October 12, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 6

¹ After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

² And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

³ And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

⁴ And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

⁵ When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

⁶ And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

⁷ Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

⁸ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,

⁹ There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

¹⁰ And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

¹¹ And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

¹² When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

¹³ Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

¹⁴ Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

¹⁵ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

¹⁶ And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,

¹⁷ And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

¹⁸ And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

¹⁹ So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

²⁰ But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

²¹ Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

²² The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

²³ (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

²⁴ When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

²⁵ And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

²⁶ Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

²⁷ Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

²⁸ Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

²⁹ Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

³⁰ They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

³¹ Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

³² Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

³³ For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

³⁴ Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

³⁵ And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

³⁶ But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

³⁷ All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

³⁸ For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

³⁹ And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

⁴⁰ And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

⁴¹ The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.

⁴² And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?

⁴³ Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.

⁴⁴ No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

⁴⁵ It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

⁴⁶ Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.

⁴⁷ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

⁴⁸ I am that bread of life.

⁴⁹ Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

⁵⁰ This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

⁵¹ I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

⁵² The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?

⁵³ Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

⁵⁴ Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

⁵⁵ For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

⁵⁶ He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

⁵⁷ As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

⁵⁸ This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

⁵⁹ These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

⁶⁰ Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

⁶¹ When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

⁶² What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

⁶³ It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

⁶⁴ But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

⁶⁵ And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

⁶⁶ From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

⁶⁷ Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

⁶⁸ Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

⁶⁹ And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

⁷⁰ Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

⁷¹ He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John chapter 6 addresses some of the most well-known and central events in the life of Jesus, including the Feeding of the Five Thousand and Jesus’ teaching about the “Bread of Life.” These two events highlight Jesus’ ability to nourish both physically and spiritually. While Jesus’ miracles impress the crowd and lead them to follow Him, His profound spiritual teachings cause confusion and division among the disciples. Finally, the chapter emphasizes that Jesus is the source of eternal life, but only those who trust in Him by faith will experience it.

Commentary

The Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)

The Feeding of the Five Thousand is one of Jesus’ most significant miracles, recorded in all four Gospels. Jesus sees the large crowd following Him because they have witnessed the miracles performed on the sick. To test His disciples, He asks Philip where they could buy enough bread to feed the multitude. Philip realistically responds that two hundred denarii (a large sum of money) would not be sufficient to feed everyone (verse 7). Andrew notices a boy with five barley loaves and two fish, which are clearly inadequate for the crowd.

However, Jesus takes this small offering and multiplies it so that everyone is satisfied, and even twelve baskets of leftovers remain. This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ divine care and power. The people recognize Him as the promised prophet (verse 14), but when they attempt to make Him king, Jesus withdraws. This suggests that His kingdom is not of this world and that He did not come to fulfill political expectations but to bring spiritual salvation.

Jesus Walks on the Sea (John 6:16-21)

In the evening, the disciples cross the Sea of Galilee without Jesus, who has withdrawn. A strong wind arises, and the disciples struggle against the waves until they see Jesus walking on the water. They are frightened, but Jesus reassures them by saying, “It is I; do not be afraid!” (verse 20). This event not only demonstrates Jesus’ power over nature but also His role as the one who brings peace to believers amidst difficulties.

Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:22-59)

The next day, the people seek Jesus and find Him on the other side of the lake. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach about the “Bread of Life.” He tells them that they did not come to Him just because of the signs, but because they ate the bread and were satisfied (verse 26). Jesus emphasizes that they should seek the spiritual food that leads to eternal life. He reveals that He Himself is the bread that has come down from heaven and that those who believe in Him will never hunger or thirst again (verse 35).

This teaching confuses many, especially when Jesus explains that His flesh is the bread they must eat to have eternal life (verse 51). This metaphorical language leads to misunderstanding and rejection, particularly as the Jews question how He can give them His flesh to eat (verse 52). Jesus’ statement that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood is an allusion to the future Eucharist (the Lord’s Supper) and refers to His sacrificial giving of life on the cross.

The Division Among the Disciples and Peter’s Confession (John 6:60-71)

Jesus’ radical statements cause many of His disciples to abandon Him, as they find His words “hard” (verse 60). However, when Jesus asks the Twelve if they also want to leave, Peter responds with his famous confession: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (verse 68). This confession underscores that true disciples do not depend on external circumstances or difficulties in understanding but hold firmly to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

At the end, Jesus alludes to the impending betrayal by Judas, one of the Twelve, who will later hand Him over (verses 70-71).

Summary

John chapter 6 encompasses central miracles and teachings of Jesus that highlight His divine power and role as the source of eternal life. The Feeding of the Five Thousand demonstrates Jesus’ mastery over creation and His ability to meet people’s needs. However, in His teaching about the “Bread of Life,” Jesus goes beyond the physical to speak of Himself as the spiritual nourishment that brings eternal life. This radical message leads to a division among His disciples, but Peter reaffirms his faith by declaring that Jesus has the words of eternal life.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/12-10-2024-john-chapter-6-believe-his-prophets/

2.6 Summary
The Revelation of Jesus’ Divinity through Miracles and Signs

In Lesson 2, the focus is on the revelation of Jesus’ divinity through His miraculous signs, as described in the Gospel of John. These signs are not merely miracles in the classical sense but serve to unveil a deeper spiritual truth: Jesus is the Son of God, who has come to redeem humanity and reveal the Kingdom of God.

2.1 The Feeding of the Five Thousand

In John 6:1–14, Jesus feeds a large crowd with only five loaves and two fish. This miracle shows parallels to Moses and the manna that God provided to the Israelites in the wilderness. Jesus reveals Himself as the true “Bread of Life,” bringing eternal fulfillment. He clarifies that He does not merely satisfy earthly needs but also provides spiritual nourishment.

2.2 “Truly, This Is the Prophet”

After the Feeding of the Five Thousand, the people recognize Jesus as the prophesied Prophet who was to come into the world (John 6:14–15). However, they do not understand that He has not come to be an earthly king but to fulfill the deeper need of humanity for redemption. Jesus explains that He is the true “Bread of Life” and invites people to believe in Him to receive eternal life.

2.3 and 2.4 The Healing of the Blind Man (Part 1 and Part 2)

In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This healing not only reveals Jesus’ power over physical blindness but also His authority over spiritual blindness. While the formerly blind man grows in his faith, the Pharisees become increasingly “blind” in their refusal to recognize Jesus as the Messiah sent by God. This story illustrates that true sight lies in recognizing Jesus as the light of the world.

2.5 The Raising of Lazarus

The raising of Lazarus in John 11 is the strongest sign of Jesus’ power over death. Jesus deliberately delays His arrival to reveal His authority over life and death. He declares, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), and raises Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb. This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ divinity and gives believers hope for eternal life.

Conclusion:

In all these signs, Jesus is revealed not only as a miracle worker but as the Son of God who has come to redeem humanity. His power over food, illness, blindness, and even death shows that He is the source of life and eternal salvation. These miracles challenge us to believe in Jesus and trust Him not only for our present lives but also for eternity.

The lesson on the signs of Jesus’ divinity in the Gospel of John has a profound connection to our daily lives and faith. These miracles not only reveal Jesus’ divine power but also provide important teachings that can strengthen us in our faith today.

1. Trust in God’s Provision (Feeding of the Five Thousand): In daily life, we often face material and spiritual needs that leave us feeling uncertain. The Feeding of the Five Thousand teaches us that Jesus can meet our needs even when our resources are scarce. He is the Bread of Life, nourishing us not only physically but also spiritually. In faith, this means that we can rely on God’s care in every situation—whether in times of scarcity or abundance.

2. Recognizing Jesus as the True Redeemer (“Truly, This Is the Prophet”): Like the people who wanted Jesus to be an earthly king after the Feeding of the Five Thousand, we sometimes seek quick, material solutions. However, Jesus came to bring a deeper redemption—the liberation from sin and access to eternal life. This teaching reminds us that our true hope lies not in earthly things but in the spiritual redemption and eternal life that Jesus offers.

3. True Sight through Faith (Healing of the Blind Man): The Healing of the Blind Man reminds us that we are often spiritually “blind” when we rely on human pride or knowledge. True understanding comes through humility and recognizing Jesus as the light of the world. In daily life, we can cultivate this spiritual sight by seeking God’s guidance in difficult situations instead of relying solely on our own limitations.

4. Hope Beyond Death (Raising of Lazarus): In moments of loss or grief, the Raising of Lazarus offers us hope. Jesus’ words, “I am the resurrection and the life,” remind us that death is not the end. This truth comforts us and strengthens our faith, knowing that Jesus has power over death and offers us eternal life.

Conclusion for Our Daily Life:

These signs teach us that Jesus desires to accompany us in all aspects of our lives—meeting our physical needs, fulfilling our spiritual yearnings, and even in the face of grief and death. We are called to place our trust in Jesus, who has power over every situation, and to recognize Him as our eternal Redeemer. In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by relying on Him in every circumstance and trusting that He always has a plan that brings life, healing, and renewal.

Trust that God’s ways are often greater and deeper than we can understand—He has a plan that brings life and hope even in the most challenging moments.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-signs-of-divinity-2-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 11, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 5

¹ After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

² Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

³ In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

⁴ For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

⁵ And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

⁶ When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

⁷ The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

⁸ Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

⁹ And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

¹⁰ The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

¹¹ He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

¹² Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

¹³ And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

¹⁴ Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

¹⁵ The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

¹⁶ And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

¹⁷ But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

¹⁸ Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

¹⁹ Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

²⁰ For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

²¹ For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

²² For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

²³ That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

²⁴ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

²⁵ Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

²⁶ For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

²⁷ And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

²⁸ Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

²⁹ And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

³⁰ I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

³¹ If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.

³² There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

³³ Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

³⁴ But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

³⁵ He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

³⁶ But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

³⁷ And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

³⁸ And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

³⁹ Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

⁴⁰ And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

⁴¹ I receive not honour from men.

⁴² But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

⁴³ I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

⁴⁴ How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

⁴⁵ Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

⁴⁶ For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.

⁴⁷ But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John chapter 5 describes the healing of a long-term sick man at the Pool of Bethesda by Jesus and the subsequent confrontation with the Jewish authorities because the miracle occurred on the Sabbath. In this chapter, Jesus reveals His divine authority by making it clear that He acts in harmony with God the Father. These events mark a turning point in the growing opposition of the religious leaders against Jesus, as He not only questions the Sabbath but also presents Himself as the Son of God.

Commentary

The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-16)

Jesus visits Jerusalem during a Jewish festival and encounters a man who has been ill for 38 years, lying by the Pool of Bethesda, where the sick wait for the water to be stirred so they can be healed (v. 3). The man complains that he has no one to help him into the water when it moves. This scene highlights the man’s helplessness and isolation, but also his deep hope for healing. Jesus, knowing the man’s long suffering, heals him with a simple command: “Rise, take up your bed, and walk!” (v. 8).

This healing on the Sabbath leads to conflicts with the Jewish authorities, who rebuke the healed man for carrying his bed on the Sabbath, which they considered work (v. 10). The healed man initially does not know who healed him, but later encounters Jesus in the temple, who warns him not to sin anymore “so that something worse may not happen to you” (v. 14). This statement suggests that the man’s physical suffering may have been a result of sin, and that Jesus offers not only physical but also spiritual healing.

Jesus’ Authority and His Relationship with the Father (John 5:17-30)

The reaction of the Jewish leaders to this healing escalates when Jesus responds to them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (v. 17). This statement is understood as blasphemy because Jesus is positioning Himself on the same level as God, prompting the leaders to persecute Him even more and demand His death (v. 18).

In the following verses, Jesus explains that He does nothing on His own initiative but only what He sees the Father doing (v. 19). He describes His unique relationship with God the Father, who not only gives Him the power to perform miracles but also authority over judgment for the world. Jesus emphasizes that faith in Him leads to eternal life and that He will one day raise the dead and judge them (vv. 28-29). This teaching on life, judgment, and resurrection makes it clear that Jesus possesses both authority over life and the destiny of humanity.

The Testimony About Jesus (John 5:31-47)

Jesus continues to speak about the testimony that confirms His divine authority. He refers to the testimony of John the Baptist (v. 33) but emphasizes that the greater works He does in the name of the Father are the strongest testimony of His mission (v. 36). Jesus sharply criticizes the Jewish leaders for studying the Scriptures but failing to recognize that these Scriptures point to Him (vv. 39-40). Despite their intensive Bible study, they lack the faith and willingness to come to Jesus to receive eternal life.

In conclusion, Jesus emphasizes that Moses, whom the leaders rely on for hope, is the one who will accuse them because Moses wrote about the coming Messiah, and they do not acknowledge Jesus (vv. 45-47).

Summary

John chapter 5 recounts the healing of a long-term sick man by Jesus on the Sabbath, leading to a conflict with the Jewish leaders. In this confrontation, Jesus reveals His divine authority and unique relationship with God the Father. He explains that faith in Him leads to eternal life and that He has the power to raise the dead and execute judgment. Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for studying the Scriptures but not recognizing that they point to Him. This chapter clearly demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority and marks a pivotal moment in the escalating opposition against Him.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/11-10-2024-john-chapter-5-believe-his-prophets/

2.5 The Resurrection of Lazarus
Jesus’ Power Over Death and the Revelation of His Divinity

The raising of Lazarus in John 11 is one of the most profound stories in the Gospel of John, revealing both sorrow and hope. The death of Lazarus brings sadness and despair into the lives of his family and friends. The lament of the sisters, that Lazarus would still be alive if Jesus had come in time, reflects their deep disappointment (John 11:21, 32). Jesus’ own tears also show that He understands the pain of loss (John 11:35).

However, Jesus’ apparent delay served a much higher purpose. Jesus knew from the start that Lazarus would die, but He used this occasion to reveal a deeper truth: His power over life and death. By raising Lazarus, Jesus demonstrated that He is not merely a prophet or healer but the Creator and Lord of life itself. Martha, Lazarus’ sister, confirms this realization when she acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God (John 11:27).

Significance for Faith: Jesus’ statement in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life,” is central to the Christian understanding of life and death. It reveals that death does not have the final word and that faith in Jesus extends beyond physical death. Jesus’ power over death points to His divine nature and gives believers hope for eternal life. This story shows us that God works even in seemingly hopeless situations, and His delays do not mean He has forgotten us—they mean He is planning something greater that will reveal His glory.

In daily life, this means that during times of suffering and loss, we are reminded that Jesus is our deepest hope. Even when we don’t understand the reasons for God’s delays, we can trust that He always has the power to bring life and renewal, even in the most hopeless moments.

Read John 11:38–44. What did Jesus do to substantiate His claim?

The raising of Lazarus in John 11 is a powerful narrative that highlights both the deep emotions of human grief and the transformative hope through Jesus Christ. The story begins with the sadness over the death of a beloved friend and the despair of the family. Martha and Mary express their disappointment that Jesus did not arrive in time to heal Lazarus. Their words, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32), reflect a common human experience: the question of “Why?” in moments of loss and need.

Jesus’ own tears (John 11:35) reveal His humanity and His empathy for the pain we experience through death. However, beneath this grief, Jesus reveals His true mission: He shows that He has power over death. Jesus’ delayed arrival, which might initially be seen as negligence, served a greater purpose in revealing the profound divine truth that He is the Creator of life. By raising Lazarus, He demonstrates His divine authority over both life and death.

Significance for Faith: Jesus’ statement, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), forms the heart of the Christian faith. It points to the fact that physical death is not the end and that Jesus has the power to grant life that transcends death. This revelation gives believers hope for eternal life and the assurance that Jesus possesses a deeper, life-giving power in the midst of grief and loss.

Application in Daily Life: In our daily lives, this story teaches us that God’s ways do not always align with our expectations, but He always has a greater plan that surpasses our current understanding. In moments of suffering, loss, or delay, we should remember that Jesus is our ultimate hope. Even if we do not always understand the reason for God’s delays, we can trust that He wants to reveal a greater glory—a glory that allows us to look beyond the earthly and grants us new hope.

The raising of Lazarus is a powerful testament that God’s plan always brings life and renewal, even in the darkest moments of our lives.

Connection to Our Daily Life and Faith:

1. God’s Timing and Trust in Him: We often experience delays or feel that God is not intervening in difficult situations. The story of Lazarus shows us that God’s delays are not due to negligence or indifference but are always part of a greater plan to reveal His glory. In our daily lives, this teaches us to practice patience and trust that God has not forgotten us, even when His answers to our prayers do not come immediately.

2. Jesus as Our Ultimate Hope: Jesus explains in John 11:25 that He is the resurrection and the life, which means that He has power not only over physical death but also over our current situations of suffering and need. In our daily lives, this means that Jesus should be our first resort—not only for our eternal hope but also in every difficult situation we face. He can bring life into every seemingly hopeless situation.

3. Grief and Compassion: Jesus’ own tears in John 11:35 remind us that He understands our human emotions and shares in our suffering. In times of grief and loss, we can be assured that Jesus is near and understands our pain. This realization can bring us comfort and strength during times of sorrow.

4. Trusting in God’s Power Over Death: The raising of Lazarus shows that death does not have the final word. For us, this means that faith in Jesus not only gives us hope for eternal life but also empowers us to view physical death differently. Death is not the end but a transition into eternal communion with God.

5. Growth in Faith Through Crisis: Martha and Mary had to go through the crisis of their brother’s death to deepen their understanding of Jesus’ true power and divine nature. Likewise, in our own lives, crises and difficult times can help us strengthen our faith and understand more about God’s nature and plan for us. These challenges can be a way to deepen our relationship with God and renew our faith.

Conclusion: The story of Lazarus teaches us that God’s plan is greater than our current understanding. We can trust that He is working even in difficult times and delays to bring life, hope, and renewal. In our daily lives, we should always remember that Jesus is the ultimate source of life—not only in this life but also in the life to come.

Even when we don’t immediately understand God’s actions, we can trust that He has a greater plan that brings life and hope.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-signs-of-divinity-2-5-the-resurrection-of-lazarus-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 10, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 4

¹ When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

² (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

³ He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

⁴ And he must needs go through Samaria.

⁵ Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

⁶ Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

⁷ There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

⁸ (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

⁹ Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

¹⁰ Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

¹¹ The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

¹² Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

¹³ Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

¹⁴ But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

¹⁵ The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

¹⁶ Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

¹⁷ The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

¹⁸ For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

¹⁹ The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

²⁰ Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

²¹ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

²² Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

²³ But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

²⁴ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

²⁵ The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

²⁶ Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

²⁷ And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

²⁸ The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

²⁹ Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

³⁰ Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

³¹ In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

³² But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

³³ Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

³⁴ Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

³⁵ Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

³⁶ And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

³⁷ And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

³⁸ I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

³⁹ And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

⁴⁰ So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

⁴¹ And many more believed because of his own word;

⁴² And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

⁴³ Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.

⁴⁴ For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

⁴⁵ Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

⁴⁶ So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

⁴⁷ When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

⁴⁸ Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

⁴⁹ The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

⁵⁰ Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

⁵¹ And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

⁵² Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

⁵³ So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

⁵⁴ This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John chapter 4 addresses two significant events in Jesus’ ministry: the conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well and the healing of the son of a royal official. Both stories illustrate the universal reach of Jesus’ message and His ability to inspire faith through deep spiritual understanding and miracles. Particularly noteworthy is the conversation with the Samaritan woman, as Jesus demonstrates that His message is not only for the Jews but for all people, regardless of social and ethnic barriers.

Commentary

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42)

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman begins with Jesus, weary from His journey, stopping at Jacob’s well in Samaria. When the woman comes to the well, Jesus asks her for water, which surprises her, as Jews typically did not associate with Samaritans (v. 9). This interaction transcends the social norms of the time and shows Jesus’ willingness to overcome barriers.

Jesus seizes the opportunity to introduce the concept of “living water” (v. 10), which symbolizes eternal life and the Holy Spirit. While the Samaritan woman initially thinks Jesus is referring to physical water, He leads her deeper into spiritual truths and reveals that the water He offers will never leave them thirsty again but will become a source of eternal life within them (v. 14).

The conversation unveils the woman’s personal history. Jesus discloses His knowledge of her five marriages and her current living situation (v. 18), prompting her to recognize Him as a prophet. The dialogue then shifts to the proper form of worship. Jesus explains that the time has come when true worshipers will worship God not at a specific location but in spirit and truth (v. 23-24). This statement breaks with the previous notion that worship was tied to geographic locations like the temple in Jerusalem.

Finally, Jesus reveals Himself to the woman as the promised Messiah (v. 26), which moves her to go into the city and tell others about Him. Many Samaritans believe in Jesus based on her testimony (v. 39), and even more after they have personally spoken with Him. This scene demonstrates that faith can arise not only through miracles but also through direct encounters with the truth of Jesus.

Healing of the Royal Official’s Son (John 4:43-54)

After two days in Samaria, Jesus returns to Galilee. There, a royal official asks Him to heal his dying son (v. 47). Jesus points out that people often believe only through signs and wonders (v. 48), but the official persists in his request. Jesus heals the son from afar, and the official believes Jesus’ word. When the official later learns that the healing occurred precisely at the moment Jesus spoke to him, he believes, along with his entire household (v. 53). This story illustrates faith that arises from trust in Jesus’ word, without the official having witnessed a visible miracle.

Summary

John chapter 4 demonstrates how Jesus breaks through social and religious barriers to proclaim His message of salvation and redemption. In His conversation with the Samaritan woman, He reveals Himself as the Messiah and speaks about true worship in spirit and truth. This encounter leads many Samaritans to believe in Jesus. The healing of the royal official’s son highlights the power of faith based solely on trust in Jesus’ word. Overall, the chapter shows that Jesus meets both spiritual and physical needs and that His salvation is available to all people.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/10-10-2024-john-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/