Steadfast Faithfulness - John 15:18-16:4 - April 29, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Steadfast Faithfulness – April 29, 2007

This is our last lesson in the Book of John.

Our background and focus is John 15:18-16:4.

JESUS is preparing HIS disciples for HIS departure from earth, which in turn prepares all believers as they serve HIM. Persecution up to this time had been focused on JESUS. JESUS knew that when HE completed HIS mission and ascended back to heaven, HIS disciples would be persecuted. After HE ascended into heaven, HE would send the HOLY SPIRIT back to indwell every believer. This is very important.

Let’s read John 15:18-25:

18 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love [you as]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. 20 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’[3] Jn 13:16 If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of My name, because they don’t know the One who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin.[4] To have sin is an idiom that refers to guilt caused by sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 The one who hates Me also hates My Father. 24 If I had not done the works among them that no one else has done, they would not have sin. Now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. 25 But [this happened]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. so that the statement written in their law might be fulfilled:[5] Jn 12:38; 13:18; 17:12 They hated Me for no reason.[6] Ps 69:4

JESUS makes it clear that the “world” hated HIM before it would hate the disciples. The word used for “world” is kosmos or cosmos. So what is the “world”? Let’s read Ephesians 6:12-13:

12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.[11] Eph 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10 13 This is why you must take up the full armor[12] 1 Th 5:8 of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

Every believer is on the front lines in a battle with the enemy, Satan and his kingdom. JESUS has chosen us and we have chosen HIM, therefore, we have become the enemy of the world. Satan uses the flesh to entice mankind to follow the desires of the world. We as humans and as believers try to reform ourselves but our efforts fail. We have to be transformed through the gift of rebirth and yielding our will to GOD. Rebirth in our spirit provides the opportunity for every believer to build a relationship with GOD through JESUS. The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT enlightens the eyes of a believer’s heart to truth and understanding and prepares us to war against the world and the flesh. As a Christian we still face choices. Our flesh tries to rule our lives. This is why we must have the relationship with CHRIST, yield our will to HIM and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to empower our lives. We cannot do this on our own. This is why our relationship with CHRIST is so important. We must abide or rest in HIM. We must have complete confidence and trust in HIM. That only comes about as we build an intimate, loving relationship with HIM. We must be completely yielded to HIM and for many of us that is a process of growing and maturing spiritually.

Let’s read Galatians 5:16-25:
The Spirit versus the Flesh
16 I say then, • walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious:[2] Other mss add adultery [3] Lit obvious, which are: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy,[4] Other mss add murders drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,[5] Or faithfulness 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. 26 We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Let’s think back to the first few chapters of Genesis. When GOD created the world and formed man and woman, the world and mankind were in the kingdom of GOD. GOD, mankind and nature were in complete fellowship and harmony with each other. GOD’S intent was for mankind to live eternally upon earth in complete fellowship and harmony with HIM, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT because GOD had placed the tree of life in the garden. However, when sin came into earth through the disobedience of man, a tragic thing happened. Sin came into earth and mankind inherited death over life eternal. Mankind lost the intimate fellowship with GOD. GOD had to guard mankind from the tree of life; least mankind would live eternally in the fallen state. The world became the kingdom of both GOD and Satan. Mankind had to make a choice between serving the world and serving GOD.

GOD’S love for and pursuit of mankind is recorded in GOD’S Word, the Bible. The Bible is the revelation of GOD to mankind on an ever ascending scale culminating in the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension of JESUS. GOD made the decision to allow JESUS to come to earth to redeem mankind because of HIS love for mankind.

John 3:16:
16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His • One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.[10]
GOD, THE FATHER first loved the world so much that HE decided to give permission to JESUS to come to earth in the form of a human. JESUS, being obedient to the FATHER, chose to come to earth as a human, to be subjected to being tempted to sin as humans are tempted and to give HIS life for the sins of mankind. HE had to live a sinless life. JESUS WHO was 100% human and is 100% divine, left HIS home in heaven to come to earth. This was necessary for humans to have the opportunity to choose salvation and to be born-again into GOD’S family.

When the miracle of rebirth occurs, every believer is transferred from the kingdom of the world to the kingdom of GOD. As Christians, we are restored to the original intent GOD had for mankind. This means Christians are to live in complete fellowship and harmony with HIM for all eternity, beginning the moment we accept CHRIST as our SAVIOR.

JESUS makes it clear that since HE was persecuted, any believer should not be shocked if or when they are persecuted. This is not being persecuted for being an obnoxious Christian but for being an obedient Christian.

Verse 22 can be puzzling. It seems the verse is saying if JESUS had not come to earth, then humans would not be condemned of sin. Sin was already in earth. The deed had been done. JESUS made it clear to mankind that sin was in the world and HE made mankind aware of that sin. JESUS demonstrated to humans that HE came from GOD by the miracles HE performed. The greatest miracle was HIS resurrection from the dead, which was proof that HE conquered both sin and death. This confirms that HE is the SON of GOD.

JESUS removed the cloak hiding sin so mankind would not be blindsided. JESUS knew that the wages of sin is death but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS. Mankind, in general, searches for a relationship with a supreme being. GOD wants to make it clear that HE is our creator and HE loves all mankind.
John 3:17-21 reveals why GOD sent JESUS into the world:

17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the • One and Only Son of God. 19 “This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it,[11] Lit and does not come to the light so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by[12] Lit who does the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”[13] It is possible that Jesus’ words end at v. 15. Ancient Gk did not have quotation marks.

The nature of the human flesh is toward evil and it does not want to be revealed as evil. But the light of CHRIST reveals the evil nature of the human flesh. Satan does not want us to see that our flesh nature is evil and he does all he can to keep that knowledge concealed. Satan is a deceiver and seeks to destroy. But CHRIST is the light of the world and reveals our sinful nature. CHRIST also reveals that HE is the answer to our problem with sin and death. HE does not leave us helpless and without hope. HE is the way, the truth and the light. Ask HIM to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life right now. Then you will experience the presence and power of the HOLY SPIRIT in your lives.

Let’s read John 15:26-27:

26 “When the • Counselor comes, the One I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. 27 You also will testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to indwell the lives of every believer. The HOLY SPIRIT is referred to as a Paraclete or one who comes along side to aid, comfort, teach, pray, counsel, help, encourage and enlighten.
JESUS referred to the HOLY SPIRIT as the SPIRIT of Truth. The HOLY SPIRIT is a Person.

The Apostle Paul reveals that the HOLY SPIRIT confirms that a Christian is a true believer in Romans 8:16:
- 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and that the HOLY SPIRIT helps us to pray in Romans 8:26-27:
- 26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us[15] Some mss omit for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

The Holy SPIRIT also is our security deposit or down payment or seal that assures us that our faith in CHRIST is real and genuine.

2 Corinthians 1:22:
22 He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit as a down payment in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 5:5:
5 And the One who prepared us for this very thing is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

Ephesians 1:13-14:
13 In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation—in Him when you believed—were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 14 He is the down payment[12] Gn 38:17–18,20; 2 Co 1:22; 5:5 of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession,[13] the possession could be either man’s or God’s to the praise of His glory.

There are many workings of the HOLY SPIRIT in the lives of Christians by GOD manifesting HIS power through them. The disciples had seen the power of GOD. We as Christians have also seen the power of GOD in our own lives and in the lives of believers.
Often we, as Christians, get the idea that we are immune to difficulties and persecutions in our lives. JESUS wants every believer to know there is power through the HOLY SPIRIT. There may be times a believer faces very serious persecution, even unto death. Tradition has it that all the disciples were martyred except the Apostle John and of course Judas, who killed himself.

The testimony of the disciples was important in spreading the gospel. Our testimony today is just as important in spreading the gospel. As believers, JESUS does not want us to be discouraged or blindsided if we are persecuted for our faith in HIM.

Let’s read John 16:1-4:

1 “I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling. 2 They will ban[1] Jn 9:22; 12:42 you from the • synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or Me. 4 But I have told you these things so that when their time[2] Other mss read when the time comes you may remember I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.

JESUS wants HIS disciples to count the cost of serving HIM. HE told them that they would be banned from the synagogues. The synagogue was very important to a Jew.

HE said the day would come when those who killed Christians thought they were serving GOD. We know that the Apostle Paul, before his conversion, thought he was doing the will of GOD by persecuting Christians.

In light of world events today, does this ring a bell? YES!

Loving Obedience - John 13-15 - April 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Loving Obedience – April 22, 2007

We continue in our study of the Book of John. Our background scripture is John 13:31-15:17.

Our focus scripture in John 13:34-35; 14:15, 21-24; 15:9-16.

Obedience is very hard for most of us. We want to do our own thing.

Just this week I had an occasion to decide whether or not I would be obedient to something the LORD prompted me to do. I had dropped off a couple to take care of some business and was waiting for them outside the business. The LORD prompted me to go into the office and have prayer with them. It was a matter where prayer would be appropriate.

I thought for a minute or so, thinking that I did not want to interfere while they were doing business. Immediately, I thought of today’s lesson. Immediately, I responded to the prompting of the LORD.

I went into the office and almost directly behind me entered another lady. In fact the lady had passed by the place of business and she had to turn around and come back. A relative of the lady owned the business. She said she did not know why she had turned around and come back to the business. But when I revealed that I was led to come in to have prayer, she immediately said, “Now I know why I am here.” There was a prayer meeting in that place. If I had not been obedient a blessing and purpose in GOD’S plan would have been missed.

The reason for the prayer is still unfolding, which I hope I can share with you in the future.

Let’s read John 13:34-35:

34 “I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

GOD had instructed the Jewish people to love HIM and to love their neighbor since early in the Old Testament. So why is JESUS saying this is a new commandment?

The commandment is new because HE is setting the example of how much we as Christians are to love one another. It is the dawn of a new day when GOD will dwell within every believer and will have the power to love as CHRIST loved.

We know how much CHRIST loved HIS disciples and all mankind. JESUS loved the world so much that HE gave HIS life that all believers might have forgiveness of sin and have eternal life. HE gave HIS life that all believers might have life more abundantly. HE is the example.

The new commandment cannot be fulfilled in human strength. The only way a Christian can fulfill the degree of love that CHRIST has for us is with the power of the HOLY SPIRIT which indwells every believer and will allow every believer to have a loving, intimate relationship with HIM.

By coming to earth as a human and living a sinless life as a human, JESUS was preparing the human body to be the dwelling place for the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS would send the HOLY SPIRIT back to earth once HE had completed HIS mission upon earth.

First HE had to give HIS life as payment for sin, be buried, reveal to the entire world that HE had conquered death by being resurrected in bodily form, ascended back into heaven to sit at the right hand of the FATHER and then HE would send the HOLY SPIRIT to earth to indwell every believer. Only with the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT can a believer fulfill HIS new commandment to love one another as HE loves us.

Satan loves to cause disharmony in the body of believers.

Let’s read John 14: 15, 21-24:

15 “If you love Me, you will keep [9] Other mss read If you love Me, keep (as a command) My commandments.[10] 1 Jn 5:3

21 The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it You’re going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My words. The word that you hear is not Mine but is from the Father who sent Me.

When we have a love relationship with CHRIST, we want to know HIM and serve HIM. We want to be obedient to HIM. When we have the right relationship with CHRIST, it results in the right relationship with GOD, THE FATHER.

Judas, not Iscariot, asks JESUS, “Lord, how is it You’re going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?”

This Judas is a disciple of JESUS and sometimes is referred to as Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3) and (Mark 3:18). He is listed as the son/brother of James (Luke 6:16). It was interesting to learn that different translations of the Bible show Judas as the son of James or the brother of James. One commentary simply lists Judas as a relative of James.

Luke 6:16: (Listing of the Disciples of JESUS.)

16 Judas the (son) or (brother) or (relative) of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Matthew 10:3: (List of the disciples.)

3 Philip and Bartholomew;[3] Probably the Nathanael of Jn 1:45–51 Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;[4] Other mss read and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus

The world cannot comprehend salvation intellectually. Salvation requires a step of faith to acknowledge that JESUS died for our sins by accepting what HE has done for us and asking HIM to come into our lives. This is what makes us a Christian, CHRIST in us. GOD gives every believer the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT and eternal life. It is the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT that confirms within every believer that they are the children of GOD.

Romans 8:16:

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

In answer to Judas’ or Thaddaeus’ question, this is how GOD reveals Himself to believers without revealing Himself to the world. It is through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT that HE uses every “willing” believer to reveal JESUS to the world. We are GOD’S representatives to both other believers as we minister within the living body of CHRIST and to those who are lost and do not know CHRIST.

When we have the relationship to GOD through CHRIST, there is unity in the living body of CHRIST. Each believer is equipped with at least one or more gifts in order to minister within the living body of believers. Each equipped believer has a specific function within the living body, just as all the parts of our human body have a specific function to minister to our human body. We can only function in harmony within the living body when we are each getting our instructions from the head of the living body, CHRIST. That is why we must have the relationship with HIM. It is not about us doing, it is about us seeking the relationship and then allowing HIM to direct our activity. Wait upon HIM and build the relationship. While we are building the relationship, HE is equipping and preparing us for the activity.

Let’s read John 15:9-16:

9 “As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love. 10 If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. 11 “I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is My command: love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master[2] Or lord is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

Obedience is the key to abiding in CHRIST but obedience must be the result of our loving, intimate relationship with CHRIST. When we try to be obedient on our own, we do busy work. The love and obedient relationship between GOD and JESUS is our example to follow. I think of this relationship as a circle; a circle of love.

Because GOD loved us, HE sent HIS only SON to earth to redeem mankind.

HE first loved us and gave HIS life for us. When we accept HIM as SAVIOR the process of building an intimate, loving relationship together with HIM begins. As we build together we trust HIM more to guide our lives. As we yield our will to HIM, HE becomes the LORD of our lives and we love HIM more.

The promise is that when we love HIM, we will receive HIS joy. When we have the relationship, we have HIS joy and HIS command is that we produce fruit. We can only produce the fruit that the HOLY SPIRIT yields as revealed in Galatians 5:22-23.

Galatians 5:22-23:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,[5] Or faithfulness 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

First notice it is fruit and not fruits. The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT produces the fruit. Again it is all about our relationship with CHRIST. It is impossible for us as a human to try as hard as we can to produce all these attributes of the fruit of THE SPIRIT.
As we grow and mature in CHRIST, then the fruit of THE SPIRIT is produced in our lives. In turn, as the HOLY SPIRIT produces the fruit in our lives and we are obedient as GOD directs, fruit is produced in the lives of others.

All Christians become fruit producers. Fruit is produced in us and in turn, as we go into all the world fruit is produced in others. Keep in mind that fruit has seeds. As we produce fruit we also have seeds that are scattered which produces more fruit. The fruit that the HOLY SPIRIT produces is fruit that remains both in our lives and the lives of others.

What does a fruit tree have to do to produce fruit? Abide. It is all about staying well connected. JESUS says it best when HE describes Himself as the vine and we are the branches.

Let’s read John 15:1- 8:

The Vine and the Branches
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[1] Or and become My disciples.

Why can we ask and it will be done in verse 7? This verse used to cause me great concern because I had asked for things that did not happen. It is all about relationship! When we have the relationship, we are in the center of GOD’S will and we will not ask for that which is not according to HIS will and plan. Therefore ask and it will be done.

Vines and fruit bearing trees must have water, nourishment, sunshine and certain weather. That is why we must have and maintain our relationship with CHRIST because HE is the living water, nourishment, sunshine and just the right environment to produce fruit in our lives. Abide in HIM and let HIS words abide in you. Seek the relationship by basking in the sunshine of HIS presence in your lives and all the vital nutrients to produce fruit that remains will be produced.

May you encounter our LORD in a mighty way this day.

Humble Service - John 13:1-17 - April 15, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Humble Service – April 15, 2007

We will continue to study the Book of John for the next three (3) Sunday’s.

Our focus scripture for this Sunday is John 13:1-17.

Our emphasis for the next three (3) lessons will be on the parting instructions of JESUS to HIS disciples and how those instructions apply to us.

Let’s read John 13:1-17: (With Comments along.)

1 Before the • Passover Festival, Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.[1]

There were three (3) major religious festivals in the Jewish year for which every Jewish male was expected to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem:

Passover Festival
Festival of Weeks or Pentecost
Feasts of Booths

The festival in our lesson is the Passover Festival which lasted a week.

Keep in mind that the Apostle John did not write the account of these events until years after they took place. At the time the events were happening he did not fully comprehend them. However by the time he wrote about them, he fully understood them.

The Passover was the time when the Jews celebrated their ancestors being delivered from Egyptian slavery by GOD through Moses. It was a reminder when the Passover lamb was slain and its blood was placed over the doorposts of their home. The death angel spared the first born child in that home from death. In the homes without the blood over the doorposts, the first born male died. The lamb that was slain was the primary food in preparation for their delivery from slavery.

We see the awesomeness of GOD and HIS timing for the deliverance of mankind from the slavery of sin and death. It is during Passover that JESUS, the LAMB OF GOD, is slain to deliver mankind from the bondage of sin and death. GOD gave HIS first born and only SON that all who believe in HIM will be forgiven of their sins and escape the punishment for their sins, escape spiritual death and receive eternal life. Each believer will experience the rebirth of their spirit, be born into the family of GOD and receive the gift of eternal life.

to the end = completely or always 2 Now by the time of supper, the Devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray Him.

Judas had already planned to betray JESUS. The events are set in place. JESUS knows that HIS time has come.

Notice in the next verses that GOD had placed everything into the hands of JESUS. JESUS is fully GOD and has all authority. From this point forward JESUS is GOD in the flesh and JESUS is fully flesh.

3 Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God.

JESUS being fully GOD gets up and GOD washes the feet of the disciples as we see in the next verses. GOD sets the example of humility and servitude for all HIS disciples, including all believers.

4 So He got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. 5 Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.

It was the custom for the host to provide someone to wash the dirt or dust off the feet of their guest. Often it was the duty of a servant to wash the feet of the guests. The disciples had earlier discussed who would be the greatest in the kingdom of GOD. None of the disciples wanted to subservient to the other disciples. But CHRIST knew for them to be effective disciples they must have the heart of a servant.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t understand now, but afterwards you will know.” 8 “You will never wash my feet—ever!” Peter said. Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 “One who has bathed,” Jesus told him, “doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him. This is why He said, “You are not all clean.”

I am so thankful for the Apostle Peter. We get a deeper insight into spiritual matters because of Peter.

As we journey through life as a Christian often we become tarnished with the things of the world. As the disciples walked the dusty roads their feet got dirty. JESUS makes it clear that all but one of the disciples were secure in their salvation. They needed a lesson in humility and servitude.

When we, as Christians, journey through life it is easy for us to become tarnished by the things of the world. We must stay confessed up before the LORD. 1 John 1:9-10 is very clear that our part is to confess and JESUS does the cleansing and restoring.

1 John 1:9-10:

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Once we become a Christian and we sin there is no need for us to be saved again. But it is important for us to confess our sins as we travel the road of life. Unconfessed sin compromises our effectiveness as Christians. It stifles the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives.

The Meaning of Footwashing
12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined[2] At important meals the custom was to recline on a mat at a low table and lean on the left elbow. again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. 16 “• I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master,[3] Or lord [4] Jn 15:20 and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

JESUS puts what HE has just done into perspective. JESUS confirms that they are correct to refer to HIM as “Teacher” and “LORD”.
Bottom line JESUS is telling them, “You will not fully comprehend this event now. But when you do fully comprehend it, you will know that GOD Himself has humbled Himself to wash your feet. GOD will perform many miracles through you, so never think you are better, mightier or greater than GOD. Your calling in life is to serve others as GOD directs your lives.”

This is the message to each believer today. The key is that we first have a loving, intimate relationship with GOD.

Why is this key? Simply, when we direct our own activity it will be a lot of busy activity that we think is important. The sad part is that our self directed activity is of little to no use to GOD and HIS plan. It is only when we are in a loving, intimate relationship with GOD that we will know what work HE is doing. When we are properly prepared, HE will invite us to join HIM in that work. Then what we do will be dead center of HIS will and plan.

When we are seeking the relationship with GOD, we are not idle. It is during the relationship building time that GOD is preparing and equipping Christians to serve HIM. Seek HIM first and then HE will use us.

JESUS Lives for Us - John 20:1-18 - April 8, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – JESUS Lives for Us – April 8, 2007

HE HAS RISEN!!!! This says it all!!!!

Our focus and background scripture is John 20:1-18.

The very heart of Christianity is the fact that JESUS died and GOD raised HIM from the dead.

Acts 23:26:
23 "that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."

Acts 2:32:
32 "This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

GOD, THE FATHER raised JESUS from the dead as proof that HE was and is the sinless LAMB of GOD that paid the price for our sin and conquered death. The two (2) enemies no human by their best efforts could or best intellect could ever conquer.

JESUS is the first fruit from the dead as proof that HE paid the price to redeem all who accept HIM as SAVIOR. HE defeated death and has authority over death. As such HE and HE alone has the authority to give the free gift of eternal life to all who believe in HIM through the miracle of rebirth. There is no better time than this Easter to ask JESUS to forgive you of your sins and to ask HIM to come into your life right now.

Let’s read John 20:1-18: (With comments along the way.)

1 On the first day of the week • Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed[1] Lit She saw the stone removed from the tomb.

Mary Magdalene is the Mary that JESUS cast out seven (7) demons. Most often those for whom CHRIST has done the most appreciate HIM the most. No matter how far a person thinks they have fallen, GOD’S arm is always long enough to reach them and pull them up out of the hole they are in. All we have to do is ask.

JESUS had delivered Mary from the bondage of demons in her life. She was most grateful to JESUS and to show her deep appreciation, she left early in the morning to go to the tomb of JESUS to complete the embalming process. She had not considered the resurrection of JESUS.

Other women had also left home in the early hours of the morning as well. They had bought spices the day before after sundown to put on JESUS’ body. The women knew that a stone had been placed over the entrance to the tomb and it could be that Mary was to figure out how it could be moved based upon John’s account of the event.

Let’s look at other scriptures revealing the same event to get a complete picture of the events:

Matthew 28:1-10:

1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, • Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. . He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5 But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” 8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then[1] Other mss add as they were on their way to tell the news to His disciples Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”

Here we see that two (2) Mary’s go to the tomb and learn that an angel rolled away the stone and that both Mary’s see JESUS.

We must keep in mind that each gospel writer emphasized certain key points. The fact that the gospel accounts differ give credibility to the story. Just as if we saw an exciting event each of us would highlight certain aspects of the event so did the gospel writers.

Let’s read Mark 16:1-13:

1 When the Sabbath was over, • Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. 3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4 Looking up, they observed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away. 5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man[1] In Mt 28:2, the young man = an angel dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; they were amazed and alarmed.[2] Amazed and alarmed translate the idea of one Gk word. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus the • Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here! See the place where they put Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there just as He told you.’ ” 8 So they went out and started running from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.

Notice that the angel mentions Peter by name. Peter had denied JESUS three (3) times. He wept bitterly over what he had done. JESUS wanted Peter to know that he was forgiven and he is invited to meet with HIM. What a SAVIOR!!! All JESUS asks of us is to repent. No matter what we have done. HE forgives and restores.
Mark continues:
Appearances of the Risen Lord
[ 9 Early on the first day of the week, after He had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons. 10 She went and reported to those who had been with Him, as they were mourning and weeping. 11 Yet, when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe it. 12 Then after this, He appeared in a different form to two of them walking on their way into the country. 13 And they went and reported it to the rest, who did not believe them either.

This is Mark’s version of these events. Mark wrote the first gospel. The disciples had a hard time believing that JESUS had been resurrected.

Let’s read Luke 24:1-12:

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they[1] Other mss add and other women with them came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.[2] Lit and inclined their faces to the ground “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The • Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered His words. 9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 • Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths.[3] Other mss add lying there So he went home, amazed at what had happened.

This is Luke’s version of the event.

The important thing to remember is that JESUS rose from the dead. The gospel writers captured different aspects of the event to appeal to a certain audience to whom they were writing and reporting highlights that they thought important.

We are looking at John’s version of the event. So let’s return to John’s version.

Mary must have looked inside the tomb because she knew that the body of JESUS was not there.

2 So she ran to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him!”

She runs to tell the Apostle Peter the news. The Apostle John was there with Peter. John is the disciple that JESUS loved. This was a nickname the early church gave to John and since he wrote this account years after the event, John used the term of endearment.

3 At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.

John out runs Peter.

5 Stooping down, he (John) saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in.

John stoops down and looks inside the tomb. He does not go inside but guess who does go inside?

6 Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. 7 The wrapping that had been on His head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself. 8 The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then entered the tomb, saw, and believed. 9 For they still did not understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went home again.
The Apostle Peter goes inside and gives a description of what he sees. The grave clothes are lying such that he knows where the head and feet of JESUS were. It appears as if JESUS just vaporized through the graves clothes. The Apostle John enters the tomb and when he saw the empty tomb, he believed.
Some of us believe more quickly than others. The important thing is that we take the step of faith and believe. We may have to ask the LORD help our unbelief and help us to see HIM more clearly as our SAVIOR and LORD. Just like a new born baby has to be nurtured and fed to grow into a healthy adult. Each believer must also grow and feed on the milk and meat of the scripture to grow and mature into a solid relationship with our LORD. It is a journey.
John makes it clear that they had not put it all together about the resurrection of JESUS. It took the angles, JESUS and the scripture to help them put it all together.
This is true with many of us. We encounter JESUS, but do not fully comprehend our encounter until later, even much later in life. As we grow and mature in the LORD, as we learn of HIM and commit our lives to HIM, HE reveals more of Himself to us. Notice this as JESUS reveals Himself as these events continue to unfold.
Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord
11 But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb.

Mary follows Peter and John back to the tomb. Peter and John leave and Mary remains all alone. She is crying. This is not a quite cry but an intense, wailing cry. She stoops to look inside the tomb.

12 She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ body had been lying. 13 They said to her, “• Woman, why are you crying?” “Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put Him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus. 15 “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.”

Mary sees two (2) angels. She is not frightened but uses the encounter in an effort to find the location of JESUS’ body. The angels ask her a question. First, why are you crying? She makes it clear that she is looking for JESUS. JESUS makes it clear to us when we seek HIM, we will find HIM. The angels knew her heart and that she sought her LORD.

She turns and sees a man she thinks is the gardener. JESUS speaks to her but she did not recognize HIS voice. She still thinks HE is the gardener and wants to know where HE put HIS body. If HE will show her where HIS body is, she will take care of it. This shows the intent of her heart and the concern she has for her LORD. She wants JESUS to be treated with dignity even in death.

Do our preconceived notions blind us to seeing the truth? She was not looking for a risen JESUS but a dead JESUS.

There is some speculation that since JESUS had HIS glorified body that is the reason she did not recognize HIM. All believers will receive their glorified body at the second coming of JESUS. We will come from heaven in our born-again spirit body and then receive our new glorified body. Our glorified body will be like JESUS’ body. It will be a body completely under our control.

Some have speculated that since she was crying that her eyes were blurred and she could not see clearly.

It is clear that she is determined to try and find JESUS body. There are times JESUS tests us to let us reveal where our heart is and to reveal our true intentions. The test is for us because HE already knows our heart and our intensions. She is being prepared to encounter JESUS as she never dreamed she would encounter HIM. She would encounter the living JESUS and have the privilege of telling the disciples the good news.

16 Jesus said, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!”[2] Rabbouni is also used in Mk 10:51 —which means “Teacher.” 17 “Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your God.” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what[3] Lit these things He had said to her.

Mary turns her back and likely still crying, possibly sensing that the gardener will not help her because he is under orders. Her heart was likely very heavy. JESUS speaks her name, “Mary.” WOW!!! In a flash she spins around and shouts “Rabbouni.” She got it! HE LIVES!!! Oh what a joy floods our soul when we discover that HE LIVES and that HE LIVES within our heart.

This is the same with us today. When we seek truth and suddenly the voice of our LORD reveals truth to us in the eyes of our heart.

When JESUS calls us by name we know it is HIM.

Then JESUS says something to Mary that sounds harsh. “Don’t cling to ME.” It is thought that when she spun around she fell at HIS feet to worship HIM and wrapped her arms around HIS feet and clung to HIS feet.

We need to fast forward to the message JESUS wants her to deliver to HIS brothers to help us understand why there was no time to waste. Review verse 17.

Here we see several important facts:

(1) JESUS refers to HIS disciples as brothers. JESUS had paid the price for sin. This fact allows all believers direct access to GOD. Therefore all believers can experience the miracle of rebirth and become children of GOD and in essence become a brother or a sister to CHRIST. After all we have the same FATHER.
(2) JESUS wants Mary to tell HIS disciples that HE will be ascending to “MY FATHER and your FATHER – to MY GOD and your GOD.” This is critical. JESUS up to this point had always talked about HIS FATHER, now HE is saying that all believers can call GOD their FATHER, just as HE had done.
(3) All that remains is for JESUS to ascend to heaven so HE could send the HOLY SPIRIT back to indwell every believer.
(4) JESUS through HIS sinless life, death and resurrection had paid the price to purify the human body such that the HOLY SPIRIT could reside in the human body of every believer. We as believers no longer have to go to the temple to worship GOD our FATHER. The body of every believer is the temple and GOD dwells within each Christian.
(5) All believers need to worship as a body because GOD equips each believer differently so the true body of believers can function as one. Each believer contributes to the function of the true church. Each believer has a vital role to play.

Mary is obedient and goes and tells the disciples that she has seen the LORD. She tells them what the LORD asked her to tell them.

The first person to see the LORD after HIS resurrection is a woman. This fact alone let’s us know that the account of the resurrection is true. If someone wanted to fabricate such an event, they would have had a man to be the first witness of such an event.

JESUS revealed Himself to Mary as she struggled to locate JESUS’ body. She was not looking for or expecting HIS resurrection. She was looking for HIS physical body. As she searched, JESUS led her to see beyond the physical to see the miracle which had taken place through HIS death, burial and resurrection. Because of what CHRIST did she and all believers can now call GOD, FATHER. Since all believers are born-again and have the same FATHER through the miracle of the rebirth in our spirit, we are brothers and sisters in CHRIST. All believers are now heirs and joint heirs with CHRIST and are part of GOD’S family. What a heritage!!!! All believers are children of GOD and will dwell with HIM for all eternity.

Do you know CHRIST as your SAVIOR? If not today salvation can come to you. Do not pass it up. Ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life now. This will be the beginning of an awesome journey with our LORD. Welcome to the family.