7.2 The Witness of Mary
Mary’s Precious Gift as an Expression of Faith

What was the significance of Mary’s behavior here? In what way was this a testimony to who Jesus really was? John 12:1–3

Mary’s action in Simon’s house was a profoundly meaningful testimony of her gratitude and faith in Jesus. By using the precious ointment, she demonstrated that she recognized the uniqueness of Jesus as the Savior and the coming King. Her sacrifice was not merely a material gift but a demonstration of deep devotion and love that went beyond logical considerations. She was willing to sacrifice the most valuable thing she possessed for Jesus, reflecting her faith and understanding of Him as the Messiah.

Mary’s act was a stark contrast to Judas’ reaction. While Judas criticized the gift and hid behind apparent charity, Mary’s action showed pure love and an intuitive understanding that Jesus’ time on earth was limited. Her gift, which filled the entire house with its fragrance, became a testimony that was not hidden. John describes this fragrance as a sign that true faith and genuine devotion inevitably have an impact and can change the atmosphere.

Jesus protected Mary from criticism and honored her action as preparation for His burial. This showed that her devotion had a deeper spiritual meaning that she might not have fully understood herself but acted out of genuine faith and love. Her gesture was not only a loving act but also a prophetic testimony that honored Jesus as the true Savior and strengthened Him in the last days of His life. Mary’s action teaches us that true love and devotion to Jesus often go unnoticed or may even be misunderstood by others, but they are infinitely precious and meaningful in God’s eyes.

Jesus knew what was in the hearts of Mary and Judas. He also knows what is in your heart. What should this truth tell us about needing Christ as our righteousness, who transforms and also covers us?

The fact that Jesus knew what was in the hearts of Mary and Judas shows us that He also knows the deepest motivations, struggles, and longings in our hearts. This realization makes it clear that we need Christ as our righteousness because our own hearts are often imperfect, wounded, and fallible. Although we may outwardly show good intentions and deeds, Jesus sees the uncertainties, doubts, and tendencies that repeatedly lead us to make wrong decisions or rely on our own righteousness.

We need Christ not only to change us externally but also to transform our hearts and heal us from within. His righteousness is not merely a covering for our imperfections but also a power that renews us internally and makes us more like Him. This means that Jesus not only forgives us and covers us with His righteousness but also wants to shape our innermost inclinations and character traits so that we live in accordance with His will.

This truth calls us to be humble and recognize that we cannot be perfect by our own strength. Only through His grace and righteousness can we lead a life pleasing to God. Christ as our righteousness reminds us that we do not need to be perfect to be accepted, but that He Himself is our righteousness—and that this righteousness simultaneously changes us, making us increasingly like Him.

The story of Mary and her precious gift reminds us how our faith can be expressed in everyday life. Mary’s willingness to sacrifice the most valuable thing for Jesus shows that true faith is not only in words but becomes visible through bold and perhaps unexpected actions. Mary’s faith was so deep that it led her to honor Jesus in a way that seemed irrational or wasteful to others. This invites us to ask ourselves: Where do we invest our most valuable—whether it be time, love, or resources—as an expression of our gratitude and love for God?

In our daily lives, Mary’s example shows us that true devotion often means enduring criticism or misunderstandings from others because the value of our faith sacrifice is often fully understood only by God. Just as the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil, our acts of faith—whether big or small—can change the atmosphere around us and serve as a testimony of love and gratitude.

Mary’s action also indicates that our faith can sometimes be prophetic, revealing a deeper picture of God’s work in the world, even if we do not fully comprehend it ourselves. In a time that often emphasizes material values and self-interest, Mary’s faith invites us to consider the value of our devotion to Christ, even if it sets us apart from others. It is a living faith that is willing to make sacrifices and honor God because we know that He sees and understands our hearts.

In everyday life, this story reminds us that Jesus knows the needs, hopes, and weaknesses of our hearts and transforms us through His grace. Our faith in Him allows us to bring our fears and imperfections before Him while trusting that He heals our hearts, forgives us, and enables us to become more like Him.

True faith often manifests in silent sacrifices that only God fully understands and values.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-blessed-are-those-who-believe-7-2-the-witness-of-mary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 11, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 15

¹ And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

² When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

³ And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

⁴ And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

⁵ But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

⁶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

⁷ And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

⁸ And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

⁹ And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

¹² Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

¹³ And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

¹⁴ Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

¹⁵ And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

¹⁶ After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

¹⁷ That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

¹⁸ Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

¹⁹ Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

²⁰ But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

²² Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

²³ And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.

²⁴ Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

²⁵ It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁷ We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

²⁹ That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

³⁰ So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

³¹ Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

³² And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

³³ And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

³⁴ Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

³⁵ Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

³⁷ And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

³⁸ But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

³⁹ And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

⁴⁰ And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

⁴¹ And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

In Acts 15, the first major church council in Jerusalem, known as the Apostolic Council, is recounted. This assembly gathered to address an important question that led to a fundamental conflict within the early Christian community: Must non-Jewish Christians adhere to the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision? The decision of this council laid the foundation for the inclusion of Gentiles and emphasized the significance of grace in the Christian faith.

Commentary

Acts 15 describes a pivotal moment for early Christianity. The central issue was whether Gentile Christians needed to follow Jewish legal requirements to be saved. This debate arose when some Jewish believers insisted that Gentile Christians must undergo circumcision and observe the Mosaic Law to attain salvation. Paul and Barnabas strongly opposed this and took the matter, along with other representatives, to Jerusalem to find a resolution together with the apostles and elders.

In Jerusalem, Peter argued that God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles and had already demonstrated through the gift of the Holy Spirit that Gentiles are justified by faith. James, a leading apostle, supported this view and proposed presenting Gentiles with a few essential guidelines to maintain peace and purity within the community without imposing the entire Mosaic Law.

This decision was a milestone as it paved the way for the integration of Gentiles into the Christian community without requiring them to fully adhere to Jewish law. The council decided that Gentiles should follow only certain regulations to facilitate harmonious coexistence within the community. This emphasized that faith in Jesus Christ is the crucial element of salvation, allowing Christianity to continue spreading.

Summary

The Apostolic Council in Jerusalem addressed whether Gentile Christians must follow Jewish laws. After intense discussions, the apostles decided that Gentiles do not need to observe the entire Mosaic Law but should adhere to specific guidelines to promote unity within the church. This resolution affirmed that God’s grace and faith in Jesus Christ form the foundation of salvation.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/11-11-2024-acts-chapter-15-believe-his-prophets/

Lesson 7.Blessed Are Those Who Believe
Witnesses of Faith in the Gospel of John

Lesson 7 leads us to various witnesses of faith in the Gospel of John and demonstrates how their encounters with Jesus can influence our own understanding of faith, doubt, and testimony. From Abraham, whose faith and trust in God’s promises were deeply rooted, to Mary, who expressed her devotion through a precious sacrifice, and Thomas, who journeyed from doubt to confession—each of these witnesses leaves us with valuable lessons.

In the Gospel of John, we also encounter the Roman governor Pilate, who, although he saw the truth before him, succumbed to the pressure of the crowd. His example challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith and not be swayed by external influences. The lesson culminates in the realization that we too today can and should be living testimonies for Jesus—not through spectacular miracles, but through lived, everyday faith.

This lesson invites us to reflect on our own faith journey: How do we encounter our doubts? How do we share our experiences with Jesus? Through these questions, we discover that faith is alive and diverse, and that our testimony—whether big or small—is part of God’s plan to convey His love and truth.

7.1 Harking Back to Abraham
Abraham as a Witness of Faith and Promise

Why was Abraham’s testimony so important that it was included in the Gospel of John? Genesis 12:3; 18:16–18; 26:4; -Matthew 1:1; Acts 3:25

Abraham’s testimony in John 8:56 is a central component of the Christian message and highlights the deep connection between Old Testament faith and the redemptive work of Jesus. By referencing Abraham, Jesus shows that His coming was not merely a moment of novelty but was rooted in a long history of divine promises that began with Abraham and extend throughout the entire story of salvation. This promise that “all nations will be blessed through him” (Genesis 12:3) portrays Abraham as the bearer of a hope meant to reach all people—a hope fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ mention of Abraham in His words also emphasizes the role of faith. Abraham’s faith in God’s promises was so strong that he looked beyond what was immediately before him. Through examples and prophetic hints, such as the ram in place of Isaac as a sacrifice, Abraham was presented as a picture of the redemption plan—a shadow of the sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross. Thus, Abraham’s trust and joy in “the day of the Lord” became a prophetic testimony of the coming Messiah.

When Jesus said to the Jews, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), He directly referred to God’s self-declaration in the burning bush when God revealed Himself to Moses. This was a direct hint at His divinity and pre-existence, a truth that deeply unsettled the religious leaders. By explaining this, Jesus highlighted that the faith that had characterized Abraham is the same faith to which people are now called—a faith in the eternal God who became man in Jesus to save the world.

Thus, Abraham remains not only as an ancestor but also as a spiritual father to believers, serving as a model of faith. Through him, it becomes clear that the promise of redemption has always existed and that Jesus is the center of this promise.

Read Romans 4:1–5. How does Paul use the story of Abraham here to reveal the great truth of salvation by faith alone, without works of the law? How do these verses help us understand the concept of Abraham as the father of those who live by faith?

In Romans 4:1–5, Paul uses the story of Abraham to explain the central doctrine of salvation by faith alone, independent of works of the law. Paul emphasizes that Abraham “was not justified by works” but “by faith he believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (v. 3, quoting Genesis 15:6). This passage shows that Abraham’s justification was not based on his own deeds or merits but solely on his trust in God’s promise.

Paul introduces the radical idea that righteousness is a gift from God and cannot be earned through human effort or adherence to the law. Abraham is presented as an example that true righteousness before God does not arise from a system of works but from faith that trusts in God’s promises. This makes Abraham a model for the faith that later believers are to have: a faith that relies on God without depending on one’s own works or law-keeping.

These verses help us understand why Abraham is called “the father of those who believe” (see Romans 4:11–12). Abraham’s trust in God—especially in a promise that he could not see or fully comprehend—serves as the foundation of faith for all believers. Thus, Abraham is the father of those who live not by their own works but by faith. Paul clarifies that salvation has always been based on the principle of faith and that believers inherit Abraham’s legacy not through law-keeping but through a heart full of trust and faith.

The story of Abraham has a profound connection to our everyday lives and faith because it shows us that faith and trust in God’s promises endure even when we cannot yet see the results. Abraham’s faith in God’s promises, often in the face of uncertainty and incomprehension, serves as a model for our lives today: it shows us that true faith means trusting God even when the fulfillment of promises seems distant or when circumstances are difficult to understand.

In Romans 4:1–5, it is emphasized that righteousness and salvation are gifts from God, received by faith and not by fulfilling the law or our own efforts. This truth can help us in daily life because we often try to gain recognition or security through our own efforts or “good works.” However, Abraham teaches us that faith is not a merit system but a trusting relationship with God, who loves and justifies us without us having to earn His love. This frees us from the burden of having to prove ourselves through performance and invites us to trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Abraham as “the father of those who believe” reminds us that faith is an attitude that can shape us daily. When we trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances are uncertain, we learn to base our lives on His guidance and faithfulness. Faith not only means believing in God but also trusting Him and relinquishing control. This allows us to find peace in difficult situations where we cannot understand or control everything because we know that God Himself holds our lives in His hands.

Abraham’s example shows us that our faith becomes alive when we give it space, even through times of waiting, doubting, and hoping. It is a faith that continually leads us to trust that God will fulfill His promises in His time.

Like Abraham, we can live in trust of God’s promises, knowing that true faith is not carried by our circumstances but by God’s faithfulness.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-blessed-are-those-who-believe-7-1-harking-back-to-abraham-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 10, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 14

¹ And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

² But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

³ Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

⁴ But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

⁵ And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

⁶ They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

⁷ And there they preached the gospel.

⁸ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:

⁹ The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

¹⁰ Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

¹¹ And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

¹² And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

¹³ Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

¹⁴ Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

¹⁵ And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

¹⁶ Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

¹⁷ Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

¹⁸ And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

¹⁹ And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

²⁰ Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

²¹ And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

²² Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

²³ And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

²⁴ And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

²⁵ And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

²⁶ And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

²⁷ And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

²⁸ And there they abode long time with the disciples.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

In Acts chapter 14, we witness the ministry of the apostles Paul and Barnabas during their missionary journey, particularly in the cities of Iconium and Lystra. Through their bold faith and dedication, signs and wonders are performed, leading many people, both Jews and Gentiles, to embrace the gospel. However, with their success comes persecution and misunderstandings, causing the apostles to face resistance and mistreatment. This passage describes the challenges and victories that Paul and Barnabas experience in their efforts to proclaim the word of God.

Commentary

This chapter illustrates how the gospel not only unites people from different cultural backgrounds but can also provoke divisions and resistance. In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas encounter open hearts but also fierce rejection and hostility. In Lystra, after the miracle of healing a crippled man, the apostles are mistakenly regarded as gods by the crowd. This experience highlights the challenge of distinguishing true divine power and authority from human misunderstandings. The steadfastness and unwavering faith of Paul and Barnabas, even after physical abuse and stoning, demonstrate the dedication and courage necessary to faithfully follow Christ’s call. They return strengthened to the communities to encourage believers to “stand firm in the faith” and to accept the inevitable difficulties as part of the journey into the kingdom of God.

Summary

Acts chapter 14 describes the journeys of Paul and Barnabas through Iconium, Lystra, and back to Antioch in Syria. They experience not only remarkable conversions and healings but also intense resistance and misunderstandings. After the persecution in Iconium and a misunderstanding in Lystra, where they are worshiped as gods, the apostles continue their work and strengthen the disciples in the faith despite the challenges. The passage concludes with their return to Antioch, where they report to the church how God has opened the door of faith to the Gentiles through them.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/10-11-2024-acts-chapter-14-believe-his-prophets/