3.6 Summary
The Background of the Gospel: The Prologue and the Divine Word

Lesson 3 focuses on the introduction of the Gospel of John, which reveals profound theological truths about Jesus Christ, the eternal Word (Logos). John begins with the statement that Jesus existed from the beginning and, as the Word of God, was not only with God but is God Himself. The prologue highlights the creative power of Jesus: through Him, all things were made.

A central point is the incarnation of Jesus. John describes how the divine Word became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). This shows God’s radical nearness to humans and the depth of His love. Jesus came as the Light into the world to dispel darkness, yet not everyone accepted Him. Here, we encounter the theme of faith and unbelief—those who accept the light become children of God, while others reject it and remain in darkness.

Finally, the lesson shows that the glorification of Jesus is paradoxical: it begins at the cross, a place of apparent shame where God’s greatest glory is revealed. The prologue connects the eternity and divinity of Jesus with His human mission to bring salvation and shows how people respond to this revelation—through faith or rejection.

The lesson encourages us to consciously live in the light of Jesus in our daily lives and to accept His call to experience the true glory of God.

The connection of the prologue from John 1 to our daily lives and faith lies in the central message that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God who became man to redeem us. This fundamental truth has practical implications for our daily lives:

1. Experiencing God’s Nearness The prologue shows that God is not distant or abstract but has come near to us in Jesus. This means that in our daily lives, we can trust that God understands our struggles and worries because He has experienced human life in all its aspects. Our faith in a near and understanding God gives us comfort and strength in everyday life.

2. Light and Darkness The theme of light and darkness introduced in the prologue reminds us that every day we face the decision to live in the light of Jesus or be led by darkness. In daily life, this means consciously seeking God’s truth and aligning our lives with His word. Faith is not just a belief but an active decision to follow the light.

3. Faith as an Active Action Faith, as described in the Gospel of John, is a living and dynamic relationship with Jesus that is reflected in our behavior. Our faith should not only exist in words but become visible through actions—in how we serve others, forgive, show love. This shapes our daily actions and our interpersonal relationships.

4. Hope and Redemption Through the Cross The glorification of Jesus on the cross shows that God Himself is present in the darkest moments and brings salvation. In our daily lives, this means that even in times of suffering and uncertainty, we can trust in God’s redemptive plan. The cross is a sign of hope that God Himself can create new life and redemption out of pain and loss.

Conclusion:

The lesson reminds us that the incarnation of Jesus and His role as the Light of the world are not just theological truths but have profound practical implications for our daily lives. By living in the light of Jesus, placing our trust in Him, and actively living out our faith, we experience God’s nearness, love, and glory in our everyday lives.

In daily life, we can experience God’s nearness by consciously walking in the light of Jesus and accepting His call to love and dedicate ourselves.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-the-prelude-the-prologue-3-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 18, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 12

¹ Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

² There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

³ Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

⁴ Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,

⁵ Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

⁶ This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

⁷ Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

⁸ For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

⁹ Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

¹⁰ But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

¹¹ Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

¹² On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

¹³ Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

¹⁴ And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

¹⁵ Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

¹⁶ These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

¹⁷ The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

¹⁸ For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

¹⁹ The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

²⁰ And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

²¹ The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

²² Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

²³ And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

²⁴ Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

²⁵ He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

²⁶ If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

²⁷ Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

²⁸ Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

²⁹ The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

³⁰ Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

³¹ Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

³² And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

³³ This he said, signifying what death he should die.

³⁴ The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

³⁵ Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

³⁶ While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

³⁷ But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

³⁸ That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

³⁹ Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

⁴⁰ He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

⁴¹ These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

⁴² Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

⁴³ For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

⁴⁴ Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

⁴⁵ And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

⁴⁶ I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

⁴⁷ And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

⁴⁸ He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

⁴⁹ For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

⁵⁰ And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John 12 marks a critical phase in the life of Jesus, shortly before his crucifixion. This chapter highlights both moments of deep worship and the growing opposition against Jesus. It begins with the anointing of Jesus in Bethany, continues with his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and concludes with important teachings about faith and the impending judgment. John 12 demonstrates the tension between the revelation of Jesus’ glory and the ongoing rejection by many of his listeners.

Commentary

John 12 combines worship, prophecy, and the inevitable approach of Jesus’ crucifixion. The anointing in Bethany is a symbolic act of preparation for Jesus’ death and reveals Mary’s deep understanding of the sacrifice Jesus would make. This scene contrasts with Judas’ materialistic thinking, illustrating how differently people respond to Jesus.

The entry into Jerusalem underscores the tension between the people’s Messianic expectations and Jesus’ true mission. While the people celebrate Jesus as a political liberator, they fail to see that his kingdom is spiritual and will be consummated through death. The metaphor of the grain of wheat indicates that Jesus’ death is not the end but the beginning of new life that will bear abundant fruit.

A central theme in this chapter is the division between belief and unbelief. Despite the many signs Jesus has performed, many people refuse to believe, which John explains through the prophecy of Isaiah. This hardening of the heart points to the tragedy that even in the face of truth, many choose not to accept it.

Jesus’ final words emphasize the life-saving potential of his work: He is the light that dispels darkness. However, his words also serve as a warning: those who reject him will ultimately be judged by this rejection. In this sense, John 12 presents the final opportunity to choose the light over darkness.

Summary

The chapter begins with a special event: Mary anoints Jesus in Bethany, which Judas Iscariot criticizes as wasteful. Jesus defends Mary and points out that her act prophetically signifies his burial. Shortly after, Jesus makes a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he is received as a king by an enthusiastic crowd. In doing so, he fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.

Jesus speaks of his impending glorification through death and uses the metaphor of the grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit. He emphasizes that true life is gained only through devotion to God, while self-love leads to destruction. Amid these profound statements, a heavenly voice declares the confirmation of the divine plan.

Despite the many miracles Jesus performs, not everyone believes in him. John quotes the prophet Isaiah to explain that many hearts are hardened. Nevertheless, there are also some of the leading Jews who believe in Jesus but remain silent out of fear of the Pharisees.

The chapter concludes with Jesus’ statement that he has come into the world as the light to lead people out of darkness. He emphasizes that his mission comes from God and that his words signify eternal life.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/18-10-2024-john-chapter-12-believe-his-prophets/

3.5 Recurring Themes – Glory
Recurring Themes: Glory on the Cross

Read John 17:1–5. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you”?

In John 17:1–5, Jesus speaks of His impending “hour” and asks the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. This statement refers to the climax of His earthly ministry—the impending suffering, death, and resurrection. Although the cross is seen by humans as a place of shame and humiliation, it becomes a place of glory in God’s plan.

The glorification of Jesus begins at the cross, where He bears the sins of humanity. In the greatest human weakness, divine strength and love are revealed. The cross demonstrates God’s glory because it is the ultimate revelation of His love, grace, and redemption. Jesus glorifies the Father by fulfilling the plan of redemption and opening the way to God for humanity.

This paradoxical idea—that the greatest glory is revealed in the deepest shame—shows how closely human and divine histories are intertwined. God’s glory is not only visible in triumph and power but also in sacrifice, humility, and love.

Think about what it means that such a drastic matter—God Himself on the cross—was necessary to redeem us from sin. What should this tell us about how terrible sin really is?

The fact that God Himself had to come to the cross to redeem us from sin shows us how serious and destructive sin truly is. Sin is not just a minor moral failing or mistake but a deep separation from God that results in death and eternal separation from Him. The price of sin was so high that only the sacrifice of the perfect and sinless Son of God, Jesus Christ, could overcome this separation and reconcile humanity with God.

When we imagine the Creator of the universe coming in human form to die on the cross, the severity of sin becomes even more apparent. It shows that sin cannot be taken lightly—it is a radical break with God’s holiness and requires an equally radical solution. This sacrifice reveals the depth of God’s love, but it also shows that sin is a serious, life-altering matter that cannot be overlooked.

The message of the cross should deeply humble us and show us how desperate our need for redemption truly is. It reminds us that sin has destructive consequences, but also that God’s grace is greater than any sin when we turn to Him through Jesus Christ.

The connection between the glory of Jesus on the cross and our everyday lives and faith is profound and formative. The glorification that Jesus speaks of in John 17:1–5 shows us that God’s glory is not only revealed in moments of triumph and power but especially in moments of suffering, dedication, and sacrifice. This has several practical implications for our lives and faith:

1. Suffering with Purpose The fact that Jesus was glorified through suffering on the cross helps us see our own sufferings and difficulties in a new light. It shows that God can use even the darkest and most challenging situations to reveal His glory and love. So, when we go through challenges or pain, we can trust that God is present and carrying us through these times, shaping us through them.

2. Humility and Dedication Jesus glorified the Father through His dedication on the cross. This teaches us that true greatness and glory lie in humility and self-sacrifice. In our daily lives, we are called to be humble in our relationships and actions and to serve others, even if it costs us something. God’s glory is revealed when we are willing to let go of our ego and do the Father’s will.

3. Forgiveness and Grace On the cross, Jesus bore the sins of the world, showing us the depth of the forgiveness available to us through Him. In our daily lives, this reminds us of how serious sin is but also how great God’s grace is. It encourages us to receive forgiveness and to forgive others. The power of the cross works in us as we practice grace and forgiveness in our daily lives.

4. Life-Changing Love The glory of the cross shows us God’s unconditional love. This love should shape our daily lives by not only receiving this love but also passing it on to others. Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate sign of how far God is willing to go to save us. This should change our hearts and motivate us to love others with the same dedication and mercy.

5. Hope and Trust The cross is also a symbol of hope. In the eyes of the world, it was a moment of defeat, but in God’s plan, it was the moment of victory. This shows us that even in times when it seems like everything is lost, we can trust in God’s plan. His plan is greater than we can imagine, and He leads us through every crisis to His glory.

Conclusion:

The glory of Jesus on the cross reminds us that our faith is not only strong in times of success and happiness but also in suffering, dedication, and humility. God’s glory is revealed in moments when we give ourselves, serve others, and trust in God amidst challenges. These truths should deeply shape our daily lives and our relationship with God and others.

The true glory of God is not only revealed in triumph but especially in humility and sacrifice—a light that shines through the cross.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-the-prelude-the-prologue-3-5-recurring-themes-glory-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 17, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 11

¹ Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

² (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

³ Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

⁴ When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

⁶ When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

⁷ Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

⁸ His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

⁹ Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

¹⁰ But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

¹¹ These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

¹² Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

¹³ Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

¹⁴ Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

¹⁵ And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

¹⁶ Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

¹⁷ Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

¹⁸ Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

¹⁹ And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

²⁰ Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

²¹ Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

²² But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

²³ Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

²⁴ Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

²⁷ She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

²⁸ And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

²⁹ As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

³⁰ Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

³¹ The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

³² Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

³³ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.

³⁴ And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

³⁵ Jesus wept.

³⁶ Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

³⁷ And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

³⁸ Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

³⁹ Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

⁴⁰ Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

⁴¹ Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

⁴² And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

⁴³ And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

⁴⁴ And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

⁴⁵ Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

⁴⁶ But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

⁴⁷ Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

⁴⁸ If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

⁴⁹ And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

⁵⁰ Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

⁵¹ And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

⁵² And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

⁵³ Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

⁵⁴ Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

⁵⁵ And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

⁵⁶ Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?

⁵⁷ Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John chapter 11 narrates the moving story of the raising of Lazarus. This event is not only a powerful sign of Jesus’ authority over death but also paves the way for the central events of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Through this miracle, Jesus reveals his divine authority and his deep emotional connection to his friends and followers. At the same time, the hostility of the religious leaders against him escalates.

Commentary

Lazarus Falls Ill and Dies (John 11:1-16)

Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, becomes ill. The sisters send a message to Jesus asking for help. Although Jesus loves Lazarus dearly, he deliberately delays his arrival by two days. This delay may seem strange, but Jesus explains that it will happen “so that the glory of God may be revealed.” He knows that he will raise Lazarus from the dead to strengthen the faith of his disciples and other witnesses.

The Encounter with Martha and Mary (John 11:17-37)

When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Martha hurries to meet him and expresses her belief that Jesus could have healed Lazarus if he had come earlier. She believes in the resurrection on the last day, but Jesus reveals to her that he is “the resurrection and the life” and that all who believe in him will live eternally. This statement underscores Jesus’ divine power over life and death.

Mary later meets Jesus and falls at his feet, weeping. Jesus is deeply moved by the grief of the sisters and the surrounding Jews. He shows his own human sorrow when “Jesus wept,” one of the shortest but most emotionally significant passages in the Bible. This scene reveals Jesus’ deep emotional connection to people and his compassion.

The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:38-44)

Jesus orders the stone to be removed from the tomb. Martha warns him that the body already smells, as Lazarus has been dead for four days. But Jesus reminds her of his promise to see the glory of God if she believes. After the stone is rolled away, Jesus prays publicly to strengthen the faith of the onlookers. Then he calls out loudly, “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus, still wrapped in burial clothes, emerges from the tomb. This powerful raising of Lazarus demonstrates Jesus’ divine power and serves as a crucial sign for many to believe in him.

The Plan to Kill Jesus (John 11:45-57)

After this extraordinary miracle, many of the witnesses believe in Jesus, but some report the event to the Pharisees. The Pharisees see Jesus’ growing popularity as a threat to their authority and fear that the Romans might take action against the Jews if the movement around Jesus continues to gain momentum. The high priest Caiaphas pragmatically suggests that it is better for one man (Jesus) to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. Unknowingly, he speaks prophetically about Jesus’ impending sacrifice for humanity. From this moment on, the religious leaders devise plans to kill Jesus.

Summary

John chapter 11 showcases Jesus’ divine power over death through the raising of Lazarus. The story not only reveals Jesus’ deep compassion and humanity but also highlights the central truth of his nature as “the resurrection and the life.” This miracle strengthens the faith of many, but it also leads the religious leaders to decisively resolve to kill Jesus, as they see him as a threat to their power and the nation’s security.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/17-10-2024-john-chapter-11-believe-his-prophets/