1.John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus. How successful would you consider his work, at least from a human perspective? When reflecting on your answer, also consider the important question: How do you define “success” in spiritual matters?

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, and his role was crucial in proclaiming the coming Messiah. From a human perspective, one might initially judge his success differently. On one hand, John had a large following, was respected, and recognized as a prophet, making him an influential figure. Many people followed him and were baptized by him, which spread his message widely. In this sense, one could say he was successful from a human viewpoint.

On the other hand, John’s life ended in imprisonment, and he was ultimately executed. From a worldly perspective, this could be seen as a failure or an abrupt and dishonorable end to his mission. However, in spiritual terms, success is not defined by worldly achievements, recognition, or external influence. Success in spiritual matters is measured by whether one is doing God’s will, maintaining faith, and fulfilling one’s calling. John’s mission was to prepare the way for Jesus and point to Him, and he did so faithfully and courageously until the end.

The spiritual definition of success, therefore, is not in external fame or a long life, but in being faithful to God, fulfilling His mission, and leading others to Christ. In this sense, John’s work was extremely successful, as he fully fulfilled his role as the forerunner of the Messiah, pointed many people to Jesus, and did not abandon his faith even in the face of death.

2.Later, John the Baptist expressed some sincere doubts (Matt 11:2–3; Luke 7:19). What were the reasons for his questions, and what can we learn from this about how to stay firm in our faith?

John the Baptist expressed doubts in Matthew 11:2–3 and Luke 7:19 while he was in prison. He sent his disciples to Jesus with the question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” These doubts were surprising, as John had previously clearly testified that Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:29). However, these moments of uncertainty show that even spiritually strong individuals can experience doubts in difficult times.

Reasons for John’s Doubts:

1. Imprisonment and Isolation: John was in prison, isolated, and in an extreme life situation, which can lead to uncertainty. Such circumstances often negatively affect thinking and faith, as one may feel abandoned and helpless.

2. Unmet Expectations: John may have, like many others, expected the Messiah to be a powerful deliverer and judge who would free Israel from its oppressors, such as the Romans. Seeing Jesus in His role as a gentle teacher and healer might have confused him, as this role did not align with traditional notions of a mighty, political Messiah.

3. Lack of Direct Intervention: John saw no visible signs that Jesus would end his suffering or free him from prison in any way. Jesus’ silence could have increased his doubts about whether Jesus was indeed the promised Savior.

What We Can Learn:

1. Doubts Are Human: John the Baptist, considered one of the most important biblical figures, experienced doubts. This shows that doubts in the faith life are normal and do not mean that someone has lost their faith. It is important to recognize that even faithful servants of God struggle with uncertainties and questions.

2. Hope in Times of Darkness: John was isolated and suffering. In such moments, we tend to see reality distorted. Instead of giving up faith, John sent his disciples to Jesus to seek clarity. This teaches us that in difficult times, we should come to Jesus and honestly express our doubts, rather than being overwhelmed by them.

3. Recognizing That God’s Plan Is Different: John’s doubts were also based on false expectations of the Messiah. We can learn that God often acts differently than we expect. Our understanding of God’s plan can be limited, and it is important to trust God’s bigger plan, even if it does not align with our short-term expectations.

4. Staying Firm in Faith: When Jesus responded to John’s question, He not only referred to the miracles He was performing but also cited messianic prophecies (Matt 11:4–6). He indirectly encouraged John to strengthen his faith through the Scriptures and the fulfillment of the prophecies. This shows us that we should base our faith on God’s Word and His promises, especially in times of doubt.

Conclusion:

John the Baptist teaches us that even the strongest believers can face doubts. In such moments, our relationship with God, trust in His promises, and willingness to bring our uncertainties to Him help us stay firm in faith. Doubts can be an opportunity to deepen our faith if we approach God in these moments and seek clarity and strength from Him.

3.Discuss how someone like Nicodemus, a leader in the true church who certainly possessed much knowledge, could still be so spiritually ignorant regarding what truly matters. What lessons can we draw from his situation?

Nicodemus was a respected teacher and member of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious and political authority. As such, he possessed extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, Jewish traditions, and laws. Yet, despite his intellectual and religious knowledge, he lacked a deep understanding of the spiritual truths that Jesus was trying to convey—particularly the necessity of “rebirth” through the Holy Spirit (John 3:3). This raises the question of how someone with so much religious knowledge could remain spiritually ignorant.

Reasons for Nicodemus’ Spiritual Ignorance:

1. Intellectual Knowledge Without Spiritual Understanding: Nicodemus knew the Scriptures and the prophecies well, but his knowledge was more theoretical than spiritual. He had much intellectual insight into God and the laws, but lacked personal experience and inner revelation. He viewed faith mainly as something external—law obedience and religious duties—and did not grasp the core of spiritual repentance and renewal.

2. Traditions and Religious Systems: As a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus was deeply embedded in religious traditions and Jewish law. These traditions were often so strong that they hindered the understanding of deeper spiritual truth. For Nicodemus, it was difficult to break away from the entrenched belief system and accept Jesus’ revolutionary teachings.

3. Pride and Status: Nicodemus held a respected position in society. This status could have made it difficult for him to adopt an attitude of humility and accept that, despite his knowledge, he did not understand something essential. It is often hard for people in leadership positions to admit that they still need spiritual growth.

4. Lack of Personal Spiritual Experience: Nicodemus was a scholar, but he seemed to lack a deep personal encounter with God. He may have intellectually grasped the teachings of the Scriptures but did not experience the transformative power of the Spirit. This personal connection is what Jesus describes as “being born again”—a spiritual renewal that goes deeper than mere knowledge.

Lessons from Nicodemus’ Situation:

1. Knowledge Alone Is Not Enough: Spiritual maturity is not achieved solely through intellectual knowledge or understanding of religious texts. Even the most accurate knowledge of the Bible or religious laws does not necessarily lead to deep spiritual understanding. We must cultivate a personal relationship with God and allow His Spirit to guide us to gain true spiritual insight.

2. The Danger of Pride and Self-Righteousness: Nicodemus’ position and knowledge might have prevented him from recognizing that he needed to learn something new. Pride or reliance on our own wisdom can be obstacles that prevent us from receiving God’s revelations. Spiritual humility is essential to be willing to learn from God, regardless of our status or knowledge.

3. Traditions Can Block Understanding: Religious traditions and systems can sometimes hinder the understanding of true spiritual meaning. Nicodemus was deeply involved in Jewish traditions, which emphasized a law-based faith. However, Jesus taught that faith goes beyond traditions and laws and requires personal, inner renewal. This reminds us that we should be open to new revelations from God, even if they contradict our previous beliefs.

4. Spiritual Rebirth: Jesus’ central teaching to Nicodemus was that every person—regardless of their knowledge or religious position—must be reborn to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). This spiritual rebirth is a transformative experience brought about by the Holy Spirit. It means beginning a new life in Christ and seeking a deeper, inner relationship with God.

Conclusion:

Nicodemus shows us that intellectual knowledge and religious positions alone are not sufficient to recognize true spiritual truth. Spiritual understanding does not come through external rituals or following laws, but through personal, inner renewal and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. His story reminds us that we must remain open and humble to grow in our faith and allow God to transform us.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-witnesses-of-christ-as-the-messiah-4-7-questions-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 26, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 20

¹ The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

² Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

³ Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

⁴ So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

⁵ And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

⁶ Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

⁷ And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

⁸ Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

⁹ For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

¹⁰ Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

¹¹ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

¹² And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

¹³ And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

¹⁴ And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

¹⁵ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

¹⁶ Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

¹⁷ Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

¹⁸ Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

¹⁹ Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

²⁰ And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

²¹ Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

²³ Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

²⁴ But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

²⁵ The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

²⁶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

²⁷ Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

²⁸ And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

²⁹ Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

³⁰ And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

³¹ But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

John Chapter 20 depicts the central and decisive message of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It describes the events of Easter morning, beginning with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb, through Jesus appearing to His disciples, and culminating in the encounter with the doubting Thomas. In this chapter, not only is Jesus’ victory over death proclaimed, but also the confirmation of His divine mission and the commencement of His disciples’ mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Commentary:

The chapter begins with a profound human experience: Mary Magdalene arrives early in the morning at Jesus’ tomb to cope with her grief. Her encounter with the empty tomb initially causes confusion and alarm. She believes that someone has stolen Jesus’ body and hurries to Peter and John to deliver this news. This reaction demonstrates that even Jesus’ closest friends and disciples were unprepared for the resurrection, despite Jesus having repeatedly hinted at it.

The scene where Peter and John rush to the tomb is significant. John, being faster than Peter, pauses and waits until Peter is the first to enter the tomb. This moment underscores the dynamic relationship between the two disciples: Peter, the impulsive leader, takes the initiative, while John, the beloved disciple, respectfully follows. As both enter the tomb and see the meticulously arranged linen cloths and the napkin, their faith in the resurrection begins to grow, even though they have not yet fully understood the Scriptures.

A central element of this chapter is Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus. Her tears and despair when she initially does not recognize Jesus reflect the human experience of grief. However, when she hears Jesus calling her by name, she recognizes Him and refers to Him as “Rabbuni”—which means “Teacher.” This intimate and personal encounter demonstrates how Jesus knows His disciples not only as teachers but also as friends and shepherds. His instruction to Mary not to touch Him indicates that He is still in the process of ascending to the Father, but also signifies that the relationship between Jesus and His disciples has now changed. He is no longer the earthly Rabbi but the glorified Son of God who will soon ascend to the Father.

Another important section of this chapter is Jesus’ first appearance to His assembled disciples on the evening of Easter day. The disciples are gathered in a locked room out of fear of the Jews, yet Jesus suddenly stands among them. His first words are, “Peace be with you,” which carry a dual meaning: on one hand, He calms their fears, and on the other, He announces the new peace His resurrection brings—the peace between God and humanity. The gesture of showing His wounds serves as confirmation that the risen Jesus is indeed the one who suffered on the cross and that His resurrection is real and physical. The breath He imparts to them is the Holy Spirit, which empowers them for their future mission and grants them the authority to forgive or retain sins.

The section involving Thomas, often called “the Doubter,” is particularly significant. Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples and openly expresses his skepticism. His demand to touch Jesus’ wounds to believe reflects the natural human tendency to seek evidence. Eight days later, Jesus fulfills this demand by appearing again, specifically to meet Thomas. Jesus invites him to touch His wounds, and Thomas responds, “My Lord and my God!” without hesitation, demonstrating his newfound faith. This scene not only highlights Jesus’ patient care regarding His disciples’ doubts but also emphasizes the importance of faith. Jesus’ words to Thomas—”Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”—encourage all believers who have not physically seen Jesus to trust in His resurrection. This is a core tenet of the Christian faith: belief in the unseen, trust in the testimony of the Scriptures, and the testimony of the disciples.

The final two verses of the chapter (John 20:30-31) offer an important reflection on the purpose of the Gospel. John states that Jesus performed many more signs that are not recorded in this book, but what is written serves a clear purpose: to foster belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, so that people may have eternal life through this faith. This emphasizes that the Gospel is not merely a historical account but a means of promoting faith and redemption.

Summary:

John 20 describes Easter morning and the disciples’ encounters with the risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and later meets Jesus, who commissions her to convey the message of His resurrection to the disciples. Jesus appears to the disciples in the evening and imparts the Holy Spirit to prepare them for their future mission. Thomas, who initially doubted, is invited by Jesus to touch His wounds and confesses his faith. The belief in Jesus’ resurrection is emphasized as a central point of Christian faith, and John concludes the chapter by explaining that his Gospel was written to ensure that people believe in Jesus Christ and attain eternal life through this belief.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/26-10-2024-john-chapter-20-believe-his-prophets/