordains(12:23-28).

TheSynoptics,especiallyMark,alsoemphasizethepowerofevilbymakingJudasthedominantactorinthearrestscene.BeforeJesussaysaword,JudasinterruptsJesus’conversationwithHisdisciples,identifiesHimwithakiss,andhasHimseized(Mark14:43-46).Theinjusticedescribessomethingthatcouldhappentoyouandme.Inthemidstofsinfulmortals,Jesusstandshumiliatedbytheuglystingofsin.

TheGospelofJohn,ontheotherhand,demonstratesthatsomethingishappeningtoGod.OnlyJohntellsusthatJudascomeswithabandof(Roman)soldiersandalsoofficialsfromtheJewishreligiousleaders.AlthoughJohncouldmeanonlyarepresentativegroupfora“detachment”ofsoldiers,theGreekwordisatechnicaltermmeaning“onetenthofaRomanlegion.”ThusJohnmayemphasizetheawesomepowerofakingdomofthisworldcomingouttoarrestJesus.Nevertheless,Johnshowsthatthearmy,aswellasJudas,clearlyhasnopoweroverJesus.UnliketheSynoptics,whereJudasidentifiesJesus,inJohn,wearenoteventoldaboutJudas’kiss.JesusidentifiesHimselfwhileJudasjuststandsthere(18:5)!Starklystated,intheSynopticaccountsJesusisbetrayedor“handedover”but,inJohn,JesusgivesHislife.HisactionillustratesthegreatlovepromisedinJohn10:11or15(cf.Mark8:31,9:31,10:33).

ThemostawesomemanifestationofJesus’poweroverthearrestingforcestandsintheuniqueJohanninedescriptionoftheirreactiontoJesus’self-identification.Theydrawbackandfallontheground.TheactioncertainlyhassymbolicforcealthoughScriptureleavesustodeterminethemeaning.ProbablythewordsremindreadersofthetwopossiblemeaningsinJesus’words,“Iamhe.”ThethreeEnglishwordstranslatetwoGreekwordswhichhavebeenusedinJohntomakeasimplehumanidentification(9:9)oradivineclaim(8:58-59).Areadermustdetermineifthesoldiersactinconfusionandsurpriseovertheself-identificationofthepersontheyaretoarrest.OristhefallingtheawesomeresponsetothepresenceofGod?

JewishreadersmightalsothinkofBiblepassageswhereevilpeoplestumbleandfallbeforeGodorwhererighteouspeoplefallinworshiptoHim(Psalm27:2,Daniel8:17-18,Matthew17:6,Revelation1:17).SomereadersmayknowtheJewishlegendthatwhenMosestoldPharaohthenameofGod,Pharaohfelltotheground.ThusJohntellsthestorytomakeusfaceaspiritualcrisis.Ourinterpretationwilldemonstrateifwethinkaspeople“ofthisworld”or“oftheworldabove.”DowethinkthatthearrestingforcefallsbecausetheyarepoorlyorganizedorbecausetheystandintheawesomepresenceofGod?

JesusshowsHisdivinedominanceatthearrestbyaskingthemasecondtimewhomtheyseek(18:7).Afterasecondself-identification,HeordersthefreedomofHisdisciples(18:8)which,asJohnremindsus(18:9),showshowJesusisactingaccordingtotheDivinePlanrevealedinScripture.TheneedforsuchpowerandloveisdemonstratedbythereactionofSimonPeter.HewhohasstatedhiswillingnesstodiewithJesus(13:37)attackswithaswordtopreventJesus’death,hisown,orboth.Peter’sbloodyactionshowsthathedoesn’tunderstandtheloveofJesusanybetterthanthearrestinggroup.JesusshowsHisdivineloveforPeterbytellinghimtoputawayhisswordandtellinghim(again!)thatGodwillsHisdeath.ThetrialofJesusandPeterhasbegun!

UsetheseversestothinkagainofhowthepowerandloveofGodstandfacetofacewiththeforcesofevilintheworld.Ifyouare“overcome”withworryaboutanevilthatfacesyou,visualizethatevilpower“fallingdown”beforeJesus.Ifpossible,remembertimesandwaysinwhichevil“hasdrawnbackandfallentotheground”beforethepowerofGod’slove,forgiveness,andcare.ThinkaboutthearrestofJesusas“GoodNews!”

Jesus reJected – John 18:12-27Asnotedabove,John18:12-27vividlyillustrateswhattheProloguemeantwhenitsaid,“Hecametothatwhichwashisown,buthisowndidnotreceivehim(1:11).”Jesus’ownpeople,includingthereligiousleadersAnnasandCaiaphasandHisdisciplePeterrejectHim.Likeagoodtelevisionprogramthatholdsinterestandbuildssuspensebyshiftingfromplottosub-plot,JohnshiftsthefocusbackandforthfromthetrialofJesus(18:12-14,19-24)tothetrialofPeter(18:15-18,25-27).Theverdictisvivid.Jesus



remainstruetoHisword.Peterbreakshispromise(13:37).

ThetrialorinterrogationofJesusbeginsbeforeAnnas,whohadbeenhighpriestfromAD6toAD15.Heheadedaninfluentialreligiousfamilyinwhichfiveofhissons,oneson-in-lawandonegrandsonalsoheldthepost.DuringtheRomanruleoftheJewishpeople,theHighPriestwastheunofficialnationalleaderandoftenledtheconflictornegotiationwithHerod,orwithPilateandotherRomanleaders.SincebyBiblicallaw(Numbers35:25),thehighpriest,likeaUnitedStatessupremecourtjustice,heldlifetimetenure,John’scommentthatCaiaphaswashighpriest“thatyear”maypointtothe“dirty”politics,corruptionandbriberyduringtheRomanerawhich“defiled”theoffice.Sometimesitwasoccupiedbythepersonabletopaythebiggestbribe.Jesus’cleansinginthetempleareahadalreadycondemnedthereligiouscommercializationofthetime.

ThefairnessoftheinterrogationbeforeAnnasisobviouslyquestionablefromthebeginning.Theverdictofthehighpriestisalreadyknown(18:14,cf.11:49-51).AfteraninterludedealingwithPeter’strial(18:15-18)whichwewilldiscusslater,AnnasquestionsJesusaboutHisdisciplesandHisteaching.WhenJohncallsAnnasthe“highpriest”(18:19),hemustuseitasatitleofhonor.Inasimilarwaywecontinuetospeakof“Presidents”Nixon,Ford,andCarter.AnnassendsJesustotheactualhighpriestCaiaphaslater(18:24).Theinterrogationscenebecomesmorevividifyouspeculateonthecontentandintentofthequestions.DidAnnaswonderhowmanydisciplesJesushad,wheretheyweregathered,howtheywerearmed,andhowtheymightreacttoHisarrest?SinceJesus’responsepointstoapublicministrytoallpeople(18:20-21),HemayberespondingtoAnnas’suspicionofasecretarmyplanningarevolution.TheSynopticGospelssupplycontenttothequestionaboutJesus’teaching.(Matthew26:63-64,Mark14:61-62,Luke22:67&70).Caiaphasseeksevidenceofblasphemy.Incidentally,JewishreaderswouldknowthatCaiaphas’questionconcerningJesus’teachingwasillegal.Jewishlawatthetimeforbadeself-incriminatingevidence.

TheunfairnessofthetrialisunderscoredbythefactthatJesusishitinthefacedespiteanhonestanswer(18:22-23)andHeissentontoCaiaphaswhoseverdictisalready

known.Inreality,therehasbeennotrialofJesusbutratheratrialofHisaccusers.Readersknowthehonestyofthedefendantandthedishonestyoftheplaintiffs.

ThinkofwaysinwhichyouhavetreatedJesusorHisdisciplesunfairly.HaveyoublamedGodfornotquicklydeliveringyoufromproblemsthatyoursincreated?HaveyoususpecteddedicatedChristiansofhavingsinistermotives?

HaveyouaccusedChristiansofspendingsomuchtimeatchurchbecausetheywantto“runthecongregation?”Isallcriticismoftelevisionevangelistsfair?Ontheotherhand,thinkofwaysinwhichyouhavesufferedlikeJesus.Havepeoplequestionedyourmotivesandbeenunfairintheircriticismofyouractions?AfterworkinghardinChristianlove,hassomeone“slappedyourface”witharemarkabouthow“thingsarealwaysdoneyourway?”Insummary,religiouspeopleconfrontJesusinamostirreligiouswayandweexperiencethesamepaintoday.

Peter’smomentoftruthisinterwovendramaticallyinthequestioningofJesus.WesensecourageandcommitmentasSimonPeterfollowsJesusashehadwanted(13:37)andpromised(Matthew26:33,Mark14:29,Luke22:33).Yetironically,hedeniesJesustothedoorkeeperinordertofollowHim(18:17-18)!Thesecondandthirdliequicklyfollow(18:25&27).Peter’sliesremindoneofRomans7:19,“ForwhatIdoisnotthegoodIwanttodo;no,theevilIdonotwanttodo--thisIkeepondoing.”ThinkofwaysinwhichyouhavetriedtofollowJesusbutinsteaddeniedHim.PerhapsItwasteachinglovetochildrenandthenexplodinginunfairanger.Maybeyoulovinglyhelpedafriend,andthencomplained(orbragged!)aboutthetimeinvolved.Perhapsyouacceptedanofficeorresponsibility,andthenshirkedyourdutysimplybecause“youdidn’tfeellikeit.”Maybedirtyjokesandfoullanguageareusedtogainacceptancewiththecrowd.

ThemostsurprisingthingaboutJohn’saccountofPeter’sdenialisthathedoesnotrecordPeter’sbitterweeping(Matthew26:75,Mark14:72,Luke22:62).IthinkthatJohnomitsthisdetailtomakemorepoignantJesus’lovingcalltoPeterin21:15-19.Whateverthereason,asJesusisledtoPilate,thewordsofthePrologueringtrue(1:11b).HisownreceivedHimnot!



Jesus on trIAL – John 18:28-40ThehypocrisyofJesus’accusersmarksthebeginningoftheRomantrial.TheywanttokillJesusbutremainrituallypurefortheirreligiousholiday(18:28)!TheyremindmeofthesceneinthemovieGodfatherwhereamobbossstandsassponsorrecitingtheApostle’sCreedduringabaptismwhilehisthugscarryouttheorderforexecutionofhisenemies.Jesus’accuserscontinuetopracticedeceitwhen,ratherthanpressaspecificcharge,theytellPilate,ineffect,“Trustus(18:30).”Theyremindusthatliarswanttrust,nottruth(Matthew5:37).

ThelimitedpowerofevilalsostandsrevealedbeforePilate.PeoplewhowanttomurderJesusarelimitedbyRomanpower(18:31)andthepowerofJesus’words(18:32).Theeditorialcomment(18:32)remindsusthatJesuswillnothelplesslybeexecutedbyworldlypowerbutwillinglygivesHimselffortheworldinthepoweroflove.

Ostensibly,PilatetriesJesusinJohn18:33-38abut,inreality,Pilateisontrial.EverytimePilatespeaksherevealsthathedoesnotknowwhatistrue.Ontheotherhand,JesusexplainsthatHeisnotaworldlymonarch(18:36),butisintheworldasakingtestifyingtotruth(18:37).Jesusspeakstruth.Pilatecannotrecognizeit.

ThereareanumberofwaystoapplythetrialofJesusbeforePilatetolifetoday.Pilateisanexampleofsomeonewhodoesn’twanttohearthetruth.PeoplelikePilateprefersuccesstohonor.Likethem,weignoreotherpeoplewhentheyinterferewithourgoals.Webreakpromisesinordertohavefun.Wedon’twantnewinformationwhenwe’vemadeupourminds.Ontheotherhand,Jesusprovidesadivineexampleoftellingthetruthinlove.JesuspracticeswhatHepreachesasHetestifiestothetruthintheworld(18:37).

Chaptereighteenrevealsthedepravityofpeople.Pilate,whohasimpliedaninabilitytoknowtruth(18:38),pronouncesatruthfulverdict.Hefindsnobasisforthe

chargeagainstJesus.ThehonestthingatthatpointwouldbetoreleaseJesus.Butrejectinghonesty,Pilateseeksapproval.RatherthanfreeJesusbecauseHeisinnocent,PilatelooksforaloopholefreeingHimbutnotproclaimingHiminnocent.Thechoiceofferedmakesthedecisionobvious.PilateoffersamnestyforJesus(againstwhomthereisnoevidenceofplanningarebellion)orforBarabbas,whostandsconvictedofcrime.Thepeople,inrebellionagainsthumanjusticeanddivinetruth,shoutbackrejectingthekingdomofGodandacceptingthekingdomofthesword.

ThinkabouttheterriblenatureofdishonestyandhateinthegiveandtakeofPilateandthemob.Expediency,ratherthanhonesty,motivatesPilate.Howmanytimes,ratherthanstandingupforwhatweknowisright,doweinsteadtrytofindoutwhatothersarethinkingandthenactinawaythatwillnotoffendthem?Or,howoftendoourpracticesproveourweaknesses?Wedemandthatourchildrenbetruthfulbut,whenthetelephoneringsatthewrongtime,wetellthemtosaythatwe’renothome.Wedemandthatothersworkhardbutbragabouthowwecanloafonthejob.Wedemandgoodschoolsandothergovernmentservicesbutrejectthetaxesnecessarytopayforthem.Weprayformissionariestoreachothersbutspendchurchmoniesonprojectsthatbenefitselfishinterests.

Inreview,chaptereighteenprovidesafrighteningviewofhumannatureandacomfortingviewofGod’sloveinJesusChrist.Humanbeingsworkhardtoprotectthemselvesandadvancetheirinterests.Indoingso,theydenyJesus,honesty,fairnessandtruth.Jesus,ontheotherhand,speaksandactsinhonestyandtruth.Heexposesevil.Theso-calledtrialofJesusproducesevidenceoftheworld’sguilt.Thelightisshininginthedarknessexposingtheuglynatureofsin.WeneedtobeencouragedbyJesus’words,“Iamthelightoftheworld.Whoeverfollowsmewillneverwalkindarkness,butwillhavethelightoflife(8:12).”

The light is shining in the darkness exposing the ugly nature of sin.




Pray that the peace and courage of Jesus in the face of death would strengthen and give peace to all who think about death or know that they will die soon.

John19:1-161. DescribetheactionofthesoldierstowardJesusandwhyyouthinktheyactedastheydid.

2. Haveyoueveractedwiththemotivesofthesoldiers?Ifso,giveanexamplethatyoucouldshare.

3. WhydoyouthinkPilateactedashedidinverses4&5?

4. ExplainthereactionofJesus’enemies.

5. Whydowesometimesrejectpeoplewhoare“hurting”orhaveproblems?Giveexamples.

6. WhattwochargesarepressedagainstJesusbeforePilate?(19:7-12)

7. Haveyouorsomeoneyouknoweverbeenrejected,asadiscipleofJesus,forbeing“toogodly”or“notafriendofgovernment?”Ifso,explain.

8. WhatwasPilate’smotiveforhisactioninverse16?

HaveyoueveractedwithmotivessimilartothoseofPilate?Ifso,giveanexample.

John19:17-379. HowisJohn19:17differentfromMatthew27:32,Mark15:20-21,andLuke23:26?

Why?

10. InwhatlanguagesdoesPilatepublicizethereasonforJesus’execution?

WhydoyouthinkthatonlyJohngivesthatinformation?(3:14-16)



11. ContemplatePilate’sresponsetotherequesttochangetheproclamationofJesus’crime(19:21-22).HaveyoueveractedwithmotivessimilartothoseofPilate?Ifso,explainbriefly.

12. WhatlessondowelearnfromthedescriptionofthesoldiersdividingJesus’clothing?

13. GivethewordsofJesustoHismotherandthedisciplewhomHeloved.

WhatmeaningdoHiswordshaveforyou?

14. WhatarethelastwordsofJesusbeforeHediesaccordingto: John19:30?

Matthew27:46-50?

Mark15:33-37?

Luke23:42-46?

Whateffectmightthese“lastwords”haveonthereader’sunderstandingofJesusasHedies?

15. Whatistheironyorhypocrisyimpliedin19:31(18:28)?

16. Canyouthinkoftimeswhenpeople,claimingtobereligious,urgedorsupportedbrutalaction?Ifso,explainyouranswer.

17. WhathappenswhenthesoldierscometobreakJesus’legs?

WhatsymbolicmeaningmighttheinformationgivenonlyinJohn(19:34-35have(cf.4:10-14,7:38,and1John5:6-8)?

John19:38-4218. WhatdoyouthinkmotivatedJosephofArimatheaandNicodemustoburyJesus?Listasmanymotivesasyoucan

imagine—bothgoodandbadmotives(Matthew27:57-61,Mark15:43-47,Luke23:50-56).

Arethesemenexamplesofcourage,hiddendiscipleship,orcowardice?

19. Whichsectionofthischapterhasthemostmeaningforyouandwhy?



the crucIfIxIon – John 19:16B-37 118the BurIAL – John 19:38-42 120personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 20:1-29 121

contextJohnnineteencontinuesthetrialnarrativebeguninchaptereighteenandprovidesthenecessarybackgroundinformationfortheastonishingeventsofchaptertwenty.ThesinsofchaptereighteenproducetheirrottenfruitinchapternineteenandtheloveofJesusinthechapterwillproduceitsfruitsofpowerandloveinchaptertwenty.

Wewillstudythechapterinthreeparts.First,thetrialofJesuscomestoitsdishonestconclusion(19:1-16a),afterwhichJesusisnailedtoacrossanddies(19:16b-37).ThechapterendswiththenarrativeofJesus’burial(19:38-42).

the trIAL – John 19:1-16AAspeopleshoutforthefreedomofBarabbas(18:40),PilateordersJesusflogged.ProbablyPilateordersJesus’floggedandpermitshissoldiersto“havesomefun”inordertoteachJesusalesson.MaybehehopesthatJesus’enemieswillbesatisfiedifJesusisbadlyhurtandtheywon’tdemandexecutionofabadlybeateninnocentman.TheGreektextindicatesafloggingthatwasdifferentfromthescourgingrecordedinMatthewandMark(Matthew27:26andMark15:15).TheRomanmilitarybeatpeopleinthreeways.Abeatingandafloggingwereintendedtoteachpeoplealessonbutascourgingwaspreliminarytoandpartofcrucifixion.

Thefirstthreeversesofthechapterraisethequestion,howcanhumanbeingsbesomean?Pilate’ssoldiersdemonstratehumanbrutalitywhichremainsasavagepartofhumanbehaviorinrape,murder,warandotherformsofviolence.Westillreadofcriminalbrutalityandalsoofpolicebrutality.Perhapsthereisnomoralhere,onlyatragichistoricalnote.ButmaybeitisanuglydemonstrationofthepowerofthekingdomofthisworldincomparisonwiththeloveofJesus’Kingdom.DowewantakinglikePilatewithhissoldiersoraKinglikeJesuswithHisdisciples?MaybethebrutalacthelpsvictimsofviolencetodaybyknowingthatJesusexperiencedsimilarpainandcansharetheirgriefandbeartheirsorrow.

“May Jesus’ willing suffering enable you to face better the terror of life, knowing that despite

the hurt, God’s will is accomplished.”






ThetrialnowmovestoconfrontationbetweenPilateandJesus’enemies(19:4-16).ThedramabeginswithPilatedisplayingabeatenvictimprobablyhopingthatthemobwouldthinkthatJesushassufferedenoughandhas“learnedalesson.”LetyourartisticimaginationwonderwhatPilatemeantwiththewords,“Hereistheman.”PerhapsPilateaimsmockingcontemptatpeoplewhoseeJesusasathreat.Suchcontemptwouldbesimilartothecondescensionbehindofferingtofree“thekingoftheJews(18:39).”SomescholarshavewonderedifJohnrecordsthecommentasanallusiontoJesusas“theSonofMan.”ThetheologicalironywouldbethatwhilePilateandJesus’enemiesseeapitifulvictim,earlyChristianswouldknowthatthe“SonofMan”suffersmuchtogiveHislifeasaransomforall(Mark8:31,10:33).Theywouldknowthatthe“SonofMan”wasbeingliftedupliketheserpentinthewilderness(3:14).TheSonofManisbeingglorifiedbecauseHepersonifiesthehumanwhohateslifeinthisworldbutwillkeepitforeternallife(12:25).Jesusshowsthehighestformofhumanlovewhichgiveslifeforfriends(15:13-14).

IfPilatehopedforpity,theplanprovesfutile.ThecrowddemandsJesus’executionand,forthefirsttimeinJohn’sGospel,explainswhy(19:7).WhenPilatehearsthatJesusistheSonofGod,hebecomesafraid(19:8).Pilate’sfearcouldmeanthatherealizesforthefirsttimethatJesusviolatesthemonotheisticcreedoftheJewsandtheywillnoteasilyacceptareasonableverdict.PerhapswithtypicalRomanpolytheisticsuperstition,Pilatetakesthechargeseriouslyandwondersif,infact,JesusistheSonofGodorthesonofagod.PerhapsJohnrecordsPilate’sfeartoshowhowapagantakesseriouslythepossibilityofJesus’divinity.Pilate’sreactionstandsasasubtleencouragementforoutreachtopagansorasanimpliedcondemnationofJewishobstinacy.RecordingJesus’commentaboutthegreaterguiltofthepeoplewhowantHimkilled(19:11)supportssuchanimplication.

WhateverthereasonsforPilate’sfear,hisattempttofreeJesusfails.Thechargeofblasphemyissetasidewiththethreatofdisloyalty.PerhapsarecentlyattemptedcoupbytheRomanleaderSejanusagainsttheCaesarTiberiusmadethethreatofdisloyaltyespeciallyeffective.Pilategivesintothedemandswhichheknowsareunjustbutforcesapledgeofallegiancewhichheknowsisuntrue

(19:15b).HowcanpeoplewhoclaimnokingbutCaesarwantamnestyforaconvictedrevolutionary?ThetrialendsexposingtheinjusticeofPilateandthehatefulhypocrisyofpeople.Theyaresoreligiousthattheywillnotenterapaganpalace(18:28),yettheyarewillingtokillaninnocentman.

ReflectbrieflyonthetrialofJesusandrememberhowinjustice,lies,hypocrisy,andhatehurtpeople.LetthetruthfulnessofJesuscallyoutoloyaltytoHisKingdomratherthansurrenderingtotheforcesofevil.

According to John, Jesus’ final words are “It is finished.” He has obeyed the will of the

Father and given His life for the world.

the crucIfIxIon – John 19:16B-37JohntellsofthecrucifixionofJesuswithseveraldetailsnotfoundintheSynopticGospels.PerhapstoshowthetotalityofJesus’commitment,JohndoesnotrecordthatSimonofCyrenecarriedthecrossofJesus(Matthew27:32,Mark15:21,Luke23:26).Johnalsodoesnotmentiondarknessatthecrucifixion(Matthew27:45,Mark15:33,Luke23:44).BecauseherecordedsofrequentlythesymbolismofJesusasthelightoftheworldbringinglighttotheworld,itcouldbesymbolicallyinappropriatetomentiondarknesswhentheloveofGodshinessobrightly.ProbablytoshowJesus’loveforthewholeworld,onlyJohnreportsthattheproclamationofthereasonforexecutionwaswritteninLatin,GreekandAramaic(19:20).OnlyJohnrecordstheobjectiontothetitleandPilate’sfirmresponse(19:21-22).MaybeJohnwantshisreaderstoknowthateventheirRomanenemieshaveanobilitywhichencouragesmissionoutreach.Furthermore,onlyJohn’sGospelrecordsthesoldiersdividingJesus’clothingandgamblingforHisseamlessgarment.JohnreferstoPsalm22:18toprovethatGod’swillisdoneeveninamomentwhenchanceseemstorule.

Incontrasttotheguardsdividingthespoils,fourwomenandJesus’beloveddisciplestandnearthecross(19:25-27).JesustellsHismother,“Dearwoman,hereisyourson,”andtothediscipleHesays,“Hereisyourmother.”Suchsimplewordsreceivesurprisinglydifferentinterpretations.SomeChristiansemphasizethatJesus



givesthebeloveddiscipletoHislovingmother.ThisinterpretationleadssomeChristianstogivespecialhonortoSt.Mary.OtherChristiansthinkthatJesusmakesthebeloveddiscipletheguardianofHismother.TheyuseJesus’actionasanexampleofHishumanlove.AthirdinterpretationexplainsthewordsasanexampleofhowmutualloveforChristianscomesfromthecrossofJesus.Regardlesswhichinterpretationyouprefer,theincidentmustdemonstratehowJesus,likeagoodshepherd,knowsHisown,lovesthem,andgivesHislifeforthem.

AfteraddressingHismotheranddisciple,Jesusmakestwoshortstatements.AsevidencethatGod’sScripturalplaniscomplete,Jesussays,“Ithirst.”ThewordsarenotadirectquotationofScripturebutmayrefertothemessianicmessageofPsalm22:15.OrperhapsJohnwantsustothinkofPsalm69:21becausehealonerecordsJesusdrinkingwinevinegar(19:29).ThehyssopusedtoelevatethewinesoakedspongetoJesus’lips(19:29)mightmakesomereadersthinkofJesusasthePassoverLambofGodsincehyssopwaspartofthePassovertradition(Exodus12:22).AccordingtoJohn,Jesus’finalwordsare“Itisfinished.”HehasobeyedthewilloftheFatherandgivenHislifefortheworld.Thegiftofeternallifehasnostringsattached.God’slovehaskeptitspromise.

ReflectupontheuniquedescriptionofJesus’deathasrecordedinJohn.HisuniquetellingofthecrucifixionmakesvividtheactionandpurposeofGodinthattragicmoment.Humanbrutalitygainsnovictim.Divinepowerandpurposemarchtowardvictory.Rememberthewordsandactionsofthatterriblehourwhentimesofpaintouchyourlife.PraythatyoucanseethewillofGodasmorepowerfulthanselfishchance,theseparationoflovedonesinthefaceofdeath,anddeathitself.

AfterrecordingthecompletionofGod’sworkinJesus’death,Johnshowshowhumanevilcontinues.Hypocritesdemandtortureofotherssothattheycancontinuetheirreligiouscelebration(19:31-32).Legsarebrokentohastendeathsothatnodyingvictimwouldmartheholidayfestivities!Howcansuchbrutalhypocrisyexist?

Dareweadmitthatsuchkillingcrueltyexistsinreligiouspeopleinourowntimeoreveninourselves?Searchthenewspapersandyourheartandtoomanycontemporary

examplescanbefound.Forexample,thehumblecircumstancesofJesus’birthandtheneedsofsomanyhumanbeingstodayseembrutallyignoredintheglutofmaterialismduringourChristmascelebrations.Christiansmayproclaim,“IbelieveinGodtheFather,AlmightyMakerofheavenandearth”onSundaymorningbutthen,duringtheweek,withcruelprejudicehurtpeopletheAlmightyhascreated.Withapenitentheart,askforgivenessforthewaysinwhichwemayacceptorcausepainforothers.

ButevenbrutalitycannotthwartthewillofGod.Inthebloodiestmoment,Scriptureisfulfilled(19:34)whenthethrustofaspearmakescertainthatJesusisreallydead.Almostcertainlytheflowofbloodandwaterisrememberedasmorethananinterestingbiologicalfact.SomescholarsthinkthatitsymbolizedBaptismandEucharistwhichenablepeopletorememberandparticipateinChrist’sdeath.SuchaninterpretationfitswellintothewholeofScripturebutremainsunprovensincethewordsofinstitutionofneitherBaptismorEucharistaregiveninJohn.WaterinJohn7:38-39,forexample,symbolizesthegiftoftheSpiritthatflowsfromthesideofJesus.Theword“blood”hasnoclearmeaningalthoughitoccurselsewhereinJohn1:13and6:53-56.SuchreferencesmayteachthatJesusoffersHimselfwithagreaterthannormallife-givingpower.

1John5:6-8mayexplaintheincidentbut,unfortunately,themeaningofthosepassagesisnotfullycleareither.“Thisistheonewhocamebywaterandblood-JesusChrist.Hedidnotcomebywateronly,butbywaterandblood.AnditistheSpiritwhotestifies,becausetheSpiritisthetruth.Fortherearethreethattestify,theSpirit,thewaterandtheblood;andthethreeareinagreement.”Interpreting“blood”inthatverseasreferencetoJesus’death,scholarsthinkthatJohn19:34meansthattheSpirit(water)nowflowsbecauseJesus’glorification(blood)iscomplete.Abetterinterpretationsuggeststhatthemixtureofbloodandwaterwasanormalsignofdeath.ThusJohn(19:35)certifiesthatJesuswasreallydead.Perhapstheemphasisisonthe“suddenflow”andpointstoIsaiah53:12wheretheSufferingServantwhoborethesinofmany“pouredouthislifeuntodeath.”ThecommentarybyRaymondBrown,listedinthebibliography,hasanespeciallythoroughdiscussiononthe“bloodandwater”.



Whateverthepossiblesymbolicvalue,theGospelmakestwomajorpoints.First,thenon-breakingofJesuslegsandthepiercingofHissideshowthatHisdeathfulfillsScripture(19:36-37).Ithasmeaning.ItfitsGod’sforeordainedplan.ThefirstpassagemaydomorethanremindreadersthatScriptureisfulfilled.ItremindsthemthatJesusistheLambofGod,whichlikeanordinaryPassoverLamb,hadnobrokenbones(Exodus12:46,Numbers9:12).Second,someonesawtheevent,bearswitnesstoitandenablesthereadertobelieve.Thetruthissimplebutprofound.Jesus’deathenablesChristianwitnesssothatpeoplecanbelieve.

the BurIAL – John 19:38-42TheaccountoftheburialofJesuscontainsseveralinterestingdetailsnotfoundelsewhereinScripture.OnlyJohntellsusthatNicodemushelpedJosephofArimathea(19:39,Matthew27:57,Mark15:43,Luke23:50).AlthoughMarknotesthecourageofJoseph,Johnseemstoemphasizethefearfulcircumstanceswhichfacedisciples.JosephwasasecretdiscipleandNicodemusfirstcametoJesusatnight(19:38-39).Thecircumstancesremindusofhowwetooliveinfear.Twootherdetailshavemoresymbolicvalue.OnlyJohntellsthetremendousamountofointmenttheybring.TheamountdemonstratestheirgreatloveforJesusandprobablyseekstomakethereaderknowthattheburialis“fitforaking.”OnlyJohnreportsthatthetombisinagarden(19:41)andsomescholarsthinkthatmakesJesus’burialcomparabletothatofnationalroyalty(cf.2Kings21:18,26).JewishlegendconnectedwithNehemiah3:16putsKingDavid’stombinagarden.John,likeLuke,reportsthatitisanunusedgrave(19:41,Luke23:53).Thatinformationalsohintsatspecialtreatmentaccordedroyalty.Despitetheroyaltreatment,onlyJohntellsusthatordinaryJewishburialcustomwasfollowed(19:40).Thatdetailmaysimplybeofhistoricalinterestbutcouldalsoprepareforthemiracleoftheresurrection.Suspiciousorsuperstitiousreadersshouldnotthinkthatmedicineormagicwasusedinthattombtobringaboutarevival.Jesusneedsnobandagesforwoundsbutrequiresembalming.PeopleburyHimasamortal.Humanlyspeaking,thestoryofHislifeisover.Thesituationseemsashopelessaswhenwestandatthegraveofalovedoneburiedaccordingtoourcustoms.ButtheGospelstoryisnotfinished.

ThetrialanddeathofJesusremainafocalpointforChristianfaith.HumanhateandbrutalitytortureJesus.JesusacceptsthathumiliationwiththeobediencetotheFather’swillandthelovefortheworldofwhichHespokesooften.ThinkabouttheterribleeventsandpraythatGodwillusethemtoenableyoutoseemoreclearlythegreatnessofGod’slove.MayJesus’willingsufferingenableyoutofacebettertheterroroflife,knowingthatdespitethehurt,God’swillisaccomplished.Remembertheironyofthestory.Itappearsthatdeathhaswonbut,asJohnknows,Easterwillshatterthatdelusion.




Pray that the words and actions of Jesus after His resurrection will bless you as they blessed the first disciples that saw Him.

John20:1-91. WhatdidMaryMagdaleneobserveatJesus’tombandwhatwasherconclusion?

Haveyoueverdrawnasimilarconclusion(logicalbutwrong!)?Ifso,explainbriefly.

2. HowdoPeterandtheotherdisciplereacttoMary’smessage?

Whatdotheyseeatthetomb?

Whatdifferentwayscouldtheyinterpretwhattheysee?

Statethedifferenceinthetwodisciples’reactions?

Doestheotherdisciple“believe”(20:8-9)thatJesusisrisenorMaryMagdalene’sreportoftheft(20:2)?

Whatdoes20:9meantoyou?

John20:10-183. WhathappenstoMaryatthetombbeforeshemetJesus?

4. WhydoesMarynotrecognizeJesus?

CanyouthinkofwaysinwhichgriefhaskeptyoufromseeingChrist?Ifso,explainbriefly.

5. WhatmightbethesymbolictheologicalsignificanceinthefactthatMaryrecognizesJesusafterHespeakshername(10:3-5)?

6. Howdoyouexplainthe“apparentconflict”between20:17andMatthew28:9(John16:7)?



Haveyouevertriedto“holdonto”apersonorthingstothedetrimentofyourspirituallifeormissionoutreach?Ifso,explainbriefly.

John20:19-297. AfterMarytellsthedisciplesthatshehasseentheLord,wheredotheygoandwhyaretheythere?

Haveyouever“lockedaway”yourselfdespitetheChristianwitnesstoyouorhaveyousharedtheGoodNewsbutseenyourlistenerslockoutthetruth?Explain.

8. StateJesus’wordsandactionstoHisdisciplesandtellwhattheymeantoyou.

9. ThinkaboutThomas’reactionandcommentonhowdoubtand/orrealismoftenfollowChristianwitness.CiteanexampleofhowyoureactedtotheGoodNewslikeThomasorhowsomeonereactedtoyourwitnessinawaysimilartoThomas.

10. WhatdoesJesustellThomastodoandwhy?

11. InthefaceofdoubtorhonestspiritualsearchinghowdoyoumaketheloveofJesus“real”forpeople?

12. GiveThomas’confessionandexplainJesus’response.

WhatarevariousreasonspeoplegivefortrustingJesusasLordandGod?

13. ForwhatreasonshaveyouconfessedJesusasLordandGod?Havesomereasonsbeen“moreblessed”(“theologicallymoreacceptable”or“spirituallybetter”)thanothers?Trytoexplain.

John20:30-3114. WhyaresomeofthesignsthatJesusdidnotwrittenintheGospel?

WhatisthepurposeoftheGospelofJohn?

15. HasstudyingtheGospelofJohnhelpedyouexperienceitspurpose?Ifso,explainhow.



the AppeArAnce to mAry – John 20:10-18 124Jesus AppeArs to hIs dIscIpLes – John 20:19-23 125Jesus And thomAs – John 20:24-29 126John’s concLusIon – John 20:30-31 126summAry 126personAL AppLIcAtIon – John 21:1-25 127

contextJesusisdeadandburied.OneunfamiliarwiththeentirestoryofJesuswouldexpectchaptertwentytoexplainhowHislovedonescopewiththeloss.Instead,chaptertwentywillexplainhowGodchangesthewaypeopleofthisworldmustregarddeath.

Wewillstudychaptertwentyinfiveparts.Thefirstsection(20:1-9)tellsoftheexperiencesofMaryMagdalene,PeterandthebeloveddiscipleatJesus’grave.Intheothersections,JesusappearstoMaryMagdalene(20:10-18),thentoanundisclosednumberofdisciples(20:19-23),andfinallytoThomas(20:24-29).OurstudyconcludeswithcommentsonthestatementofpurposeinJohn20:30-31.

experIences At the GrAVe – John 20:1-9Chaptertwentybegins(20:1-2)withanoteofrealisticgloom.EarlySundaymorning,MaryMagdaleneseesthatthestonesealingthegravehasbeenremovedandjumpstothelogicalconclusionthatsomeonestoleJesus’corpse.ThisbadnewsshereportstoSimonPeterandthedisciplewhomJesusloved.Sheisanexampleofapersonwhojudgesrealitybythethingsofthisworld.Shedrawsconclusionsandformsheropinionsonthebasisofwhatsheseesandbythelimitationsofhumanexperience.JesusthroughoutHisministrycalledpeopletoviewthingsfromaheavenlyperspectiveandtheEastereventswillcallMarytoleavebehindworldlylimitationsandseethedivinegloryofChrist.

Mary’sreactionisnotonlybasedonworldlycriteriabutdisplaysthecommonhumantendencytoblameothersforourproblems.LikeMary,wemayoverlookanactionofGodandquicklyblameotherpeopleforthingswedonotunderstand.Politicalsloganslike“They’redoingittoyouagain”strikefearandelicitangerfromvoters.WhenwefailtofindChristinworship,wemayblamethepastor,theliturgyorthecongregation.Theproblemmaynot

“The Living Lord appears, calls, sends forth, and gives instructions to the disciples.”






be“them.”OftenwejudgebyworldlystandardsanddonotsearchfortruthwiththespiritualvigornecessarytounderstandwhatGodisdoing.

UponhearingMary’sreportofgraverobbing,Peterandthebeloveddiscipleruntothetomb.Theyviewtheinteriorofthetombandthenreturnhome(20:10).Thestoryissimplebutthoughtprovoking.Afterreadingtheparagraph,asksimply,“Whathappened?”Isuspectthatasyouthinkaboutthestory,thedetailswillprovidemoreambiguitythanclarity.Forexample,readagainthelastwordsofverse8,“...hesawandhebelieved.”Notethesingular,“he”(not“they”)believed.Twoquestionsimmediatelycometomind.Whatdidthebeloveddisciplebelieve?WhatwasPeter’sreaction?

First,whatdidthebeloveddisciplebelieve?ManypeoplecompleteverseeightbysupplyingthewordslikethefollowingwhichIwillputinbrackets.“Hebelieved(thatJesuswasrisenfromthedead).”Butitcouldalsobecompleted,“Hebelieved(thatMary’sconclusionabouttheftwastrue).”Theformerinterpretationhasgreatmeaning.Itmakesthebeloveddiscipleamodelforfaith.HebelievesintheresurrectionofJesuswithoutseeingHim(compare20:29).Heisthenawonderfulexampleoffaithbasedtheevidenceoftheunrifiledtomb.FaithcomesfromhisheartbutnotbyactuallyseeingJesus.Heneednothandle,touch,orevenseetherisenLordbeforebelievingthatHeisalive.SuchaninterpretationteachesustotrustGodevenwhenwedon’tclearlyunderstandHisactions.

Theproblemwithsuchaninterpretationisthatitseemstoclashwithversenine.Sinceversenineprovidesanexplanationforverseeight,itisillogicalthat“hebelieved(thatJesuswasrisen)becausetheydidn’tknowthattheScripturetaughtit.”Itseemsmorelogicalthat“hebelieved(thatthebodywasstolen)becausetheydidnotknowScripture.”Furthermore,ifJohnbelievedthatJesusisalive,whydidhenotbearwitnesstohisfaith,asMaryMagdalenedid(20:18)?Whyarethedisciples(includingJohn?)stillafraidlaterthatevening(20:19)?IfJohnbelievedMary’sopinionthatthegravehadbeenrobbed,hisreactionisconsistentwithLuke’sreportthatthedisciplesfoundincrediblethewomen’sreportofJesus’resurrection(Luke24:11).Ifthesecondinterpretationisaccepted,thebeloveddiscipleexemplifiestheneedfor

evenJesus’closestdisciplestostudytheScriptureandtogrowinfaith.ItshowsthatevenpeoplewholoveJesusmayformwrongopinionsbasedonworldlydata.

Nowwecandealwiththesecondquestion.WhatwasPeter’sreactiontotheclothesinthetomb?Infact,wedonotknowandareleftwithmorequestions.WhydidPeternotjointhebeloveddiscipleinbelieving?ArewetothinkofPeterasmorestubbornorlessnoble?ThenarrativebeginsbytellingthattheotherdisciplerunsfasterthanPeterbutdoesnotenterthetomb.Dosuchdetailshavemeaning?DoesPeterrunmoreslowlybecauseheisolderandenterthetombmorequicklybecauseheisimpetuousorlesspious?IsJohnyoungerbutmorereverent?NodoubttheGospelofJohntellsofPeter’sfaithandfatewithauniqueinterest.OnlyJohndescribesPeter’sdenialwithnoshowofremorse(18:27)andonlyJohntellsofJesus’specialdirectivestoPeterattheSeaofGalilee(21:15-19).PerhapsJohnwritestoshowthepatienceandhumanityoffaith.Butintheend,sincethestorytellsuswhathappenedbutnotwhy,wecanonlyletourliteraryandspiritualimaginationplaywiththedetails.Thedetails,atleast,remindusthatdifferentdisciplestraveltheroadoffaithatdifferentspeeds.

Thedisciplesinthetombhelpusfaceourownspiritualcrisis.Faithframedbyhumanlimitationsmustthinkaboutbodysnatchers.Faithopenedbydivinepowercanthinkaboutresurrectionlife.Thecrisisofthetwodisciplesisalsoours.Doweviewfuneralsandgravesfromahumanordivineperspective?Deathisanendwhenviewedasahumanexperience.Onlydivinegracecouldleadonetoexpectcontinuedlife.Furthermore,ifthedisciplelovedbyJesusbelievedthatthebodyhadbeenstolen,thestoryservestoremindusofGod’sabilitytodealwithadisciple’sstruggletobelieve.EvenonelovedbyJesuswhohasleanedonHimmuststrugglewiththetruthoftheResurrectionandLife.Faithisnotonlyagiftbutalsoastruggle.IfthisisJohn’smomentofstruggleinjudgmentbyhumanstandards,weknowthatGoddoesnotabandonhim.Eventually,hewillsee,believeandgiveafaithfulwitness(21:24).

the AppeArAnce to mAry – John 20:10-18Afterthetwodisciplesleavethetomb,thestoryagainfocusesonMaryMagdalene.Heractionfitsherattitude;



sheweeps.Threeimportantthingshappenthatwilldispelhergrief.First,sheseestwoangelsinwhitewhoaskwhysheweeps.Withnoevidenceoffearorawe,sheexplainsherquandary(20:13).ThensheturnsandseesJesusbutdoesnotrecognizeHim(20:14).Finally,Jesusasksherwhysheisweepingandwhomsheisseeking.ThinkingherLivingLordisagardener,sheasksifHehastakenthecorpseand,ifso,wouldHepermithertoretrieveit.TheactionsofMaryMagdaleneshowthepowerofgriefinthefaceofdeath.NeitherangelicmessengersnorthesightofJesusHimselfdivertsMary’sdeathfixation.Thestubborngripofgriefillustratesthepowerofdeathinourlives.Griefcausespeopletooverlookangelicconcernanddivinecare.EventhoughMaryseesandhearsJesus,hergriefcontinues.TheglorifiedChristpermittedMarytorecognizeHimonlyafterHecalledherbyname.Jesus’actionandMary’sreactionremindusofJesus’wordsabouttheGoodShepherd,“Hecallshisownsheepbynameandleadsthemout(10:3).”TheexchangeofMaryandJesusrecordedonlyinJohn’sGospel,remindsusofJesus’claim,“Iamthegoodshepherd;Iknowmysheepandmysheepknowme(10:14).”

AfterMaryrecognizesJesus,Hetellshertwothings.First,“Donotholdme,”and,second,“Gotomybrethrenandsaytothem,‘IamascendingtomyFatherandyourFather,tomyGodandyourGod.’”Theversesactuallyexpresstwosidesofthesametruthandhelpexplainanapparentconflict,oftennoted,withMatthew28:9.Therecertainwomen“clasp”thefeetofJesusand“worship”Him.InJohn,JesustellsMarythatshecannotreturntothepastbutmustmoveintothefuture.HereinforcessometeachingfromtheFarewellDiscourses.ThetimeofthehistoricalJesusisover;thetimeoftheSpirithasbegun.ItistoMary’sadvantagethatJesusreturntotheFathersoHecansendtheCounselorwhowillconvicttheworldofsin,righteousness,andjudgment(16:7-11).Maryherselfillustrateswhathappenswhenone“letsgo.”Shebecameawitnessoftheresurrection(20:18).SheisthefirstEastermissionary!

Jesus’wordstoMaryteachusnotto“holdon”tothepast.Wearetemptedtotrytorepeatmeaningfulspiritualexperiencesandresistchange.However,“hangingon”tothetraditionsthatbuiltfaithinourchildhoodhomemaynotbuildthefaithofourhome.Demandingthat

ourcongregation“holdon”topastpractices,maykillmissionefforts.Growinginfaithcanbepainful.Lettinggoofhabitsbuiltonpastexperiencescanbefrightening.ButthemessageofEastercallsustofollowJesus-theWay,theTruth,andLife-notmerelybecauseofhelpinagespastbutalsobecauseofSpiritblessedhopeforyearstocome.JesusgivestheSpirittofacethechangingchallengesofdiscipleship.

Jesus AppeArs to hIs dIscIpLes – John 20:19-23ThesectionbeginswithacommentonhumanfearandendswithChrist-givenpeace.DespiteMaryMagdalene’switness(20:18),thediscipleslockouttheworldinfear.TheglorifiedLordcomestodisciplestochangetheirlivesfromimprisonmentinfeartothemissionofpeace.

TwiceJesuspronouncestheblessingofpeaceonthedisciples(20:19&21).TheBiblicalconceptofpeaceismuchmorepositivethanourcontemporaryconcept.Forus,“peace”meansthe“absenceofwar.”Wespendlotsofmoneyonnationalweaponsorhomesecuritysystemsfor“peace.”Isaiah2:4andMicah4:3illustratethattheBiblicalideaofpeacemeansdoingthingsthatenhancelife.Swordswillbebeatenintoplowsandspearsintopruninghooks.God’speacecomesnotbystoringweaponsinfearofdangerbutbycreatingtoolsinthehopeofenrichinglife.JesusdoesfourthingstocreatethatpeaceforHisdisciples.First,Hegivesthempeace(20:19,21).ThenHesendsthemastheFatherhassentHim(20:21).Next,HegivesthemtheHolySpiritand,finally,theresponsibilityofdealingwithforgiveness.

ReflectuponJesus’wordsasablueprintforpeaceinyourlife.First,acceptHisgiftsoflove,power,andforgivenesswhichgivepeace.LetJesusbeatyourswordsofinsecurity,frustration,andresentmentintotoolsthatnurturelife.Then,reviewyourChrist-givenjobdescription.JesussendsustocontinueHiswork.ThinkaboutwaysinwhichyoucandothethingsthatJesusdid.Next,receivetheSpirit.LetJesusreplacethespiritofguiltorangerwiththeSpiritofforgivenessandlove.Finally,considerwhatitmeanstoforgiveandnottoforgive.ForgivenessgoestothosewhoturntoGodandawayfromevil.Inoursociety,sometimesitismoredifficultto“notforgive.”Weliveinanageoftoleranceandfeelcomfortablelettingpeople“dotheirownthing.”Psychologistswonderwhateverhappened



totheconceptofsin.JesusheretellsHisdisciplestotakesinseriously.Wemustrecognizesomethingsasunforgiven,persistent,ongoingsin.

Thinkofwaysinwhichyouarecalledtoforgiveandalsonottoforgive.Prejudiceseemstometobeagoodexample.Wecanandmustforgivelawsandpracticesofthepastwhichwenowknowandregretaswrong.Butwedonotforgivecontinuingprejudiceas“justoneofthosethings.”WeattacksuchsinwiththelovingforceofJesusseekingtocleansethetemple.Asanotherexample,Ihavefoundthatthekeytohelpingpeoplewithmaritialproblemsisgettingthemtorecognizethattheyhaveaproblem!Theymustseethatsomethingstillneedsforgiving!Peoplesufferingfromdrugaddictionorchemicaldependencyalsoseekhelponlywhentheyrealize“their‘sin’isnotforgiven”andtheywantpeace.

Jesus And thomAs – John 20:24-29ThedisciplesrespondtoJesus’appearancebysharingthegoodnewswiththeabsentbrotherThomas.Thomasdemandsmoreevidence.Forhisskepticism,heearnedthenickname“DoubtingThomas.”ThomasstandsasamodelofpeoplewhodonotacceptaChristian’switness.PeoplewhoshareGod’sGoodNewsarepainfullyawareoftheresponseofdoubt.IthinkthatThomasisamorepositiveexampleandIcallhim“HonestThomas.”HisdemandforproofofalivingLordcanbeheardinavarietyofchallengestoday.“HonestThomas”remindsusofpeoplehonestlyaskingiftheChristianfaithisreal.ThomasandsuchpeoplehelpusremembertherealityofJesus’life.Jesuscitedfootwashingasanexampleofhumility(13:15).Heguideddisciplesfacingaskepticalworldbysaying,“Bythisallmenwillknowthatyouaremydisciples,ifyouloveoneanother(13:35).”Paulshowshowtoaddresshonestquestionsabouttherealityoffaithwhenhewrotethatverifiablefruitofthespiritislove,joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,andself-control(Galatians5:22ff).Jameswasmoreblunt.“Faithwithoutworksisdead”(James2:17).Petertoldwivestolet“purityandreverence”demonstratetherealityoftheirfaith(1Peter3:1-2).

ThewonderfulthingisJesus’responseto“Doubting”or“HonestThomas.”HeenablesThomastoexperiencetherealityoftheresurrectionlife.Mayouractionscontinueto

blessskepticalpeoplewiththecalltofaithintheLordoflife.“HonestThomas”remindsusthatsomepeoplerequiremorethanwordsbeforetheybelievetheEasterfaith.

John’s concLusIon – John 20:30-31Intwoshortverses,JohnsummarizesthelifeofJesus,theresurrectionappearances,andthepurposeofthewrittenGospel.Youmaywanttoreferbacktothesecondparagraphoftheintroductorymaterialsofthisstudytoreviewsomebasicinformationabouttheverses.

OftentheversesareinterpretedastheconclusionofthewholeGospel.Indeed,manyscholarlyoutlinesofJohn’sGospelcallthatchaptermerelyan“Appendix.”Althoughthewordsmakeafineconcludingstatement,suchalimitedinterpetationlessenstheimportanceofthechapter.Tounderstandthefullmeaningof20:30-31,Iencourageyoutoreflectupontheimmediatecontext.Howdothe“miraculoussigns”connectedwiththeresurrection(20:10-29)enablepeopletobelievethatJesusistheChrist,theSonofGodandthushavelifeinHisname?Thenreflectonthebroadercontext.Howdotheseven“miraculoussigns”alreadyreportedintheGospel(2:1-11,4:46-54,5:1-9,6:5-13,6:19-31,9:1-7,and11:1-44)createfaith?Finally,thinkabouttheentireGospelstorysofarrecorded.Reviewitsteachingonlife,believing,JesusasMessiahandSonofGod.

Ibelievetheverseshavetwootherfunctionsbesideprovidingasummarystatement.First,theversesfocusourattention.TheyremindusthatmoreknowledgeisnottheultimategoalofBiblestudy.Morefaithisthegoal.Second,theversesintroducechaptertwenty-one.WhatdoesitmeantohavelifeinJesus’name?Whatdoesitmeantoforgiveandnotforgivesin?Chaptertwentyone,Ibelievepresentsaworkingmodeloflifeinthepost-Easterera.

summAryThehopelesssituationattheendofchapternineteenreceivesdramaticreversalinchaptertwenty.ThestoryhasmovedfromburialofJesustoblessingsbyHim.TheLivingLordappears,calls,sendsforth,andgivesinstructionstothedisciples.Finally,thechapterendsremindingexcitedbelieversthatlifeinJesus’nameistheultimatepurposeofmiraculoussignsofdivinepower.Jesusdidnotcometoimpresspeoplebuttogivethemlife.




Pray that you will hear Jesus asking you about your love for Him and when you respond you will hear His loving guidance for your life.

John21:1-141. Summarizethedramainverses1-9.Whathappens,whereandwithwhom?

2. WhatdoesJesusdoforthediscipleswhentheycomeashore?

Sincethedisciplesprovidethefish,whatdoesJesus,apparentlyprovideatthebreakfast?

3. EarlyChristianartistsusedbreadandfishtosymbolizetheSacramentoftheAltar.Doyouthink21:13isanallusionorsymbolicreferencetothesacrament?Whyorwhynot?(6:11,Luke24:30,andnotethemealsettingof1Corinthians11:17-34)

John21:15-194. Withsixotherpeoplepresent(21:2)whydoyouthinkJesusonlyaddressedPeter?(13:36-38,18:15-27,21:19)

5. HaveyoueverfeltGodgaveyouspecialattention?Why?

6. TowhomorwhatdoesJesusreferwhenHeaskedSimon,“Doyoulovememorethanthese?”Thatis,whoorwhatare“these?”

7. HowdoesPeteranswerJesus’questions?

Whatdoyouthinkisthesignificanceinthenumberoftimesthequestionisasked?(18:15-27)

HowdoyouanswersomeonewhoquestionsyourloveofJesus?

8. WhatdoyouthinkJesusmeanswhenHetellsPeter,“Feedmylambs...Takecareofmysheep...Feedmysheep?”

9. Whatdoverses18&19makeyouthinkabout-living,growingold,ordying?Why?



10. Theexplanatorycommentin21:19tellsusthat,ratherthantalkingaboutaging,JesusconveyswhichtwotruthstoSimon?

John21:20-2311. HowdoesPeterreacttothenewsthathisdeathwillglorifyGod?

Whydoyouthinkhereactsashedoes?

HaveyoueverreactedinawaythatyouconsidersimilartoPeter?Ifso,explainwhenandwhy?

12. WhatwasJesus’answertoPeter’squestion?

WhatrumorspreadamongtheearlyChristiansbecauseofJesus’statement?

13. WhydoyouthinktheGospelrefutestherumor?

14. DoyouthinkJesuswillreturnduringyourlifetime?Explain

Ifso,whatmightbethe“value”orthe“danger”ofsucha“rumor?”

John21:23-2415. Whatisthepurposeofverse24?

16. HowdoesJohn20:30-31helpyouunderstandbetterJohn21:25?



Jesus confronts peter – John 21:15-19 130the rumor – John 21:20-23 132the edItorIAL comments – John 21:24-25 132

contextChaptertwenty-onechallengespeopletothinkaboutthemeaningoftheRisenLordfortheirownlives.Because20:30-31statesthatpurposeoftheGospelsoclearly,manyscholarscallchaptertwenty-oneanappendixorepilogue.TheydonotseethechapterasanintegralpartoftheGospelbutasasomewhatunnecessaryaddition.Carefulconsiderationofthechapter,however,showsthatitnotonlyaddsinformationtotheresurrectionstorybutalsobeginstheongoingnarrativeofdiscipleslivinginfaith.Inanutshell,thechapterdescribestheendofJesus’personalministryandthebeginningofHisministryin,with,andthroughHisdisciples.Theeditorialcomments(21:23-25)linkJesus’wordswithimmediateconcernsofthefirstreadersoftheGospel.

Literaryanalysisbreaksthechapterintofourmajordivisions.First,JesusappearstosevendisciplesinGalileeatLakeTiberias(21:1-14).ThenJesusshowsspecialconcernforPeter(21:15-19),thereisspecialconcernaboutarumor(21:20-23)andfinallyaconcludingtestimonial(21:24-25).

Jesus AppeArs to seVen dIscIpLes – John 21:1-14SimonPeter,Thomas,NathanaelandfourotherdisciplessurpriseusbygoingfishingdespitetheeventsofEaster.NootherGospeldescribesthispost-EastereventthatinsomewaysissimilartothemiracledescribedinLuke5:1-11.Theactionseemsinane.AfterseeingandeventouchingtherisenLord,whywouldtheygofishing?BecausetheiractionseemsincongruouswiththeblessingofJesus(20:19-23),thewholechaptergetscalledan(awkward)appendix.PerhapsthatliteraryjudgmentrestsonsomepreconceptionsthatEasterdisciplesshouldfunctionlikeourordainedclergyorcommissionedmissionaries.Theymayservemorelikededicatedlaypeopleworkingintheworld.

Furthermore,thestoryisnoteasytoreconcilewiththeGreatCommissiondirectiveattheendofMatthew’sGospel(Matthew28:16-20)orthefaithful

“May the hyperbole express our prayer. May the greatness of Jesus fill our lives with so much peace and love, that even the whole world would not have room for it all.”






waitingdescribedattheendofLuke’sGospel(Luke24:52).Nevertheless,theactionportraysanordinaryresponsetoanextraordinaryevent.Eventoday,Christiansreturn,withextraordinaryfaithfulness,totheordinaryactivitiesoflifeafterattendingEasterservices.TheactionofthesevendisciplesremindsusthatevenafterpersonallyexperiencingthegloryofEasterlifebecomesordinary.Thattruthcanbeappliedinanumberofwaystoourlives.Forexample,plansforanextraordinaryweddingservicemustbefollowedwithalifetimeoflivinginlove.Gettingasurprisinglygoodjobmustbefollowedbyresponsibledailywork.Themiracleofbirthisfollowedbyregularresponsibilities.UsingTransfigurationterminology(Matthew17:1-9),wedonotliveon“themountaintop.”

Thestoryremindsus,however,thatthelivingLorddoesnotletHisEasterpeoplelivewithoutHispresence.ThesevendisciplesfishforfishbutJesusfishesfordisciples(21:5).Ifindanelementofgracehere.TherisenLordstandsontheedgeofthelake-oredgeofourdailyconcernsandactivities-andseekstomakecontact.TherisenLordcomestopeoplenotonlyisolatedinfear(20:19),butalsocaughtinthestrugglefornecessaryfood.Furthermore,HeispresentbeforethedisciplesrecognizeHim.ThecommentthatthedisciplesdidnotrealizethatitwasJesusstandingontheshore(21:4)tellsunbelievingskepticsthattheappearancesofJesusdonotresultfromwishfulthinking.Hispresencedoesnotdependontheemotions,faithorevenawarenessofdisciples.HeistherebecauseHeisthere.HiswordscreateawarenessofHispresence.ThestorywonderfullyportraystherealityofJesus’ongoingEasterpresence.

Inthestory,Peteractswithtypicaldirectness.Almostcomically,hejumpsintothewaterandletstheotherdisciplestowtheboattoshore(21:7-8).Thenheclimbsbackintotheboattogetthefish(21:11).Threedetailsmayhavesymbolicmeaning.The“fireofburningcoals”(21:9)isthesameexpression(inGreek)usedtodescribethesettinginwhichPeterdeniedJesus(18:18).Thedetailremindsus(andperhapsPeter)ofPeter’ssin.Peoplehavealsowonderedwhytheexactnumberoffishisrecorded(21:11).ThereisevidencethatJewishpeoplebelievedtherewere153speciesoffishandthereforesomescholarsthinkthe“completecatch”pointstoGod’sloveforthe“wholeworld.”Ilikethatsymbolismbutwonder

ifitisreasonable.Thesuggestionthatappealstomeisthatas,withJesus’help,theycatchalargenumberoffish,sotheywill“catchlargenumbersas‘fishersforpeople.”’

ThemostimportantsymbolismmaybefoundinthemealwhenJesus“tookbreadandgaveittothemanddidthesamewiththefish.”Thewordremindsusofthefeedingofthefivethousand(6:11)whichwasfollowedbyJesus’BreadofLifediscourse(6:25-58).Italsosounds,inpart,likeanechoofJesus’actionsattheLastSupper(Matthew26:26,Mark14:22,Luke22:19).Furthermore,intheearlychurch,intheartinthecatacombs,breadandfishsymbolizedtheSacramentoftheAltar.Itisreasonable,therefore,tothinkthatJohnreportsthedetailinawaythatremindsdisciplesofJesus’sacramentalpresenceintheEucharist.Again,theinterpretationisunprovablebutremindsusthatwetooexperiencethepresenceofChristwhenweheartheEucharistwords,“Takeandeat.”

Inreview,thefirstunitofchaptertwenty-onegivesthethirdwitnessoftherealityoftheresurrectionofJesus.Assuch,itaddscredibilityforbelievingonJesus(Deuteronomy19:15).Theunexpectedappearanceprovesthattheresurrectionisnotwishfulfantasy.Equallyimportant,itsetsthestageforJesus’dramaticencounterwithPeter.

Jesus confronts peter – John 21:15-19Afterthemeal,JesusasksSimonPeterapointedquestionthreetimes(21:15,16,17).TherepetitionmusthaveremindedPeterofthethreetimesthathehaddeniedknowing(“loving”)Jesus(18:17,25,27).Inmyopinion,Jesus’questionshaveaddedimpactbecauseJohn’sGospel(18:27)didnotreportPeter’sweepingcontrition(Matthew26:75,Mark14:72,Luke22:62).

Twopartsofthequestionsareunclearanddeservecomment.WhenJesusasksifPeterlovesHimmorethan“these,”whatistheantecedentof“these?”DoesHeaskifPeterlovesHimmorethanthese(otherdisciples,ashiscompanions),morethanthese(otherdisciplesloveHim),ormorethatthese(fish,hisvocation)?Speculateontheantecedent.IpersonallythinkthatthequestionasksifPeterdoesindeedloveJesusmorethantheotherdisciplesdo.Accordingly,Jesus’wordspointbacktoPeter’s(apparent)opinionthatheisanextraordinarydisciple—



abitbetterthantheothers(18:10,Matthew26:33,35,Mark14:31).Butperhapsthequestionstandsdeliberatelyambiguousbecausewe,likePeter,needtoaskifwelovefriends,orvocationmorethantherisenLord.

ThesecondissuepresentedbyJesus’questiondealswithdifferentGreekwordstranslated“love.”ItprobablyinvolvesonlyJohn’stellingofthestorybecauseJesus,speakinginAramaic,wouldhaveusedthesameword,asdoestheUnitedBibleSocietiesmodern(1979)Hebrewtranslation.ManyChristianstodayknowthedifferencebetweenthetwoGreekwords.SermonsandBiblestudiesoftenexplainthedistinctionas“agape”meaning“unselfishlove”(totallygivinglove)and“filia”meaning“friendship”(giveandtakelove).Inthefirsttwoquestions(21:15and16),JohnreportsJesususingtheverbfor“unselfishlove”butPeterrespondswiththeverbmeaning“friendshiplove.”Thethirdtime(21:17),Jesusalsospeaksof“friendshiplove.”

TheproblemexistsbecauseJohn’sGospelinotherplacesdoesnotpreservethe“classical”distinctionbetween“agape”and“filia.”Rathertheyareusedsynonymously.Forexample,John3:35and5:20statethesametruthbutusetheverbsfor“agape”and“filia”respectively.Ifthewordsaresynonymousin21:15-17,JesusasksandPeterrespondsaboutthesameleveloflove.ThethirdquestionaccordinglyhurtsPeter’sfeelingsbecauseJesusasksathirdtimesuggestingthatHeisskeptical.Ontheotherhand,ifthe“classic”distinctionholds,Jesustwiceasksabout“ideallove”andPeteradmitshisloveisonly“friendship.”ThethirdquestionthushurtsPeter’sfeelingsbecauseJesusquestionsevenhis“friendship.”

MosttranslationsconsiderthetermssynonymousalthoughThe Living BibleandatranslationintoEnglishbyE.J.Goodspeedpreservethedistinction.Spanishtranslations,ontheotherhand,usetheverbs“amar”and“querer”tonotethedistinction.

Forreaderswhowanttocomplicatetheproblemfurther,theGreekalsousesdifferentwordsinPeter’sresponsetranslated“youknow(21:15,16,17).”Thewordscouldbeusedassynonymsorcouldreferto“headknowledge”versus“heartknowledge.”Ifthereisadistinction,thenPeter’sfirsttworesponses(humbly?)attributetoJesus

only“headknowledge”ofPeter’sfriendship(becausehedidnotactlikeafriendinatimeofcrisis).Thethirdresponse(21:17)risestoclaimthatJesusalsohas“heartknowledge”ofPeter’slove.

Insummaryofthecomplicatedproblem—aGreekteacher’sdelight!—therepetitionmaysimplyusesynonymsinremindingandforgivingPeterofhisthreefolddenialwithathreefoldconfessionoflove.OrthevocabularychangesmaysubtlyprobethedepthofPeter’slove.

Inapplication,letJesus’questionsaddressyou.Whatisyourresponse?LikePeter,rememberwaysinwhichyouhavedeniedknowledgeoftheLord.ReceiveHisquestionsaslovingawarenessofyourshortcomingsbutalsoasinvitationstorecommityourlifetoHim.TheGoodShepherdhasworkforPetertodo(21:15,16,17).Whateverourpastsinsorfailures,theGoodShepherdaddressesuswithequalopportunities.

Thefinalverseofthesection(21:18)tellsPeterwhatitwillmeantofeedJesus’flock.Thesaying,likeapopularproverb,onthesurfacetalksaboutgrowingold.ThemeaningissimilartothetruthsofEcclesiastes12:1-2.Peter,likeordinaryyoungpeople,actedindependentlywhenyoungbutwillrequirehelpwhenheisold.Usingtheproverb,JesustellsPeterthatinfeedingtheChristianflockhemustsurrenderhiswilltothewillofJesusandtheFather.Nolongerwillhe,withindependentvigor,dothingslikerefusingfootwashing(13:8),cuttingoffears(18:10),ordenyingJesustosavehisownlife(18:17,25-26).Buttheinspiredwriterhelpsusunderstandtheironyinthewords(21:19).Thewordspointtoamartyr’sdeathforPeterandremindusofearlychurchtraditionsthathediedcrucifiedheaddown.YoungimpetuousPetertookcareofhimself.Peter,ashepherdofJesus’sheep,mustacceptthewayoflifeoftheGoodShepherd(10:11,15).FollowingJesusmeansfacinghumanhate(15:18-25,16:2).PeterhearsacalltoloveasJesushasloved(13:34,15:12-13).

Thelessonappliestoallofus.“Doingourownthing”contradictstheChristianidealofloveforothers.ServingChristmeanssurrenderingourwilltoHisandknowingthat,likeHim,wewillsufferforourlove.WemusteachanswerJesus’question,“Doyouloveme?”Weareall



remindedofJesus’callfordiscipleshipintheFarewellDiscourses(John14-17).

the rumor – John 21:20-23ThenextsectionshowshowPeter’scuriositycreatedproblems.Facedwithbeing“ledwherehedoesnotwanttogo(21:18),”Peter—withtypicalcuriosity(20:6-7)—wantstoknowthefateofthebeloveddisciple.Inessence,Jesustellshimthatitisnoneofhisbusiness.

BecausethefirstpartofJesus’responsetoPeter(21:22)wasmisunderstoodandarumorspreadthroughtheChristiancommunity,peoplebelievedthatthebeloveddisciplewouldliveuntilJesussecondcoming(21:23).ThefalserumormayhavegainedcredibilityifJohn,thesonofZebedee,wasthatdiscipleandifthetraditionsaretruethathewastheonlymemberoftheTwelvetodieanaturaldeath.Peoplesawhissurvivalasconfirmationofthereport.

Theimportantquestionhereis,whydoestheGospelofJohngooutofthewaytorefutetherumor?Sincethenextverses(21:24-25)refertotheauthorinthethirdperson(“hetestifies…hewrote…histestimony”),thebeloveddisciplemayhavediedbeforepeoplereadtheGospel.Ifso,theGospelrefutesarumorwhichundercutsJesus’knowledgeorabilitytokeepa“promise.”

Peter’scuriositypointstoasadphenomenathatfrequentlyplaguesthechurch.Forexample,Christiansbecomecuriousofwhatothersaredoingandwonderhowmuchtheyaregettingpaidfordoingit.Whatbeginsascuriositycangrowintojealousy.Jealousybetweenmembersorbetweenpastorandlaypeoplehurtssomanycongregations.Acongregationsometimesresentsthesuccessofanothercongregation.

TheversesalsogiveverypracticalevidencethatwhenJesusspeaksevenChristiansmustlistencarefully.TherumorisanexampleofidlespeculationthatoftenhurtsChristianwitness.Rumorswithinacongregationhurtreputationsandcreateresentment.Christianssometimesargueaboutrumorsofdoctrinaldifferencesbutyetignoresimpletruthscallingforlove.Asanotherexample,severaltimesarumorhasspreadamongChristiansthatafamousatheistwaslobbyingforpoliticalleadersintheUnited

Statestolimitreligiousfreedom.Christianslookedfoolishastheywrotethousandsofletterstogovernmentofficialsuntilchurchleadersinformedthemthattherumorwasfalse.Vigilance,ofcourse,isnotafaultbutpassingonrumorsisalsonotavirtue.

the edItorIAL comments – John 21:24-25InterpretationofthelasttwoversesoftheGospelgrappleswithunderstandingthemliterallyorfiguratively.MosttranslationsrenderthemliterallywhichmakesthefinalversesatestimonytotheongoingministryofJesus.Fourgenerations,sotospeak,appearinthelastverses.Jesusacted(21:25),thebeloveddisciplewrotethemdown(21:24a),andsomeoneelseconfirmsthetestimonyandpassesiton(21:24b).Beforeourveryeyes,thepowerofJesus’prayerunfolds.AlthoughJesushasreturnedtotheFather,peoplehaveopportunitytobelieveinHimthroughthemessageofHisdisciples(17:20).

Ontheotherhard,The Living BibleinterpretsJohn21:24figurativelyandparaphrasesit,“Iamthatdisciple.Isawtheseeventsandhaverecordedthem.Andweallknowthatmyaccountofthesethingsisaccurate.”Suchaninterpretationshowsafaithfuldiscipleinactionandprovidesamodelforallofus.We,too,musttestifytowhatwehaveseenandbelieve.

Thelastversereadsasaironicdoxology.ItisadoxologybecauseitexpressesthegreatnessofJesus.ItisironicbecausetheGospelbeganwiththeWordholdingcreation(1:1-2),andendswithcreationunabletoholdallthewordsthatcouldbewrittenaboutthatWord!

Maythehyperboleexpressourprayer.MaythegreatnessofJesusfillourliveswithsomuchpeaceandlove,thateventhewholeworldwouldnothaveroomforitall.

The Gospel According to John - AWS

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