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orusedinanyformwithoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.Unlessotherwisenoted,allScripturequotationsaretakenfromtheKingJamesVersionoftheBible.(PublicDomain.)ScripturequotationsmarkedNASBaretakenfromtheNewAmericanStandardBible,©Copyright1960,1995byTheLockmanFoundation.Usedbypermission;PHaretakenfromJ.B.Phillips:TheNewTestamentinModernEnglish,revisededitions©J.B.Phillips,1958,1960,1972,permissionofMacmillan

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LCCN2008937433ISBN978-1-4347-6738-7eISBN978-0-7814-0615-4

©1986WarrenW.WiersbeFirsteditionofBeTransformedbyWarrenW.WiersbepublishedbyVictorBooks®

in1986©WarrenW.Wiersbe,ISBN978-0-89693-352-1

TheTeam:KarenLee-Thorp,AmyKiechlin,JackCampbell,andSusanVannamanSeriesCoverDesign:JohnHamiltonDesignCoverPhoto:iStockphotoSecondEdition2009

ThisbookisforBobandGertrudeSpradling,

specialfriendswhoarealotoffuntoknow.

Contents

TheBigIdea:AnIntroductiontoBeTransformedbyKenBaughAWordfromtheAuthor

1.TheSovereignServant(John13:1–35)

2.HeartTrouble(John13:36—14:31)

3.RelationshipsandResponsibilities(John15:1–17)4.WhatintheWorldIstheSpiritDoing?(John15:18—16:16)5.LetThereBeJoy!(John16:16–33)

6.ThePrayeroftheOvercomer(John17)7.GuiltandGraceintheGarden(John18:1–27)8.“SufferedunderPontiusPilate”(John18:28—19:16)9.“EventheDeathoftheCross”(John19:17–42)10.TheDawningofaNewDay(John20:1–18)11.ThePowerofHisResurrection(John20:19–31)12.TransformedtoServe(John21)

TheBigIdeaAnIntroductiontoBeTransformed

byKenBaughIheardastoryonceaboutastudentwhowasunpreparedforhisfinalexaminornithology,thestudyofbirds.Itwasatoughclassandtheprofessorwasrenownedforbeingaformidablecharacter—youknowthetype,thekindofprofessorwhotakesprideinmakingtheclassasdifficultaspossible.Well,thefinalwascoming,andthisstudentthoughthewas

prepared,butyouneverreallyknowifyou’vestudiedenoughwithaprofessorlikethis,andonthedayofthefinalhewalkedintotheclassroombutsawnobluebooksonthedesks,noquestionswrittenontheboard,nothing.Instead,

ashelookedaroundtheroom,heobservedtwenty-fivepicturesofbirds’feet.Hehadnoideawhatwasgoingon.

Aftertherestoftheclassarrived,theprofessorstoodupandsaid,“Foryourfinalexamyouhave to identify thespeciesofall twenty-fivebirdsby lookingonlyattheirfeet.”

The studentwent ballistic.He said, “This is crazy. I studied really hard, IthoughtIwaspreparedforthis,butnobodycouldpassafinalexamlikethis.”

Theprofessorsaid,“Well,that’stoobad.Thisisthefinal.”Thestudentsaid,“Thisisnotfair,andI’mnotgoingtotakeit.”Theprofessorsaid,“Youhaveto—you’rethestudent,I’mtheprofessor.You

havetotakethisexam,orIwillflunkyou.”Thestudentreplied,“That’sfine,youjustgoaheadandfailme.”Thentheprofessorsaid,“Allright,youfail.What’syourname?”Andthestudent lookedat theprofessor indignantly, tookoffhisshoesand

socks,rolleduphispantlegs,andsaid,“Idon’tknow,youtellme!”Ahh,ifonlyI’dhadthecouragetodothatwithsomeofmyprofessors!Preparing fora testoradifficult season in life is tricky.Youcanplanand

prepare,butyounever reallyknowifyou’re readyuntil ithits. JesuspreparedHis disciples for three years, but in John 13—21we find them needing a bitmore.Theyweren’tquitereadyforwhatJesusknewwascoming.Sofromthispointon,JesusturnedHisattentionawayfromthecrowdsandconcentratedonfurtherpreparingHisdisciplesfortheirfinalexam,whenHewouldleavethemtocarryonHiswork.Andintheseremainingchapters,wediscoverthattheBigIdeaisbeingpreparedfortheinevitabledifficultiesoflife.

Jesuspromised,“In thisworldyouwillhave trouble” (John16:35).That’snot a promise most of us want to “name and claim,” but it is a promise

nonetheless,arealitythatweneedtopreparefor.Sowhatcanwedo?Whataresome practical steps to preparing ourselves for the inevitable trouble thatwillcomeourwayinthislife?Ithinktheanswertothisquestioncanbesummedupinonephrase:RemaininJesus.EveryfollowerofChristcanprepareforfuturetroubleiftheyremaininJesus.AndhereinJohn13—21wediscoverhowtodothis,especiallyinchapter15.

John15 isoneofmy favorite chapters in theBiblebecause it ishere thatJesusrevealsthesecrettobeingpreparedforwhatevertroublecomesourway:IfweremaininHimwewillalwaysbeready.ButwhatdoesitmeantoremaininJesus?Thatwordremain(NIV) isalso translatedas“abide”(KJV)or“dwell” in

otherEnglishtranslations,anditisanimportantwordthatJohnusesthroughouthis writings. It occurs eleven times in chapter 15, forty times throughout thegospelofJohn,andtwenty-seventimesinhisletters:1,2,3JohnandthebookofRevelation.Thewordmeans to staywith, to be steadfast, to hold on to nomatterwhat.Inotherwords,JesusistellingHisdisciples,includingyouandme,thatthesecrettobeingpreparedforwhatevertroublecomesourwayisfoundintotal dependenceonHim.Buthowdowe liveout this dependence?What aresome practical ways that we can grow in our ability to depend on Jesus? Isuggest four habits that will keep you dependent on Jesus and prepared forwhatevertroublemaycome.

Habit#1:TrustinJesus’Word.Jesussaid,“Ifyouremaininmeandmywords remain inyou, askwhateveryouwish, and itwill begivenyou” (John15:7NIV).WeareabletoremaininJesus’wordsaswereadandstudyourBibles

daily.Aswedothat,wewillknowGod’swillandbebetterabletoprayandactaccordingly.

Habit#2:Loveoneanother.Jesussaid,“Mycommandisthis:LoveeachotherasIhavelovedyou”(John15:12NIV).Noneofuscandolifealone.God

createdustoneedeachother,toneedfellowship.Idefinefellowshiplikethis:to

hangoutwithotherdisciplesofJesus,otherpeoplewhoshareyourhungerforGod’s Word and passion to do His will. Fellowship provides the rightenvironment that helps to spur one another on to love and good deeds.WhenJesuscommandedHisdisciplestoloveeachotherasHehadlovedthem,Hewassimply telling themto loveeachothersacrificially.Biblical love is to lookoutforthebestinterestsoftheotherperson,andaswedothatforothersandastheydothesameforus,weareenergizedtofaceanything,knowingthatwearenotalone.

Habit#3:RelyontheworkoftheHolySpirit.JesustoldthedisciplesthatHe would send them the Counselor, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). The wordcounselor here refers to onewho comes alongsideus.TheGreeknoun comesfrom the verb paracaleo, which means to exhort, encourage, comfort, andconsole.Eachof thesewordsprovidesuswithanunderstandingof thevariousroles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. When we need to be challenged toobedience, the Holy Spirit exhorts us, when we need to be strengthened, Heencourages us,whenwe are sad,He comforts and consoles us. Jesus sent theHolySpirittobewithusalways,andHepromisedtoneverleaveusnorforsakeus.

Habit#4:Pray.InJohn17,JesusmodeledforHisdisciplestheimportanceof prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God. It is a conversation that we canpartake in constantly.TheapostlePaul tellsus to “praycontinually” (1Thess.5:17),meaning thatwe should stay in constant contactwith theLord throughprayer.Jesus reliedonprayerasameansofstrength,direction,andfellowshipwiththeFather,andsomustwe.

Ifyouwant tobepreparedforwhatever trouble iscomingyourway, thesearethefourhabitsthatwillenableyoutoremaininJesus.Ifyoupracticethese,youwillbereadynomatterwhattestscomeyourway.

***

Dr.Wiersbe’scommentarieshavebeenasourceofguidanceandstrengthtomeover themany years that I have been a pastor.His unique style is not overlyacademic,buttheologicallysound.HeunpacksthedeeptruthsofScriptureinawaythateveryonecanunderstandandapply.Whetheryou’reaBiblescholarora brand-new believer in Christ, you will benefit, as I have, from Warren’sinsights. With your Bible in one hand and Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary in theother,youwillbeabletoaccuratelyunpackthedeeptruthsofGod’sWordandlearnhowtoapplythemtoyourlife.

Drinkdeeply,myfriend,of thetruthsofGod’sWord,for inthemyouwillfindJesusChrist,andthereisfreedom,peace,assurance,andjoy.

—KenBaughPastorofCoastHillsCommunityChurchAlisoViejo,California

AWordfromtheAuthorThisbookisacompanionvolumetoBeAlive,astudy

ofJohn1—12.ThebasicthemeofJohn’sgospelisthatJesusChristofNazarethisthevery

SonofGod,andallwhobelieveinHimreceiveeternallife(20:30–31).John’ssubjectisthedeityofChrist.John’sobjectistoleadpeopleintothelife—eternallife,abundant life—thatonlyChristcangive.Johnisbotha theologianandanevangelist.

ThefirsttwelvechaptersfocusonourLord’spublicministry,especiallythesigns(miracles)thatJesusperformedandthemessagesthatgrewoutofsomeofthem.Asyoucan see from the following suggestedoutline, theclimaxofHispublicministrywasofficialrejectionbythereligiousrulersofIsrael.

Inchapters13—21,Johnpresents,forthemostpart,theprivateministryofChristwithHis own disciples.Hewas preparing them for their future servicewhentheHolySpiritwouldcomeandempowerthem.Itseemstomethatwhatthedisciplesexperiencedduringthosedayscompletely transformedtheir lives;hence,thetitleofthisbook,BeTransformed.

If you have not yet studied John 1—12, I suggest that you read thosechaptersnowsoyoucangetacquaintedwith thedevelopmentof thegospelofJohnbeforeyoustartinwiththiscommentary.

—WarrenW.Wiersbe

ASuggestedOutlineoftheBookofJohn

Theme:JesusistheChrist;believeandlive!Keyverse:John20:31

I.Opportunity(John1:15—6:71)HepresentsHimselfto…A.Hisdisciples(John1:19—2:12)B.TheJews(John2:13—3:36)C.TheSamaritans(John4:1–54)D.TheJewishleaders(John5:1–47)E.Themultitudes(John6:1–71)

II.Opposition(John7—12)ThereisconflictwiththeJewishleadersover…A.Moses(John7:1—8:11)B.Abraham(John8:12–59)C.WhoMessiahis(John9:1—10:42)D.Hismiraculouspower(John11:1—12:36)E.TheywouldnotbelieveonHim(John12:37–50)

III.Outcome(John13—21)A.Thefaithofthedisciples(John13—17)B.TheunbeliefoftheJews(John18—19)C.ThevictoryofChrist(John20—21)

ChapterOne

TheSovereignServant(John13:1–35)

Three times in my ministry I have had to deliver “farewell messages” tocongregations I had served, and it is not an easy thing to do. Imay not havesucceeded, but my purpose was always to prepare them for the future. Thisincludedwarningaswellasinstruction.Theywouldcallanewpastorandenterintoanewphaseofministry,andIwantedthemtobeattheirbest.

John 13—17 is our Lord’s “farewell message” to His beloved disciples,climaxing with His intercessory prayer for them and for us. Other farewelladdressesinScriptureweredeliveredbyMoses(Deut.31—33),Joshua(Josh.23—24),andPaul(Acts20).However,Jesusaddedasignificant“actionsection”toHismessagewhenHewashedHisdisciples’feet.Itwasanobjectlessontheywouldneverforget.

Inthispassage,weseeourLordinafourfoldrelationship:toHisheavenlyFather(John13:1–5),toSimonPeter(John13:6–11),toallofthedisciples(John13:12–17), and to Judas (John 13:18–35). In each of these sections of John’sgospel,youwilldiscoveraspecialmessage,aspiritualtruthtohelpyouinyourownChristianlife.

Humility:JesusandtheFather(13:1–5)JesushadenteredJerusalemonSundayandonMondayhadcleansedthetemple.TuesdaywasadayofconflictasthereligiousleaderssoughttotripHimupandget evidence to arrest Him. These events are recorded in Matthew 21—25.Wednesdaywas probably a day of rest, but onThursdayHemet in the upper

roomwithHisdisciplesinordertoobservePassover.TheemphasisinJohn13:1–3isonwhatourLordknew,andinJohn13:4–5

onwhatourLorddid.Jesusknewthat“hishourwascome.”Morethananyofthegospelwriters,

Johnemphasized the fact that Jesus livedona“heavenly timetable”asHedidtheFather’swill.Notethedevelopmentofthistheme:

2:4—“Minehourisnotyetcome.”7:30—“Hishourwasnotyetcome.”8:20—“Hishourwasnotyetcome.”12:23—“ThehouriscomethattheSonofmanshouldbeglorified.”13:1—“Jesusknewthathishourwascome.”17:1—“Father,thehouriscome.”Whatwasthisdivinelyappointed“hour”?ItwasthetimewhenHewouldbe

glorifiedthroughHisdeath,resurrection,andascension.Fromthehumanpointofview,itmeantsuffering,butfromthedivinepointofview,itmeantglory.HewouldsoonleavethisworldandreturntotheFatherwhosentHim,JesushavingfinishedHisworkonearth(John17:4).WhentheservantofGodisinthewillofGod,heisimmortaluntilhisworkisdone.TheycouldnotevenarrestJesus,letalonekillHim,untiltherighthourhadarrived.

Jesus also knew that Judas would betray Him. Judas is mentioned eighttimesinJohn’sgospel,morethaninanyoftheotherGospels.Satanhadenteredinto Judas (Luke 22:3), and now hewould give him the necessary thought tobring about the arrest and crucifixion of theSon ofGod.Theword translated“put”inJohn13:2literallymeans“tothrow.”Itremindsusofthefierydartsofthewickedone(Eph.6:16).Judaswasanunbeliever(John6:64–71),sohedidnothavea“shieldoffaith”tousetowardoffSatan’sattacks.

Finally, Jesus knew that the Father had givenHim all things (John 13:3).This statement parallels John 3:35, and it also reminds us ofMatthew 11:27.Even inHis humiliation, our Lord had all things throughHis Father. Hewas

poor and yetHewas rich.Because Jesus knewwhoHewas,whereHe camefrom,whatHehad, andwhereHewasgoing,Hewas completemaster of thesituation.YouandIasbelieversknowthatwehavebeenbornofGod,thatweareonedaygoing toGod,and that inChristwehaveall things; therefore,weoughttobeabletofollowourLord’sexampleandserveothers.

What Jesus knew helped determine what Jesus did (John 13:4–5). ThedisciplesmusthavebeenshockedwhentheysawtheirMasterrisefromsupper,lay asideHis outer garments,wrap a towel aroundHiswaist, take a basin ofwater, and wash their feet. Jewish servants did not wash their masters’ feet,thoughGentileslavesmightdoit.Itwasamenialtask,andyetJesusdidit!Asaspecialmarkofaffection,ahostorhostessmightwashaguest’sfeet,butitwasnotstandardoperatingprocedureinmosthomes.

JesusknewthattherewasacompetitivespiritintheheartsofHisdisciples.Infact,withinafewminutes, themenweredisputingoverwhichof themwasthegreatest(Luke22:24–30).HegavethemanunforgettablelessoninhumilityandbyHisactionsrebukedtheirselfishnessandpride.Themoreyouthinkaboutthisscene, themoreprofounditbecomes. It iscertainlyan illustrationofwhatPaulwroteyearslaterinPhilippians2:1–16.Petermusthaverecalledtheeventwhen he wrote his first epistle and urged his readers to “be clothed withhumility”(1Peter5:5).

Too often we confuse “the poor in spirit” (Matt. 5:3) with the “poor-spirited,” and true humility with timidity and inferiority. The British literarygiantSamuelJohnsonwasonceaskedtoprepareafuneralsermonforagirlwhohaddied,andheaskedwhatherspecialvirtueswere.Hewastoldthatshewaskind to her inferiors. Johnson replied that this was commendable, but that itwouldbedifficulttodeterminewhoherinferiorswere!

The Father had put all things into the Son’s hands, yet Jesus picked up atowelandabasin!Hishumilitywasnotbornofpoverty,butofriches.Hewasrich,yetHebecamepoor(2Cor.8:9).AMalayproverbsays,“Thefullertheear

isofrice-grain,theloweritbends.”It is remarkable how the gospel of John reveals the humility of our Lord

evenwhilemagnifyingHis deity: “TheSon can do nothing of himself” (John5:19,30).“ForIcamedownfromheaven,nottodomineownwill”(John6:38).“Mydoctrineisnotmine”(John7:16).“AndIseeknotmineownglory”(John8:50). “The word which ye hear is not mine” (John 14:24). His ultimateexpressionofhumilitywasHisdeathonthecross.

Jesus was the Sovereign, yet He took the place of a servant. He had allthingsinHishands,yetHepickedupatowel.HewasLordandMaster,yetHeservedHisfollowers.Ithaswellbeensaidthathumilityisnotthinkingmeanlyofyourself;itissimplynotthinkingofyourselfatall.TruehumilitygrowsoutofourrelationshipwiththeFather.IfourdesireistoknowanddotheFather’swill so that we might glorify His name, then we will experience the joy offollowingChrist’sexampleandservingothers.

We today, just like thedisciples thatnight,desperatelyneed this lessononhumility.Thechurchisfilledwithaworldlyspiritofcompetitionandcriticismasbelieversviewithoneanothertoseewhoisthegreatest.Wearegrowinginknowledge, but not in grace (see 2 Peter 3:18). “Humility is the only soil inwhich the graces root,” wrote Andrew Murray. “The lack of humility is thesufficientexplanationofeverydefectandfailure.”

JesusservedHisdisciplesbecauseofHishumilityandbecauseofHislove.ContrastJohn13:1with1:11and3:16:Jesuscame“untohisown[world],andhisown[people]receivedhimnot.”“ForGodsolovedtheworld.”Intheupperroom,JesusministeredinlovetoHisowndisciples,andtheyreceivedHimandwhatHehadtosay.TheGreektextsays,“Helovedthemtotheuttermost.”

Holiness:JesusandPeter(13:6–11)As Peterwatched the Lordwash his friends’ feet, he becamemore andmoredisturbedandcouldnotunderstandwhatHewasdoing.Asyoureadthelifeof

Christ in the Gospels, you cannot help but notice how Peter often spokeimpulsivelyoutofhisignoranceandhadtobecorrectedbyJesus.PeteropposedJesus going to the cross (Matt. 16:21–23), and he tried tomanage our Lord’saffairs at the Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1–8). He expressed the faith of thedisciples(John6:66–71)withoutrealizingthatoneofthenumberwasatraitor.

Thewordtranslated“wash”inJohn13:5–6,8,12,and14isniptøandmeans“towashapartofthebody.”Butthewordtranslated“washed”inJohn13:10islouøandmeans“tobatheallover.”Thedistinction is important, forJesuswastryingtoteachHisdisciplestheimportanceofaholywalk.

When the sinner trusts theSavior, he is “bathed all over” andhis sins arewashedawayandforgiven(see1Cor.6:9–11;Titus3:3–7;andRev.1:5).“AndtheirsinsandiniquitieswillIremembernomore”(Heb.10:17).However,asthebelieverwalksinthisworld,itiseasytobecomedefiled.Hedoesnotneedtobebathed all over again; he simplyneeds to have that defilement cleansed away.GodpromisestocleanseuswhenweconfessoursinstoHim(1John1:9).

Butwhyisitsoimportantthatwe“keepourfeetclean”?Becauseifwearedefiled,wecannothavecommunionwithourLord.“IfIwashtheenot,thouhastnopartwithme”(John13:8).Thewordtranslated“part”ismeros,anditcarriesthemeaning here of “participation, having a share in someone or something.”WhenGod “bathes us all over” in salvation, He brings about our union withChrist, and that isa settled relationship thatcannotchange. (Theverbwash inJohn13:10 is in theperfect tense. It is settledonceand forall.)However,ourcommunionwithChristdependsonourkeepingourselves“unspotted from theworld” (James1:27). Ifwepermitunconfessed sin inour lives,wehinderourwalkwiththeLord,andthatiswhenweneedtohaveourfeetwashed.

This basic truth of Christian living is beautifully illustrated in the OldTestamentpriesthood.Whenthepriestwasconsecrated,hewasbathedallover(Ex. 29:4), and that experiencewasnever repeated.However, duringhis dailyministry,hebecamedefiled,soitwasnecessarythathewashhishandsandfeet

atthebrasslaverinthecourtyard(Ex.30:18–21).Onlythencouldheentertheholyplaceandtrimthelamps,eattheholybread,orburntheincense.

TheLordcleansesus through thebloodofChrist, that is,Hisworkon thecross(1John1:5–10),andthroughtheapplicationofHisWordtoourlives(Ps.119:9;John15:3;Eph.5:25–26).The“waterof theWord”cankeepourheartsandmindscleansothatwewillavoidthepollutionsofthisworld.Butifwedosin,wehavealovingAdvocateinglorywhowillhearourprayersofconfessionandforgiveus(1John2:1–2).

PeterdidnotunderstandwhathisLordwasdoing,butinsteadofwaitingforanexplanation,heimpulsivelytriedtotelltheLordwhattodo.Thereisastrongdouble negative in John 13:8. The Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest translatedPeter’s statement, “You shall by nomeanswashmy feet, no, never” (WUEST).

Peter reallymeant it!Thenwhen he discovered that to refuse theLordwouldmeantolosetheLord’sfellowship,hewentintheoppositedirectionandaskedforacompletebath!

WecanlearnanimportantlessonfromPeter:Don’tquestiontheLord’swillorwork, and don’t try to change it.He knowswhatHe is doing. Peter had adifficulttimeacceptingChrist’sministrytohimbecausePeterwasnotyetreadytoministertotheotherdisciples.Ittakeshumilityandgracetoserveothers,butitalsotakeshumilityandgracetoallowotherstoserveus.ThebeautifulthingaboutasubmissivespiritisthatitcanbothgiveandreceivetothegloryofGod.

John was careful to point out that Peter and Judas were in a differentrelationshipwithJesus.Yes,JesuswashedJudas’sfeet!ButitdidJudasnogoodbecause he had not been bathed all over. Somepeople teach that Judaswas asavedmanwhosinnedawayhissalvation,but that isnotwhatJesussaid.OurLordmade it very clear that Judashadnever been cleansed fromhis sins andwasanunbeliever(John6:64–71).

It is a wonderful thing to deepen your fellowship with the Lord. The

important thing is tobehonestwithHimandwithourselvesandkeepourfeetclean.

Happiness:JesusandtheDisciples(13:12–17)John13:17is thekey—“Ifyeknowthesethings,happyareyeifyedothem.”The sequence is important: humbleness, holiness, then happiness. Aristotledefined happiness as “good fortune joined to virtue … a life that is bothagreeableandsecure.”Thatmightdoforaphilosopher,butitwillneverdoforaChristianbeliever!Happinessistheby-productofalifethatislivedinthewillofGod.Whenwehumblyserveothers,walkinGod’spathsofholiness,anddowhatHetellsus,thenwewillenjoyhappiness.

JesusaskedthedisciplesiftheyunderstoodwhatHehaddone,anditisnotlikelythattheydid.So,Heexplainedit:Hehadgiventhemalessoninhumbleservice,anexample for them to follow.Theworld thinks thathappiness is theresultofothersservingus,butrealjoycomeswhenweserveothersinthenameofChrist.Theworldisconstantlypursuinghappiness,butthatislikechasingashadow:Itisalwaysjustbeyondyourreach.

Jesus was theirMaster, so He had every right to command their service.Instead,Heserved them!Hegave themanexampleof trueChristianministry.Onmorethanoneoccasionduringthepreviousthreeyears,Hehadtaughtthemlessonsabouthumilityandservice,butnowHehaddemonstratedthelessontothem.PerhapsthedisciplesrememberedHislessonaboutthechild(Matt.18:1–6) or the rebukeHegave James and Johnwhen they asked for thrones (Matt.20:20–28).Nowitwasallstartingtofallintoplace.

Theservant(slave)isnotgreaterthanhismaster;so,ifthemasterbecomesaslave, where does that put the slave? On the same level as the master! Bybecoming a servant, our Lord did not push us down: He lifted us up! Hedignifiedsacrificeandservice.YoumustkeepinmindthattheRomanshadnouse for humility, and theGreeks despisedmanual labor. Jesus combined these

twowhenHewashedthedisciples’feet.Theworldasks,“Howmanypeopleworkforyou?”buttheLordasks,“For

howmany people do youwork?”When I wasministering at a conference inKenya,anAfricanbelieversharedoneoftheirproverbswithme:“Thechiefisservantofall.”Howtrueitisthatweneedleaderswhowillserveandservantswhowill lead.G.K.Chestertonsaidthatareallygreatmanisonewhomakesothersfeelgreat,andJesusdidthiswithHisdisciplesbyteachingthemtoserve.

However, it is not enough just to know this truth; we must put it intopractice. James1:22–27makes it clear that theblessingcomes in thedoingoftheWord,notthehearing.WuesttranslatesthelastphraseinJames1:25,“Thisman shall beprospered spiritually inhisdoing.”Even studying this section inJohn’sgospelcanstirusemotionallyorenlightenusintellectually,butitcannotblessusspirituallyuntilwedowhatJesustoldustodo.Thisistheonlywaytolastinghappiness.

Besuretokeeptheselessonsintheirpropersequence:humbleness,holiness,happiness.Submit to theFather,keepyour lifeclean,andserveothers.This isGod’sformulafortruespiritualjoy.

Hypocrisy:JesusandJudas(13:18–35)AdarkshadownowfellacrossthesceneasJesusdealtwithJudas,thetraitor.Itis important tonote thatJudaswasnota truebeliever;hewasahypocrite.Hehad never believed in Jesus (John 6:64–71), he had not been bathed all over(John13:10–11),andhehadnotbeenamongthechosenoneswhomtheFathergavetotheSon(John13:18;17:12).Howcloseapersoncancometosalvationandyetbe lost forever! Judaswaseven the treasurerof thegroup (John12:6)andwascertainlyheldinhighregardbyhisfellowdisciples.

Atthathour,Jesushadtwogreatconcerns:tofulfilltheWordofGod(John13:18–30)andtomagnifythegloryofGod(John13:31–35).

The Scripture Jesus quoted was Psalm 41:9—“Yea, mine own familiar

friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat ofmy bread, hath lifted up his heelagainst me.”When David wrote the psalm, he was probably referring to hiscounselorAhithophel,whoturnedtraitorandjoinedAbsalom’srebellion(see2Sam.15—17).ItissignificantthatbothJudasandAhithophelcommittedsuicideby hanging themselves (2 Sam. 17:23; Matt. 27:3–10; Acts 1:18). However,Judasdidnotcommitsuicideinordertofulfillbiblicalprophecy,forthatwouldmakeGodtheauthorofhissin.Judaswasresponsibleforhisowndecisions,andthosedecisionsfulfilledGod’sWord.

JesuswasconcernedthatJudas’streacherywouldnotweakenHisdisciples’faith.ThisiswhyHerelatedittotheWordofGod:Whenthedisciplessawallofthisfulfilled,itwouldmaketheirfaithstronger(seeJohn8:28).Judashadbeendisloyal,butHeexpectedthemtobeloyaltoHimandHiscause.Afterall,Hewas God the Son sent by God the Father. They were Christ’s chosenrepresentatives; toreceivethemwouldbethesameasreceivingtheFatherandtheSon.WhataprivilegetobeambassadorsoftheKing!

TheremarkablethingisthattheothersatthetablewithJesusdidnotknowthatJudaswasanunbelieverandatraitor.Uptotheveryhourofhistreachery,JudaswasprotectedbytheSaviorwhomhebetrayed.HadJesusopenlyrevealedwhatHeknewaboutJudas,itislikelythatthemenwouldhaveturnedonhim.RememberwhatPeterdidtoMalchuswhensoldierscametotakeJesus!

Fromtheverybeginning,JesusknewwhatJudaswoulddo(John6:64),butHe did not compel him to do it. Judas was exposed to the same spiritualprivileges as theotherdisciples, yet theydidhimnogood.The same sun thatmelts the ice only hardens the clay. In spite of all that our Lord said aboutmoney,andallofHiswarningsaboutcovetousness,Judascontinuedtobeathiefand steal from the treasury. In spiteof allourLord’swarningsaboutunbelief,Judas persisted in his rejection. Jesus even washed Judas’s feet! Yet his hardheartdidnotyield.

Jesushadspokenbeforeaboutatraitor(John6:70),butthedisciplesdidnot

takeit toheart.NowwhenHespokeopenlyabout itat thetable,Hisdiscipleswereperplexed.

PetersignaledtoJohn,whowastheclosesttoJesusatthetable,andaskedhimtofindoutwhothetraitorwas.TheLord’sreplytoJohnwascertainlynotheard by all the men; in fact, they were carrying on discussions amongthemselvesaboutwho the traitormightbe (Luke22:23).WhenJesusgave thebreadtoJudas,itwasinterpretedasanactofloveandhonor.Infact,Judaswasseatedattheplaceofhonor,soourLord’sactionswereseeninthatlight.Hewasbestowinga specialhonoron Judas.Nowonder, after Judas left the room, thedisciplesgotintoanargumentoverwhowasthegreatest(Luke22:24–30).

Johnwasnodoubtstunnedbythisrevelation,butbeforehecouldsayordoanything,JesushadsentJudasonhisway.EventhoughSatanhadenteredJudas,itwasJesuswhowasincharge.HelivedonthetimetablegiventoHimbytheFather,andHewantedtofulfillwhatwaswrittenintheWord.SinceJudaswasthetreasurer,itwaslogicalforthedisciplestoconcludethathehadbeensentonaspecialmissionbytheLord.Judashadhypocriticallyexpressedaninterestinthepoor(John12:4–6),so,theyreasoned,perhapshewasonanerrandofmercytohelpthepoor.

Keep in mind that Judas knew what he was doing and that he did itdeliberately.HehadalreadymetwiththeJewishreligiousleadersandagreedtoleadthemtoJesusinsuchawaythattherewouldnotbeanypublicdisturbance(Luke21:37—22:6).HeheardJesussay,“WoeuntothatmanbywhomtheSonofmanisbetrayed!Ithadbeengoodforthatmanifhehadnotbeenborn”(Matt.26:24).Yet,hepersistedinhisunbeliefandtreachery.

John’slittlephrase“anditwasnight”carriesatremendousimpactwhenyouremember that light anddarkness are important spiritual images in his gospel.JesusistheLightoftheWorld(John8:12),butJudasrejectedJesusandwentoutintodarkness, and for Judas, it is still night!Thosewhodo evil hate the light(John3:18–21).OurLord’swarninginJohn12:25–26wentunheededbyJudas

—anditgoesunheededby lostsinners today,peoplewhowillgowhereJudaswentunlesstheyrepentandtrusttheSavior.

TheinstantJudaswasgone,theatmospherewascleared,andJesusbegantoinstruct His disciples and prepare them for His crucifixion and His ultimatereturn to heaven. It was after Judas’s departure that He instituted the Lord’sSupper, something that Judasasanunbelievercertainlycouldnot share. Judaswasoutinthenight,controlledbytheprinceofdarkness,Satan,butJesuswasinthelight,sharingloveandtruthwithHisbeloveddisciples.Whatacontrast!

The theme now changes to the glory of God (John 13:31–35). From thehuman perspective, the death of Christ was a dastardly deed involvingunspeakablesufferingandhumiliation,butfromthedivineperspectiveitwastherevelationofthegloryofGod.“ThehouriscomethattheSonofmanshouldbeglorified” (John 12:23). Twelve times in this gospel, the title “Son of man”appears,and thisone inJohn12:31 is thefinal instance.Daniel7:13 identifiesthistitleasmessianic,andJesussometimesuseditthisway(Matt.26:64).

WhatdiditmeanforJesustoglorifytheFather?HetellsusinHisprayer,“Ihaveglorifiedtheeontheearth;Ihavefinishedtheworkwhichthougavestmetodo”(John17:4).ThisisthewayallofusglorifyGod,byfaithfullydoingwhatHecallsustodo.InourLord’scase,theFather’swillwasthattheSondieforlost sinners, be raised from the dead, and then ascend to heaven. The SonglorifiedtheFatherandtheFatherglorifiedtheSon(John17:1,5).

TherewouldcomeatimewhentheSonwouldbeglorifiedinthesedisciples(John17:10),buttheycouldnotfollowHimatthattime.PeterboastedthathewouldfollowtheLordeventodeath(Luke22:33),butunfortunatelyendedupdenyingHimthreetimes.

Jesushadsaid to theJewsontwooccasions that theywouldseekHimbutnotbeable to findHimor followHim(John7:33–36;8:21–24).Note thatHedidnottellHisdisciplesthattheywouldnotbeabletofindHim,butHedidsaythattotheunbelievingJews.Onedaythebelievingdiscipleswouldgotobewith

Him (John 14:1–3), and they would also see Him after His resurrection. ButduringthistimeofHissufferinganddeath,itwasimportantthattheynottrytofollowHim.

IhaveheardeloquentsermonsaboutthesinofPeterwho“followedafaroff”(Luke22:54), and the emphasiswas that he shouldhave followednearer.Thesimple fact is that he should not have followed at all! The statement in John13:33 is proof enough, andwhenyou addMatthew26:31 (quoted fromZech.13:7) andourLord’swords in John18:8, the evidence is conclusive.BecausePeterdisregardedthiswarning,hegotintotrouble.

Thedisciples’responsibilitywastoloveoneanotherjustasChristhadlovedthem. Theywould certainly need this love in the hours to follow, when theirMasterwouldbetakenfromthemandtheirbravespokesman,Peter,wouldfailHim and them. In fact, all of themwould fail, and the only thing thatwouldbringthemtogetherwouldbetheirloveforChristandforeachother.

ThewordloveisusedonlytwelvetimesinJohn1—12,butinJohn13—21it isused forty-four times! It is akeyword inChrist’s farewell sermon toHisdisciples,aswellasaburdeninHishighpriestlyprayer(John17:26).Thewordnew does notmean “new in time,” because love has been important toGod’speople even from Old Testament times (see Lev. 19:18). It means “new inexperience,fresh.”It istheoppositeof“wornout.”Lovewouldtakeonanewmeaning and power because of the death ofChrist on the cross (John 15:13).WiththecomingoftheHolySpirit,lovewouldhaveanewpowerintheirlives.

Thissectionbeginsandendswithlove:Jesus’loveforHisown(John13:1)andthedisciples’loveforoneanother.Itislovethatisthetrueevidencethatwebelong to JesusChrist.Thechurch leaderTertullian (AD155–220)quoted thepagansassayingoftheChristians,“Seehowtheyloveoneanother?”Andhowdoweevidence that love?BydoingwhatJesusdid: layingdownour lives forthebrethren(1John3:16).Andthewaytostartisbygettingdownandwashingoneanother’sfeetinsacrificialservice.

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Describeatimewhenyouhavehadtosayfarewelltosomeone.Howdidyoufeel?

2.Read John13:1–35,whichbegins Jesus’ farewell toHisdisciples.HowdidwhatJesusknewleadtowhatHedid?

3.WhatissignificantaboutJesuswashingHisdisciples’feet?

4.Peterhadahard timelettingJesuswashhis feet.Whydoes it takehumilityandgracetoletsomeoneserveuslikethis?

5.Isitharderforyoutoserveothersortoletthemserveyou?Whyisthat?

6.Whatdo thedisciples’ responses toJesus’announcementaboutHisbetrayaltellaboutthem?

7.HowdidJesusprepareHisdisciplesforHisdeath?

8.HowwouldJesus’deathglorifyGod?Whatdoesthatsayaboutthemeaningof“glory”?

9. In what ways does our loving one another demonstrate that we belong toJesus?

10.Whatcanyoudothisweektoshowyourloveforanother?

ChapterTwo

HeartTrouble(John13:36—14:31)

ThissectionopensandcloseswithourLord’slovingadmonition,“Letnotyourheartbe troubled”(John14:1,27).Wearenotsurprised that theapostlesweretroubled.Afterall,Jesushadannouncedthatoneofthemwasatraitor,andthenHewarnedPeterthathewasgoingtodenyhisLordthreetimes.Self-confidentPeterwascertainthathecouldnotonlyfollowhisLord,butevendiewithHimandforHim.Alas,Peterdidnotknowhisownheart,nordowereallyknowourhearts,exceptforonething:Ourheartseasilybecometroubled.

PerhapstheheaviestblowofallwastherealizationthatJesuswasgoingtoleavethem(John13:33).WherewasHegoing?CouldtheygowithHim?Howcould they get where He was going? These were some of the perplexingquestions that tumbled around in theirminds andhearts andwere tossedbackandforthintheirconversationatthetable.

How did Jesus calm their troubled hearts? By giving them six wonderfulassurances to lay hold of, assurances thatwe todaymay claim and thus enjoyuntroubled hearts. If you are a believer in JesusChrist, youmay claim everysingleoneoftheseassurances.

YouAreGoingtoHeaven(13:36—14:6)Jesusdidnot rebukePeter foraskingHimwhereHewasgoing,butHis replywassomewhatcryptic.OnedayPeterwould“follow”Jesus to thecross (John21:18–19;2Peter1:12–15),andthenhewouldfollowHimtoheaven.TraditiontellsusthatPeterwascrucified,thoughheaskedtobecrucifiedhead-downward

becausehedidnotfeelworthytodieashisMasterdied.Just as Peter was beginning to feel like a hero, Jesus announced that he

himselfwouldsoonbecomeacasualty.ThemessagenotonlyshockedPeter,butitalsostunnedtherestofthedisciples.Afterall,ifbravePeterdeniedtheLord,what hope was there for the rest of them? It was then that Jesus gave Hismessagetocalmtheirtroubledhearts.

According to Jesus, heaven is a real place. It is not a product of religiousimaginationortheresultofapsyched-upmentality,lookingfor“pieintheskybyandby.”HeavenistheplacewhereGoddwellsandwhereJesussitstodayattherighthandoftheFather.Heavenisdescribedasakingdom(2Peter1:11),aninheritance(1Peter1:4),acountry(Heb.11:16),acity(Heb.11:16),andahome(John14:2).

ThewordFather is used fifty-three times in John13—17.Heaven is “myFather’shouse,”accordingtotheSonofGod.It is“home”forGod’schildren!Some years ago, a London newspaper held a contest to determine the bestdefinitionof“home.”Thewinningentrywas“Homeistheplacewhereyouaretreatedthebestandcomplainthemost.”ThepoetRobertFrostsaidthathomeisthe place that, when you arrive there, they have to take you in. A gooddefinition!

TheGreekwordmon∑istranslated“mansions”inJohn14:2and“abode”inJohn14:23. It simplymeans“rooms,abidingplaces,” sowemustnot think interms of manor houses. It is unfortunate that some unbiblical songs haveperpetuatedtheerrorthatfaithfulChristianswillhavelovelymansionsinglory,whileworldlysaintswillhavetobecontentwithlittlecottagesorevenshacks.JesusChristisnowpreparingplacesforalltruebelievers,andeachplacewillbebeautiful.WhenHewashereonearth,Jesuswasacarpenter(Mark6:3).NowthatHehasreturnedtoglory,Heisbuildingachurchonearthandahomeforthatchurchinheaven.

John14:3isaclearpromiseofourLord’sreturnforHispeople.Somewill

gotoheaventhroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,butthosewhoarealivewhenJesusreturnswillneverseedeath(John11:25–26).TheywillbechangedtobelikeChristandwillgotoheaven(1Thess.4:13–18).

SinceheavenistheFather’shouse,itmustbeaplaceofloveandjoy.Whenthe apostle John tried to describe heaven, he almost ran out of symbols andcomparisons(Rev.21—22)!Finally,helistedthethingsthatwouldnotbethere:death,sorrow,crying,pain,night,etc.Whatawonderfulhomeitwillbe—andwewillenjoyitforever!

Thomas’s question revealed his keen desire to be with Jesus (see John11:16),andthismeantthathehadtoknowwheretheMasterwasgoingandhowhe himselfwould get there. TheLordmade it clear thatHewas going to theFather, and thatHewas the onlyway to the Father.Heaven is a real place, aloving place, and an exclusive place. Not everybody is going to heaven, butratheronlythosewhohavetrustedJesusChrist(seeActs4:12;1Tim.2:4–6).

Jesusdoesnotsimplyteachthewayorpointtheway;Heistheway.Infact,“theWay”wasoneoftheearlynamesfortheChristianfaith(Acts9:2;19:9,23;22:4;24:14,22).OurLord’sstatement,“NomancomethuntotheFatherbutbyme,” wipes away any other proposed way to heaven—good works, religiousceremonies,costlygifts,etc.Thereisonlyoneway,andthatwayisJesusChrist.

Howwould this assurance of going to heaven help to calm the disciples’troubledhearts?Dr.JamesM.Grayput itbeautifully inasonghewroteyearsago:“Whocouldmindthejourney,whentheroadleadshome?”Theassuranceofaheavenlyhomeattheendoflife’sroadenablesustobearjoyfullywiththeobstaclesandbattlesalongtheway.Itwasthisassurancethatevenencouragedour Lord, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Heb.12:2). Paul had this truth in mind when he wrote, “For I reckon that thesufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glorywhichshallberevealedinus”(Rom.8:18).

YouKnowtheFatherRightNow(14:7–11)WedonothavetowaituntilweenterheaventogettoknowtheFather.WecanknowHimtodayandreceivefromHimthespiritualresourcesweneedtokeepgoingwhenthedaysaredifficult.

Whatdoesitmeanto“knowtheFather”?Thewordknowisused141timesinJohn’sgospel,butitdoesnotalwayscarrythesamemeaning.Infact,therearefourdifferent“levels”ofknowingaccordingtoJohn.Thelowestlevelissimplyknowing a fact. The next level is to understand the truth behind that fact.However,youcanknowthefactandknowthetruthbehinditandstillbelostinyoursins.Thethirdlevelintroducesrelationship;“toknow”means“tobelieveinapersonandbecomerelatedtohimorher.”Thisistheway“know”isusedinJohn 17:3. In fact, in Scripture, “to know” is used of the most intimaterelationshipbetweenmanandwife(Gen.4:1).

The fourth use of “know” means “to have a deeper relationship with aperson,adeepercommunion.” Itwas this levelPaulwas referring towhenhewrote, “That I may know him” (Phil. 3:10). Jesus will describe this deeperrelationship in John 14:19–23, sowewill save any further comment until wedealwiththatsection.

When Jesus said that knowing Him and seeing Him was the same asknowingandseeingtheFather,HewasclaimingtobeGod.Fromnowon,theywould understand more and more about the Father, even though Jesus wasleavingthem.

I appreciate Philip’s desire to know the Father. He had come a longwaysince that day Jesus found him and called him (John 1:43–45). The burningdesireofeverybelieveroughttobetoknowGodbetter.WereadandstudytheWordofGodsothatwemightbetterknowtheGodoftheWord.

TheGreekconstructionofthequestioninJohn14:10indicatesthattheLordexpectedayesanswerfromPhilip:hedidbelieve thatJesuswas in theFatherandtheFatherinHim.Thatbeingthecase,Philipshouldhaverealizedthatthe

words of Jesus, aswell asHisworks, came from the Father and revealed theFather.Believers todayhavenotseen theLordJesus in theflesh(1Peter1:8),butwedoseeHimandHisworksintheWord.TheemphasisthroughoutJohn’sgospelisthatyoucannotseparateChrist’swordsandworks,forbothcomefromtheFatherandrevealtheFather.

The“believe”inJohn14:10issingular,forJesuswasaddressingPhilip,butinJohn14:11,itispluralandHeaddressesallofthedisciples.Thetenseofbothis“goonbelieving.”Letyourfaithgrow!

Four hundred years before Christ was born, the Greek philosopher Platowrote,“TofindouttheFatherandMakerofallthisuniverseisahardtask,andwhenwehavefoundHim,tospeakofHimtoallmenisimpossible.”ButPlatowaswrong!WecanknowtheFatherandMakeroftheuniverse,forJesusChristrevealedHim to us.Why should our hearts be troubledwhen theCreator andGovernoroftheuniverseisourownFather?

TheveryLordofheavenandearthisourFather(Luke10:21).Thereisnoneedforustohavetroubledhearts,forHeisincontrol.

YouHavethePrivilegeofPrayer(14:12–15)“Whypraywhenyoucanworry?”asksaplaquethatIhaveseeninmanyhomes.Oneofthebestremediesforatroubledheartisprayer.

Owhatpeaceweoftenforfeit,Owhatneedlesspainwebear;AllbecausewedonotcarryEverythingtoGodinprayer.

However, ifGod is going to answer our prayers and give us peace in ourhearts, there are certain conditions thatwemustmeet. In fact, themeeting oftheseconditionsisablessinginitself!

Wemustpray in faith (v.12).This isapromise forus toclaim,and the

claimingofitdemandsfaith.Thedouble“verily”assuresusthatthisisasolemnannouncement.ThefactthatJesusdidreturntotheFatherisanencouragement,for there He is interceding for us. He will have more to say about thisintercessoryworklaterinHisdiscourse.

The“greaterworks[things]”wouldapplyinitiallytotheapostles,whoweregiven the power to perform special miracles as the credentials of their office(Rom. 15:18–19;Heb. 2:3–4). Thesemiracleswere not greater in quality, for“the servant isnotgreater thanhis lord” (John13:16),but rather in scopeandquantity.Peterpreachedonesermonandthreethousandsinnerswereconvertedinoneday!ThefactthatordinarypeopleperformedthesesignsmadethemevenmorewonderfulandbroughtgreatglorytoGod(Acts5:13–16).

Ofcourse,itisnotthebelieverhimselfwhodoesthese“greaterthings”;itisGodworkinginandthroughthebeliever:“TheLordworkingwiththem”(Mark16:20).“ForitisGodwhichworkethinyou”(Phil.2:13).Faithandworksmustalwaysgotogether,foritisfaiththatreleasesthepowerofGodinourlives.

Both love andobedience arepart of effectiveprayer. “If I regard [see andapprove]iniquityinmyheart,theLordwillnothearme”(Ps.66:18).

We do not obey the Lord simply becausewewant our prayers answered,somewhat like the attitude of a child just before Christmas. We obey HimbecauseweloveHim,andthemoreweobeyHim,themoreweexperienceHislove.To“keep”Hiscommandmentsmeanstovaluethem,treasurethem,guardthem, and do them. “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than mynecessaryfood”(Job23:12).

Believingprayeriswonderfulmedicinetosootheatroubledheart.MeditateonPhilippians4:6–7—andthenputitintopractice!

WemustprayinChrist’sname(vv.13–14).Thisisnota“magicformula”thatweautomaticallyattach toourprayer requests,guaranteeing thatGodwillanswer.ToaskanythingoftheFather,inthenameofJesus,meansthatweaskwhatJesuswouldask,whatwouldpleaseHim,andwhatwouldbringHimglory

byfurtheringHiswork.Whenafriendsaystoyou,“Youmayusemyname!”heishandingyouagreatprivilegeaswellasatremendousresponsibility.

The“whatsoever”inJohn14:13isqualifiedbyallthatGodhasrevealedinHisWordaboutprayer;likewise,the“anything”inJohn14:14.Godisnotgivinguscarteblanche;“inMyname”isthecontrollingelement.ToknowGod’snamemeanstoknowHisnature,whatHeis,andwhatHewantstodo.GodanswersprayerinordertohonorHisname;therefore,prayermustbeinHiswill(1John5:14–15).The first request in “theLord’sPrayer” is, “Hallowedbe thyname”(Matt.6:9).AnyrequestthatdoesnotglorifyGod’snameshouldnotbeaskedinHisname.

Wemustprayin lovingobedience(v.15).Whenyou lovesomeone,youhonor his or her name, and you would never use that name in a demeaningmanner.LoveisanimportantthemeinthegospelofJohn;itisusedasaverbornounatotaloffifty-sixtimes.

WeHavetheHolySpirit(14:16–18)JesushadagreatdealtosayabouttheHolySpiritinHisupperroommessage,forapartfromthehelpoftheSpiritofGod,wecannotlivetheChristianlifeasGodwouldhaveusliveit.WemustknowwhotheHolySpiritis,whatHedoes,andhowHedoesit.

The Holy Spirit is given two special names by our Lord: “anotherComforter”and“theSpiritoftruth.”TheGreekwordtranslated“Comforter”isparakl∑tosand it isusedonlybyJohn(14:16,26;15:26;16:7;1John2:1). Itmeans“calledalongsidetoassist.”TheHolySpiritdoesnotworkinsteadofus,orinspiteofus,butinusandthroughus.

Our English word comfort comes from two Latin words meaning “withstrength.”Weusuallythinkof“comfort”assoothingsomeone,consolinghimorher,andtosomeextentthisistrue.Buttruecomfortstrengthensustofacelifebravelyandkeepongoing.Itdoesnotrobusofresponsibilityormakeiteasy

forus togiveup.Sometranslationscall theHolySpirit“theEncourager,”andthis is agoodchoiceofwords.Parakl∑tos is translated“Advocate” in1 John2:1.An“advocate”isonewhorepresentsyouatcourtandstandsatyoursidetopleadyourcase.

As“theSpiritofTruth,”theHolySpiritisrelatedtoJesus,theTruth,andtheWordofGod,whichofitselfisthetruth(John14:6;17:17).TheSpiritinspiredtheWordandalsoilluminestheWordsowemayunderstandit.Lateroninthismessage,JesuswillexplaintheteachingministryoftheHolySpirit.SinceHeisthe “Spirit of truth,” theHoly Spirit cannot lie or be associatedwith lies.Henever leads us to do anything contrary to theWord of God, for again, God’sWordistruth.

If wewant the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, wemust seek to glorifyChrist, and we must make much of the Word of God. When you compareEphesians5:18—6:9withColossians3:16—4:1,youwillseethatbothpassagesdescribethesamekindofChristianlife—joyful,thankful,andsubmissive.TobefilledwiththeSpirit isthesameastobecontrolledbytheWord.TheSpiritoftruthusestheWordoftruthtoguideusintothewillandtheworkofGod.

TheHolySpiritabidesinthebeliever.HeisagiftfromtheFatherinanswertotheprayeroftheSon.DuringHisearthlyministry,Jesushadguided,guarded,andtaughtHisdisciples,butnowHewasgoingtoleavethem.TheSpiritofGodwouldcometothemanddwell in them, taking theplaceof theirMaster.Jesuscalled theSpirit“anotherComforter,”andtheGreekword translated“another”means“anotherof the samekind.”TheSpiritofGod isnotdifferent from theSonofGod,forbothareGod.TheSpiritofGodhaddweltwiththedisciplesinthepersonofJesusChrist.NowHewoulddwellinthem.

Ofcourse,theSpiritofGodhadbeenonearthbefore.Heempoweredmenandwomen in theOldTestament toaccomplishGod’swork.However,duringtheOldTestamentAge,theSpiritofGodwouldcomeonpeopleandthenleavethem.God’sSpiritdepartedfromKingSaul(1Sam.16:14;18:12),andDavid,

whenconfessinghissin,askedthattheSpiritnotbetakenfromhim(Ps.51:11).WhentheHolySpiritwasgivenatPentecost,HewasgiventoGod’speopletoremainwith them forever.Even thoughwemaygrieve theSpirit,Hewill notleaveus.

ThewaywetreattheHolySpiritisthewaywetreattheLordJesusChrist.Thebeliever’sbodyis thetempleof theSpirit(1Cor.6:19–20),sowhatheorshedoeswiththatbodyaffectstheindwellingHolySpirit.TheSpiritwrotetheWordofGod,and thewaywe treat theBible is thewaywe treat theSpiritofGodandtheSonofGod.

TheworldcannotreceivetheSpiritbecausetheworldlives“bysight”andnotbyfaith.Furthermore,theworlddoesnotknowJesusChrist,andyoucannothaveknowledgeof theSpiritapart fromtheSon.Thepresenceof theSpirit inthis world is actually an indictment against the world, for the world rejectedJesusChrist.

Theword translated“comfortless” inJohn14:18means“orphans.”Wearenotalone,abandoned,helpless,andhopeless!Whereverwego,theSpiritiswithus, sowhy shouldwe feel like orphans? There is no need to have a troubledheartwhenyouhavetheverySpiritofGoddwellingwithinyou!

WeEnjoytheFather’sLove(14:19–24)“TheloveofGodisshedabroadinourheartsbytheHolySpiritwhichisgivenuntous”(Rom.5:5).Orphansfeelunwantedandunloved,butourFathersharesHislovewithus.JesusexplainedathreefoldmanifestationofGod’slove.

Therewasapastmanifestation to thedisciples (vv.19–20).John14:19focuses onHis resurrection and post-resurrection appearances toHis disciplesand other believers. The last time theworld saw Jesuswaswhen Joseph andNicodemus tookHimfromthecrossandburiedHim.Thenext timetheworldseesHim,Hewillcomeinpowerandgreatglorytojudgelostsinners.

John14:20centersespeciallyon thecomingof theSpirit atPentecost and

the oneness of the believers with their Lord. Jesus returned to heaven as theexaltedHeadofthechurch(Eph.1:19–23).ThenHesent theSpiritsothat themembersofthebodywouldbejoinedtotheirHeadinalivingunion.Believerstoday,ofcourse,didnotseeJesusafterHisresurrectionorinHisascension,butweareunitedtoHimbytheindwellingHolySpirit.

ThereisapresentmanifestationofHimselftobelievers(vv.21,23–24).Notetherepetitionofthewordlove.IfwetreasureHisWordandobeyit, thentheFatherandtheSonwillshareTheirlovewithusandmakeTheirhomeinus.The word translated “abode” in John 14:23 means “make our home” and isrelatedto“mansions”inJohn14:2.

When thesinner trustsChrist,he isbornagain,and theSpirit immediatelyentershisbodyandbearswitnessthatheisachildofGod.TheSpiritisresidentand will not depart. But as the believer yields to the Father, loves theWord,prays,andobeys,thereisadeeperrelationshipwiththeFather,Son,andSpirit.Salvation means we are going to heaven, but submission means that heavencomestous!

ThistruthisillustratedintheexperiencesofAbrahamandLot,recordedinGenesis18and19.WhenJesusandthetwoangelsvisitedAbraham’stent,theyfeltrightathome.Theyevenenjoyedameal,andJesushadaprivatetalkwithAbraham.ButourLorddidnotgotoSodomtovisitLot,becauseHedidnotfeelathomethere.Instead,Hesentthetwoangels.

OurexperiencewithGodought togodeeperanddeeper,and itwillasweyieldtotheSpiritoftruthandpermitHimtoteachusandguideus.IfweloveGodandobeyHim,HewillmanifestHislovetousinadeeperwayeachday.

TherewillbeafuturemanifestationwhenJesusChristreturns(v.19).Judas(notIscariot)recalledthatJesushadsaidHewouldnotmanifestHimselftotheworld(John14:22).ButthisseemedtocontradictotherstatementsHehadmade,suchasrecordedinMatthew24:30.Hisquestionwas,“Whathascometopass thatYouareno longergoing to revealYourself to theworld?”Has there

beenachangeinthedivineplan?Jesus had been rejected by His own people, so He could not manifest

Himselftothem.Infact,itwasanactofmercythatHedidnotmanifestHimselftotheworld,becausethatwouldhavemeantjudgment.HehasrevealedHimselftoHischurchandleftthechurchintheworldtobeawitnessofGod’slove.Heispatientlywaiting,stillgivinglostsinnersopportunitytorepentandbesaved(2Peter3:1–10).OnedayHewillreturn(Rev.1:7),andtheworldwillbeholdHim.

OneofthebestwaystoeaseatroubledheartistobatheitintheloveofGod.Whenyoufeellikean“orphan,”lettheSpiritofGodrevealGod’slovetoyouinadeeperway.CharlesSpurgeonsaid,“Littlefaithwilltakeyoursoultoheaven,butgreatfaithwillbringheaventoyoursoul.”Yourheartcanbecomea“heavenonearth”asyoucommunewiththeLordandworshipHim.

YouHaveHisGiftofPeace(14:25–31)Shalom—peace—isapreciouswordtotheJewishpeople.Itmeansmuchmorethanjusttheabsenceofwarordistress.Shalommeanswholeness,completeness,health,security,evenprosperityinthebestsense.WhenyouareenjoyingGod’speace,thereisjoyandcontentment.ButGod’speaceisnotlikethe“peace”thattheworldoffers.

Theworldbases itspeaceon itsresources,whileGod’s peacedependsonrelationships.ToberightwithGodmeanstoenjoythepeaceofGod.Theworlddependsonpersonalability,but theChristiandependsonspiritualadequacyinChrist. In theworld, peace is something you hope for orwork for, but to theChristian, peace is God’s wonderful gift, received by faith. Unsaved peopleenjoypeacewhenthereisanabsenceoftrouble;Christiansenjoypeaceinspiteoftrialsbecauseofthepresenceofpower,theHolySpirit.

People in the world walk by sight and depend on the externals, butChristianswalkbyfaithanddependontheeternals.TheSpiritofGodteachesustheWordandguidesus(notdragsus!)intothetruth.Healsoremindsusofwhat

HehastaughtussothatwecandependonGod’sWordinthedifficulttimesoflife.TheSpiritusestheWordtogiveusHispeace(John14:27),Hislove(John15:9–10), and His joy (John 15:11). If that does not calm a troubled heart,nothingwill!

Again,JesusassuredthemthattheywouldseeHimagain(John14:28).WhyrejoicebecauseHereturnedtotheFather?BecauseHisreturnmadepossibleHiswonderful intercessoryministryonourbehalf,ourgreatHighPriest inheaven(Heb.2:17–18;4:14–16).WehavetheSpiritwithinus,theSavioraboveus,andtheWordbeforeus!Whattremendousresourcesforpeace!

InJohn14:30–31, theLordnamedtwoofourgreatspiritualenemies—theworldandtheDevil.JesusovercametheworldandtheDevil(John12:31),andtheDevilhasnoclaimonHim.ThereisnopointinJesusChristwheretheDevilcanget a foothold.Sincewe are “inChrist,”Satan canget no foothold in thebeliever’slife,unlesswepermitit.NeitherSatannortheworldcantroubleourheartsifweareyieldedtothe“peaceofGod”throughtheHolySpirit.

When Jesus said, “MyFather is greater than I” (John 14:28),Hewas notdenyingHisowndeityorHisequalitywithGod,forthenHewouldhavebeencontradicting Himself (John 10:30). When Jesus was here on earth, He wasnecessarily limited by having a human body. He voluntarily laid aside theindependent exercise of His divine attributes and submitted Himself to theFather. In thatsense, theFatherwasgreater than theSon.Ofcourse,whentheSonreturnedtoheaven,allHehadlaidasidewasrestoredonceagain(John17:1,5).

Jesus showed His love for the Father (and for the world) by voluntarilygoingtothecross.Hedidnothideorflee.HewillinglylaiddownHislife.Heandthedisciplesmayhavelefttheupperroomatthispoint(John14:31)sothatwhatJesussaidfromthatpointonwasspokenonthewaytothegarden.Or,theymayhavearisenfromthe tableand lingeredawhileasHeinstructed them.Wecaneasilyimaginetheallegoryofthevinebeinggivenastheywalkedthatnight

throughthevineyards.Hisownperfectpeaceassuresus thatHealonecangive truepeace. Jesus

wasalwaystheMasterofthesituation,andHeenablesustotakecontrolofourlivesaswesurrendertoHimandreceiveHislegacyofpeace.

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Whataresomethingsthattroubleyou?

2.ReadJohn13:36—14:31.Whattroubledthedisciples?

Why?

3HowdidJesusmakeheavenrealtothedisciples?

4.Doeslookingforwardtoheavenhelptocalmyouwhenyou’retroubled?Whyorwhynot?

5.WhatdoesitmeantoknowtheFather?

6.WouldyousayyouknowtheFather?Explain.

7.God’sconditionsforansweringprayerareprayinginfaith,prayinginChrist’sname,andprayinginobedience.Whichofthese,ifany,ishardforyou,andhow?

8.WhatdoesthispassageteachusabouttheHolySpirit?

9.HowcantheHolySpirithelpuswhenwe’retroubled?

10.WhydidJesusemphasizetherelationshipbetweenlovingHimandobeyingHim?

11.Howwillyoubeobedientthisweek?

ChapterThree

RelationshipsandResponsibilities(John15:1–17)

This is theseventhand lastof the“Iam”statementsofChrist recorded in thegospelofJohn.However,Jesusdidnotstopwiththisimage,butwentontousethe picture of “the friend.” These two pictures of the believer—branches andfriends—reveal both our privileges and our responsibilities. As branches, wehave the privilege of sharing His life, and the responsibility of abiding. Asfriends, we have the privilege of knowing His will and the responsibility ofobeying.

1.Branches—WeMustAbide(15:1–11)ThecultivationofvineyardswasimportanttothelifeandeconomyofIsrael.AgoldenvineadornedHerod’s temple.WhenourLordused this image,Hewasnot introducing something new; it was familiar to every Jew. There are fourelementsinthisallegorythatwemustunderstandtobenefitfromHisteaching.

(1)Thevine.ThereareactuallythreedifferentvinesfoundinScripture.ThepastvinewasthenationofIsrael(seePs.80:8–19;Isa.5:1–7;Jer.2:21;Ezek.19:10–14;Hos. 10:1). In an act ofwonderful grace,God “transplanted” IsraelintoCanaanandgavethenationeverypossiblebenefit.“Whatcouldhavebeendonemoretomyvineyard,thatIhavenotdoneinit?”Godasked(Isa.5:4).Ifeveranationhadeverythingitneededtosucceed,itwasIsrael.

Butthevineproducedwildgrapes!Insteadofpracticingjustice,itpracticedoppression;insteadofproducingrighteousness,itproducedunrighteousnessandcries of distress from the victims. God had to dealwith the nation Israel and

chasten it,buteven thatdidnotproduce lasting results.WhenGod’sownSoncametothevineyard,theycastHimoutandkilledHim(Matt.21:33–46).

There isalsoa futurevine, “thevineof theearth”described inRevelation14:14–20. This is the Gentile world system ripening for God’s judgment.Believersarebranchesin“thevineofheaven,”buttheunsavedarebranchesin“thevineof theearth.”Theunsaveddependon thisworldfor theirsustenanceandsatisfaction,whilebelieversdependonJesusChrist.The“vineoftheearth”willbecutdownanddestroyedwhenJesusChristreturns.

ThepresentVineisourLordJesusChrist,andofcourse, thevineincludesthebranches.Heisthe“trueVine,”thatis,“theoriginalofwhichallothervinesareacopy.”AsChristians,wedonotliveonsubstitutes!ThesymbolismoftheVineandbranchesissimilartothatoftheHeadandthebody:wehavealivingrelationshiptoChristandbelongtoHim.

WhenwelivedinChicago,wehadasmallgrapearborinourbackyard,butwhatwecultivatedwasnothing likewhat iseven todaycultivated in theHolyLand.Ourswasaveryfragileplant,anditwaseasytobreakoffabranch.Thevines I saw in the Holy Land were large and strong, and it was next toimpossible for anyone to break off amature branchwithout injuring the vineitself.Our unionwithChrist is a living union, sowemay bear fruit; a lovingunion,so thatwemayenjoyHim;anda lastingunion,so thatweneednotbeafraid.

(2) The branches.Of itself, a branch is weak and useless. It is good foreither bearing or burning, but not for building (read Ezek. 15). The branchcannot produce its own life; it must draw that life from the vine. It is ourcommunionwithChristthroughtheSpiritthatmakespossiblethebearingofthefruit.

ManyoftheimagesofChristandthebelievergiveninScriptureemphasizethis importantconceptofunionandcommunion: thebodyand itsmembers (1Cor.12), thebrideand theBridegroom(Eph.5:25–33), and the sheepand the

Shepherd(John10).Amemberofthebodycutofffromthebodywoulddie.Themarriagecreatestheunion,butit takesdailyloveanddevotiontomaintainthecommunion.The shepherdbrings the sheep into the flock, but the sheepmustfollowtheshepherdinordertohaveprotectionandprovision.

Thesoonerweasbelieversdiscoverthatwearebutbranches,thebetterwewillrelatetotheLord,forwewillknowourownweaknessandconfessourneedforHisstrength.

Thekeywordisabide;itisusedeleventimesinJohn15:1–11(“continue”in John 15:9 and “remain” in John 15:11).What does it mean to “abide”? ItmeanstokeepinfellowshipwithChristsothatHislifecanworkinandthroughustoproducefruit.ThiscertainlyinvolvestheWordofGodandtheconfessionof sin so that nothing hinders our communion with Him (John 15:3). It alsoinvolvesobeyingHimbecauseweloveHim(John15:9–10).

Howcanwetellwhenweare“abidinginChrist”?Isthereaspecialfeeling?No,buttherearespecialevidencesthatappear,andtheyareunmistakablyclear.For one thing,when you are abiding in Christ you produce fruit (John 15:2).What that “fruit” is, we will discuss later. Also, you experience the Father’s“pruning” so that you will bear more fruit (John 15:2). The believer who isabiding in Christ has his prayers answered (John 15:7) and experiences adeepening love forChrist and for other believers (John 15:9, 12–13).He alsoexperiencesjoy(John15:11).

Thisabidingrelationshipisnaturaltothebranchandthevine,butitmustbecultivated in theChristian life. It is not automatic.Abiding inChrist demandsworship,meditationonGod’sWord,prayer, sacrifice,andservice—butwhatajoyfulexperienceitis!Onceyouhavebeguntocultivatethisdeepercommunionwith Christ, you have no desire to return to the shallow life of the carelessChristian.

(3)Thevinedresser.Thevinedresserisinchargeofcaringforthevines,andJesussaidthatthisistheworkofHisFather.ItisHewho“purges”orprunesthe

branches so they will producemore fruit. Note the progression here: no fruit(John15:2), fruit,more fruit,much fruit (John15:5, 8).ManyChristianspraythatGodwillmakethemmorefruitful,buttheydonotenjoythepruningprocessthatfollows!

Thevinedresserprunesthebranchesintwoways:Hecutsawaydeadwoodthatcanbreeddiseaseandinsects,andhecutsawaylivingtissuesothatthelifeof the vine will not be so dissipated that the quality of the crop will bejeopardized.Infact,thevinedresserwillevencutawaywholebunchesofgrapessothattherestofthecropwillbeofhigherquality.Godwantsbothquantityandquality.

Thispruningprocessisthemostimportantpartofthewholeenterprise,andthepeoplewhodoitmustbecarefullytrainedortheycandestroyanentirecrop.Somevineyardsinvesttwoorthreeyearsintrainingthe“primers”sotheyknowwheretocut,howmuchtocut,andevenatwhatangletomakeacut.

The greatest judgmentGod could bring to a believerwould be to let himalone, let him have his ownway.BecauseGod loves us,He “prunes” us andencouragesustobearmorefruitforHisglory.Ifthebranchescouldspeak,theywould confess that the pruning process hurts, but theywould also rejoice thattheywillbeabletoproducemoreandbetterfruit.

YourheavenlyFather isnevernearer toyouthanwhenHeispruningyou.SometimesHecutsawaythedeadwoodthatmightcausetrouble,butoftenHecutsoffthelivingtissuethatisrobbingyouofspiritualvigor.Pruningdoesnotsimplymeanspiritualsurgerythatremoveswhatisbad.Itcanalsomeancuttingawaythegoodandthebettersothatwemightenjoythebest.Yes,pruninghurts,butitalsohelps.Wemaynotenjoyit,butweneedit.

How does the Father prune us? Sometimes He simply uses the Word toconvictandcleanseus.(Thewordtranslated“purge”inJohn15:2isthesameas“clean”inJohn13:10.SeeEph.5:26–27.)SometimesHemustchastenus(Heb.12:1–11).At the time, it hurtswhenHe removes somethingprecious fromus,

butasthe“spiritualcrop”isproduced,weseethattheFatherknewwhatHewasdoing.

ThemoreweabideinChrist,themorefruitwebear,andthemorefruitwebear, themore theFatherhas topruneusso that thequalitykeepsupwith thequantity.Lefttoitself,thebranchmightproducemanyclusters,buttheywillbeinferiorinquality.Godisglorifiedbyabiggercropthatisalsoabettercrop.

(4) The fruit. The word results is often heard in conversations amongChristian workers, but this is not actually a Bible concept. A machine canproduce results, and so can a robot, but it takes a living organism to producefruit. It takes timeandcultivation toproducefruit;agoodcropdoesnotcomeovernight.

Wemustrememberthatthebranchesdonoteatthefruit;othersdo.Wearenotproducingfruittopleaseourselvesbuttoserveothers.Weshouldbethekindof people who “feed” others by our words and our works. “The lips of therighteousfeedmany”(Prov.10:21).

SeveraldifferentkindsofspiritualfruitarenamedintheBible.Webearfruitwhenwewinothers toChrist (Rom.1:13).Weareapartof theharvest (John4:35–38). Aswe grow in holiness and obedience, we are bearing fruit (Rom.6:22).PaulconsideredChristiangiving tobe fruit fromadedicated life (Rom.15:28).“ThefruitoftheSpirit”(Gal.5:22–23)isthekindofChristiancharacterthat glorifiesGod andmakesChrist real to others. Even our goodworks, ourservice,growoutofourabidinglife(Col.1:10).ThepraisethatcomesfromourheartsandlipsisactuallyfruittothegloryofGod(Heb.13:15).

Manyofthesethingscouldbecounterfeitedbytheflesh,butthedeceptionwouldeventuallybedetected,forrealspiritualfruithasinittheseedsformorefruit.Man-made results are dead and cannot reproduce themselves, but Spirit-produced fruitwill go on reproducing from one life to another. Therewill befruit—morefruit—muchfruit.

Atruebranch,unitedwiththevine,willalwaysbearfruit.Noteverybranch

bearsabumpercrop, justasnotevery fieldhasabumperharvest (Matt.13:8,23),butthereisalwaysfruitwherethereislife.Ifthereisnofruit,thebranchisworthless,anditiscastawayandburned.IdonotbelieveourLordisteachinghere that truebelieverscan lose their salvation, for thiswouldcontradictwhatHetaughtinJohn6:37and10:27–30.Itisunwisetobuildatheologicaldoctrineonaparableorallegory.Jesuswasteachingonemaintruth—thefruitfullifeofthebeliever—andwemustnotpressthedetails toomuch.Justasanunfruitfulbranch is useless, so an unfruitful believer is useless, and bothmust be dealtwith. It is a tragic thing for a once-fruitful believer to backslide and lose hisprivilege of fellowship and service. If anything, John 15:6 describes divinedisciplineratherthaneternaldestiny.“Thereis[forbelievers]asinuntodeath”(1John5:16).

OurLordhadspokenaboutpeace(John14:27);nowHementionsloveandjoy(John15:9–11).Love,joy,andpeacearethefirstthree“fruitsoftheSpirit”named inGalatians 5:22–23.Our abiding inChrist certainly ought to produceHis love, joy, and peace in our hearts. Because we love Him, we keep Hiscommandments,andaswekeepHiscommandments,weabideinHisloveandexperienceitinadeeperway.

Several times in John’s gospel you will find Jesus speaking about theFather’sloveforHim.WesoemphasizeGod’slovefortheworldandthechurchthatwe forget that theFather loves theSon.Because theFatherdoes love theSon,Hehasputall thingsintotheSon’shand(John3:35)andhasrevealedallthingstotheSon(John5:20).TheFatherlovedtheSonbeforethefoundationoftheworld(John17:24);HelovedtheSonwhentheSondiedonthecross(John10:17). The amazing thing is believers today can experience personally thatsamelove!Jesusprayed“thatthelovewithwhichthouhastlovedmemaybeinthem[thedisciplesandbelieverstoday]”(John17:26).

As branches in the Vine, we have the privilege of abiding and theresponsibilityofbearingfruit.Nowweturntothesecondpicture,thatoffriends.

2.Friends—WeMustObey(15:12–17)Mostofushavemanyacquaintancesbutveryfewfriends,andevensomeofourfriendsmayproveunfriendlyorevenunfaithful.WhataboutJudas?“Yes,mineownfamiliarfriend,inwhomItrusted,whichdideatofmybread,hathlifteduphisheelagainstme”(Ps.41:9).Evenadevotedfriendmayfailuswhenweneedhimmost.Peter,James,andJohnwenttosleepinthegardenwhentheyshouldhavebeenpraying,andPeterevendeniedtheLordthreetimes.OurfriendshiptoeachotherandtotheLordisnotperfect,butHisfriendshiptousisperfect.

However,wemustnot interpret thisword friend ina limitedway,becausetheGreekwordmeans“afriendatcourt.”Itdescribesthat“innercircle”aroundakingoremperor.(InJohn3:29,itreferstothe“bestman”atawedding.)The“friendsoftheking”wouldbeclosetohimandknowhissecrets,buttheywouldalsobesubjecttohimandhavetoobeyhiscommands.Thereisthusnoconflictbetweenbeingafriendandbeingaservant.

TheperfectillustrationofthisinScriptureisAbraham,“thefriendofGod”(2Chron.20:7;Isa.41:8;James2:23),whowasalsotheservantofGod(Gen.26:24).InGenesis18,ourLordandtwoangelscametovisitAbrahamastheywereon theirwayto investigate thesinofSodom.EventhoughAbrahamwasnearly one hundred years old, he interrupted his noonday rest, greeted thevisitors, saw to their comfort, and fed them a lovelymeal. In the first fifteenversesofthischapter,Abrahamisonthemove,andtwicehereferstohimselfasa servant (Gen. 18:3, 5). Note that this old man “hastened” and “ran” andencouragedotherstoperformtheirworkquickly,aperfectexampleofaservant.Nor didAbraham sit and eatwith them.Like a true servant, he stood nearby,readytodotheirbidding.

In the last half of the chapter, the atmosphere changes, and Abraham isquietlystandingstill,communingwiththeLord.Heisstillaservant,butnowheisbeingafriend.“ShallIhidefromAbrahamthatwhichIdo?”theLordasked.AsafriendofGod,AbrahamsharedGod’ssecrets.

It is this kind of a relationship that Jesus described when He called Hisdisciples“friends.”Itwascertainlyarelationshipoflove,bothforHimandforeach other. The “friends of the King” could not compete with each other forattentionor promotion.Theywere a part of the “inner circle,” not to promotethemselves,but to serve theirKing.Whata rebuke thismusthavebeen to theselfishdisciples,whooftenarguedoverwhowasthegreatest!

How is itpossible for Jesus tocommandus to loveoneanother?Can truelovebecommanded?YoumustkeepinmindthatChristianloveisnotbasicallya“feeling”;itisanactofthewill.Theproofofourloveisnotinourfeelingsbutinouractions,eventotheextentoflayingdownourlivesforChristandforoneanother (1 John 3:16). Jesus laid down His life for both His friends and Hisenemies(Rom.5:10)!Whiletheemotionsarecertainlyinvolved,realChristianloveisanactofthewill.ItmeanstreatingothersthewayGodtreatsus.

So, our friendship with Christ involves love and obedience. But it alsoinvolves knowledge: He “lets us in on” His plans. Indeed, He is our Master(John13:13,16),butHedoesnottreatusasservants.Hetreatsusasfriends,ifwedowhatHecommands.AbrahamwasGod’sfriendbecauseheobeyedGod(Gen.18:19).Ifwehavefriendshipwiththeworld,wethenexperienceenmitywithGod(James4:1–4).LotinSodomwasnotcalledGod’sfriend,eventhoughLotwasasavedman(2Peter2:7).GodtoldAbrahamwhatHeplannedtodotothecitiesoftheplain,andAbrahamwasabletointercedeforLotandhisfamily.

Itisinterestingtonotethat,inJohn’sgospel,itwastheservantswhoknewwhatwasgoingon!TheservantsattheweddingfeastinCanaknewwherethewinecamefrom(John2:9),andthenobleman’sservantsknewwhenthesonwashealed(John4:51–53).

Oneof thegreatestprivilegeswehaveasHis friends is thatof learning toknowGodbetterand“gettinginon”God’ssecrets.IcanneverforgettheimpactonmyownheartwhenIheardDr.OswaldSanderssaytotheBacktotheBiblestaff,“EachofusisasclosetoGodaswechoosetobe.”WeareHisfriends,and

weoughttobenearthethrone,listeningtoHisWord,enjoyingHisintimacy,andobeyingHiscommandments.

Onedaywhilehewasafugitive,DavidwasnearBethlehem,hishomecity,andhelongedforadrinkofwaterfromthewellbythegate.ThreeofhismightymenwerecloseenoughtoDavidtohearhissigh,andtheyriskedtheirlivestobring their king the water that he wanted (2 Sam. 23:15–17). That is what itmeanstobeafriendoftheking.

InJohn14:16,JesusremindedthementhattheyhadthisprivilegedpositiononlybecauseofHisgrace.TheydidnotchooseHim;Hechosethem!Hechosethemoutoftheworld(John14:19)andordainedthemtodoHiswill.Again,wefindthisimportantwordfruit.Asbranches,weshareHislifeandbearfruit,andasfriends,weshareHisloveandbearfruit.Asbranches,weareprunedbytheFather;asfriends,weareinstructedbytheSon,andHisWordcontrolsourlives.

Thewordordainedsimplymeans“appointed.”Itreferstotheactofsettingsomeoneapartforspecialservice.WehavegraciouslybeenchosenandsetapartbytheLordinordertogointotheworldandbearfruit.Hehassentusintotheworld (John 17:18) asHis personal ambassadors to tell others about theKingandHisgreatsalvation.WhenwewitnesstoothersandwinthemtoChrist,thisisbringingforthfruittothegloryofGod.

As I mentioned before, the evidence of true sonship, discipleship (John15:8), and friendship (John 15:15) is fruit. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shallknow them” (Matt. 7:20). Where there is true fruit, it remains; man-made“results” eventually disappear. Fruit has in it the seed for more fruit, so theprocessgoesonandon.WhateverisbornoftheSpiritofGodhasthemarkofeternityonit,anditwilllast.

Onceagain,Jesusbroughtuptheprivilegeofprayer.Thefriendsofthekingcertainlyspeaktotheirsovereignandsharetheirburdensandneedswithhim.Inthedaysofmonarchies, itwasconsideredaveryspecialhonortobeinvitedtospeaktothekingorqueen,yet thefriendsofJesusChristcanspeaktoHimat

anytime.Thethroneofgraceisalwaysavailabletothem.John15:15–16summarizesforuswhatitmeanstobeafriendoftheKingof

Kings.Itisahumblingexperience,forHechoseusandwedidnotchooseHim.Wemustkeep this inmind lestwebecomeproudandpresumptuous. ItmeansthatwekeepourearsopenandlistentowhatHesaystous.“HastthouheardthesecretofGod?”(Job15:8).“ThesecretoftheLordiswiththemthatfearhim;andhewillshowthemhiscovenant”(Ps.25:14).Wemustbeattentiveandalert.

ButthepurposeforallofthisisthatwemightobeyHimandgetHisworkdone.TheKinghastasksthatmustbeperformed,andifweloveHim,wewillobeyHiscommands.WewillseektobearfruitthatwillpleaseHimandglorifytheFather.OurjoyshouldbetopleaseHim.

Jesus closed this part of His message by reminding them (and us) of themost important commandment of all: Love one another. There are dozens of“oneanother”statementsintheNewTestament,butallofthemaresummarizedin“loveoneanother.”JesushadalreadygiventhiscommandmenttotheEleven(John13:34–35),andnowHehasrepeatedit twice(John15:12,17).Itwillbestated in oneway or anothermanymore times in theNew Testament letters,especiallybyJohninhisfirstepistle.ThefriendsoftheKingmustnotonlyloveHim, but also one another.What joy it brings toHis heartwhenHe seesHisfriendslovingoneanotherandworkingtogethertoobeyHiscommands.

This studybegan in the vineyard and ended in the throne room!Thenextstudywill takeustothebattlefield,whereweexperiencethehatredof thelostworld.Ifwearenotabidingasbranchesandobeyingasfriends,wewillneverbeabletofacetheoppositionoftheworld.Ifwedonotloveoneanother,howcanweeverhopetolovelostmenandwomenintheworld?Ifwearenotmarchingtogetheras the friendsof theKing,wewillneverpresentaunited front to theenemy.

“Withoutme,yecandonothing”(John15:5).Wearenot simplyhandicappedorhindered.Wearehopelesslyparalyzed!

Wecandonothing!ButifweabideinHim,ifwestayclosetothethrone,wecandoanything

thatHecommandsustodo!Whataprivilege—andwhataresponsibility!

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Whatdoesittakeforsomeonetobeyourfriend?

2. Read John 15:1–17. What is significant about Jesus’ use of the vine andbranchestoteachaboutabeliever’srelationshipwithHim?

3. What does (or should) abiding in Christ involve for you—practicallyspeaking,onatypicalday?

4.WhenisithardforyoutoabideinJesus?Why?

5.HowdoesGodpruneus?Why?

6.WhenhaveyouexperiencedGodpruningyou?Howdidyourespond?

7.WhatfruitdoesGodwantustoproduce?Howdowedothat?

8.WhatdoesfriendshipwithJesusinvolve?Giveanexamplefromyourlife.

9.HowdidJesusdemonstrateHisfriendshipwiththedisciples?

10.WhatprivilegesdowehaveasJesus’friends?

11.WhatcanyoudothisweektoabideinJesus?

ChapterFour

WhatintheWorldIstheSpiritDoing?(John15:18—16:16)

Thislongsection,John15:18—16:16,istiedtogetherbytwoimportantthemes:theoppositionoftheworldagainstthechurch,andtheministryoftheSpirittoand through the church.OurLordhadbeen talking about love (John15:9–13,17),butnowHeis talkingabouthatred,andHeused thewordseven times. ItseemsincrediblethatanyonewouldhateJesusChristandHispeople,butthatisexactlywhatthesituationistoday,andsomeofthathatredcomesfromreligiouspeople.Inafewhours,thereligiousleadersofIsraelwouldbecondemningtheirMessiahandcryingoutforHisblood.

OurLord had openly taughtHis disciples that one day persecutionwouldcome.HementioneditintheSermonontheMount(Matt.5:10–12,44)andinHis“commissioningsermon”whenHesentoutthedisciplestominister(Matt.10:16–23).InHissermondenouncingthePharisees,Jesusopenlysaidthattheywould persecute and kill God’s servants (Matt. 23:34–35), and there was asimilarwarninggiven inHispropheticmessageonMountOlivet (Mark13:9–13).

ThroughoutthegospelofJohn,itisevidentthatthereligiousestablishmentnotonlyopposedJesus,butevensoughttokillHim(John5:16;7:19,25;8:37,59; 9:22; also note 11:8). As He continued His ministry, there was a tide ofresentment,thenhatred,andthenopenoppositiontowardHim.So,thedisciplesshould not have been surprised when Jesus brought up the subject ofpersecution, for they had heard Himwarn them and they had seen Him facemen’shatredduringHisministry.

UntiltheLordreturns,oruntilwedie,wemustliveinthishostileworldandfacecontinuedopposition.Howcanwedoit?Whatisthesecretofvictory?Itisthepresenceandpowerof theHolySpiritofGod inour lives.This is thekeysectionintheupperroommessageabouttheHolySpiritandHisministry.

BeforewestudythispassageandseethethreefoldministryoftheSpirittothechurchin theworld,wemustpausetoremindourselves justwhotheHolySpiritis.TheHolySpiritofGodisaperson;JesusreferredtotheSpiritas“He”andnot“it.”TheHolySpirithasamind(Rom.8:27),awill(1Cor.12:11),andemotionalfeelings(Gal.5:22–23).

InJohn15:26allthreePersonsoftheGodheadarementioned:JesustheSonwillsendtheSpiritfromtheFather.BecausetheHolySpiritisaperson,andisGod,itmeansthattheChristianhasGodindwellinghisbody!IfwedidnothavetheHolySpiritwithin,wewouldnotbeabletoservetheLordinthispresentevilworld.WearetowalkintheSpirit(Gal.5:16),worshipintheSpirit(Phil.3:3),andwitnessintheSpirit(Acts1:8).

Christianscanstandandwithstandinthemidstoftheworld’shatredbecauseofthespecialministriesoftheHolySpirit.

TheSpiritasComforterEncouragestheChurch(15:18—16:4)WeshouldbeginbyclarifyingwhatJesusmeansby“theworld,”becausethetermisusedinScriptureinatleastthreedifferentways.Itcanmeanthecreatedworld(“theworldwasmadebyhim”—John1:10),theworldofhumanity(“ForGodsolovedtheworld”—John3:16),orsocietyapartfromGodandopposedtoGod.Wesometimesusethephrase“theworldsystem”todefinethisspecialmeaning.

Forexample,whenyoulistentotheradionews,youmayheartheannouncersay, “And now the news from theworld of sports!”Obviously, “theworld ofsports” is not a special country or planet where everybody lives who is

connected in some way with sports. “The world of sports” refers to all theorganizations, people, plans, activities, philosophies, etc., that are a part ofsports.Someofthesethingsarevisibleandsomeareinvisible,butallof themareorganizedaroundonething—sports.

“Theworld” fromaChristianpointofview involvesall thepeople,plans,organizations,activities,philosophies,values,etc.,thatbelongtosocietywithoutGod.Someofthesethingsmaybeverycultural;othersmaybeverycorrupt;butallofthemhavetheiroriginsintheheartandmindofsinfulmanandpromotewhat sinful man wants to enjoy and accomplish. As Christians, we must becareful not to love theworld (1 John 2:15–17) or be conformed to theworld(Rom.12:1–2).

JesuspullsnopuncheswhenHetellsHisdisciplesthattheirsituationintheworld will be serious and even dangerous. Note the progress in the world’sopposition:hatred(John15:18–19),persecution(John15:20),excommunication,andevendeath(John16:2).YoucantracethesestagesofresistanceasyoureadthebookofActs.

Why does the world system, including the “religious world,” hate theChristian,theonewhobelievesonJesusChristandseekstofollowHim?Jesusgaveseveralreasons.

WeareidentifiedwithChrist(15:18,20).IftheyhatedHim,theywillalsohate thoseofuswhoare identifiedwithHim. In John15:20, Jesusquoted thestatementHehadmadeearlier(John13:16),andthelogicofitisclear.HeistheMaster;weare theservants.He isgreater thanweare,soHemust receive thepraiseandglory.But theworldwillnotgiveHimpraiseandglory!TheworldhatesHim,andthereforetheworldmusthateus.IfwithallofHisgreatnessandperfection,Jesusdoesnotescapepersecution,whathopeisthereforuswithourimperfections?

This principle is seen in some of the other images of the relationshipbetweenChristandHisown.HeistheShepherdandwearethesheep,andwhen

they attack the Shepherd, it affects the sheep (Matt. 26:31). He is theMaster(Teacher)andweare thedisciples, the learners.But it isencouraging toknowthatwhenGod’speoplearepersecuted,ourLordentersintotheirsuffering,forHe is the Head of the body and we are the members. “Saul, Saul, whypersecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). Anything that the enemy can do to us hasalreadybeendonetoJesusChrist,andHeis“withus”aswesuffer.

Wedonotbelongtotheworld(15:19).WhenwetrustedChrist,wemovedintoanewspiritualposition:Wearenow“inChrist”and“outoftheworld.”Tobesure,weareintheworldphysically,butnotoftheworldspiritually.Nowthatwe are “partakers of the heavenly calling” (Heb. 3:1), we are no longerinterestedinthetreasuresorpleasuresofsininthisworld.Thisdoesnotmeanthat we are isolated from reality or insulated from the world’s needs, so“heavenlymindedthatwearenoearthlygood.”Rather,itmeansthatwelookatthethingsofearthfromheaven’spointofview.

Theworldsystemfunctionsonthebasisofconformity.Aslongasapersonfollowsthefadsandfashionsandacceptsthevaluesoftheworld,heorshewill“get along.”But theChristian refuses to be “conformed to thisworld” (Rom.12:2).Thebelieverisa“newcreation”(2Cor.5:17)andnolongerwantstolivethe“old life” (1Peter4:1–4).Weare the lightof theworldand thesaltof theearth(Matt.5:13–16),butadarkworlddoesnotwantlightandadecayingworlddoesnotwantsalt!Inotherwords,thebelieverisnotjust“outofstep”;heisoutofplace! (SeeJohn17:14,16;1John4:5.)Theworld is spiritually ignorantandblind (15:21). If youhad asked the religious leaders in Jerusalem if theyknewtheGodtheywereseekingtodefend,theywouldhavesaid,“OfcourseweknowHim! Israel has known the trueGod for centuries!”But Jesus said thattheydidnot know theFather and therefore, theycouldnotknow theSon (seeJohn 16:3). The religious leaders knew a great deal about Jehovah God andcould quote chapter and verse to defend their doctrines, but they did notpersonallyknowGod.

This was not a new theme for our Lord to discuss, because He hadmentioneditbeforetothereligiousleaderswhoopposedHim.“Yeneitherknowme,normyFather;ifyehadknownme,yeshouldhaveknownmyFatheralso”(John8:19).“Yetyehavenotknownhim;but Iknowhim”(John8:55).Jesushad taught themtheWordandhaddemonstratedHisdeity inmiraculoussignsand a godly walk, yet the religious leaders of the nation were blind to Hisidentity:“Theworldknewhimnot”(John1:10).

ThereligiousworldtodayclaimstoknowGod,butitdoesnotwanttobowthe knee to JesusChrist as the Son ofGod and the only Savior of theworld.Satan has blinded theirminds (2Cor. 4:3–4), and sin has blinded their hearts(Eph.4:17–19).LikeSaulofTarsus,theyaresoconvincedthattheir“religion”and “righteousness” are satisfactory that in the name of that religion theypersecuteGod’speople!

Theworldwillnotbehonestaboutitsownsin(15:22–24;16:1–4).Onceagain,JesusemphasizedHiswordsandHisworks.Wehaveseenthisemphasisthroughout thegospelofJohn(3:2;5:36–38;10:24–27;14:10–11).Thepeoplehadnoexcuse (“cloak”) for their sin.TheyhadseenHisworksandheardHisword, but they would not admit the truth. All of the evidence had beenpresented,buttheywerenothonestenoughtoreceiveitandactonit.

This statement is parallel to what Jesus told the Pharisees after He hadhealed theblindman(John9:39–41).Theyhad toadmit that Jesushadhealedthe man born blind, but they would not follow the evidence to its logicalconclusionandput their trust inHim. Jesus told them that theywere theoneswhowereblind!Butsincetheyadmittedthattheyhadseenamiracle,thismadetheir sin even worse. They were not sinning in ignorance; they were sinningagainstafloodoflight.Why?Becausethatlightrevealedtheirownsin,andtheydid not want to face their sin honestly. Their attitude was similar to thatdescribedin2Peter3:5—“Forthistheywillinglyareignorant.”

Howdoes theHolySpirit encouragebelieverswhen theyareexperiencing

thehatredandoppositionoftheworld?ItisprimarilythroughtheWordofGod.Foronething,theSpiritremindsusthatthisoppositionisclearlyexpressedbyvariouswritersintheScriptures.InJohn15:25,JesusquotedPsalms35:19and69:4. TheWord assuredHim that the hatred of theworldwas not because ofanythingHehaddonetodeliberatelyincitesuchopposition.WetodaycanturntopassageslikePhilippians1:28–30;2Timothy2:9–12;Hebrews12:3–4;and1Peter 4:12ff. We also have the encouraging words of our Lord found in theGospels.

TheSpirit alsowitnesses tousand throughusduring timesofpersecution(John15:26–27).Heremindsusthatwhatweareexperiencingis“thefellowshipofhis[Christ’s]sufferings”(Phil.3:10)andthatitisaprivilegetobearreproachfor His name. (Read carefully 1 Peter 4:12–19.) Times of persecution havealways been times of proclamation and witness for the church. We must be“readyalwaystogiveananswer”whenunsavedpeopleattackus(1Peter3:15).The Spirit witnesses to us so thatwe canwitness to theworld (Mark 13:11).Apart from thepowerof theSpiritofGod,wecannotgiveaclearwitness forChrist(Acts1:8).

There is no reason for the believer to stumble (“be offended,” John 16:1)when the world stokes up the furnace of persecution. He should expectpersecution, ifonlybecausehisLord toldhimitwascoming. (NoteespeciallyJohn 13:19 and 14:29, where the Lord warned His disciples in advance.)Furthermore,hemustnot stumblewhen thispersecutioncomes from religiouspeoplewhoactuallythinktheyareservingGod.Thewordtranslated“service”inJohn16:2means“priestlyservice.”Thisstatement iscertainlyadescriptionofSaulofTarsus,whothoughthewasservingGodbydestroyingthechurch(seeActs7:57—8:3;22:3–4;26:9–12).

It is tragic when “religious” people persecute andmurder in the name ofGod.While it is true that “thebloodof themartyrs is the seedof thechurch”(Tertullian),itisalsotruethattheirbloodisthestainonthepagesofhistory.

TheSpiritasReproverWitnessesthroughtheChurch(16:5–11)Forthreeyears,Jesushadbeenwiththemtoprotectthemfromattack,butnowHewasabouttoleavethem.Hehadtoldthemthisearlierintheevening(John13:33),andPeterhadaskedHimwhereHewasgoing(John13:36).However,Peter’squestionrevealedmoreconcernabouthimselfthanabouttheLordJesus!Also,hisquestioncenteredontheimmediate,nottheultimate.ItwasnecessaryforJesustoexplainwhyitwasimportantforthemthatHereturntotheFather.

Themajorreason,ofcourse,isthattheHolySpiritmightcometoempowerthe church for life and witness. Also, the ascended Savior would be able tointercedeforHispeopleattheheavenlythroneofgrace.Withalloftheirfaults,the disciples dearly loved theirMaster, and it was difficult for them to graspthesenewtruths.

It is important to note that the Spirit comes to the church and not to theworld. Thismeans thatHeworks in and through the church. TheHoly Spiritdoes notminister in a vacuum. Just as theSonofGodhad to have a body inordertodoHisworkonearth,sotheSpiritofGodneedsabodytoaccomplishHisministries,andthatbodyisthechurch.OurbodiesareHistoolsandtemples,andHewantstouseustoglorifyChristandtowitnesstoalostworld.

Sometimeswehearpeoplepray,“Lord,sendYourSpirittospeaktothelost!MaytheSpiritgofromhearttoheart.”Suchprayingisnodoubtsincere,butisitbiblical?TheSpiritdoesnot“float”insomeghostlywayupanddowntherowsofachurchbuilding,seekingtowinthelost.TheHolySpiritworksthroughthepeople in whom He lives. When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, HeempoweredPetertopreach,andthepreachingoftheWordbroughtconvictiontothosewhoheard.

Thekeywordhereisreprove(John16:8).Itisalegalwordthatmeans“tobring to light, to expose, to refute, to convict and convince.” It could be

translated “pronounce the verdict.” The world may think that it is judgingChristians,butitistheChristianswhoarepassingjudgmentontheworldastheywitness to Jesus Christ! Believers are the witnesses, the Holy Spirit is the“prosecuting attorney,” and theunsaved are theguilty prisoners.However, thepurposeofthisindictmentisnottocondemnbuttobringsalvation.

TheHolySpiritconvictstheworldofoneparticularsin,thesinofunbelief.The lawofGod and the conscienceofmanwill convict the sinner of his sins(plural) specifically,but it is theworkof theSpirit, through thewitnessof thebelievers, to expose theunbeliefof the lostworld.After all, it isunbelief thatcondemnsthelostsinner(John3:18–21),notthecommittingofindividualsins.Apersoncould“cleanuphislife”andquithisorherbadhabitsandstillbelostandgotohell.

The Spirit also convicts the sinner of righteousness, not unrighteousness.Whose righteousness? The righteousness of JesusChrist, the perfect Lamb ofGod. The world would not receive the Son of God (John 1:10), so He hasreturnedtotheFather.WhenHewashereonearth,Hewasaccusedbymenofbeingablasphemer,alawbreaker,adeceiver,andevenademoniac.TheSpiritofGodrevealstheSaviorintheWordandinthiswayglorifiesHim(John16:13–14). The Spirit also revealsChrist in the lives of believers. Theworld cannotreceiveorseetheSpiritofGod,buttheycanseewhatHedoesastheywatchthelivesofdedicatedbelievers.

The Spirit convicts the lost sinner of judgment. Do not confuse thisstatement with Acts 24:25 (“of righteousness, temperance, and judgment tocome”).Jesuswasreferring toHis judgmentofSatan thatwaseffectedbyHisdeath on the cross (John 12:31). Satan is the prince of thisworld, but he is adefeatedprince.Satanhasalreadybeen judgedand theverdictannounced.Allthatmust takeplace is theexecutingof thesentence,and thatwilloccurwhenJesusreturns.

Whenalostsinneristrulyunderconviction,hewillseethefollyandevilof

unbelief; hewill confess that he does notmeasure up to the righteousness ofChrist,andhewillrealizethatheisundercondemnationbecausehebelongstotheworldandtheDevil(Eph.2:1–3).Theonlypersonwhocanrescuehimfromsuch a horrible situation is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. There can be noconversionwithout conviction, and there can be no conviction apart from theSpiritofGodusingtheWordofGodandthewitnessofthechildofGod.

Witnessingisagreatprivilege,but it isalsoaseriousresponsibility.It isamatteroflifeordeath!HowweneedtodependontheHolySpirittoguideustotherightpersons,giveustherightwords,andenableuspatientlytoglorifyJesusChrist.

TheSpiritasTeacherGuidestheChurch(16:12–15)OurLordwasalwayscarefultogiveHisdisciplestherightamountoftruthatthebesttime.Thisisalwaysthemarkofagreatteacher.TheHolySpiritisourTeachertoday,andHefollowsthatsameprinciple:Heteachesusthetruthsweneedtoknow,whenweneedthem,andwhenwearereadytoreceivethem.

WhenyoucompareJohn14:26with16:13,youseethewonderfulwaythatGodarrangedforthewritingoftheNewTestamentScriptures.TheSpiritwouldremindthemofwhatJesushadtaughtthem;thisgivesusthefourgospels.TheSpirit would also “guide” them into all truth, and this would result in theEpistles.“Hewillshowyouthingstocome”refers to thepropheticScriptures,especiallythebookofRevelation.

ItisessentialthatweseethattheworkoftheSpiritofGodisneverdivorcedfrom JesusChrist or theWordofGod. “He shall testify ofme” (John15:26);“Heshallglorifyme”(John16:14).PeoplewhoclaimthattheSpiritofGodledthemtodothingscontrarytotheexampleofChristortheteachingoftheWordaremistakenandarebeingledastraybySatan.Jesusisthetruth(John14:6),andtheWordistruth(John17:17),andtheHolySpiritis“theSpiritoftruth.”Where

theHolySpiritisatwork,theremustbetruth.Thephrase“He[theSpirit]shallnotspeakofhimself”(John16:13)doesnot

mean that theSpiritnever refers toHimself, forwhenHewrote theBible, theSpirit oftenmentionedHimself.Rather, itmeans thatHedoesnot speak apartfrom theFather and theSon;He does not “manufacture” a differentmessage.YouhavetheentireGodheadmentionedinJohn16:13,becausetheSpiritofGoddoesnotignoreeithertheFatherortheSon.Theyworkharmoniouslytogether.

The teaching of the Spirit through the apostleswas not different from theteachingoftheSpiritthroughJesusChrist.Sometheologiansliketocontrastthe“Christianity of Christ” with the “Christianity of Paul.” They claim that Paul“ruined”Christianitybymakingitso theologicalandcomplicating the“simplemessage”of JesusChrist.Whata sad interpretation this is.What Jesussaid inJohn 14:26 and 16:13 completely refutes this false teaching. The same HolySpirit communicated the truths found in the fourgospels, theEpistles, and thebookofRevelation,andHealsowrotethehistoryanddoctrinefoundinActs.

ItistheministryoftheSpirittoenrichuswiththetreasuresofGod’struth.He enlightens us with God’s truth and enriches us with God’s treasures. TheWordofGodisarichmineofgold,silver,andpreciousjewels(Prov.3:13–15;8:10–21).WhatajoyitistohavetheSpiritillumineHisWord.

WedonotstudytheWordofGodinorderto“arguereligion”withpeople,or to show off our grasp of spiritual things.We study theWord to see JesusChrist,toknowGodbetter,andtoglorifyHiminourlives.Aswewitnessinthishostile world, the Spirit uses theWordHe has taught us, andwe share JesusChristwiththelost.Itisourjobtowitness;itistheSpirit’sjobtoconvict.

Perhapssomeofusneedtoquitactinglikeprosecutingattorneys—orjudges—sothattheSpiritcanuseusasfaithfulwitnesses.

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.HowdoestheworldmakeithardforustobeChristians?

2.Read John 15:18—16:16.What did Jesusmean by the term theworld andwhatdidn’tHemean?

3.Whenhaveyouseentheworldpressurepeopletoconform?

4.Whenhaveyouseentheworldbeblindtoitsownsin?

5.Howdoesunderstanding this term(theworld)helpyoudealwith theworldbetter?

6.WhyishavingtheHolySpiritmoreimportantthanhavingthephysicalJesuswithus?

7.HowdoestheHolySpiritconvicttheworldofthesinofunbelief?

8.HowdoestheHolySpiritteachbelievers?

9.HowcanweevaluatecurrentteachingsaboutandmanifestationsoftheHolySpirit?

10.HowwillyoulettheHolySpiritguideyouthisweek?

ChapterFive

LetThereBeJoy!(John16:16–33)

Thissection—John16:16–33—concludestheUpperRoomDiscourseanddealsprimarilywith the emotions of the disciples. Theywere sorrowing, theywereconfused about some of Jesus’ teaching, and they were afraid. It is anencouragement to me to know that the disciples were real men with realproblems, yet the Lord was able to use them. We sometimes get the falseimpression that these men were different from us, especially endowed withspiritualknowledgeandcourage,butsuchwasnotthecase.Theywerehuman!

Oneof therecurring themes in thissection is joy (John16:20–22,24,33).TheElevenwerecertainlynotexperiencingmuchjoythatnight!ButwhatJesussaid to them eventuallymade a difference in their lives, just as it canmake adifferenceinourlivestoday.Tenderlyandpatiently,ourLordexplainedhowHispeoplecanhavejoyintheirlives.

ThereIsaPrincipletoGrasp(16:16–22)Theprincipleissimplythis:Godbringsjoytoourlives,notbysubstitution,butby transformation.His illustrationof thewomangivingbirthmakes this clear.Thesamebabythatcausedthepainalsocausedthejoy.Inbirth,Goddoesnotsubstitutesomethingelsetorelievethemother’spain.Instead,Heuseswhatistherealreadybuttransformsit.

Everyparentknowswhatitisliketohaveanunhappychildbecauseatoyisbroken or a playmate has gone home. The parent can do one of two things:substitute something else for thebroken toyor absent friend, or transform the

situation intoanewexperiencefor theunhappychild. IfMotheralwaysgetsanewtoyforthechildeachtimeatoyisbroken,thatchildwillgrowupexpectingevery problem to be solved by substitution. IfMother always phones anotherplaymateandinviteshimorherover,thechildwillgrowupexpectingpeopletocometohisrescuewheneverthereisacrisis.Theresulteitherwayisaspoiledchildwhowillnotbeabletocopewithreality.

Thewayofsubstitutionforsolvingproblemsisthewayofimmaturity.Theway of transformation is the way of faith and maturity. We cannot matureemotionallyorspirituallyifsomebodyisalwaysreplacingourbrokentoys.

Jesusdidnot say that themother’s sorrow (pain)was replacedby joy,butthat the sorrowwas transformed into joy.The samebaby that caused thepainalso caused the joy! And so it is in the Christian life: God takes seeminglyimpossible situations, adds themiracle of His grace, and transforms trial intotriumphandsorrowintojoy.“TheLordthyGodturnedthecurseintoablessing”(Deut.23:5;seeNeh.13:2).

Joseph’sbrotherssoldhimasaslave,andPotipharputhimintoprisonasacriminal, but God transformed that hopeless situation of defeat into victory.Egypt’spersecutionofIsraelonlycausedthemtomultiplyandprosperthemore.KingSaul’smurderouspursuitofDavidonlymadehimmoreamanofGodandhelpedproducethepsalmsthatencourageourheartstoday.EvenJesustookthecross,asymbolofdefeatandshame,andtransformeditintoasymbolofvictoryandglory.

Now that we understand this principle, we can better understand theproblemsandquestionsofthedisciples.

In John 16:16, Jesus announced that in a little while, they would not seeHim;then,inalittlewhile,theywouldseeHim.Itwasadeliberatelypuzzlingstatement(John16:25,Hespokeinproverbs[“darksayings”]),andthedisciplesdid not understand. This also encourages me as I study my Bible and findstatements that I cannot understand. Even the disciples had their hours of

spiritualignorance!What did Jesus mean? Possibly He was talking about the soon-to-occur

events in connection with His death and resurrection. After His burial, theywouldnotseeHimforalittlewhile,butthenHewouldrisefromthedeadandthey would see Him again. He had told them on previous occasions that Hewouldrisefromthedeadafterthreedays,butHiswordsdidnotsinkintotheirmindsandhearts.

However, I think thatJesuswasspeakingprimarilyaboutHisreturn to theFather(“BecauseIgototheFather”—John16:16).ThistiesinwithJohn16:10—“Because Igo tomyFather,andyeseemenomore.”ThedisciplesdidnotlivetoseethereturnofChrist,buttheydiddieandseeHimwhentheyarrivedinglory.Incomparisontoeternity,thetimethatthechurchhasbeenawaitingtheLord’sreturnhasreallybeenbut“alittlewhile”(see2Cor.4:16–18).Infact,thephrase“alittlewhile”isusedinthisverysenseinHebrews10:37—“Foryetalittlewhile,andhethatshallcomewillcome,andwillnottarry.”

Instead of asking Jesus to explainHiswords, themen began to discuss itamong themselves, almost as though they were embarrassed to admit theirignorance.However,youdonotgetveryfarbyexchangingyourignorance!Itiswhenwe come to the Lord and ask for His help that we learn the importantlessonsoflife.

EgyptwasgladwhenIsraeldeparted(Ps.105:38),and theworldwasgladwhenJesusChristmovedoffthescene.Boththereligiousandpoliticalleadersof that day expected to see the early believers die out and the “Christianmovement”disappear,butsuchwasnot thecase.JesussentHisHolySpirit toHischurch,andthechurchiscarryingtheWordofHisgracetotheendsoftheearth.Theearlybelieversevenrejoicedwhentheywerepersecuted(Acts5:41).

Tothemotherexperiencingbirthpains,everyminutemayseemanhour.Ourconcept of time changeswith our feelings. Thirtyminutes in the dentist chairmayseemlikehours,whilehoursfishingordiningwithfriendsmayseemlikea

veryshorttime.Themotherfeelsasthoughthebirthistakingalongtime,whenreally it may be only “a little while.”When the baby has been born, pain isforgottenasjoyfillsherheart.

Theworld today does not want Jesus Christ or His church. The world isrejoicingwhileweare suffering, longing forourLord to return. In fact, all ofcreation is suffering “birth pangs” because of sin, awaiting His return (Rom.8:22).WhentheBridegroomisaway,thebridemourns(Matt.9:15).But,in“alittlewhile”Heshall return,andweshallgowithHim toheaven toenjoy theFather’shouse.

While theimmediateapplicationmayhavebeentothesorrowingheartsofthedisciples,theultimateapplicationistoallofGod’speopleastheyawaitthecoming of Jesus Christ. To us, it seems like a long wait, but God does notmeasuretimeaswedo(see2Peter3).Butwhilewearewaiting,wemustdealwithour trialsandhurtson thebasisof transformationandnotsubstitution, ifweexpecttomatureintheChristianlife.

ThereIsaPromisetoBelieve(16:23–28)Thecentral themeof thisparagraph isprayer: “Ask, andye shall receive, thatyourjoymaybefull”(John16:24).Itisimportanttonotethatthetextusestwodifferentwordsfor“ask,”althoughtheycanbeusedinterchangeably.ThewordusedinJohn16:19,23a,and26means“toaskaquestion”or“toaskarequest.”Itisusedwhensomeonemakesarequestofsomeoneequal.Thewordtranslated“ask” in John 16:23b, 24, and 26b (“pray”)means “to request something of asuperior.”ThislatterwordwasneverusedbyJesusinHisprayerlifebecauseHeisequaltotheFather.WecomeasinferiorstoGod,askingforHisblessing,butHecameastheverySonofGod,equalwiththeFather.

InJohn16:23,whatperiodoftimedidJesusmeanby“inthatday”?IthinkHewasreferringtothetimeafterthecomingoftheSpirit.HepromisedtheminJohn16:22 thatHewouldsee themagain,andHekeptHispromise.Hespent

fortydayswiththemafterHisresurrection,teachingthemclearlythetruthstheyneeded toknow inorder to takeHisplace andminister on earth (Acts1:3ff.).“Thatday”cannotrefertothedayofHisreturnforHischurch,becausethereisnoevidenceinScripturethatweshallpraytoHimafterwegettoheaven.

JesusknewthattheywantedtoaskHimaquestion(John16:19).Heassuredthem that a day would soon come when they would not ask Him questions.Instead,theywouldpraytotheFather,andHewouldmeettheirneeds.Thiswasthepromisethattheydesperatelyneededtobelieve:thattheFatherlovedthemandwouldhear their requestsandmeet theirneeds.WhileJesuswasonearth,HemetalltheneedsofHisdisciples.NowHewouldreturntotheFather,buttheFatherwouldmeet theirneeds.Here is thewonderfulpromiseandprivilegeofprayer.

OurLordhadmentionedprayermanytimesinHisministry,andHehadsettheexampleforprayerinHisownlife.Hewasindeedamanofprayer.InHisupperroommessage,Jesusemphasizedprayer(John14:12–14;15:7,16;16:23–26). Hemade it clear that believing prayer is one of the secrets of a fruitfulChristianlife.

In John 16:25–27, Jesus explained that there would be a new situationbecause of His resurrection and ascension, and because of the coming of theHolySpiritHewouldnolongerspeaktothemintermsthatdemandedspiritualinsight for theirunderstanding.Hewouldspeak to themplainlyandreveal theFather to them. There in the upper room,He had used a number of symbolicimages to get His message across: the washing of their feet, the “Father’shouse,”thevineandbranches,andthebirthofababy.Inthedaysthatfollowed,theseimageswouldbecomeclearertothedisciplesastheywouldbetaughtbytheSpiritofGod.

ThepurposeofBiblestudyisnotsimplytounderstandprofoundtruths,buttoget toknowtheFatherbetter.“Iwillshowyouplainlyof theFather” (John16:25).IfourreadingandBiblestudyfallsshortofthis,itdoesmoreharmthan

good.Therewouldbenotonlyanewsituationinteaching,butalsoanewsituation

intheirpraying.HehadalreadyintimatedthisinJohn16:23.JesuswouldreturntoheaventobewiththeFather,andthereHewouldministerasourHighPriest,making intercession forus (Rom.8:34;Heb.7:25).Hewouldalsominister asourAdvocate(1John2:1).AsourHighPriest,Jesusgivesusgracetokeepusfromsinning.AsourAdvocate,He restoresuswhenweconfessour sins.Hisministryinheavenmakespossibleourministryofwitnessonearth,throughthepoweroftheSpirit.

When you read the book of Acts, you discover that the early churchdependedonprayer.TheybelievedthepromisesofGodandaskedGodforwhatthey needed. Itwould do all ofGod’s people good if they reviewed regularlywhatJesustaughtaboutprayer in thisUpperRoomDiscourse.Thereis indeedjoy inpraying and in receiving answers toprayer.There is joy inmeeting theconditions Jesus has laid down for successful praying. I think it was GeorgeMüller who said that true prayer was not overcoming God’s reluctance, butovercomingGod’swillingness.

There is joy in prayer, and there is joy in realizing the principle oftransformation. Jesusshareda thirdkindof joy, the joyofsharingHisvictoryovertheworld.

ThereIsaPositiontoClaim(16:29–33)InJohn16:29–30,thedisciplessuddenlymovedoutoftheirspiritualstuporandmadeatremendousaffirmationoffaith.First, theyclaimedtounderstandwhatHehadbeen teaching them, though this claimwasprobablypresumptuous, astheir subsequent actions proved.They seemedunable to grasp themeaning ofHispromisedresurrection.TheywerebewilderedevenafterHisresurrectionastothefutureofIsrael(Acts1:6ff.).Iamnotcriticizingthem,becausewetodayhavejustasmanyblindspotswhenitcomestounderstandingHisWord.AllI

amsuggestingisthattheiraffirmationwasabitpresumptuous.Theynotonlyaffirmedtheirunderstanding,buttheyalsoaffirmedtheirfaith

andassurance.“Nowwearesure…bythiswebelieve.”Itwasquiteastatementof faith, and Ibelieve theLordaccepted it. InHisprayer recorded in thenextchapter,JesustoldtheFatheraboutHisdisciplesandreportedontheirspiritualcondition(John17:6–8).CertainlyHeknewtheirweaknesses,butHewasquicktoapprovetheirgrowingevidencesoffaithandassurance.

Butitispossibletohavefaith,understanding,andassuranceandstillfailtheLord.Unlesswe practice that faith, apply that understanding, and rest on thatassurance,wewillfailwhenthetimeoftestingcomes.Thatiswhathappenedtothedisciples,andJesuswarnedthemthatitwouldhappen.

HehadalreadywarnedPeterthathewoulddenyHim,butnowHewarnedtheentirebandofdisciplesthattheywouldallforsakeHim.JohndoesnotquotetheOldTestamentprophecy (Zech.13:7); it isquoted inMatthew26:31.ThisstatementfromtheLordshouldhavebeenawarningtoPeternottofollowJesuswhenHewas arrested. “Let these go theirway!”was our Lord’sword in thegarden(John18:8).Heknewthatitwasnotsafeforthemtotarry.

Jesushaspromisednevertoleaveusalone(Matt.28:20;Heb.13:5),yetHisowndisciplesleftHimalone.Peter,James,andJohnwentintothegardenwithHim,butthenfellasleep.JesusknewthattheFatherwouldbewithHim.“Iamnotalone,butIandtheFatherthatsentme”(John8:16).“Andhethatsentmeiswith me. The Father hath not left me alone” (John 8:29). What anencouragementitwastotheSontoknowthatHewasdoingtheFather’swillandthatHecoulddependontheFather’shelp.

Atonepoint,however,Jesusdidfeel theabsenceof theFather:“MyGod,myGod,whyhast thou forsakenme?” (Matt. 27:46;Ps. 22:1).WhenHewasmadesinforus,HewasseparatedfromtheFather.Hewasalonethatwemightneverbealone.Hewasforsakenthatwemightneverbeforsaken.

John16:33isthesummaryandclimaxoftheupperroommessage.Whydid

He give this message? So that the disciples might have peace in a world oftribulation.Notethecontrastbetween“inme”and“intheworld.”InChristthereispeace;intheworldthereistribulation.Thisisthepositionweneedtoclaim:WeareinChrist,andthereforewecanovercometheworldandallofitshatred.

GeorgeMorrisondefinedpeaceas “thepossessionof adequate resources.”InJesusChrist,wehavealltheresourcesthatweneed.Butpeacedependsalsoon appropriate relationships, because spiritual resources depend on spiritualrelationships.“Inme”isthekey.Inourselves,wehavenothing,but“inChrist”wehaveallthatweneed.

Everybelieveriseitherovercomeoranovercomer.“Andthisisthevictorythat overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). The world wants toovercome us; this is why Satan uses the world to persecute and pressurebelievers.Theworldwantsus to conform; it doesnotwantus tobedifferent.When we yield ourselves to Christ and trust Him, He enables us to beovercomers.WemustclaimourspiritualpositioninChristandbelieveHimforvictory.

“Be of good cheer!” is one of our Lord’s repeated statements ofencouragement.Literallyitmeans,“Cheerup!”Thereisthe“goodcheer”ofHispardon (Matt. 9:1–8), His power (Matt. 9:18–22), and His presence (Matt.14:22–27).Here inJohn16:33,Heannounces the“goodcheer”ofHisvictoryovertheworld.WeareovercomersbecauseHehasfirstovercomeforus.

Aswereviewthissection,wecanseehowthesethreeexplanationsourLordgaveallfittogether.Herevealedawonderfulprinciple—Godtransformssorrowinto joy. But this principle will not work in our lives unless we believe Hispromise and pray. God has ordained that His work is accomplished throughbelievingprayer.ButwewillnotbeabletoprayeffectivelyifwedonotclaimourpositionasconquerorsinJesusChrist.

ButJohn16:33 isalsoapreface toHisgreatHighPriestlyPrayer.HehadtaughtthemtheWord;nowHewouldprayforthem.TheWordandprayermust

always go together (Acts 6:4).He used thewordworld nineteen times in thisprayer,forinitHeshowsushowtoovercometheworld.HeHimselfwasfacingthe hatred of the world and the Devil, yet He would be able to endure thesufferingandwinthevictory.

ThereisjoywhenwepermitGodtotransformsorrowintojoy.ThereisjoywhenGodanswersprayer.Thereisjoywhenweovercometheworld.

Lettherebejoy!

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Describeasituationinyourlifewhensorroworpainhasturnedintojoy.

2.ReadJohn16:16–33.Whatwasthecauseofthedisciples’sorrow?

3.Howwasthedisciples’sorrowgoingtobetransformedintojoy?

4.HowmuchjoydoyougetwhenyouthinkaboutthesethingsthatJesussaidwouldgiveHisdisciplesjoy?Whyisthat?

5.Whatcanwelearnaboutjoyfromthispassage?

6.Whatcanwelearnaboutprayerfromthispassage?

7.InwhatwaydidJesussuggestthatHeknewthedisciples’weaknessesaswellastheirfaith?

8.Whatwas the sourceof Jesus’ encouragementwhen thedisciples leftHim?Howmuchencouragementdoesthatgiveyou,andwhy?

9.WhatdoesitmeanforustohaveHispeaceintheworld?

10.Howarejoy,prayer,andovercomingtheworldrelated?

11.HowcanyoucooperatewithGod toexperienceHis joymore fullyduringpainfulcircumstances?

ChapterSix

ThePrayeroftheOvercomer(John17)

Most scholarswhohave sought toharmonize theaccounts in the fourgospelshave theLordJesuspraying theprayerof John17 in theupper roomafterHehadfinishedHisinstructionstothedisciples.ThenHeandthedisciplessangthetraditionalPassoverpsalms, left theupper room,andheaded for thegardenofGethsemane,whereJesushadbeenaccustomedtomeetwiththemandpray(seeMatt.26:30–46andMark14:26–42).

WhetherHeprayeditintheupperroomorenroutetothegarden,thismuchis sure: It is the greatest prayer ever prayed on earth and the greatest prayerrecordedanywhereinScripture.John17iscertainlythe“HolyofHolies”ofthegospel record, and we must approach this chapter in a spirit of humility andworship.To think thatweareprivileged to listen inasGod theSonconverseswithHisFatherjustasHeisabouttogiveHislifeasaransomforsinners!

Nomatterwhateventsoccurredlaterthatevening,thisprayermakesitclearthatJesuswasandistheOvercomer.Hewasnota“victim”;HewasandistheVictor!“Beofgoodcheer,”HehadencouragedHisdisciples;“Ihaveovercometheworld”(John16:33).Thewordworldisusednineteentimesinthisprayer,soitiseasytoseetheconnectionbetweentheprayerandJohn16:33.IfyouandIwill understand and apply the truths revealed in this profound prayer, it willenableustobeovercomerstoo.

Theprogressionof thought in thisprayer isnotdifficult todiscover. Jesusfirst prayed for Himself and told the Father that His work on earth had beenfinished(John17:1–5).ThenHeprayedforHisdisciples,thattheFatherwould

keepthemandsanctifythem(John17:6–19).HeclosedHisprayerbyprayingforyouandmeandthewholechurch,thatwemightbeunifiedinHimandonedayshareHisglory(John17:20–26).

WhydidJesuspraythisprayer?CertainlyHewaspreparingHimselfforthesufferingsthatlayahead.AsHecontemplatedtheglorythattheFatherpromisedHim,HewouldreceivenewstrengthforHissacrifice(Heb.12:1–3).ButHealsohad His disciples in mind (John 17:13). What an encouragement this prayershouldhavebeentothem!Heprayedabouttheirsecurity,theirjoy,theirunity,andtheirfutureglory!Healsoprayeditforustoday,sothatwewouldknowallthatHehasdoneforusandgiventous,andallthatHewilldoforuswhenwegettoheaven.

In thisprayer,ourLorddeclares fourwonderfulprivilegeswehaveasHischildren,privilegesthathelptomakeusovercomers.

1.WeShareHisLife(17:1–5)OurLordbeganthisprayerbyprayingforHimself,butinprayingforHimself,Hewasalsoprayingforus.“Aprayerforselfisnotbyanymeansnecessarilyaselfish prayer,” wrote Dr. R. A. Torrey, and an examination of Bible prayersshowsthatthisistrue.OurLord’sburdenwasthegloryofGod,andthisglorywould be realized inHis finishedwork on the cross. The servant ofGod haseveryrighttoaskhisFatherforthehelpneededtoglorifyHisname.“Hallowedbe thyname” is the firstpetition in theLord’sPrayer (Matt.6:9),and it is thefirstemphasisinthisprayer.

“Father, thehour is come” remindsusof themany times in John’sgospelwhen “the hour” is mentioned, beginning at John 2:4. Jesus had lived on a“divinetimetable”whileonearth,andHeknewHewasinthewilloftheFather.“Mytimesareinthyhand”(Ps.31:15).

The importantwordglory is used five times in theseverses, andwemustcarefullydistinguishthevarious“glories”thatJesusmentions.InJohn17:5,He

referred toHispreincarnateglorywith theFather, theglory thatHe laid asidewhenHecametoearthtobeborn,toserve,tosuffer,andtodie.InJohn17:4,HereportedtotheFatherthatHislifeandministryonearthhadglorifiedHim,becauseHe (Jesus) had finished thework theFather gaveHim todo. In John17:1and5,ourLordaskedthatHispreincarnateglorybegiventoHimagain,sothattheSonmightglorifytheFatherinHisreturntoheaven.

Thewordgloryisusedeighttimesinthisprayer,soitisanimportanttheme.He glorified the Father inHismiracles (John 2:11; 11:40), to be sure, butHebrought the greatest glory to the Father throughHis sufferings and death (seeJohn 12:23–25; 13:31–32). From the human point of view, Calvary was arevolting display of man’s sin, but from the divine point of view, the crossrevealedandmagnifiedthegraceandgloryofGod.JesusanticipatedHisreturntoheavenwhenHesaid,“Ihavefinishedtheworkwhichthougavestmetodo”(John 17:4). This “work” includedHismessages andmiracles on earth (John5:17–19), the training of the disciples for future service, andmost of all, Hissacrificeonthecross(Heb.9:24–28;10:11–18).

Itisonthebasisofthis“finishedwork”thatweasbelievershavethegiftofeternallife(John17:2–3).Thewordgiveisusedinoneformoranotherinthisprayer at least seventeen times. Seven times Jesus states that believers are theFather’s gift to His Son (John 17:2, 6, 9, 11–12, 24).We are accustomed tothinkingofJesusastheFather’slovegifttous(John3:16),buttheLordaffirmsthatbelieversaretheFather’s“lovegift”toHisbelovedSon!

“Eternal [everlasting] life” is an important theme in John’s gospel; it ismentionedat leastseventeen times.Eternal life isGod’s freegift to thosewhobelieveonHisSon(John3:15–16,36;6:47;10:28).TheFathergaveHisSontheauthoritytogiveeternallifetothosewhomtheFathergavetotheSon.Fromthehumanviewpoint,we receive thegiftofeternal lifewhenwebelieveonJesusChrist.Butfromthedivineviewpoint,wehavealreadybeengiventotheSonindivineelection.Thisisamysterythatthehumanmindcannotfullyunderstand

orexplain;wemustacceptitbyfaith.Whatis“eternallife”?ItisknowingGodpersonally.Notjustknowingabout

Him,buthavingapersonalrelationshipwithHimthroughfaithinJesusChrist.WecannotknowtheFatherapartfromtheSon(John14:6–11).Itisnotenoughsimply to “believe inGod”; thiswill never save a lost soul from eternal hell.“The devils [demons] also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19). Our Lord’sdebatewiththeJewishleaders(John8:12ff.)makesitclearthatpeoplemaybedevoutlyreligiousandstillnotknowGod.Eternallifeisnotsomethingweearnby character or conduct; it is a gift we receive by admitting we are sinners,repenting,andbelievingonJesusChristandJesusChristalone.

TheFatheransweredHisSon’srequestandgaveHimtheglory.ThereisinheaventodayaglorifiedMan,theGod-Man,JesusChrist!BecauseHehasbeenglorified in heaven, sinners can be saved on earth. Anyone who trusts JesusChristwillreceivethegiftofeternallife.

BecauseweshareHislife,weareovercomers,forwealsoshareHisvictory!“Forwhatsoever is bornofGodovercometh theworld; and this is the victorythatovercomeththeworld,evenourfaith”(1John5:4).Whenyouwerebornthefirsttime,youwereborn“inAdam”andwerealoser.WhenyouarebornagainthroughfaithinChrist,youarebornawinner!

Satanhas tried toobscure theprecious truthof the finishedworkof JesusChrist,becauseheknowsitisabasisforspiritualvictory.“Andtheyovercamehim[Satan]bythebloodoftheLamb”(Rev.12:11).Don’tletSatanrobyouofyourovercomingpowerthroughChrist’sfinishedwork.

2.WeKnowHisName(John17:6–12)ChristhasgivenHisowneternallife(John17:2),butHehasalsogiventhemtherevelationof theFather’sname (John17:6).TheOldTestament JewknewhisGodas“Jehovah,”thegreatIAM(Ex.3:11–14).Jesustookthissacredname“IAM” andmade itmeaningful toHis disciples: “I am the bread of life” (John

6:35);“Iamthelightoftheworld”(John8:12);“Iamthegoodshepherd”(John10:11); etc. In other words, Jesus revealed the Father’s gracious name byshowingHisdisciplesthatHewaseverythingtheyneeded.

But theFather’sname includesmuchmore than this, for Jesusalso taughtHisdisciples thatGod—thegreat IAM—was theirheavenlyFather.ThewordFatherisusedfifty-threetimesinJohn13—17,and122timesinJohn’sgospel!InHismessagestotheJews,Jesusmadeitclear that theFathersentHim,thatHewasequaltotheFather,andthatHiswordsandworkscamefromtheFather.Itwasaclearclaimtodeity,buttheyrefusedtobelieve.

IntheBible,“name”refersto“nature,”becausenamessooftenweregivento reveal something special about the nature of the person bearing the name.Jacobwasaschemer,andhisnamecomesfromaHebrewroot thatmeans“totakebytheheel,”i.e.,totripup,todeceive(Gen.25:26).ThenameIsaacmeans“laughter”(Gen.21:6)becausehebroughtjoytoAbrahamandSarah.EventhenameJesusrevealsthatHeistheSavior(Matt.1:21).

“Ihavemanifested thyname”means“Ihave revealed thenatureofGod.”One of the ministries of the Son was to declare the Father (John 1:18). TheGreekwordtranslated“declared”means,“tounfold,tolead,toshowtheway.”JesusdidnotinstantlyrevealtheFatherinablazeofblindingglory,becauseHisdisciples could not have endured that kind of experience. Gradually, by HiswordsandHisdeeds,HerevealedtothemthenatureofGod,astheywereabletobearit(John16:12).

Theemphasisinthissectionisonthesafetyofthebeliever;GodkeepsHisown (John 17:11–12).Our safety depends on the nature ofGod, not our owncharacterorconduct.WhenHewasonearth,JesuskeptHisdisciples,andtheycould depend onHim. “I kept them in thy name” (John 17:12). If the limitedSavior,inahumanbody,couldkeepHisownwhileHewasonearth,shouldHenotbeabletokeepthemnowthatHeisglorifiedinheaven?HeandtheFather,togetherwiththeHolySpirit,aresurelyabletoguardandsecureGod’speople!

Furthermore,God’speoplearetheFather’sgifttoHisSon.WouldtheFatherpresentHisSonwithagiftthatwouldnotlast?ThediscipleshadbelongedtotheFatherbycreationandbycovenant(theywereJews),butnowtheybelongedtotheSon.HowpreciousweareinHissight!HowHewatchesoverusandevennowpraysforus!Wheneveryoufeelas thoughtheLordhasforgottenyou,orthatHisloveseemsfaraway,readRomans8:28–39—andrejoice!

Oursecurityrestsinanotherfact:WeareheretoglorifyHim(John17:10).With all of their failures and faults, the disciples still receive this word ofcommendation:“Iamglorifiedinthem.”WoulditbringglorytoGodifoneofHisown,who trusted in theSavior, didnotmake it toheaven?Certainlynot!ThiswasMoses’argumentwhenthenationofIsraelsinned:“WhereforeshouldtheEgyptiansspeak,andsay,‘Formischiefdidhebringthemout,toslaytheminthemountains,andtoconsumethemfromthefaceoftheearth?’”(Ex.32:12).CertainlyGodknowsallthings,sowhysavethematallifHeknowstheywillfailalongtheway?WhateverGodstarts,Hefinishes(Phil.1:6).

GodhasprovidedthedivineresourcesforustoglorifyHimandbefaithful.WehaveHisWord(John17:7–8),andHisWordrevealstousallthatwehaveinJesusChrist.TheWordgivesus faithandassurance.Wehave theSonofGodinterceding for us (John 17:9; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 4:14–16). Since the Fatheralways answers the prayers of His Son (John 11:41–42), this intercessoryministryhelpstokeepussafeandsecure.

Wealsohavethefellowshipofthechurch:“thattheymaybeone,asweare”(John17:11).TheNewTestamentknowsnothingofisolatedbelievers;whereveryoufindsaints,youfindtheminfellowship.Why?BecauseGod’speopleneedeachother.JesusopenedHisupperroommessagebywashingthedisciples’feetand teaching them tominister to one another. In the hours thatwould follow,thesemen(includingconfidentPeter!)woulddiscoverhowweaktheywereandhowmuchtheyneededeachother’sencouragement.

Thebeliever, then, issecure inChrist formanyreasons: theverynatureof

God,thenatureofsalvation,thegloryofGod,andtheintercessoryministryofChrist.ButwhataboutJudas?Washesecure?Howdidhefall?WhydidJesusnotkeephimsafe?For thesimplereason thatJudaswasneveroneofChrist’sown. Jesus faithfullykeptall that theFathergave toHim,butJudashadneverbeengiven toHimby theFather. Judaswasnotabeliever (John6:64–71);hehadneverbeencleansed(John13:11);hehadnotbeenamongthechosen(John13:18);hehadneverbeengiventoChrist(John18:8–9).

No,Judasisnotanexampleofabelieverwho“losthissalvation.”Heisanexample of an unbeliever who pretended to have salvation but was finallyexposedasafraud.JesuskeepsallwhomtheFathergivestoHim(John10:26–30).

WeareovercomersbecauseweshareHislife.Thereisathirdprivilegethatenablesustoovercome.

3.WeHaveHisWord(17:13–19)“Ihavegiventhemthyword”(John17:14;andseev.8).TheWordofGodisthegiftofGodtous.TheFathergavethewordstoHisSon(John17:8),andtheSongave themtoHisdiscipleswho, in turn,havepassed themalong tousas theywereinspiredbytheSpirit(2Tim.3:16;2Peter1:20–21).TheWordisdivineinorigin,apreciousgiftfromheaven.WemustnevertakeGod’sWordforgranted,forthosewhoareovercomersknowtheWordandhowtouseitindailylife.

HowdoestheWordofGodenableustoovercometheworld?Tobeginwith,it gives us joy (John 17:13), and this inward joy gives us the strength toovercome (Neh. 8:10). We commonly think of Jesus Christ as “a man ofsorrows” (Isa. 53:3), and indeed He was; but He was also a person of deep,abidingjoy.John17:13istheveryheartofthisprayer,anditsthemeisjoy!

JesushadreferredtoHisjoyalready(John15:11)andhadexplainedthatjoycomesby transformationandnotsubstitution(John16:20–22).Joyalsocomesfromansweredprayer (John16:23–24).NowHemade it clear that joy comes

from theWordalso.Thebelieverdoesnot findhis joy in theworldbut in theWord. Like John the Baptist, we should rejoice greatly when we hear theBridegroom’svoice(John3:29)!

We must never picture Jesus going around with a long face and amelancholydisposition.Hewasamanofjoy,andHerevealedthatjoytoothers.HisjoywasnotthefleetinglevityofasinfulworldbuttheabidingenjoymentoftheFather and theWord.Hedidnotdependonoutwardcircumstancesbutoninwardspiritualresources thatwerehiddenfromtheworld.This is thekindofjoyHewantsustohave,andwecanhaveitthroughHisWord.“Thywordwasuntomethejoyandrejoicingofmineheart”(Jer.15:16).“Ihaverejoicedinthewayofthytestimonies,asmuchasinallriches”(Ps.119:14).“Irejoiceat thyword,asonethatfindethgreatspoil”(Ps.119:162).

TheWordnotonlyimpartsthejoyoftheLord,butitalsoassuresusofHislove (John17:14).Theworldhatesus, butweare able to confront this hatredwithGod’sownlove,aloveimpartedtousbytheSpiritthroughtheWord.Theworldhatesusbecausewedonotbelongtoitssystem(John15:18–19)andwillnotbeconformedtoitspracticesandstandards(Rom.12:2).TheWordrevealstouswhattheworldisreallylike;theWordexposestheworld’sdeceptionsanddangerousdevices.

TheworldcompetesfortheFather’slove(1John2:15–17),buttheWordofGodenablesustoenjoytheFather’slove.Oneofthefirststepstowardaworldlylife is the neglect of theWordofGod.D.L.Moodywrote in the front of hisBible,“Thisbookwillkeepyoufromsinorsinwillkeepyoufromthisbook.”Just as the pillar of fire was darkness to the Egyptians but light to Israel, soGod’sWordisourlightinthisdarkworld,buttheworldcannotunderstandthethingsofGod(Ex.14:20;1Cor.2:12–16).

TheWordofGodnotonlybringsusGod’sjoyandlove,butitalsoimpartsGod’spowerforholyliving(John17:15–17).TheburdenofourLord’sprayerinJohn 17:6–12was security, but here it is sanctity, practical, holy living to the

gloryofGod.Weareintheworldbutnotoftheworld,andwemustnotliveliketheworld.Sometimeswethinkitwouldbeeasierifwewere“outoftheworld,”butthisisnottrue.Whereverwego,wetakeourownsinfulselfwithus,andthepowers of darkness will follow us. I have met people who have gone into“spiritualisolation”inordertobecomemoreholy,onlytodiscoverthatitdoesnotalwayswork.

Truesanctification(beingsetapartforGod)comesthroughtheministryoftheWordofGod.“NowyearecleanthroughthewordwhichIhavespokenuntoyou” (John15:3).Whenyouwere saved, youwere set apart forGod.As yougrowinyourfaith,youaremoreandmoreexperiencingsanctification.Youlovesin less andyou loveGodmore.Youwant to serveHimandbe a blessing toothers.AllofthiscomesthroughtheWord.

God’struthhasbeengiventousinthree“editions”:HisWordistruth(John17:17);HisSonisthetruth(John14:6);andHisSpiritisthetruth(1John5:6).Weneedallthreeifwearetoexperiencetruesanctification,asanctificationthattouches every part of our inner person.With the mind, we learnGod’s truththroughtheWord.Withtheheart,we loveGod’s truth,HisSon.With thewill,we yield to theSpirit and liveGod’s truth day by day. It takes all three for abalancedexperienceofsanctification.

ItisnotenoughmerelytostudytheBibleandlearnagreatdealofdoctrinaltruth.WemustalsoloveJesusChristmoreaswelearnallthatHeisandallHehasdoneforus.Learningandlovingshouldleadtoliving,allowingtheSpiritofGodtoenableustoobeyHisWord.ThisishowweglorifyHiminthispresentevilworld.

TheWordgivesusjoy, love,andpowertoliveaholylife.Italsogivesuswhat we need to serve Him as witnesses in this world (John 17:18–19).Sanctificationisnotforthepurposeofselfishenjoymentorboasting;itissothatwemightrepresentChristinthisworldandwinotherstoHim.JesussetHimselfapartforus,andnowHehassetusapartforHim.TheFathersentHimintothe

world,andnowHesendsusintotheworld.Wearepeople“underorders,”andwehadbetterobey!Jesusisnow“setapart”inheaven,prayingforus,thatourwitnesswillbearfruitasmanyrepentoftheirsinsandturntotheLord.

HowcanwebeovercomebytheworldwhenwehavetheWordofGodtoenlightenus,enableus,andencourageus?

4.WeShareHisGlory(17:20–26)HereourLordfocusesourattentiononthefuture.Hebeginstoprayforuswholivetoday,forthewholechurchthroughoutallages.Hehasalreadyprayedaboutsecurityandsanctity;nowtheburdenofHisprayerisunity.HeisconcernedthatHispeopleexperienceaspiritualunitythatisliketheonenessoftheFatherandtheSon.Christiansmaybelong todifferent fellowships,but theyallbelong totheLordandtoeachother.

The disciples had often exhibited a spirit of selfishness, competition, anddisunity, and thismusthavebroken theSavior’sheart. IwonderhowHe feelswhenHeseestheconditionofthechurchtoday!ThePuritanpreacherThomasBrookswrote:“DiscordanddivisionbecomenoChristian.Forwolvestoworrythelambsisnowonder,butforonelambtoworryanother,thisisunnaturalandmonstrous.”

What is the basis for true Christian unity? The person andwork of JesusChristandHisglory(John17:2–5).HehasalreadygivenHisglorytous,andHepromisesthatwewillfurtherexperiencethatglorywhenwegettoheaven!AlltruebelievershaveGod’sglorywithin,nomatterwhattheymaylooklikeontheoutside. Christian harmony is not based on the externals of the flesh but theinternalsandeternalsoftheSpiritintheinnerperson.Wemustlookbeyondtheelementsofourfirstbirth—race,color,abilities,etc.—andbuildourfellowshipontheessentialsofournewbirth.

WealreadypossessHisglorywithin(John17:22;andnoteRom.8:29),andonedayweshallbeholdHisglory inheaven(John17:24).Aswegrowin the

Lord,theglorywithinbeginstogrowandtorevealitselfinwhatwesayanddoandthewaywesayanddoit.Peopledonotseeusandglorifyus;theyseetheLordandglorifyHim(Matt.5:16;1Cor.6:19–20).

Oneofthethingsthatmost impressestheworldis thewayChristiansloveeachotherandlivetogetherinharmony.ItisthiswitnessthatourLordwantsintheworld“thattheworldmaybelievethatthouhastsentme”(John17:21).ThelostworldcannotseeGod,buttheycanseeChristians,andwhattheyseeinusiswhat theywillbelieveaboutGod. If theysee loveandunity, theywillbelievethatGodislove.Iftheyseehatredanddivision,theywillrejectthemessageofthegospel.

Jesus has assured us that somewill believe because of our witness (John17:20), but we must make sure that our witness is true and loving. SomeChristiansareprosecutingattorneysandjudgesinsteadoffaithfulwitnesses,andthisonlyturnslostsinnersawayfromtheSavior.

There is every reason why believers should love one another and live inunity.WetrustthesameSaviorandsharethesameglory.Wewillonedayenjoythesameheaven!WebelongtothesameFatherandseektodothesamework,witnessingtoalostworldthatJesusChristalonesavesfromsin.Webelievethesametruth,eventhoughwemayhavedifferentviewsofminordoctrinalmatters,andwefollowthesameexamplethatJesussetforHispeople,toliveaholylife.Yes, believers do have their differences, butwe havemuchmore in common,and this should encourage us to love one another and promote true spiritualunity.

IhaveoftenusedJohn17:24asatextforfuneralmeditations.HowdoweknowthatChristiansgotoheaven?BecauseofthepricethatJesuspaid(1Thess.5:9–10), and the promise that Jesus made (John 14:1–6), and the prayer thatJesusprayed(John17:24).TheFatheralwaysanswersHisSon’sprayers,soweknowthatbelieverswhodiedogotoheaventobeholdthegloryofGod.

InJohn17:25–26,therearenopetitions.JesussimplyreportedtoHisFather

about the ministry in the world, and He made several declarations that areimportanttous.HedeclaredthattheworlddoesnotknowtheFather,butthatwebelieversknowHimbecause theSonhas revealed theFather tous.TheworldcertainlyhasmanyopportunitiestogettoknowtheFather,butitpreferstogooninblindnessandhardnessofheart.Our taskasChristians is tobearwitness tothelostworldandshareGod’ssavingmessage.

Healsodeclares the importanceof truth and love in the church.BelieversknowGod’sname(nature)andevenshareinthatdivinenature.Jesusmakesitclearthattruthandlovemustgotogether(seeEph.4:15).Ithaswellbeensaidthattruthwithoutloveisbrutality,butlovewithouttruthishypocrisy.Themindgrowsbytakingintruth,buttheheartgrowsbygivingoutinlove.Knowledgealonecanleadtopride(1Cor.8:1),andlovealonecanleadtowrongdecisions(seePhil.1:9–10).Christianlovemustnotbeblind!

As you review this prayer, you see the spiritual priorities thatwere in theSavior’sheart: thegloryofGod; thesanctityofGod’speople; theunityof thechurch;theministryofsharingthegospelwithalostworld.Wetodaywouldbewisetofocusonthesesamepriorities.

Oneday,eachofuswillhavetogiveanaccountofhisorherministry.ItisasolemnthoughtthatweshallstandbeforethejudgmentseatofChristandgiveour“finalreport.”

Itrustthatwewillbeabletosay,“Ihaveglorifiedtheeontheearth;Ihavefinishedtheworkwhichthougavestmetodo”(John17:4).

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Howdopeopletrytogetrecognitionforthemselves?

2.ReadJohn17.WhywasJesusinterestedonlyintheFather’srecognition?

3.WhydidJesusbeginthisprayerbyprayingforHimself?

4.HowwouldyoudescribeJesus’relationshipwiththeFather?

5.WhichofJesus’requestsforHisdisciplesseemsespeciallysignificanttoyou?Why?

6.HowcanwebesurethatwearesecureinChrist?

7.HowdoesGod’sWordenableustoovercometheworld?

8.HowdoesGodsanctifyusthroughHistruth?

9.WhatdidJesusprayforthosewhoweretocome,includingus?WhywasthissuchapriorityforHim?

10.Howcanbelieversdemonstratetrueunity?

11.Howdoesthisprayer,inJohn17,suggestwecanshareinJesus’overcomingoftheworld?

12.InwhatwaysdoyouneedtochangeyourprioritiestomatchJesus’?

ChapterSeven

GuiltandGraceintheGarden(John18:1–27)

The private ministry of our Lord with His disciples has now ended, and thepublicdramaofredemptionisabout tobegin.Manwilldohisworst,andGodwillrespondwithHisverybest.“Butwheresinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound”(Rom.5:20).

PerhapsthebestwaytoseethetruthsinJohn18:1–27,andgraspthelessonstheyconvey,istopayattentiontothesymbolismthatisinvolved.John’sgospelis saturatedwith symbols, somemore obvious than others, and these symbolsconvey some important spiritual truths. There are five such symbols in thissection.

1.TheGarden—Obedience(18:1)TheKidronValley is located east of Jerusalem, between the citywall and theMount of Olives, and the garden of Gethsemane is on the western slope ofOlivet. Jesus often went to this garden with His disciples, no doubt to rest,meditate, and pray (Luke 22:39). Jerusalemwas filledwith pilgrims attendingthe Passover, and Jesus would want to get away from the crowded city to aprivateplace.HeknewthatJudaswouldcomeforHimthere,andHewasready.

Humanhistorybeganinagarden(Gen.2:8ff.),andthefirstsinofmanwascommittedinthatgarden.ThefirstAdamdisobeyedGodandwascastoutofthegarden, but the Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45) was obedient as He went into thegarden of Gethsemane. In a garden, the first Adam brought sin and death tomankind,butJesus,byHisobedience,broughtrighteousnessandlifetoallwho

willtrustHim.Hewas“obedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross”(Phil.2:8).

History will one day end in another garden, the heavenly city that Johndescribes inRevelation21and22. In thatgarden, therewillbenomoredeathandnomorecurse.Theriverofthewateroflifewillflowceaselessly,andthetreeoflifewillproducebountifulfruit.Edenwasthegardenofdisobedienceandsin;Gethsemanewasthegardenofobedienceandsubmission;andheavenshallbetheeternalgardenofdelightandsatisfaction,tothegloryofGod.

ThenameGethsemanemeans“oilpress.”EventodaythereareancientolivetreesinGethsemane,thoughcertainlynottheonesthatwerethereinJesus’day.Theoliveswouldbepickedandputintothepressfortheiroil.Whatapictureofsuffering! So our Lordwould go through the “oil press” and the “winepress”(Isa.63:3)andtasteourjudgmentforus.

The brook Kidron is also significant. The name means “dusky, gloomy,”referringtothedarkwatersthatwereoftenstainedbythebloodfromthetemplesacrifices.OurLordandHisdiscipleswereabouttogothrough“darkwaters,”andJesuswouldexperiencethe“wavesandbillows”ofGod’swrath(Ps.42:7;alsonoteJonah2:3).

TheKidronhadspecialhistorical significance, forKingDavidcrossed theKidron when he was rejected by his nation and betrayed by his own son,Absalom (2 Sam. 15; also note John 18:23). Jesus had been rejected by HispeopleandatthatverymomentwasbeingbetrayedbyoneofHisowndisciples!ItisinterestingthatDavid’streacherouscounselorAhithophelhangedhimself(2Sam. 17:23), and David’s treacherous son Absalomwas caught in a tree andkilled while hanging there (2 Sam. 18:9–17). Judas, of course, went out andhangedhimself(Matt.27:3–10).

Jesus fully knew what lay before Him, yet He went to the garden inobedience to theFather’swill.He left eightof themennear theentrance,andtookPeter,James,andJohnandwenttoanotherpartofthegardentopray(Matt.

26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42). His human soul longed for the kind ofencouragementandcompanionshiptheycouldgiveHimatthiscriticalhour,butalas,theywenttosleep!ItwaseasyforthementoboastabouttheirdevotiontoChrist,butwhenthetestcame,theyfailedmiserably.Beforewejudgethemtooseverely,however,wehadbetterexamineourownhearts.

2.TheKiss—Treachery(18:2–9)JudashadlivedwiththeLordJesusforperhapsthreeyearsandhadlistenedtoHim teach, yet he knew very little about Him. The traitor actually brought acompany of temple guards, armed with swords and clubs (Matt. 26:55)! JustthinkoftheprivilegesJudasdespisedandtheopportunitieshewasted!ThewordbandinJohn18:3couldbetranslated“cohort.”ARomancohortwasatenthofalegion,andthiswouldbesixhundredmen!ItisnotlikelythatJudasbroughtthatmanytothegarden,butapparentlyafullcohortwasmadeavailabletohimhadheneededit.DidhenotrealizethattheLambofGodwouldmeeklysubmitandthattherewouldbenoneedtobattle?

Jesuswasinfullcontrol;Heknewwhatwouldhappen(seeJohn13:1,3,11;16:19).Judasexpectedsomekindofdeception,sohearrangedtoidentifyJesusbykissingHim(Matt.26:48–49).ButJesusshockedbothJudasandthearrestingofficers by boldly presenting Himself to them. He had nothing to fear andnothing to hide; He would willingly lay down His life for His sheep.Furthermore, by surrendering to the officers, Jesus helped to protect Hisdisciples. He kept them safe not only spiritually (John 17:11–12) but alsophysically.

WhydidthearrestingsoldiersdrawbackandfalltothegroundwhenJesustold them, “I am he”? The Jews present would be struck by His “I am”statement,anaffirmationofdeity.TheRomans,whowereinthemajority,wouldbestruckbyHisbearing,foritwasobviousthatHewasincommand.Itwasanemotionally charged situation, andwe do not knowwhat Judas had told them

aboutJesustohelppreparethemforthisconfrontation.TheJewishleadershadtried to have Jesus arrested before and alwayswithout success.The bandwasprepared for conflict, andwhen theymetwith surrender and calm, theywereoverwhelmed.

Perhaps it was a manifestation of divine power, or an exhibition of themajesty of JesusChrist. “When thewicked, evenmine enemies andmy foes,cameuponmetoeatupmyflesh,theystumbledandfell”(Ps.27:2).

Judas’skiss,whichwasgiven repeatedly to theLord,wascertainlyoneofthe basest acts of treachery recorded anywhere in sacred or secular history. Inthat day, a kiss was a sign of affection and devotion.Members of the familykissed each other in meeting and in parting, but Judas was not a member ofGod’sfamily.Disciplesgreetedarabbibykissinghim;itwasasignofdevotionand obedience. But Judas was not truly a disciple of Jesus Christ, though hebelonged to the disciple band. In the garden, Judas stoodwith the enemy, notwithJesus’friends!

WhenpeopletodaypretendtoknowandlovetheLord,theyarecommittingthesinofJudas.ItisbadenoughtobetrayChrist,buttodoitwithakiss,asignofaffection,isthebasesttreacheryofall.Itwasborninthepitofhell.

3.TheSword—Rebellion(18:10)All of the disciples had courageously affirmed their devotion to Christ (Matt.26:35),andPeterdecidedtoproveit,sohequicklydrewoutasmallswordandstarted to fight!He certainlymisunderstoodwhat Jesushad said about swordsearlierthatevening(Luke22:35–38).Hehadwarnedthemthatfromnowonthesituationwouldchange,andmenwouldtreatthemastransgressors.Hewasnotsuggesting that theyusematerial swords to fightspiritualbattles,but that theygetanewmind-setandexpectoppositionandevendanger.Hehadprovidedforthem and protected themwhileHewaswith them on earth, but nowHewasreturning to the Father. They would have to depend on the Holy Spirit and

exercisewisdom.Peterapparently tookHiswords literallyandthoughthewassupposedtodeclarewar!

Peter’s sword symbolizes rebellion against the will of God. Peter shouldhaveknownthatJesuswouldbearrestedandthatHewouldwillinglysurrendertoHisenemies(Matt.16:21ff.;17:22–23;20:17–19).Petermadeeverymistakepossible!He fought thewrongenemy,used thewrongweapon,had thewrongmotive,andaccomplishedthewrongresult!HewasopenlyresistingthewillofGodandhinderingtheworkthatJesuscametoaccomplish!Whileweadmirehiscourage and sincerity, it was certainly a demonstration of zeal withoutknowledge.

WhydidPeterfailsomiserably?Foronething,hehadarguedwiththeLordwhenJesuswarnedhimthathewoulddenyhisMasterthatverynight.Peterhadsleptwhen he should have been praying, and he talkedwhen he should havebeenlistening.HeimitatedtheveryenemieswhocametoarrestJesus,fortheytoowerearmedwithswords.PeterwoulddiscoverthattheswordoftheSpiritistheweaponGod’sservantsuseinfightingtheirspiritualbattles(Heb.4:12;Eph.6:17).HewouldusethatswordatPentecostand“slay”threethousandsouls!

JesusdidnotneedPeter’sprotection.Hecouldhavesummoned legionsofangelshadHewantedtobedelivered(Matt.26:52–54).LuketellsusthatJesushealedMalchus’sear(John22:51),whichwascertainlyanactofgraceonHispart.ItwasgraciousfromPeter’spointofview,forhadHenothealedMalchus,Petermighthavebeenarrested andcrucified!Peterwas acting likeoneof theJewishZealotsandnotlikeadiscipleofJesusChrist.

But it was also an act of grace towardMalchus.After all, hewas only aservant,andwhyworryaboutwhathappenstoaservant?Hewasalsoanenemy,standing with the men who came to arrest Jesus, so he ought to suffer! Is itpossiblethatMalchushadactuallylaidholdofJesus?Wedonotknow,butifhedid, he laid hands on the holy Son ofGod.However, our Lord did not judgeMalchus,thoughhewasasinnerdeservingthewrathofGod.Instead,Hehealed

him!ItwasourLord’slastpublicmiraclebeforethecross.KeepinmindthatthismiraclerevealsHisgracetowardus.IfJesushadthe

power to stun an armed mob and heal a severed ear, He could have savedHimselffromarrest,trial,anddeath.ButHewillinglysubmitted!AndHediditforus!

It is a sad thing when well-meaning but ignorant Christians take up thesword to “defend” the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter hurt Malchus, something nobeliever should do. Peter hurt the testimony of Christ and gave the falseimpression thatHisdiscipleshate theirenemiesand try todestroy them.(NoteourLord’sreplytoPilateinJohn18:36.)

4.TheCup—Submission(18:11–14)Peterhada sword inhishand,butourLordhadacup inHishand.PeterwasresistingGod’swill,buttheSaviorwasacceptingGod’swill.Earlier,Jesushadprayed,“OmyFather,ifitbepossible,letthiscuppassfromme;nevertheless,notasIwill,butasthouwilt”(Matt.26:39).ThecuprepresentedthesufferingHewouldendureandtheseparationfromtheFather thatHewouldexperienceon thecross.Heprayed thisprayer three times,evidence thatHiswholebeingwas sensitive to thepriceHewouldpay forour salvation.Hisholy soulmusthavebeenstirredtothedepthswhenHecontemplatedbeingmadesin!

The drinking of a cup is often used in Scripture to illustrate experiencingsufferingandsorrow.WhenBabyloncapturedJerusalem,thecityhad“drunkenthedregsof thecupof trembling” (Isa.51:17). JeremiahpicturedGod’swrathagainst thenationsas thepouringoutofacup(Jer.25:15–28).There isalsoacupofconsolation(Jer.16:7)andtheoverflowingcupofjoy(Ps.23:5).

Jesus had compared His own sufferings to the drinking of a cup and theexperiencingofabaptism(Matt.20:22–23).WhenHeinstitutedthesupper,HecomparedthecuptoHisblood,shedfortheremissionofsins(Matt.26:27–28).TheimagewasafamiliaronetoHisdisciples,anditisnotanunfamiliarimage

today.To“drink thecup”means togo throughwithadifficultexperience,and“notmycupoftea”meanssayingnotoacertaincourseofaction.Thefactthatsome trophies aredesigned like cups suggests thatwinnershavebeen throughdemandingexperiencesandhadto“swallowalot.”

Jesuswas able to accept the cup because itwasmixed by the Father andgiventoHimfromtheFather’shand.HedidnotresisttheFather’swill,becauseHecametodotheFather’swillandfinishtheworktheFathergaveHimtodo.“Idelighttodothywill,OmyGod:yea,thylawiswithinmyheart”(Ps.40:8).SincetheFatherhadmixedandmeasuredthecontentsofthecup,JesusknewHehadnothingtofear.

This is a good lesson to us:We need never fear the cups that the Fatherhandstous.Tobeginwith,ourSaviorhasalreadydrunkthecupbeforeus,andwe are only following in His steps. We need never fear what is in the cupbecause theFatherhasprepared it forus in love. Ifweask forbread,Hewillnevergiveusastone,andthecupHeprepareswillnevercontainanythingthatwill harm us. We may suffer pain and heartbreak, but He will eventuallytransformthatsufferingintoglory.

Jesus deliberately gaveHimself toHis enemies.They boundHim and ledHim to thehouseofAnnas,whichwasnot too faraway.Annashadservedashighpriestuntilhewasdeposedby theRomans;nowhisson-in-lawCaiaphaswasthehighpriest.Godhadordainedthatonemanshouldserveashighpriestforalifetime,soitiseasytoseethattheJewishreligiousestablishmentwasinsadcondition.Itisgenerallybelievedthatthehighpriest’sfamilywasinchargeofthetemple“business,”andthefactthatJesustwicecleansedthetemplemusthavearousedtheirangeragainstHim.

The“trial”beforeAnnaswasmorelikeaninformalhearing.Itwasillegal,anditwasbrutal.Imagineaguardbeingallowedtostrikeaprisoner!Imagineamannotholdinganofficeinterrogatingaprisoner!

Annas,ofcourse,waslookingforsomekindofevidenceonwhichtobase

anaccusationthatwouldleadtoaverdictofcapitalpunishment.Whatdoctrinewas Jesus teaching?Was it subversive? Jesus told him to ask the peoplewholistened toHim, becauseHe had said nothing secretly. In fact,Annas himselfcouldhavecomeandlistened!

What about our Lord’s disciples? Were they organized to overthrow thegovernment?Didnotoneofthemusehisswordinthegarden?JesuswascarefultosaynothingaboutHisdisciples.Thinkofit:WhilePeterwasinthecourtyarddenyinghisLord,JesuswasontrialprotectingPeter!

Jewish law demanded that witnesses be called before a prisoner wasquestioned. Annas defied this law, and eventually the council hired falsewitnesses. JesusknewHis rights (“bearwitnessof theevil”—John18:23),butHedidnotinsistonthem.Heisanexampletouswhenwesufferwrongfully(1Peter2:19–25;4:12–19).

5.TheFire—Denial(18:15–27)Jesushadpredicted thatPeterwoulddenyHim three times (Matt.26:34; John13:38), but that hewould be restored to fellowship and service (Luke 22:32).Peterfollowedthecrowdwhenheshouldhavebeenfleeing(John18:8;andseeMatt. 26:30–32).Hadhegonehisway,hewouldneverhavedenied theLord.While we certainly admire his love and courage, we cannot agree with hisactions, for he walked right into temptation. This is what Jesus warned himaboutinthegarden(Matt.26:41).

Wedonotknowwho theotherdisciplewaswhowentwithPeter into thecourtyard of the home of the high priest. It was probably John, though it isdifficulttounderstandhowafishermancouldbeacquaintedwiththehighpriestandhishousehold.Was this “otherdisciple”possiblyNicodemusor JosephofArimathea?Theywouldcertainlyhaveaccesstothishome.

As you watch Peter, you see him gradually moving into the place oftemptationand sin, andhis actionsparallel thedescription inPsalm1:1.First,

Peterwalked“inthecounseloftheungodly”whenhefollowedJesusandwentintothehighpriest’scourtyard.PetershouldhavefollowedthecounselofJesusandgottenoutofthereinahurry!Then,Peterstoodwiththeenemybythefire(John18:16,18),andbefore long,hesatwith theenemy(Luke22:55). Itwasnowtoolate,andwithinashorttime,hewoulddenyhisLordthreetimes.

First,aservantgirlasked,“Artnot thoualsooneof thisman’sdisciples?”TheGreek text indicates that sheexpectedanegativeanswer,and that iswhatshegot!PeterdeniedChristbydenyingthathebelongedtothebandofdisciples.

Peterremainedbythefire,soitisnowonderthathewasapproachedagain.(That samenight, Jesus hadbeenperspiring asHehadprayed in the garden!)Anotherservantgirlaskedthesamequestion,againexpectinganegativereply.ThepronountheyinJohn18:25suggeststhatothersinthecirclearoundthefiretookupthequestionandonebyonehurleditatPeter.

The third question came from one of Malchus’s relatives! The Greekconstructionindicatesthatheexpectedanaffirmativeanswer:“Isawyouinthegardenwith Jesus,didn’t I?Yes, Idid!”After all, thismanhadgottenagoodlookatPeterbecausehewasprobablystandingwithMalchuswhenJesuswasarrested. Some of the bystanders took up the discussion (Matt. 26:73; Mark14:70)sothatPetermayhavebeensurroundedbychallengers.

Atthatpoint,Peter’sresistancebrokedowncompletely.Hebeganto“curseand swear” (Matt. 26:74). This does notmean that Peter let loose a volley ofblasphemies,butratherthatheputhimselfunderacurseinordertoemphasizehisstatement.Hewasontrial,soheputhimselfunderanoathtoconvincehisaccusersthathewastellingthetruth.

Itwasat thatpoint that thecockbegan tocrow(John18:27) justas Jesushad predicted (Matt. 26:34). There were four “watches”: evening (6:00–9:00p.m.), midnight (9:00–12:00), cockcrowing (12 midnight to 3:00 a.m.), andmorning(3:00–6:00a.m.)(seeMark13:35).ThecrowingofthecockremindedPeteroftheLord’swords,andhewentoutandweptbitterly.

The crowing of the cockwas assurance to Peter that Jesuswas totally incontrolof the situation, even thoughHewasboundandbeingharassedby theauthorities.Bycontrollingonebird,JesusaffirmedHissovereignty.AccordingtoGenesis1:26,Godgavemanauthorityoverthefish,thefowl,andtheanimals.PeterhadseenJesusexerciseauthorityoverthefish(Matt.17:24–27;Luke5:1–11)andtheanimals(Matt.21:1–11),butnowherecognizedHisauthorityoverthebirds.

But the cockcrowingwas also an invitation to repentance. “When thouartconverted,strengthenthybrethren”(Luke22:32).LuketellsusthatJesusturnedandlookedatPeter(Luke22:61),andthislookoflovebrokePeter’sheart.PeterhadbeenawitnessofChrist’ssufferings(1Peter5:1),andbyhisowndenialsheaddedtothosesufferings.

Keep inmind that the crowing of the cockwas the announcement of thedawningofanewday!“Weepingmayendureforaright,butjoycomethinthemorning”(Ps.30:5).ItisworthwhiletocontrastPeterandJudas.Peterweptoverhis sins and repented,while Judas admittedhis sins but never really repented.Judasexperiencedremorse,notrepentance.WhenJudaswentoutfromtheupperroom, “it was night” (John 13:30), but when Peter went out to weep bitterly,therewasthedawningofanewday.Itisthecontrastbetweengodlysorrowthatleads to truerepentance,and thesorrowof theworld(regretandremorse) thatleadstodeath(2Cor.7:9–10).WewilldiscoverthatJesusrestoredPeter(John21)andenabledhimtoservewithgreatpowerandblessing.

In the garden that night, you would find both guilt and grace. Peter wasguiltyof resistingGod’swill. Judaswasguiltyof thebasestkindof treachery.ThemobwasguiltyofrejectingtheSonofGodandtreatingHimasthoughHewerethelowestkindofcriminal.

But Jesus was gracious! Like King David, He crossed the Kidron, fullyconsciousthatJudaswasbetrayingHim.HewentintothegardenofGethsemanesurrendered to the Father’s will. He healed Malchus’s ear. He protected His

disciples.HeyieldedHimselfintothehandsofsinnersthatHemightsufferanddieforus.

“Lovesoamazing,sodivine/Demandsmysoul,mylife,myall!”Whatisinyourhandtoday—theswordorthecup?

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Whataresomeofthesymbolsthatgiveshapetoourliveseveryday?

2.ReadJohn18:1–27.ThegardenandthecuparesymbolsconnectedtoJesusinthispassage.Howdotheyreflectobedienceandsubmission?

3.Judas’skisssymbolizestreachery.WhatimpressiondoyougetofJesusasHerespondstoJudasandthesoldiers?

4.Haveyoueverexperiencedbetrayal?Ifso,compareyourresponsetoJesus’.

5.WhatissignificantaboutthesymbolsconnectedwithPeter?

6.WhatmistakesdidPetermake?

7.Howdowemakethesamemistakesinourownlives?

8.Whatevidencesofguiltandgracedoyoufindinthispassage?

9. How is God calling you to obedience and submission—or away fromrebellionanddenial—thisweek?

ChapterEight

“SufferedunderPontiusPilate”(John18:28—19:16)

Long before the Jewish leaders had Jesus arrested in the garden, they haddetermined to killHim (John 11:47–54).However, the Jewish council did nothave the right to execute prisoners, so itwas necessary to get the cooperationand approval of Rome. This meant a visit to the Roman procurator, PontiusPilate.

Therewere three stages in both the Jewish “trial” and theRoman “trial.”AfterHis arrest, Jesuswas taken to thehomeofAnnas and there interrogatedinformally(John18:12–14,19–23).Annashopedtogetinformationthatwouldimplicate Jesus as an enemy of the state. He wanted to prove that both Hisdoctrine andHis discipleswere anti-Roman, for thenHewould beworthy ofdeath.

Stage two of the Jewish trial took place before Caiaphas and whatevermembers of the Sanhedrin the high priest could assemble at that hour of thenight (Matt.26:57–68;Mark14:53–65).WhenJesusconfessedclearly thatHewas the Christ, the council found Him guilty of blasphemy and therefore,according to their law, worthy of death. However, it was necessary for thecouncil tomeetearly thenextmorningandgive theirverdict, since itwasnotconsideredlegal to trycapitalcasesatnight.So,stagethreeof theJewishtrialtookplaceasearlyaspossible,andtheleaderscondemnedJesustodeath(Matt.27:1;Luke22:66–71).

The threestagesof theRoman trialwere thefirstappearancebeforePilate(John18:28–38), theappearancebeforeHerod(Luke23:6–12),andthesecond

appearance before Pilate (John 18:39—19:16; and see Matt. 27:15–26; Mark15:6–15; Luke 23:13–25). As you can see, the apostle John records only theinterrogationsbyAnnasandPilate,andmentionsCaiaphasonlyinpassing.Hefocuses primarily on the Roman trial. By the time he wrote this gospel, theJewishnationhadbeenscatteredbyRome,Jerusalemhadbeendestroyed,andRomanpowerwasallthatreallymattered.

PontiusPilatewasinofficefromAD26–36andwasnotgreatlylikedbytheJews.Hecouldberuthlesswhenhewantedtobe(seeLuke13:1–2),buthealsounderstoodtheJewishpowerstructuresandknewhowtousethem.Hishandlingof the trial of Jesus reveals an indecisiveman, a weakman, a compromisingman.Rome’smottowas, “Let justicebedone though theheavens fall!”Pilatewasnotconcernedaboutjustice;hisonlyconcernwastoprotecthimself,hisjob,andRome.Alas,hefailedinallthree!

AsyoureadJohn’saccount,youseePilateseekingtofindsome“loophole”thatwouldpleasebothsides.Hewasafraidofthecrowd,butthenhegrewmoreandmoreafraidoftheprisoner!AtleastthreetimesheannouncedthatJesuswasnotguiltyofanycrime(Luke23:14;John19:4;Luke23:22;John19:6).YetherefusedtoreleaseHim!

TheRoman“trial,”conductedbyPilate,revolvedaroundfourkeyquestions.

1.“WhatIstheAccusation?”(18:28–32)AssoonastheSanhedrinhadvotedtocondemnJesus,theofficerstookHimtothepalacewherePilatewaslivingduringthePassoverseason.Itwascustomaryfor theRomangovernor tobe inJerusalemduringPassover incase therewereany outbursts of Jewish nationalism. The religious leaders did not hesitate tocondemnaninnocentman,buttheywerecarefulnottobedefiledbywalkingonGentileground! Itwouldbe tragic tobeceremoniallydefiledduring thesevendaysofPassover!

ItwaslogicalforPilatetoaskfortheofficialaccusation.Insteadofstating

the charges clearly, the Jewish leaders “beat around the bush” and probablymadetheastutepoliticiansuspicious.Luke23:2liststhree“officialcharges”:(1)He led thenationastray; (2)Heopposedpaying tribute toCaesar; and (3)HeclaimedtobetheJewishMessiahandKing.

Pilatewasnotanxioustoget involvedinaJewishcourtcase,especiallyatPassover, sohe tried to evade the issue.After all, if the prisonerwas creatingproblems for the Jews, let the Jews try Him under their own law. Rome hadpermitted the Jews to retain a certain amount of jurisdiction, especially inmatters relating to their religious laws and customs. (See Acts 18:12–16 foranotherexample.)

ButhadtheJewsalonejudgedJesusandfoundHimguilty,Hewouldhavebeenkilledbystoning,andGodhaddeterminedthattheSonwouldbecrucified(see John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32–33). Jesus was to bear the curse of the law andbecomeacurseforus,andinordertodothis,Hehadtohangonatree(Deut.21:22–23; Gal. 3:13). The fact that the Romans allowed the Jews to stoneStephen todeath indicates thatRomewas lenientwith theSanhedrinon somecapitalcases(Acts7:57–60).

When you seriously consider the three accusations against Jesus, youquicklyseethattheywerecompletelyunsupportable.Foronething,Hehadnot“subverted” the nation, either politically or religiously. Of course, He hadpubliclydenouncedthePhariseesandtheirhypocriticalreligioussystem,butHewasnotthefirstone—ortheonlyone—todothat.Jesushadblessedthenationandbroughtthemnewhope.ThefactthatsomeofthemilitantJewssawinHimapotentialking(John6:15)wasnotourLord’sfault,andHefledfromallsuchpoliticaldemonstrations.

As for opposing paying tribute to Caesar, He taught just the opposite!“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s,” He said, “anduntoGodthethingsthatareGod’s”(Matt.22:21).

HedidclaimtobeKingbutnotinapoliticalsense.EvenHisowndisciples

didnotfullyunderstandthesetruthsuntilafterHisresurrection(Acts1:1–8).ItisnowonderthecommonpeoplesometimesmisunderstoodHim(Luke19:11).Ofcourse, theJewishreligious leadersweregropingforanypieceofevidencetheycouldfindonwhichtheycouldbuildacase,andtheywereevenwillingtosecurefalsewitnesses!

2.“AreYoutheKingoftheJews?”(18:33–38)ThequestionaskingJesusifHewasKingoftheJewsisrecordedbyeachofthegospelwriters.AsRomangovernor,Pilatewouldcertainlybe interested in theclaimsofanyking.MessianicexpectationsalwaysranhighatPassoverseason,anditwouldbeeasyforaJewishpretendertoincitethepeopleintoariotorarebellion against Rome. Pilate no doubt felt himself on safe ground when heaskedaboutChrist’skingship.

However,hewasnotpreparedforHisanswer.“Itisasyousay”(Matt.27:11NASB).ButthenJesusaddedaquestionofHisown:“Areyousayingthisonyour

owninitiative,ordidotherstellyouaboutMe?”(John18:34NASB).Whatwas

ourLordreallyasking?“Whatkindofakingdoyouhave inmind?ARomanking or a Jewish king? A political king or a spiritual king?” Jesus was notevadingtheissue;HewasforcingPilatetoclarifythematterforhisownsake.Afterall,itwasnotJesuswhowasontrial;itwasPilate!

IfPilatehadaRomankinginmind,thenJesuscouldbeconsideredarebel.IfthegovernorwasthinkingaboutaJewishkindofking,thenpoliticalmatterscouldbe set aside. It is interesting thatPilate called Jesus “king” at least fourtimes during the trial, and even used that title for the placard he hung on thecross(John18:39;19:3,14–15,19).

Pilate’sreplytoJesusshowedwhattheRomansthoughtoftheJews:“AmIaJew?”Nodoubttherewasanobviousnoteofdisdainandsarcasminhisvoice.JesuswasnotaprisonerbecausePilatehadarrestedhim,butbecauseHisown

nation’sleadershadarrestedHim!Wherethereissmoketheremustbefire,soPilateasked,“WhathaveYoudone?”

Graciously, Jesus consented to explainHimself andHiskingdom.Yes,Headmitted that He is a king, but His kingdom (reign) does not come from theauthority of theworld.The Jewswere underRoman authority, andPilatewasunder the authority of the emperor, but JesusderivedHis authority fromGod.Hiskingdomisspiritual,intheheartsofHisfollowers,andHedoesnotdependonworldlyorfleshlymeanstoadvanceHiscause.IfHiskingdomwerefromtheworld, by now His followers would have assembled an army and fought toreleaseHim.

Jesusdidnot say thatHehadnokingdomin thisworld,or thatHewouldneverruleonearth.Hedoeshaveakingdomin thisworld,wherever therearepeoplewhohavetrustedHimandyieldedtoHissovereignty.OnedayHeshallreturn and establish a righteous kingdom on earth (Dan. 7:13–28). Pilate’sconcernwasthesourceofthiskingdom:WheredidJesusderiveHisauthority?

In John 18:37, Jesus explained who He is and what kind of kingdombelonged to Him. Pilate probably did not grasp the significance of theseprofoundwords, butwe today can discern some of themeaning Jesus had inmind.Hewas“born,”whichindicatesHishumanity,butHealso“cameintotheworld,” which indicates His deity. The fact that Jesus came “into the world”means that He had existed before His birth at Bethlehem, and this is animportant and repeated truth in John’s gospel (John 1:9–10; 3:17, 19; 9:39;10:36;12:46;16:28;17:18).

ButJesusnotonlytoldPilateofHisorigin;HealsoexplainedHisministry:tobearwitnessuntothetruth.Hiswasaspiritualkingdomoftruth,andHewonpeople toHiscause,not throughforce,but throughconvictionandpersuasion.HespokethetruthofGod’sWord,andallwhowereHispeoplewouldrespondtoHiscall(seeJohn8:47;10:27).Rome’sweaponwasthesword;butourLord’sweaponwasthetruthofGod,theswordoftheSpirit(Eph.6:17).

WedonotknowwithwhatattitudePilateaskedhisnow-famousquestion,“Whatistruth?”Inhisclassicessay“OfTruth,”FrancisBaconwrote,“‘WhatisTruth?’ said jestingPilate; andwouldnot stay for an answer.”Butwe are notcertainthatPilatewasjesting.Perhapshewassincere.Forcenturies,RomanandGreekphilosophershaddiscussedanddebatedthisveryquestionandhadcometonosettledconclusions.WhetherPilatewassneeringorsighingasheaskedthequestion,wedonotknow,soitwouldbeunwisetopassjudgment.

Atleasthehadthecouragetofacethecrowdanddeclarehisverdict:“IfindinHimnofaultatall.”Buthedidnotgettheresponsehedesired,forthechiefpriestsandeldersonlybegantoaccuseJesusallthemore(seeMatt.27:12–14)!JesuswassilentbeforeHisaccusers(1Peter2:21–23),andthissilenceamazedPilate.CouldthisKingnotevendefendHimself?IfHedidnotspeak,howcouldanyonesecureanyevidence?Pilatefacedadilemma.

But thechiefpriestsandelderssolvedhisproblemwhentheyshoutedthatJesushadstirredup thepeopleeven inGalilee (Luke23:5).Galilee!ThatwasHerod’sresponsibility,sowhynotsendtheprisonertoHerod,whowasalsoinJerusalem for the feast? Between John 18:38 and 39 you have the eventsrecordedinLuke23:6–12.Pilate’smaneuverdidnotsolvehisproblem,becauseHerod sent Jesusback!All that it accomplishedwas thehealingof thebreachbetweenthesetworulers.PilatestillhadtodealwithJesusandtheJews.

3.“ShallIReleasetheKingoftheJews?”(18:39—19:7)The fact that Herod had found nothing worthy of death in Jesus encouragedPilate to confront the Jewish leaders and seek to release the prisoner. Hesummoned the chiefpriests and rulers and told them thathe foundnoguilt inJesus,thatHerodhadfoundnoguiltinJesus,andthatthenextstepwouldbetopunish Jesus and release Him. The Jews had already made it clear that theywanted Jesus todie (John18:31), butPilatewas feebly trying todo thenoblething.

Hoping to strengthen this suggestion, Pilate offered to bargain with theJewishleaders.ItwasacustomatPassoverforthegovernortoreleaseaprisonerandpleasetheJews;so,whynotreleaseJesus?Or,hecouldreleaseBarabbas,butwhywouldtheJewswantBarabbassetfree?Afterall,hewasarobber(John18:40), a notorious prisoner (Matt. 27:16), an insurrectionist, and a murderer(Luke23:19).Whowouldwantthatkindofaprisonerturnedloose?

Incredible as it seems, the crowd asked for Barabbas! The people werepersuaded by the chief priests and elders (Matt. 27:20), whose religiousconvictionsdidnotmotivate them toward justice andequity.National feelingsalways increasedduringPassover, andavote forBarabbaswas avoteagainstRome.EventhoughJesushadbeenapopularfigureamongthepeople,manyofthem no doubt were disappointed that He had not led a popular uprising tooverthrowRome.PerhapstheyhadevenhopedthatHis“triumphalentry”afewdaysbeforewouldbethestartofJewishliberation.

Thereisnoexplaininghowamobchoosesitsheroes.NodoubtmanyoftheJewsadmiredBarabbas forhiscunningandcourage,and they rejoiced thathewas fighting Rome. Had they honestly compared and contrasted the two“candidates,” the peoplewouldhavehad to vote for JesusChrist.Butwhen amob is manipulated by crafty leaders, in an atmosphere of patriotic fervor, itloses itself and starts to think with its feelings instead of its brains. Theircondemning vote said nothing about the Son of God, but it said a great dealaboutthem.

Never at a loss for an idea, Pilate tried a new approach—sympathy. Thecrowd had cried “Crucify him!” (Mark 15:14), but perhaps they would beplacatedifJesuswerescourged.Whatmancouldbeholdascourgedprisonerandstill want the victim crucified? The scourge was a leather whip, knotted andweightedwithpiecesofmetalorbone,andmanyaprisonerneversurvivedthewhipping.ItpainsustothinkthatthesinlessSonofGodwassubjectedtosuchcruelty.Hewasinnocent,yetHewastreatedasthoughHewereguilty,andHe

diditforus.HewasslappedinthefacebeforeAnnas(John18:22),andspatonandbeatenbeforeCaiaphasandthecouncil(Matt.26:67).PilatescourgedHimandthesoldierssmoteHim(John19:1–3),andbeforetheyledHimtoCalvary,thesoldiersmockedHimandbeatHimwitharod(Mark15:19).HowmuchHesufferedforus!

Pilate had called Him “King of the Jews” (John 18:39), so the soldiersdecidedthatthe“king”shouldhaveacrownandarobe.TheJewshadmockedHisclaimtobeingaprophet(Matt.26:67–68),andnowtheGentilesmockedHisclaim tobeingaking.Theverb tenses in theGreek text in John19:3 indicatethatthesoldiersrepeatedlycametoHim,mockedHim,andbeatHimwiththeirhands.TheforcesofhellwerehavingaheydayinPilate’shall.

Sinhadbroughtthornsandthistlesintotheworld(Gen.3:17–19),soitwasonly fitting that theCreatorwearacrownof thornsasHebore thesinsof theworldonthecross.TheverymetalHehadcreatedandplacedinthegroundwasusedtomakenailstopoundthroughHishandsandfeet.

Forthethirdtime,Pilatewentouttofacethepeople(John18:29,38;19:4),this time bringing Jesus with him. Surely the sight of this scourged andhumiliatedprisonerwouldarousesomepityintheirhearts,butitdidnot.Forthesecondtime,PilatedeclaredthathefoundnofaultinJesus,buthiswordsonlyarousedtheirhatefulpassionsmore.“Beholdtheman!”carriestheidea,“Lookat this poor fellow!Hasn’tHe suffered enough?TakepityonHimand letmereleaseHim.”ItwasanobleeffortonPilate’spart,butitfailed.

ThefailureofPilate’splanteachesusanimportantlesson:Ittakesmorethanhuman sentiment to bring the lost sinner to salvation. There is a view of theAtonement called “the moral influence theory” that would fit right into thegovernor’sapproach.ItstatesthattherealizationofourLord’ssufferingsmovesthe heart of the sinner so that he turns from sin and begins to loveGod. It ispurelysubjectiveandhasnobearingontheholinessofGodortheimportanceofsatisfyingdivinejustice.

Ifanycrowdshouldhavebeenmovedbypity,itwastheJewishcrowdthatwaitedonPilate.WhatnationhassufferedmorethantheJews?Herewasoneoftheirown,aJewishprophet,sufferingunjustlyatthehandsoftheRomans,andtheJewsdidnotrepentorevenshowanytouchofpity!IfsinnerswhoactuallysawChristinHissufferingdidnotrepent,whathopeisthereforpeopletwentycenturieslaterwhoonlyreadaboutHisagonies?

Thecrossinvolvesmuchmorethananexhibitionofinnocentsuffering.Onthatcross, theSonofGodpaid theprice for thesinsof theworldand therebydeclaredtheloveofGodanddefendedtheholinessandjusticeofGod.Wearenotsavedbyfeelingpity forJesus.WearesavedbyrepentingofoursinsandtrustingJesus,thesinlesssubstitute.“IfChristwasnotactuallydoingsomethingbyHisdeath,”wroteDr.LeonMorris,“thenweareconfrontedwithapieceofshowmanship,nothingmore.”

Thisdoesnotmeanthatitiswrongforthebelievertocontemplatethecrossand meditate on Christ’s sufferings. The familiar hymn “When I Survey theWond’rousCross”helpsusrealizeafreshthepricethatJesuspaidforus,butwemust not confuse sentimentalitywith true spiritual emotion. It is one thing toshedtearsduringachurchserviceandquitesomethingelsetosacrifice,suffer,andserveafterthemeetinghasended.Wedonotsimplycontemplatethecross;wecarryit.

For the third time,Pilate announced, “I findno fault inHim!”The crowdmight well have shouted, “Then why did you have Him scourged?” Pilate’sactionsbeliedhiswords.Hewasaweak-willedmanwho,likemanypoliticians,hoped to find a happy compromise thatwould please everybody.TheChineseteacherConfuciusdefined“cowardice”as“toknowwhatisrightandnotdoit.”

Thereligiousleaderswerenotatalossforapowerfulreply:“Wehavealaw,andbyourlawheoughttodie,becausehemadehimselftheSonofGod”(John19:7).ThisstatementisnotfoundintheotherGospels(butseeMatt.26:63–64);however,itfitsrightintoJohn’spurposeinwritinghisgospel(John20:31).

4.“WhereAreYouFrom?”(19:8–16)TheRomansandGreekshadnumerousmythsaboutthegodscomingtoearthasmen(noteActs14:8–13),soitislikelythatPilaterespondedtothephrase“SonofGod”withthesestoriesinmind.Alreadythegovernorhadbeenimpressedbythe words and demeanor of our Lord; he had never met a prisoner like Himbefore.WasHeindeedagodcometoearth?DidHehavesupernaturalpowers?NowonderPilatewas starting tobe afraid!Also,Pilate’swifehad senthimastrange message that he should have nothing to do with Jesus (Matt. 27:19).Jesushadevencomeintoherdreams!

Why did Jesus not answer Pilate’s question? Because He had alreadyanswered it (John18:36–37). It isabasic spiritualprinciple thatGoddoesnotreveal new truth to us if we fail to act on the truth we already know.Furthermore, Pilate had already made it clear that he was not personallyinterestedinspiritualtruth.AllhewasconcernedaboutwasmaintainingpeaceinJerusalemashetriedtoexpeditethetrialofJesusofNazareth.Pilatedidnotdeserveananswer!

Fearandangeroftengotogether.Whenweareafraidweareweak,wegototheotherextremeandtrytoappearstrong.ThisiswhatPilatedidasheremindedJesusofhisRomanauthority.Buthisstatementdidnotdemonstratehispower;itdemonstratedhisweakness.ForifhehadtheauthoritytoreleaseJesus,whydidhenotdoit?Hecondemnedhimselfwithhisownboastfulwords.

Ofcourse,ourLord’ssilencebeforebothHerodandPilatewasafulfillmentof Isaiah 53:7. Peter later used this as an example for suffering Christians tofollow(1Peter2:18–23).

John 19:11 records our Lord’s last words to Pilate, words that reveal Hisfaith in the Father andHis surrender toHiswill (see 1 Peter 2:23; 4:19).AllauthoritycomesfromGod(Rom.13:1ff.).JesuswasabletosurrendertoRomeand the Jews becauseHewas first of all yielded toGod. Pilatewas boastingabout his authority (John 19:10), but Jesus reminded him that his so-called

authoritywasonlydelegatedtohimfromGod.OnedayGodwouldcallhimtoaccountforthewayhehadusedhisprivilegesandresponsibilities.

TowhomwasJesus referringwhenHesaid“he thatdeliveredmeupuntothee”? Certainly not God, because God does not and cannot sin. Jesus wasreferring toCaiaphas, the corrupt high priestwhohad long before determinedthatJesusmustdie(John11:47–54).CaiaphasknewtheScripturesandhadbeengiven every opportunity to examine the evidence.He hadwillfully closed hiseyes andhardenedhis heart.Hehad seen to it that Jesuswasnot given a fairtrial. It was his associates who were inciting the mob to cry, “Let Him becrucified!”Pilatewasaspirituallyblindpagan,butCaiaphaswasaJewwhohadaknowledgeofScripture.Therefore, itwasCaiaphas, notPilate,whohad thegreatersin.

What a dilemma Pilatewas in!Howwould he go about investigating theclaimthatJesuswas“theSonofGod”?AndtherewasnoevidencethatHewasatroublemakeroraseditionist.Inafinalburstofcourage,PilatetriedtoreleaseJesus.JohndoesnottelluswhatstepsPilatetook(theGreektextsays“hekeptseekingtoreleaseHim”),buttheyallfailed.Infact,thecrowdstartedtoaccusePilate ofbeinga traitor toCaesar!Thiswas toomuch for thegovernor, sohegavehisofficialverdictanddeliveredJesustobecrucified.MatthewtellsusthatPilatewashedhishandsbeforethecrowd(Matt.27:24),butthisdidnotcleansehisheart.Alas,itwasPilatewhowasontrial,notJesus!

ItislikelythatJohnusedRomantime,sothat“thesixthhour”wouldhavebeen6:00a.m.MarktellsusthatJesuswascrucified“thethirdhour,”which,inJewishreckoning,wouldhavebeen9:00a.m.SinceJohnwrote“aboutthesixthhour,”weneednot try to figureoutwhy it took threehours toget Jesus fromPilate’shalltoCalvary.

The“preparation”referstothepreparationfortheSabbath(seeJohn19:31),whichwouldbeginatsundownthatday(Friday).BeingthePassoverSabbath,itwas an especially holy day. The religious leadersweremore concerned about

their traditions than theywereknowing the truthandobeying thewillofGod.Onahighandholyday,theycrucifiedtheirownMessiah,JesustheSonofGod!

Thecrowdhadthelastword:“WehavenokingbutCaesar!”“Wewillnothave this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). Well-meaning preachers haveoftensaidthatthecrowdthatonPalmSundayshouted“Hosanna!”turnedrightaround and shouted “Crucify Him!” on Good Friday. However, it was twodifferentcrowds.ThePalmSundaycrowdcameprimarilyfromGalilee,whereJesus was very popular. The crowd at Pilate’s hall was from Judea andJerusalem,wherethereligiousleaderswereverymuchincontrol.IftheGalileandiscipleshadhadtheirway,theywouldhaverevoltedanddeliveredJesus!

From the human standpoint, the trial of Jesus was the greatest crime andtragedyinhistory.Fromthedivineviewpoint,itwasthefulfillmentofprophecyandtheaccomplishmentofthewillofGod.ThefactthatGodhadplannedallofthisdidnotabsolvetheparticipantsoftheirresponsibility.Infact,atPentecost,Peterputbothideastogetherinonestatement(Acts2:23).

When Israel asked to have a king, and God gave them Saul, the nationrejectedGod the Father (1 Sam. 8:5–7).When they asked for Barabbas, theyrejectedGod the Son.Today, they are rejecting the pleading ofGod theHolySpirit (Acts7:51;Rom.10:21).Yet therewillcomeadaywhen theyshall seetheirKing,believe,andbesaved(Zech.12:10–11;Matt.24:30;Rev.1:7).

Boththenationandthegovernorwereontrial,andbothfailedmiserably.Maywenotfail!

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Whenareyoutemptedtodowhatwillworkinsteadofwhatisright?

Why?

2. Read John 18:28—19:16. What did Pilate learn about Jesus from hisconversationwiththeJews?

3.WhatproofdidthereligiousleadershavefortheiraccusationsagainstJesus?Whyisthisimportant?

4.WhydidJesusgivethepuzzlinganswersHegave?

5.WhatdoyoulearnaboutPilatefromthequestionsheaskedJesus?

6.HowdidPilatetrytodowhatwouldworkinsteadofwhatheknewwasright?

7.WhatdoyoulearnaboutJesus’humanityanddeityfromthispassage?

8.WhydoyouthinkJesuswassilentduringmostofthesecondinterviewwithPilate?

9.OnwhatdidPilatebasehisfinaldecisionaboutJesus?

10.WhydidGod involve theRomangovernment in this situation?Whydoesthismatter?

11.WhatdoyoulearnfromJesus’behaviorbeforePilatethathelpsyouinyourdealingswithahostileworld?

ChapterNine

“EventheDeathoftheCross”(John19:17–42)

TheApostles’Creedstates itwithoutembellishment:“Hewascrucified,dead,and buried.” These three events are described in John 19:17–42, momentouseventsthatweshouldunderstandnotonlyfromthehistoricalpointofviewbutalso from the doctrinal.What happened is important;why it happened is alsoimportant,ifyouhopetogotoheaven.

1.Crucified(19:17–27)PilatedeliveredJesustothechiefpriests,andthey,withthehelpoftheRomansoldiers, tookJesus tobecrucified.“Itwas themostcruelandshamefulofallpunishments,”saidtheRomanstatesman-philosopherCicero.“Letitnevercomenear the body of aRoman citizen; nay, not even near his thoughts or eyes orears.”

CrucifixionprobablyhaditsoriginamongthePersiansandPhoenicians,butit was the Romans who made special use of it. No Roman citizen could becrucified, though therewere exceptions.Thismodeof capital punishmentwasreserved for the lowest kind of criminals, particularly those who promotedinsurrection.Today,wethinkofthecrossasasymbolofgloryandvictory,butinPilate’s day, the cross stood for the basest kind of rejection, shame, andsuffering.ItwasJesuswhomadethedifference.

It was customary for the criminal to carry his cross, or at least thecrossbeam,fromthehallofjudgmenttotheplaceofexecution.Jesusbeganthemile-longwalk carryingHis cross, but Hewas relieved by Simon of Cyrene,

whomtheRomansoldiers“drafted” todo the job.WedonotknowwhyJesuswasrelievedofthisburden;theScripturesaresilent.WasHetooweakfromthescourgingstocarrytheload?WasHisweaknessholdingbacktheprocessionatatimewhentheJewswereanxioustogetitoverwithsotheycouldcelebratetheirPassover Sabbath?One thing is sure:The bearing of the crosswas amark ofguilt,andJesuswasnotguilty(seeMark15:20–21;Rom.16:13).

Itwasalsorequiredthatthecriminalwearaplacardannouncinghiscrime.The only announcement recorded in the Gospels is the one that Pilate wrote:“ThisisJesusofNazareththeKingoftheJews.”Thechiefpriestsprotestedthetitle, but Pilate refused to change it. Itwas his final thrust against the Jewishreligious establishment. He knew that the priests and elders envied Jesus andwanted to destroy Him (Matt. 27:18). A shrewd politician like Pilate wellunderstoodtheworkingsoftheJewishreligiousestablishment.Heknewthathisplacardwouldinsultandembarrassthem,andthatisexactlywhathewanted.

ThefactthatthistitlewaswritteninHebrew(Aramaic),Greek,andLatinissignificant.Foronething,itshowsthatourLordwascrucifiedinaplacewheremanypeoplesandnationsmet,acosmopolitanplace.Hebrewisthelanguageofreligion, Greek of philosophy, and Latin of law, and all three combined tocrucify the Son ofGod. ButwhatHe did on the cross, He did for thewholeworld!Inthisgospel,JohnemphasizestheworldwidedimensionsoftheworkofChrist.Withoutrealizingit,Pilatewrotea“gospeltract”whenhepreparedthistitle, for one of the thieves discovered that Jesus was King, and he askedentranceintoHiskingdom.

Jesus was crucified outside the city (Heb. 13:11–13) between two othervictims, possibly associates ofBarabbas.We do not knowwhere our Savior’scrossstood.Therehavebeensomanychanges in the topographyofJerusalemsinceAD70,whenTitusand theRomansdestroyed it, that it is impossible todetermine accurately either our Lord’s route to the cross or where the crossstood.PilgrimstotheHolyLandtodayareshownboththeChurchoftheHoly

Sepulcherand“Gordon’sCalvary”nearthegardentomb.TheHebrewwordGolgothameans “cranium, skull”; Calvary is the Latin

equivalent. We are not told why it had this peculiar name. Certainly Jewishpeoplewouldnotpermituncleanskullstobeleftataplaceofpublicexecution!Forthatmatter,thebodies(withheadsintact)wereusuallydisposedofbyburial(if the victims had friends) or by throwing themon the public garbage dump.“Gordon’sCalvary”doesresembleaskull,butdidtheterrainlooklikethattwothousandyearsago?

That Jesus was crucified with two notorious thieves only added to theshame. But it also fulfilled Isaiah 53:12: “He was numbered with thetransgressors.”Hewastreatedlikeacommoncriminal!

Modern executions are usually carried out in almost clinical privacy, butJesuswas nailed to a cross and hung up for everyone to see. Itwas Passoverseasonand therewere thousandsofvisitors in thecity.Theplaceofexecutionwas outside the citywheremany peoplewould pass. Jesuswas awell-knownfigure, soHis arrest and condemnationwould be topics for discussion. Itwasnaturalforpeopletogatherandwatchthegrimscene.

Ofcourse, thesoldiershad tobe there; thatwas their job.AtmostRomanexecutions,acenturionwouldbeassignedwithfoursoldierstoassisthim.SinceJesuswasapopularteacherwithmanyfollowers,Pilatemayhaveassignedmoreguards to Golgotha. It was the privilege of the soldiers to share whateverpersonalbelongingsthevictimshad,sotheydividedupallthatJesusowned—His personal clothing. He would have had a turban, a pair of sandals, anundergarment(theseamlessrobe),anoutergarment,andagirdle.Thefourmeneachtookapieceofclothing,andthentheygambledfortheseamlessrobe.ThisfulfilledPsalm22:18.

Johndoesnotrecordit,buttheothergospelwriterstellusthatsomeofthepeoplepassingby reviledJesus,nodoubtat the instigationof thechiefpriestsandscribes(Mark15:29–32).WhenyoureadPsalm22,youseehowDavidused

theimageofanimalstodescribethepeoplewhopersecutedourLord:bulls(Ps.22:12), lions (Ps. 22:13, 21), anddogs (Ps. 22:16, 20).Whenmen reject theirLord,theybecomelikeanimals.

Agroupofwomen,alongwiththeapostleJohn,stoodnearthecross.(Later,theywouldmovefartherawayandjoinotherfriendsofJesus[Matt.27:55–56;Mark 15:40–41].) John specifies fourwomen:Mary, themother of Jesus;Hismother’ssister,Salome,themotherofJamesandJohn;Mary,thewifeofClopas(Cleophas);andMaryMagdalene.Ittookcouragetostandthereinthemidstofsuchhatredandridicule,buttheirbeingtheremusthaveencouragedourLord.

The first time we meet Mary in the gospel of John, she is attending awedding(John2:1–11);nowsheispreparingforaburial.Thehourhadcome!Shewas experiencing “the sword” that hadbeenpredictedyearsbefore (Luke2:35).Hersilenceissignificant,for ifanyonecouldhaverescuedJesus, itwasHismother.AllshehadtodowasannouncethatHisclaimswerefalse—butshesaidnothing!WhatatestimonytothedeityofChrist.

JesusassuredherofHislove,andHegaveHischoicestdisciple,whorestedonHisbosom,tobeheradoptedsonandtocareforher.WhetherthatmomentJohntookMaryawayfromthesceneandtookherhome,wedonotknow.Wedoknow thathe cared forher and that shewas among thebelievers in theupperroomastheyawaitedPentecost(Acts1:14).EvenwhileHewasperformingthegreat work of redemption, Jesus was faithful to His responsibilities as a son.WhatanhonoritwasforJohntotakehisLord’splaceinMary’slife!

DonotconfuseMaryMagdalenewiththe“sinfulwoman”describedinLuke7:36ff. Jesus had deliveredMaryMagdalene from demons (Mark 16:9; Luke8:2),andsheusedherresourcestoassistJesusinHisministry.SalomehadaskedJesus for thrones for her two sons (Matt. 20:20–29), and He had denied herrequest.YouwonderwhatshewasthinkingaboutasshestoodthereandbeheldJesusdyingonthecross.Thescenemusthaverebukedherselfishness.

2.Dead(19:28–30)OurLordknewwhatwasgoingon;Hewas fully incontrol asHeobeyed theFather’swill.Hehadrefusedtodrinkthepain-deadeningwinethatwasalwaysoffered to those about to be crucified (Matt. 27:34). In order to fulfill theScriptures (Ps. 69:21), He said, “I thirst.” He was enduring real physicalsuffering,forHehadarealhumanbody.Hehadjustemergedfromthreehoursof darkness when He felt the wrath of God and separation from God (Matt.27:45–49).Whenyou combine darkness, thirst, and isolation, youhave—hell!There were physical reasons for His thirst (Ps. 22:15), but there were alsospiritualreasons(Ps.42:1–2).

OneofthesoldierstookpityonJesusandmoistenedHislipswiththecheapvinegarwinethesoldiersdrank.WemustnotimagineJesushangingmanyfeetupintheair,almostinaccessible.Hisfeetwereperhapsthreeorfourfeetfromtheground,soitwouldbeeasyforthemantoputaspongeattheendofareedandgiveJesusadrink.YouandItodaycan“giveJesusadrink”bysharingwhatwehavewiththoseinneed(Matt.25:34–40).

Psalm69 has strongmessianic overtones.NotePsalm69:3: “My throat isdried.”Psalm69:4isreferredtobyJesusinJohn15:25,andPsalm69:8shouldbe connectedwith John 7:3–5. Psalm 69:9 is quoted in John 2:17, and Psalm69:21 is referred to in John 19:28–29. Note the emphasis on “reproach” (Ps.69:7–10, 19–20) and the image of the “deep waters” (Ps. 69:14–15; and seeLuke12:50).

OurLordmadesevenstatementswhileHewasonthecross;theyareknownas “the seven words from the cross.” First, He thought of others: those whocrucified Him (Luke 23:34), the believing thief (Luke 23:39–43), and Hismother(John19:25–27).ThecentralwordhadtodowithHisrelationshiptotheFather (Matt.27:45–49),and the last threestatements focusedonHimself:Hisbody(John19:28–29),Hissoul(John19:30;andseeIsa.53:10),andHisspirit(Luke23:46).

ThedrinkofvinegardidnotfullyquenchHisthirst,butitdidenableHimtoutterthatshoutoftriumph,inaloudvoice,“Itisfinished!”IntheGreektext,itistetelestai,anditmeans,“Itisfinished,itstandsfinished,anditalwayswillbefinished!”WhileitistruethatourLord’ssufferingswerenowfinished,thereismuchmore included in this dramaticword.Many of theOldTestament typesandprophecieswerenowfulfilled,andtheonce-for-allsacrificeforsinhadnowbeencompleted.

Thewordtetelestaiisunfamiliartous,butitwasusedbyvariouspeopleineverydaylifeinthosedays.Aservantwoulduseitwhenreportingtohisorhermaster, “I have completed thework assigned tome” (see John17:4).When apriestexaminedananimalsacrificeandfounditfaultless,thiswordwouldapply.Jesus,ofcourse,istheperfectLambofGod,withoutspotorblemish.Whenanartistcompletedapicture,orawriteramanuscript,heor shemight say,“It isfinished!”ThedeathofJesusonthecross“completesthepicture”thatGodhadbeenpainting,thestorythatHehadbeenwriting,forcenturies.Becauseofthecross,weunderstandtheceremoniesandpropheciesintheOldTestament.

Perhaps the most meaningful sense of tetelestai was that used by themerchants:“Thedebtispaidinfull!”WhenHegaveHimselfonthecross,Jesusfullymettherighteousdemandsofaholylaw;Hepaidourdebtinfull.NoneoftheOldTestamentsacrificescouldtakeawaysins;theirbloodonlycoveredsin.ButtheLambofGodshedHisblood,andthatbloodcantakeaway thesinsoftheworld(John1:29;Heb.9:24–28).

TherewasoncearathereccentricevangelistnamedAlexanderWooten,whowas approached by a flippant youngmanwho asked, “Whatmust I do to besaved?”

“It’stoolate!”Wootenreplied,andwentabouthiswork.Theyoungmanbecamealarmed.“Doyoumeanthatit’stoolateformeto

besaved?”heasked.“IstherenothingIcando?”“Toolate!”saidWooten.“It’salreadybeendone!Theonlythingyoucando

isbelieve.”The death of Jesus Christ is amajor theme in the gospel of John. It was

announced by John the Baptist even before Jesus had officially begun Hisministry(John1:29,35–36).OurLord’sfirstmentionisinJohn3:14,wheretheimage is certainly that of crucifixion (and see John 8:28; 12:32). Jesus oftenspokeof“takingupthecross”(Matt.10:38;16:24).AfterPeter’sconfessionoffaith, Jesusclearlyannounced thatHewouldbekilled (Matt.16:21),and laterHetoldthedisciplesthatHewouldbecrucified(Matt.20:17–19).

In John’s gospel, you find a number of pictures of our Lord’s death: theslayingof the lamb (John1:29); the destroyingof the temple (John2:19); theliftingupof the serpent (John3:14); the shepherd layingdownhis life for thesheep(John10:11–18);andtheplantingoftheseedintheground(John12:20–25).ThesepicturesmakeitclearthatJesus’deathwasnotanaccident;itwasadivine appointment. He was not murdered in the strictest sense: He willinglygave His life for us. His death was an atonement, not just an example. Heactuallyaccomplishedtheworkofredemptiononthecross.

Someunbelievershave invented the idea that Jesusdidnot reallydie, thatHeonly“swooned”onthecrossandwasthenrevivedinthe“cool tomb.”ButtherearetoomanywitnessesthatJesusChristactuallydied:thecenturion(Mark15:44–45); all the gospel writers; the angels (Matt. 28:5, 7); the Jews (Acts5:28);ChristHimself(Luke24:46;Rev.1:18);andeventheworshippinghostsinheaven(Rev.5:9,12).Ofcourse,Paul,Peter,andJohnmentionthedeathofChristintheirletters.

Hisdeathwasvoluntary:HewillinglydismissedHisspirit(John19:30;andnote10:17–18).He“gavehimself”(Gal.2:20).HeofferedHimselfasaransom(Mark10:45),asa sacrifice toGod(Eph.5:2),andasapropitiation for sin (1John2:2).InLuke9:31,Hisdeathiscalleda“decease,”whichintheGreekis“exodus,” suggesting the Passover lamb and the deliverance from bondage. ItwilltakeeternitytorevealallthathappenedwhenJesusChristdiedonthecross.

3.Buried(19:31–42)Twogroupsof peoplewere involved in ourLord’s burial: theRoman soldiers(John19:31–37)and the Jewishbelievers (John19:38–42). Itwasnotunusualforvictims to remainon thecross ina lingeringdeath, so theJewish religiousleaders did all they could to hasten the death of Jesus and the two thieves.However, our Lord was in control, and He dismissed His spirit at “the ninthhour,”whichwas3:00p.m.(seeMatt.27:45–50).Thelastthree“wordsfromthecross”werespokenwithinashortperiodof timejustbeforeHelaiddownHislife.

It is remarkable that the Roman soldiers did not do what they werecommandedtodo—breakthevictims’legs—buttheydiddowhattheywerenotsupposedtodo—piercetheSavior’sside!Inbothmatters,theyfulfilledtheveryWordofGod!ThebonesofthePassoverlambwerenottobebroken(Ex.12:46;Num.9:12;andnotePs.34:20),soourLord’sboneswereprotectedbytheLord.Hissidewastobepierced(Zech.12:10;Rev.1:7),sothatwasdonebyoneofthesoldiers.

Johnsawaspecial significance to thebloodandwater thatcamefromthewoundintheside.Foronething,itprovedthatJesushadarealbody(see1John1:1–4) and experienced a real death. By the time Johnwrote this book, therewerefalseteachersinthechurchclaimingthatJesusdidnothaveatrulyhumanbody. There may also be a symbolic meaning: the blood speaks of ourjustification,thewaterofoursanctificationandcleansing.Thebloodtakescareoftheguiltofsin;thewaterdealswiththestainofsin.SomestudentsconnectJohn19:34with1 John5:6, but perhaps the connection isweak. In1 John5,John deals with evidence that Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh, and hepresentsthreewitnesses:theSpirit,thewater,andtheblood(1John5:6,8).TheSpirit relates to Pentecost, the water to His baptism, and the blood to Hiscrucifixion.Ineachoftheseevents,GodmadeitclearthatJesusChristiswhatHe claimed to be, God come in the flesh. In fact, in John 19:35, the apostle

makesitclearthatthewaterandbloodshouldencouragehisreaderstobelievethatJesusistheChrist(seeJohn20:31).

When the soldiers were through with their gruesome work, our Lord’sfriends tookover,andfromthatpointon,asfaras therecordisconcerned,nounbelieverstouchedthebodyofJesus.Godhadpreparedtwohigh-rankingmentoprepareHisbodyforburialandtoplaceitinapropertomb.HadJosephandNicodemusnotbeen there, it is likely that thebodyof Jesuswouldhavebeen“carriedofftosomeobscureandaccursedditch,”asJamesStalkerstatesinhisclassic The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ. If the friends of any victimsappeared,theRomanswereonlytoohappytogivethemthebodiesandgetthemofftheirhands.

WhenyouassemblethedataavailableaboutJosephofArimathea,youlearnthathewasrich(Matt.27:57),aprominentmemberoftheJewishcouncil(Mark15:43),agoodandrighteousmanwhohadnotconsentedtowhatthecouncildid(Luke 23:50–51), a member of that “believing minority” of Jews who werepraying for Messiah to come (Mark 15:43; and note Luke 2:25–38), and adiscipleofJesusChrist(John19:38).ItwashewhoaskedforthebodyofJesusandwithhisfriendNicodemus,gavetheSavioradecentburial.

ButtherearesomemysteriesaboutJosephthatperplexusandinvitecloserinvestigation.Whydid he have a tomb so near to a place of execution?Mostpious Jewswanted to be buried in theHoly City, but a richman like Josephcould certainly afford a better site for his final resting place. Imagine hisrelativescomingtopaytheirrespectsandhavingtolistentothecursesandcriesofcriminalsoncrossesnotfaraway!(NoteJohn19:41.)

Matthew,Luke, and Johnall tell us that the tombwasnewandhadneverbeenused.Itwas“his[Joseph’s]ownnewtomb”(Matt.27:60);hehadhewnitoutforhimself.OrdidhehewitoutforJesus?

JohninformsusthatJosephwasa“secretdiscipleforfearoftheJews.”TheGreek word translated “secretly” is a perfect passive participle and could be

translated “having been secreted.” InMatthew 13:35, this same verb form istranslated “have been kept secret.” In other words, Joseph was God’s “secretagent”intheSanhedrin!Fromthehumanstandpoint,Josephkept“undercover”because he feared the Jews (John 7:13; 9:22; 12:42), but from the divinestandpoint,hewasbeingprotectedsohecouldbeavailabletoburythebodyofJesus.

WehavealreadymetNicodemusinourstudyofJohn1—12.Notethateachtimeheisnamed,heisidentifiedasthemanwhocametoJesusbynight(John3:1ff.;7:50–53).But themanwhostartedoffwithconfusionatnight (John3)endedupwithopenconfessioninthedaylight!Nicodemuscameoutofthedarkand into the light andwith Joseph,was not ashamed to publicly identifywithJesusChrist.Ofcourse,whenthetwomentouchedHisdeadbody,theydefiledthemselves and could not participate in Passover. But what difference did itmake?TheyhadfoundtheLambofGod!

It seems evident that Joseph and Nicodemus carefully planned theiractivitiesatCalvary.Theycertainlycouldnotsecureatombatthelastminute,norwouldtheybeabletopurchasesixty-fivepoundsofcostlyspicessoquicklyduring the Passover, whenmanymerchants would not be doing business. NosoonerhadJesusdiedthanJosephwenttoPilateandreceivedpermissiontotakethebody.Nicodemusstayedat thecross tomakesurenothinghappened tohisLord’sbody.Thetwomenmightevenhavebeenwaitinginthenewtomb,withthe spices and wrappings, ready for the moment when the Savior would laydownHislife.

Haste was important, and the men worked quickly. They could not giveJesus’bodythefullministryofwashingandanointingthatwastraditional,buttheydidthebesttheycould.Itwasimportanttogetthebodysafelyawayfromthe Romans and the Jewish leaders. Of course,Mary of Bethany had alreadyanointed His body for burial (Mark 14:8; John 12:1–8). Some of the otherwomenwatched the twomenminister to Jesus, and theywitnessedHis burial

(Matt.27:61;Mark15:47).ThewomenplannedtoreturnaftertheSabbathandcompletetheburialprocedures(Luke23:55—24:1).

All of this raises the question, “How did Joseph andNicodemus know toprepareforHisburial?”Whatfollowsisonlyconjectureonmypartbuttome,itseemsreasonable.

When Nicodemus first visited Jesus, he was impressed with HismiraclesandHisteachings,buthecouldnotunderstandwhatitmeanttobebornagain.Certainlyafterthatinterview,NicodemussearchedtheScripturesandaskedGodforguidanceconcerningtheseimportantspiritualmatters.

AtthecriticalcouncilmeetingrecordedinJohn7:45–53,NicodemusboldlystoodupanddefendedtheSavior!HisassociatesridiculedhimforthinkingthataprophetcouldcomeoutofGalilee!“Search,andlook!”theysaid—andthatisexactly what Nicodemus did. It is likely that Joseph quietly joined him andrevealed the fact that he too was more and more convinced that Jesus ofNazarethwasindeedIsrael’sMessiah,theSonofGod.

As Nicodemus and Joseph searched the Old Testament, they would havefound the messianic prophecies and discovered that many of them had beenfulfilled in JesusChrist.Certainly theywouldhaveseenHimas the“LambofGod”andconcludedthatHewouldbesacrificedatPassover.Jesushadalreadytold Nicodemus that He would be “lifted up” (John 3:14), and this meantcrucifixion.Since thePassover lambswereslainabout3:00p.m., the twomencould know almost the exact timewhenGod’sLambwould die on the cross!SurelytheywouldreadIsaiah53andnoticeverse9—“Andhemadehisgravewiththewicked,andwiththerichinhisdeath.”Jesuswouldbeburiedinarichman’stomb!

Joseph arranged to have the tomb hewn out, and the men assembled theclothsandspicesneededfortheburial.TheymayhavebeenhidinginthetomballduringthesixhoursofourLord’sagonyonthecross.Whentheyheard,“Itisfinished!Father, into thyhandsIcommendmyspirit!” theyknewthatHewas

dead,andtheywenttowork.TheyboldlyidentifiedwithJesusChristatatimewhenHeseemedlikeafailureandHiscausehopelesslydefeated.Asfarasweknow,ofallthedisciples,onlyJohnwaswiththematthecross.

TheSabbathwas about todawn. Jesushad finished theworkof the “newcreation”(2Cor.5:17),andnowHewouldrest.

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Whatsacrificeshaveotherpeoplemadeforyou?

2.ReadaboutJesus’sacrificeforusinJohn19:17–42.WhatdoyouknowaboutcrucifixionthatshedslightonthewayHedied?

3. What is the significance of the inscription, in three languages, above thecross?

4.Whatissignificantaboutthewomenwhowereatthecrucifixion?

5.WhatdoyoulearnaboutJesusfromHiswordsandactionsonthecross?

6.WhydidJohnuseemphaticlanguagetodescribethebloodandwaterflowingfromJesus’side?

7.WhydidJohnwriteverse35?

8. Think about events in your personal life or in the world in light of Jesus’sufferingonthecross.Howaretheyrelatedtooneanother?

9.WhatisimportantaboutthefactthatJesuswasburied?

10.What does the pattern of prophecy and fulfillment suggest aboutGod andHisrelationshiptohistory?

11.HowcanthesetruthshelpyouliveforGodthisweek?

ChapterTen

TheDawningofaNewDay(John20:1–18)

IfthegospelofJohnwereanordinarybiography,therewouldbenochapter20.Iam an incurable reader of biographies, and I notice that almost all of themconcludewith the death and burial of the subject. I have yet to read one thatdescribesthesubject’sresurrectionfromthedead!ThefactthatJohncontinuedhis account and shared theexcitementof the resurrectionmiracle isproof thatJesusChristisnotlikeanyotherman.Heis,indeed,theSonofGod.

Theresurrection isanessentialpartof thegospelmessage(1Cor.15:1–8)andakeydoctrineintheChristianfaith.ItprovesthatJesusChrististheSonofGod(Acts2:32–36;Rom.1:4)andthatHisatoningworkonthecrosshasbeencompletedandiseffective(Rom.4:24–25).TheemptycrossandtheemptytombareGod’s “receipts” telling us that the debt has beenpaid. JesusChrist is notonlytheSavior,butHeisalsotheSanctifier(Rom.6:4–10)andtheIntercessor(Rom.8:34).OnedayHeshallreturnasJudge(Acts17:30–31).

Fromtheverybeginning,theenemiesoftheLordtriedtodenythehistoricfact of the resurrection. The Jewish leaders claimed that the Lord’s body hadbeenstolenfromthetomb.Thisstatementisabsurd,forifthebodywasstolenbyHisfollowers,howdidtheydoit?ThetombwasguardedbyRomansoldiersand thestonesealedbyanofficialRomanseal.Furthermore,Hisdisciplesdidnot believe that He was to be raised from the dead; it was His enemies whorememberedHiswords(Matt.27:62–66).They certainlywouldnothave takenthebody!ThelastthingtheywantedwasanyonebelievingthatJesushadindeedrisen from the dead. IfHis friends could not steal the body, andHis enemies

wouldnot,thenwhotookit?Perhapsthediscipleshad“visions”oftherisenLordandinterpretedthemas

evidencesfortheresurrection.ButtheydidnotexpecttoseeHim,andthatisnotthelandofpsychologicalpreparationfromwhichhallucinationsaremade.Andhow couldmore than five hundred people have the same hallucination at thesametime(1Cor.15:6)?

Did the followers of our Lord perhaps go to thewrong tomb?Not likely.TheycarefullywatchedwhereHewasburied (Matt.27:61;Mark15:47;Luke23:55–57).TheylovedtheMasterandwerenotlikelytogetconfusedaboutHisresting place. In fact, as thewomen approached the tomb, theywereworriedabout who would roll back the heavy stone (Mark 16:1–3), so they wereacquaintedwiththesituation.

AstothefoolishargumentthatJesusdidnotdie,butonlyswoonedandwaslaterrevived,littleneedbesaid.ItwasprovedbymanywitnessesthatJesuswasdead when His body was taken from the cross. Later, He was seen alive bydependablewitnesses.Theonly logicalconclusion is thatHekeptHispromiseandarosefromthedead.

ButtheglorioustruthoftheresurrectionwasnotunderstoodimmediatelybyevenHis closest followers. It gradually dawned on these grieving people thattheirMasterwasnotdead,but alive!Andwhat adifference itmadewhen thefull realization ofHis resurrection took hold of them!ForMaryMagdalene itmeantmoving from tears to joy (John20:1–18), for the ten disciples itmeantgoing fromfear tocourage (John20:19–23);and forThomas itmeantmovingfromdoubt toassurance(John20:24–31).WithMary, theemphasis isonlove;withtheten,theemphasisisonhope;andwithThomas,theemphasisisonfaith.

AsweconsiderMaryMagdalene’sexperiencethatLord’sDaymorning,wecanseethreestagesinhercomprehensionofthetruthoftheresurrection.PeterandJohnarealsoapartofthisexperience.

1.FaithEclipsed(20:1–2)MaryMagdaleneandseveralotherwomenagreedtogotothetombearlyonthefirstdayoftheweek,sothattheymightshowtheirloveforChristincompletingtheburialpreparations.JosephofArimatheaandNicodemushadbeenforcedbycircumstancestoprepareHisbodyhastily,andthewomenwantedtofinishthetask. Their great concern was how to get into the tomb. Perhaps the Romansoldierswouldtakepityonthemandgivethemahand.

Whattheydidnotknowwasthatanearthquakehadoccurredandthestonehadbeenrolledbackbyanangel!ItseemsthatMaryMagdalenewentaheadoftheotherwomenandgottothetombfirst.Whenshesawthestonerolledawayfrom the door of the tomb, she concluded that somebody had broken into thetomb and stolen the body of herLord.Wemay criticizeMary for jumping toconclusions,butwhenyouconsiderthecircumstances,itisdifficulttoseehowshewouldhave reachedanyotherconclusion. Itwasstilldark, shewasalone,and like theother followersofJesus, shedidnotbelieve thatHewould returnfromthedead.

She ran to give the news to Peter and John, who must have been livingtogetherataplaceknowntotheotherbelievers.Perhapsitwastheupperroomwhere theyhadmetwithJesus.Mary’suseof thepronoun“we” is interesting,foritincludedtheotherwomenwhoatthatmomentwerediscoveringthatJesuswasalive(seeMark16:1–8;Luke24:1–8)!Thewomenleftthetombandcarriedtheangels’messagetotheotherdisciples.

It is significant that the first witnesses of the resurrection of Christ werebelievingwomen.AmongtheJewsinthatday,thetestimonyofwomenwasnotheld inhighregard.“It isbetter that thewordsof the lawbeburned,”said therabbis,“thanbedeliveredtoawoman.”ButtheseChristianwomenhadagreatermessagethanthatofthelaw,fortheyknewthattheirSaviorwasalive.

Mary’sfaithwasnotextinguished; itwasonlyeclipsed.Thelightwasstillthere,but itwascovered.Peter and Johnwere in the samespiritual condition,

butsoonallthreeofthemwouldmoveoutoftheshadowsandintothelight.

2.FaithDawning(20:3–10)John20:3suggests thatPeterstartedofffirst toruntothetomb,butJohn20:4reports that John got there first. Perhaps John was a younger man in betterphysical condition, or perhaps Johnwas just a better runner. It is tempting to“spiritualize” this footrace and relate it to Isaiah 40:31 and Hebrews 12:1–2.WhenabelieverisoutoffellowshipwiththeLord,itisdifficulttoruntheraceof faith.However, bothmendeserve credit for having the courage to run intoenemyterritory,notknowingwhatlaybeforethem.Thewholethingcouldhavebeenaclevertraptocatchthedisciples.

WhenJohnarrivedatthetomb,hecautiouslyremainedoutsideandlookedin. Perhaps he wanted Peter to be with him when he went into the burialchamber.WhatdidJohnsee?Thegraveclotheslyingonthestoneshelfwithoutanyevidenceofviolenceorcrime.But thegraveclotheswereempty!They laytherelikeanemptycocoon,stillretainingtheshapeofJesus’body.

Peterarrivedand impulsivelywent into the tomb, justaswewouldexpecthimtodo.Healsosawthelinenclotheslyingthereemptyandtheclothfortheheadcarefullyrolledandlyingbyitself.Graverobbersdonotcarefullyunwrapthe corpse and then leave the graveclothes neatly behind. In fact, with thepresenceofthespicesinthefoldsoftheclothes,itwouldbealmostimpossibletounwrapacorpsewithoutdamagingthewrappings.TheonlywaythoselinenclothescouldbeleftinthatconditionwouldbeifJesuspassedthroughthemasHearosefromthedead.

John then entered the tomb and looked at the evidence. “He saw, andbelieved.”

When John wrote this account, he used three different Greek words forseeing.InJohn20:5, theverbsimplymeans“toglancein, tolookin.”InJohn20:6,thewordmeans“tolookcarefully,toobserve.”ThewordsawinJohn20:8

means“toperceivewithintelligentcomprehension.”Theirresurrectionfaithwasnowdawning!

Itseemsincredible that thefollowersofJesusdidnotexpectHimtocomeoutofthetombalive.Afterall,HehadtoldthemmanytimesthatHewouldberaised from thedead.Early inHisministryHehadsaid,“Destroy this temple,and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). After His resurrection, thedisciples remembered thatHehadsaid this (John2:22);however,Hisenemiesrememberedittoo(Matt.27:40,63–64).

HecomparedHimselftoJonah(Matt.12:40),andontwooccasionsclearlyannouncedHisresurrectionafter threedays(Matt.16:21;20:19).OnThursdayofHislastweekofministryHeagainpromisedtoberaisedupandmeettheminGalilee(Matt.26:32;andseeLuke24:6–7).

What kind of faith did Peter and John have at that stage in their spiritualexperience?Theyhadfaithbasedonevidence.Theycouldseethegraveclothes;theyknewthatthebodyofJesuswasnotthere.However,asgoodasevidenceistoconvincethemind,itcanneverchangethelife.Thoseofuswholivecenturieslater cannot examine the evidence, for the material evidence (the tomb, thegraveclothes)isnolongerthereforustoinspect.

ButwehavetherecordintheWordofGod(John20:9),andthatrecordistrue (John 19:35; 21:24). In fact, it is faith in the Word that the Lord reallywantedtocultivateinHisdisciples(seeJohn2:22;12:16;14:26).PetermadeitclearthattheWordofGod,notpersonalexperiences,shouldbethebasisforourfaith(1Peter1:12–21).

The disciples had only the Old Testament Scriptures, so that is what isreferred to in John20:9.Theearlychurchused theOldTestament toprove tobothJewsandGentilesthatJesusistheChrist,thatHediedforsinners,andthatHearoseagain(Acts9:22;13:16ff.;17:1–4;etc.).Thegospelincludes“andthathe arose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1Cor. 15:4).WhatScripturesdidPaulandJohnhaveinmind?

Paulsaw the resurrection inPsalm2:7 (Acts13:33).Petersaw it inPsalm16:8–11(Acts2:23–36,andnote13:35).PeteralsoreferredtoPsalm110:1(Acts2:34–35). The statement “he shall prolong his days” in Isaiah 53:10 is alsointerpreted as a prediction of Christ’s resurrection. Jesus Himself used theprophetJonahtoillustrateHisowndeath,burial,andresurrection(Matt.12:38–40),andthiswouldincludethe“threedays”partofthemessage.PaulsawintheFeastofFirstfruitsapictureoftheresurrection(Lev.23:9–14;1Cor.15:20–23),andagain,thiswouldinclude“thethirdday.”Somestudentsseetheresurrectionand“thethirdday”inHosea6:2.

AfterHisresurrection,ourLorddidnotrevealHimselftoeveryone,butonlytoselectedwitnesseswhowouldsharethegoodnewswithothers(Acts10:39–43).Thiswitness isnow found inScripture, theNewTestament, andboth theOld Testament and the New Testament agree in their witness. The law, thepsalms,theprophets,andtheapostlestogetherbearwitnessthatJesusChristisalive!

Peter and John saw the evidence and believed. Later, the Holy Spiritconfirmed their faith through theOldTestamentScriptures.Thatevening, theywouldmeet theMaster personally! Faith thatwas eclipsed has now started todawn,andthelightwillgetbrighter.

3.FaithShining(20:11–18)WhenIthinkofMaryMagdalenelingeringaloneinthegarden,IrecallProverbs8:17—“I love them that loveme;and those that seekmeearlyshall findme.”MarylovedherLordandcameearlytothegardentoexpressthatlove.PeterandJohn had gone home by the timeMary got back to the tomb, so they did notconvey to her what conclusion they had reached from the evidence they hadexamined.MarystillthoughtthatJesuswasdead.Anotherversecomestomind—Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in themorning.”

Mary’sweepingwastheloudlamentationsocharacteristicofJewishpeoplewhen they express their sorrow (John 11:31, 33). There is certainly nothingwrongwithsinceresorrow,becauseGodmadeustoshedtears,andweepingisgoodtherapyforbrokenhearts.ThesorrowoftheChristian,however,mustbedifferentfromthehopelesssorrowoftheworld(1Thess.4:13–18),becausewehave been born again “unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christfromthedead”(1Peter1:3NASB).Weweep—notbecauseourbelievingloved

oneshavegonetoheaven—butbecausetheyhaveleftusandwemissthem.WhenMary looked into the sepulcher, she saw two men in white. Their

positionateitherendoftheshelfwherethebodyhadbeenlyingmakesusthinkofthecherubimonthemercyseat(Ex.25:17–19).ItisasthoughGodissaying,“Thereisnowanewmercyseat!MySonhaspaidthepriceforsin,andthewayisopenintothepresenceofGod!”Maryapparentlywasnotdisturbedatseeingthesemen,and there isnoevidence thatsheknewtheywereangels.Thebriefconversationneitherdriedhertearsnorquietedhermind.ShewasdeterminedtofindthebodyofJesus.

Why didMary turn back and not continue her conversationwith the twostrangers? Did she hear a sound behind her? Or did the angels stand andrecognizethepresenceoftheirLord?Perhapsbothofthesespeculationsaretrueorneitheristrue.ShewascertainthattheLord’sbodywasnotinthetomb,sowhylingerthereanylonger?

Why did she not recognize the One for whom she was so earnestlysearching? Jesus may have deliberately concealed Himself from her, as HewouldlaterdowhenHewalkedwiththeEmmausdisciples(Luke24:13–32).Itwas still early and perhaps dark in that part of the garden. Her eyes wereprobablyblindedbyhertearsaswell.

Jesusaskedherthesamequestionthattheangelshadasked,“Whyareyouweeping?”Howtragicthatshewasweepingwhenshecouldhavebeenpraising,

had she realized that her Lord was alive! Then He added, “Whom are youseeking?”(Hehadaskedthemobthesamequestioninthegarden—John18:4.)It isencouraging tous toknowthat“Jesusknowsallaboutoursorrows.”TheSaviorknewthatMary’sheartwasbrokenandthathermindwasconfused.Hedidnotrebukeher;tenderly,HerevealedHimselftoher.

AllHehadtodowastospeakhername,andMaryimmediatelyrecognizedHim.His sheephear [recognize]His voice, andHe calls thembyname (John10:3). ApparentlyMary had turned away from Jesus, for whenHe spoke hername,shehadtoturnbacktolookatHimagain.WhatablessedsurpriseitwastoseethefaceofherbelovedMaster!

All she could say was, “Rabboni—my Master, my Teacher.” The titleRabboniisusedinonlyoneotherplaceintheGospels,Mark10:51(intheGreektext “Lord” is “Rabboni”). “Rabbi” and “Rabboni” were equivalent terms ofrespect. In later years, the Jews recognized three levels of teachers: rab (thelowest),rabbi,andrabboni(thehighest).

MarynotonlyspoketoHim,butshegraspedHisfeetandheldontoHim.Thiswas a natural gesture:Now that shehad foundHim, shedidnotwant toloseHim.She and theother believers still had agreat deal to learn aboutHisnewstateofglory;theystillwantedtorelatetoHimastheyhaddoneduringtheyearsofHisministrybeforethecross.

Jesuspermitted theotherwomentoholdHisfeet (Matt.28:9),andHedidnotforbidthem.WhydidHesaytoMary,“Donotclingtome”?OnereasonwasthatshewouldseeHimagainbecauseHehadnotyetascendedtotheFather.HeremainedonearthforfortydaysafterHisresurrectionandoftenappearedtothebelieverstoteachthemspiritualtruth(Acts1:1–9).Maryhadnoneedtopanic;thiswasnotherfinalmeetingwiththeLord.

Asecondreasonisthatshehadajobtodo—togotellHisbrethrenthatHewas alive and would ascend to the Father. “He is not ashamed to call thembrethren” (Heb.2:11).“Iwilldeclare thynameuntomybrethren” (Ps.22:22).

HehadcalledHisownservants(John13:16)andfriends(John15:15),butnowHecalledthembrethren.ThismeantthattheysharedHisresurrectionpowerandglory.

SomestudentsfeelthatJesusdidreturntotheFatheronthatmorning,andthatwastheascensionHewasreferringto,butnootherNewTestamentpassagecorroborates this interpretation.Tosay thatHewasfulfilling thesymbolismofthe day of Atonement and presenting the blood to the Father is, I think,stretchingatypetoofar(Lev.16).Forthatmatter,Hehadnobloodtopresent;He had presented that on the cross when He was made sin for us. In Hisresurrection glory, Jesus was “flesh and bones” (Luke 24:39), not “flesh andblood.”Theresurrectionitselfwasproofthattheworkofredemptionhadbeencompleted (“raised because of our justification”—Rom. 4:24–25 NASB). What

morecouldHedo?OurLordneverusedthephrases“ourFather”or“ourGod.”Hisrelationship

totheFatherwasdifferentfromthatofthedisciples,andHewascarefultomakethatdistinction.Wesay“ourFather”and“ourGod”becauseallbelieversbelongtothesamefamilyandhaveanequalstandingbeforeGod.HeremindedMaryandtheotherbelieversthatGodwastheirFatherandthatHewouldbewiththeFatherinheavenafterHisascension.InHisupperroommessage,HehadtaughtthemthatHewouldreturntotheFathersothattheSpiritmightcometothem.

ThoughitwasthesameJesus,onlyinaglorifiedbody,itwasnotquitethesamerelationship.WemustbecarefulnottorelatetoChrist“aftertheflesh”(1Cor. 5:16), that is, relate to Him as though He were still in His state ofhumiliation.He is today the exalted Son ofGod in glory, andwemust honorHimassuch.The juvenile familiarity thatsomepeopledisplay inpublicwhenthey testify, pray, or sing only reveals that they have little understanding ofPaul’swords in2Corinthians5:16.WhenJohnwaswithJesusat the table,heleanedagainstHisbosom(John13:23),butwhenJohnsawJesusontheIsleof

Patmos,hefellatHisfeetasdead(Rev.1:17)!ItwouldhavebeenselfishanddisobedientforMarytohaveclungtoJesus

and kept Him to herself. She arose and went to where the disciples weregathered and gave them the good news that she had seen Jesus alive. “I haveseen the Lord!” (Note John 20:14, 18, 20, 25, 29.) Mark reports that thesebelievers were mourning and weeping—and that they would not believe her(Mark 16:9–11)! Mary herself had been weeping, and Jesus had turned hersorrowintojoy.Iftheyhadbelieved,theirsorrowwouldalsohaveturnedtojoy.Unbeliefhasaterriblydeadeningeffectonaperson.NowonderGodwarnsusagainst“anevilheartofunbelief”(Heb.3:12).

MarynotonlysharedthefactofHisresurrectionandthatshehadseenHimpersonally,butshealsoreportedthewordsthatHehadspokentoher.Again,weseetheimportanceoftheWordofGod.Marycouldnottransferherexperienceover to them, but she could share theWord, and it is theWord that generatesfaith(Rom.10:17).ThelivingChristsharedHislivingWord(1Peter1:23–25).

It is good to have faith that is based on solid evidence, but the evidenceshouldleadustotheWord,andtheWordshouldleadustotheSavior.Itisonethingtoacceptadoctrineanddefendit;itissomethingelsetohaveapersonalrelationshiptothelivingLord.PeterandJohnbelievedthatJesuswasalive,butitwasnotuntilthateveningthattheymettherisenChristinpersonalongwiththe other disciples. (Jesus appeared to Peter sometime during the afternoon,Luke24:34;1Cor.15:5.)Evidence thatdoesnot lead toexperience isnothingbutdeaddogma.ThekeyisfaithintheWordofGod.

Dr.RobertW.Dale,whowasoneofGreatBritain’sleadingCongregationalpastors and theologians, was one day preparing an Easter sermon when arealizationoftherisenLordstruckhimwithnewpower.

“Christisalive!”hesaidtohimself.“Alive—alive—alive!”Hepaused,andthensaid,“Canthatreallybetrue?LivingasreallyasImyselfam?”

He got up from his desk and began to walk about the study, repeating,

“Christisliving!Christisliving!”Dr.Dalehadknownandbelievedthisdoctrineforyears,buttherealityofit

overwhelmedhimthatday.Fromthattimeon,“thelivingChrist”wasthethemeofhispreaching,andhehadhiscongregationsinganEasterhymneverySundaymorning.“IwantmypeopletogetholdofthegloriousfactthatChristisalive,andtorejoiceoverit;andSunday,youknow,isthedayonwhichChristleftthedead.”

Historicalfaithsays,“Christlives!”Savingfaithsays,“Christlivesinme!”Doyouhavesavingfaith?

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Whenhaveyougonethroughadarktimethathadahappyending?

2.ReadaboutthehappyendingtoJesus’deathinJohn20:1–18.HowdopeopletrytoexplainawayJesus’resurrection?

3.What evidences are there in this passage that Jesus did indeed die and riseagain?

4.HowwouldyoucharacterizePeter’sandJohn’sfaithatthistime?

5.WhatdoyoulearnaboutMaryfromherexperiencesat theemptytombandherencounterwiththerisenChrist?

6.WhywerewomenthefirstwitnessesoftheresurrectedLord?

7.Whydidn’tJesusappearinamorepublicwayafterHisresurrection,suchastotheJewishleadersortoPilate?

8.WhatroledoesevidenceplayinyourconvictionthatJesusisrisen?

9.Whattransformationsoccurredinthispassage?

10.HowhastherisenLordtransformedyourlife?

ChapterEleven

ThePowerofHisResurrection(John20:19–31)

ThenewsthatJesuswasalivebegantospreadamongHisfollowers,atfirstwithhesitation,butthenwithenthusiasm.EvenHisdisciplesdidnotbelievethefirstreports, and Thomas demanded proof. But wherever people were confrontedwith the reality ofHis resurrection, their liveswere transformed. In fact, thatsametransformingexperiencecanbeyourstoday.AsyouseeinJohn20:19–31the changes that took place in the lives of people, ask yourself, “Have IpersonallymettherisenChrist?HasHechangedmylife?”

FromFeartoCourage(20:19–25)OurLordrestedinthetombontheSabbathandarosefromthedeadonthefirstdayoftheweek.ManypeoplesincerelycallSunday“theChristianSabbath,”butSunday is not the Sabbath day. The seventh day of the week, the Sabbath,commemoratesGod’s finishedworkof creation (Gen.2:1–3).TheLord’sDaycommemoratesChrist’s finishedworkof redemption, the “newcreation.”Godthe Father worked for six days and then rested. God the Son suffered on thecrossforsixhoursandthenrested.

GodgavetheSabbathtoIsraelasaspecial“sign”thattheybelongedtoHim(Ex.20:8–11;31:13–17;Neh.9:14).Thenationwastousethatdayforphysicalrest and refreshment both for man and beast, but for Israel, it was notcommandedasaspecialdayofassemblyandworship.Unfortunately,thescribesandPhariseesaddedallkindsof restrictions to theSabbathobservanceuntil itbecameadayofbondageinsteadofadayofblessing.Jesusdeliberatelyviolated

theSabbathtraditions,thoughHehonoredtheSabbathday.Therewere at least five resurrection appearances of ourLord on that first

dayoftheweek:toMaryMagdalene(John20:11–18),theotherwomen(Matt.28:9–10), Peter (1 Cor. 15:5; Luke 24:34), the two Emmaus disciples (Luke24:13–32),andthedisciplesminusThomas(John20:19–25).ThenextSunday,thedisciplesmet againandThomaswaswith them (John20:26–31). Itwouldappear that the believers from the very firstmet together on Sunday evening,whichcametobecalled“theLord’sday”(Rev.1:10). Itappears that theearlychurchmetonthefirstdayoftheweektoworshiptheLordandcommemorateHisdeathandresurrection(Acts20:7;1Cor.16:1–2).

The Sabbath was over when Jesus arose from the dead (Mark 16:1). Hearose on the first day of the week (Matt. 28:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). Thechange from the seventhday to the firstdaywasnoteffectedbysomechurchdecree;itwasbroughtaboutfromthebeginningbythefaithandwitnessofthefirstbelievers.Forcenturies,theJewishSabbathhadbeenassociatedwithlaw:six days of work, and then you rest. But the Lord’s Day, the first day of theweek,isassociatedwithgrace:firstthereisfaithinthelivingChrist,thentherewillbeworks.

There is no evidence inScripture thatGodevergave theoriginalSabbathcommandtotheGentiles,orthatitwasrepeatedforthechurchtoobey.Nineofthe Ten Commandments are repeated in the church epistles, but the Sabbathcommandmentisnotrepeated.However,Paulmakesitclearthatbelieversmustnotmake“specialdays”a testof fellowshipor spirituality (Rom.14:5ff.;Col.2:16–23).

HowdidourLordtransformHisdisciples’fearintocourage?Foronething,Hecametothem.Wedonotknowwherethesetenfrightenedmenmetbehindlocked doors, but Jesus came to them and reassured them. InHis resurrectionbody,Hewasable toenter theroomwithoutopening thedoors!Itwasasolidbody, for He asked them to touch Him—and He even ate some fish (Luke

24:41–43).Butitwasadifferentkindofbody,onethatwasnotlimitedbywhatwecall“thelawsofnature.”

It is remarkable that these men were actually afraid. The women hadreportedtothemthatJesuswasalive,andthetwoEmmausdiscipleshadaddedtheir personal witness (Luke 24:33–35). It is likely that Jesus had appearedpersonally to Peter sometime that afternoon (Mark 16:7; Luke 24:34; 1 Cor.15:5), though Peter’s public restorationwould not take place until later (John21). No wonder Jesus reproached them at that time “with their unbelief andhardnessofheart”(Mark16:14).

ButHis firstword to themwas the traditionalgreeting,“Shalom—peace!”Hecouldhaverebukedthemfortheirunfaithfulnessandcowardicethepreviousweekend,butHedidnot.“Hehathnotdealtwithusafteroursins;norrewardedus according to our iniquities” (Ps. 103:10). The work of the cross is peace(Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14–17), and the message they would carry would be thegospelofpeace(Rom.10:15).ManhaddeclaredwaronGod(Ps.2;Acts4:23–30),butGodwoulddeclare“Peace!”tothosewhowouldbelieve.

NotonlydidJesuscometo them,butHealsoreassured them.He showedthemHiswoundedhandsandsideandgavethemopportunitytodiscoverthatitwas indeed theirMaster,and thatHewasnotaphantom.(TheGospelsdonotrecord wounds in His feet, but Psalm 22:16 indicates that His feet were alsonailedtothecross.)

Butthewoundsmeantmorethanidentification;theyalsowereevidencethatthe price for salvation had been paid andman indeed could have “peacewithGod.” The basis for all our peace is found in the person and work of JesusChrist.Hediedforus,Hearosefromthedeadinvictory,andnowHelivesforus.Inourfears,wecannotlockHimout!HecomestousingraceandreassuresusthroughHisWord.“Faithfularethewoundsofafriend”(Prov.27:6).

When Jesus saw that the disciples’ fear had not turned to joy, Hecommissioned them: “Asmy Father hath sentme, even so send I you” (John

20:21).Keepinmindthattheoriginaldiscipleswerenottheonlyonespresent;others,includingtheEmmausdisciples,werealsointheroom.Thiscommissionwasnotthe“formalordination”ofachurchorder;rather,itwasthededicationofHisfollowerstothetaskofworldevangelism.WearetotakeHisplaceinthisworld (John 17:18). What a tremendous privilege and what a greatresponsibility! It is humbling to realize that Jesus lovesus as theFather lovesHim(John15:9;17:26),andthatweareintheFatherjustasHeis(John17:21–22).ItisequallyashumblingtorealizethatHehassentusintotheworldjustastheFathersentHim.AsHewasabouttoascendtoheaven,Heagainremindedthemoftheircommissiontotakethemessagetothewholeworld(Matt.28:18–20).

Itmusthavegiven themengreat joy torealize that, inspiteof theirmanyfailures,theirLordwasentrustingthemwithHisWordandHiswork.Theyhadforsaken Him and fled, but nowHe was sending them out to represent Him.PeterhaddeniedHimthreetimes,andyetinafewdays,PeterwouldpreachtheWord (and accuse the Jews of denying Him—Acts 3:13–14!) and thousandswouldbesaved.

Jesuscametothemandreassuredthem,butHealsoenabled them throughtheHolySpirit.John20:22remindsusofGenesis2:7,whenGodbreathedlifeintothefirstman.InbothHebrewandGreek,thewordfor“breath”alsomeans“spirit.” The breath of God in the first creation meant physical life, and thebreath of Jesus Christ in the new creation meant spiritual life. The believerswould receive the baptism of the Spirit at Pentecost and be empowered forministry(Acts1:4–5;2:1–4).ApartfromthefillingoftheSpirit,theycouldnotgoforthtowitnesseffectively.TheSpirithaddweltwith theminthepersonofChrist,butnowtheSpiritwouldbeinthem(John14:17).

John20:23mustnotbeinterpretedtomeanthatJesusgavetoaselectbodyofpeopletherighttoforgivesinsandletpeopleintoheaven.Jesushadspokensimilarwords before (Matt. 16:19), butHewas not setting aside the disciples

(and their successors) as a “spiritual elite” to dealwith the sins of theworld.Remember,therewereothersintheroombesidesthedisciples,andThomaswasmissing!

AcorrectunderstandingoftheGreektexthelpsushere.Someyearsago,Icorresponded with the eminent Greek scholar Dr. Julius R. Mantey (nowdeceased) about thisverse, andheassuredme that thecorrect translationbothhereandinMatthew16:19shouldbe:“Whosoeversinsyouremit[forgive]shallhavealreadybeenforgiventhem,andwhosoeversinsyouretain[donotforgive]shallhavealreadynotbeenforgiventhem.”Inotherwords,thedisciplesdidnotprovideforgiveness;theyproclaimedforgivenessonthebasisofthemessageofthegospel.AnotherGreekscholar,Dr.KennethWuest, translates it“theyhavebeenpreviouslyforgiventhem.”

As theearlybelieverswent forth into theworld, theyannounced thegoodnewsofsalvation.IfsinnerswouldrepentandbelieveonJesusChrist,theirsinswouldbeforgiventhem!“WhocanforgivesinsbutGodonly?”(Mark2:7).AllthattheChristiancandoisannouncethemessageofforgiveness;Godperformsthe miracle of forgiveness. If sinners will believe on Jesus Christ, we canauthoritativelydeclaretothemthattheirsinshavebeenforgiven,butwearenottheoneswhoprovidetheforgiveness.

Bynow,theirfearshadvanished.TheyweresurethattheLordwasaliveandthatHewascaringforthem.Theyhadboth“peacewithGod”andthe“peaceofGod” (Phil. 4:6–7). They had a high and holy commission and the powerprovided to accomplish it. And they had been given the great privilege ofbearingthegoodnewsofforgivenesstothewholeworld.AlltheynowhadtodowastarryinJerusalemuntiltheHolySpiritwouldbegiven.

FromUnbelieftoConfidence(20:26–28)WhywasThomasnotwiththeotherdiscipleswhentheymetontheeveningofresurrection day?Was he so disappointed that he did notwant to bewith his

friends?Butwhenwearediscouragedanddefeated,weneedourfriendsallthemore!Solitudeonlyfeedsdiscouragementandhelpsitgrowintoself-pity,whichisevenworse.

PerhapsThomaswasafraid.But John11:16 seems to indicate thathewasbasicallyacourageousman,willingtogotoJudeaanddiewiththeLord!John14:5revealsthatThomaswasaspirituallymindedmanwhowantedtoknowthetruth and was not ashamed to ask questions. There seems to have been a“pessimistic”outlookinThomas.Wecallhim“DoubtingThomas,”butJesusdidnot rebukehimforhisdoubts.Herebukedhimforunbelief:“Benot faithless,butbelieving.”Doubt isoftenan intellectualproblem:Wewant tobelieve,butthe faith is overwhelmed by problems and questions. Unbelief is a moralproblem;wesimplywillnotbelieve.

What was it that Thomas would not believe? The reports of the otherChristians that JesusChristwasalive.Theverbsaid in John20:25means thatthedisciples“keptsayingtohim”thattheyhadseentheLordJesusChristalive.NodoubtthewomenandtheEmmauspilgrimsalsoaddedtheirwitnesstothistestimony. On the one hand, we admire Thomas for wanting personalexperience,butontheotherhand,wemustfaulthimforlayingdownconditionsfortheLordtomeet.

Like most people in that day, he had two names: “Thomas” is Aramaic,“Didymus”isGreek,andtheybothmean“twin.”WhowasThomas’stwin?Wedonotknow—butsometimesyouandIfeelas ifwemightbehis twins!HowoftenwehaverefusedtobelieveandhaveinsistedthatGodproveHimselftous!

ThomasisagoodwarningtoallofusnottomissmeetingwithGod’speopleontheLord’sDay(Heb.10:22–25).BecauseThomaswasnotthere,hemissedseeingJesusChrist,hearingHiswordsofpeace,andreceivingHiscommissionandgiftofspirituallife.Hehadtoendureaweekoffearandunbeliefwhenhecouldhavebeenexperiencingjoyandpeace!RememberThomaswhenyouaretempted tostayhomefromchurch.Youneverknowwhatspecialblessingyou

mightmiss!Butlet’sgivehimcreditforshowingupthenextweek.Theothertenmen

hadtoldThomasthattheyhadseentheLord’shandsandside(John20:20),soThomasmadethat thetest.ThomashadbeentherewhenJesusraisedLazarus,so why should he question our Lord’s own resurrection? But, he still wantedproof;“seeingisbelieving.”

Thomas’s words help us to understand the difference between doubt andunbelief.Doubtsays,“Icannotbelieve!Therearetoomanyproblems!”Unbeliefsays,“IwillnotbelieveunlessyougivemetheevidenceIaskfor!”Infact, intheGreektext,thereisadoublenegative:“Ipositivelywillnotbelieve!”

JesushadheardThomas’swords;nobodyhadtoreportthemtoHim.So,thenextLord’sDay,theLordappearedintheroom(again,thedoorswerelocked)anddealtpersonallywithThomasandhisunbelief.He still greeted themwith“Shalom—peace!”EvenThomas’sunbeliefcouldnotrobtheotherdisciplesoftheirpeaceandjoyintheLord.

HowgraciousourLordistostooptoourlevelofexperienceinordertoliftuswhereweought tobe.TheLordgrantedGideon the“testsof faith” thatherequested(Judg.6:36–40),andHegrantedThomashisrequestaswell.ThereisnorecordthatThomaseveracceptedtheLord’sinvitation.Whenthetimecametoprovehisfaith,Thomasneedednomoreproof!

OurLord’swordstranslateliterally,“Stopbecomingfaithlessbutbecomeabeliever.” Jesus saw a dangerous process at work in Thomas’s heart, and Hewantedtoputastoptoit.ThebestcommentaryonthisisHebrews3,whereGodwarnsagainst“anevilheartofunbelief”(Heb.3:12).

Itisnoteasytounderstandthepsychologyofdoubtandunbelief.Perhapsitislinkedtopersonalitytraits;somepeoplearemoretrustfulthanothers.PerhapsThomas was so depressed that he was ready to quit, so he “threw out achallenge”andneverreallyexpectedJesustoacceptit.Atanyrate,Thomaswasfacedwithhisownwords,andhehadtomakeadecision.

John 20:29 indicates that Thomas’s testimony did not come from histouchingJesus,butfromhisseeingJesus.“MyLordandmyGod!”isthelastofthetestimoniesthatJohnrecordstothedeityofJesusChrist.TheothersareJohnthe Baptist (John 1:34); Nathanael (John 1:49); Jesus Himself (John 5:25;10:36); Peter (John 6:69); the healed blind man (John 9:35); Martha (John11:27);andofcourse,Johnhimself(John20:30–31).

ItisanencouragementtoustoknowthattheLordhadapersonalinterestinand concern for “Doubting Thomas.” He wanted to strengthen his faith andincludehimintheblessingsthatlayinstoreforHisfollowers.Thomasremindsus that unbelief robs us of blessings and opportunities. It may soundsophisticatedandintellectualtoquestionwhatJesusdid,butsuchquestionsareusuallyevidenceofhardhearts,notofsearchingminds.Thomasrepresentsthe“scientificapproach”tolife—anditdidnotwork!Afterall,whenaskepticsays,“Iwill not believe unless—”he is already admitting that he does believe!Hebelieves in thevalidityof the testorexperiment thathehasdevised!Ifhecanhavefaith inhisown“scientificapproach,”whycanhenothavefaith inwhatGodhasrevealed?

Weneedtoremindourselvesthateverybodylivesbyfaith.Thedifferenceisintheobjectofthatfaith.ChristiansputtheirfaithinGodandHisWord,whileunsavedpeopleputtheirfaithinthemselves.

FromDeathtoLife(20:29–31)Johncouldnotendhisbookwithoutbringingtheresurrectionmiracletohisownreaders.WemustnotlookatThomasandtheotherdisciplesandenvythem,asthoughthepowerofChrist’sresurrectioncouldneverbeexperiencedinourlivestoday.ThatwaswhyJohnwrotethisgospel—sothatpeopleineveryagecouldknowthatJesusisGodandthatfaithinHimbringseverlastinglife.

It is not necessary to “see” JesusChrist in order to believe.Yes, itwas ablessingfor theearlyChristians tosee theirLordandknowthatHewasalive;

but that is not what saved them. They were saved, not by seeing, but bybelieving.TheemphasisthroughoutthegospelofJohnisonbelieving.TherearenearlyonehundredreferencesinthisgospeltobelievingonJesusChrist.

YouandItodaycannotseeChrist,norcanweseeHimperformthemiracles(signs)thatJohnwroteaboutinthisbook.Buttherecordisthere,andthatisallthat we need. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word ofGod” (Rom. 10:17; and note 1 John 5:9–13).As you read John’s record, youcomefacetofacewithJesusChrist,howHelived,whatHesaid,andwhatHedid.AlloftheevidencepointstotheconclusionthatHeisindeedGodcomeintheflesh,theSavioroftheworld.

ThesignsthatJohnselectedanddescribedinthisbookareproofofthedeityofChrist.Theyareimportant.Butsinnersarenotsavedbybelievinginmiracles;they are saved by believing on Jesus Christ. Many of the Jews in JerusalembelievedonJesusbecauseofHismiracles,butHedidnotbelieveinthem(John2:23–25)!GreatcrowdsfollowedHimbecauseofHismiracles(John6:2),butintheend,mostofthemleftHimforgood(John6:66).EventhereligiousleaderswhoplottedHisdeathbelievedthatHedidmiracles,butthis“faith”didnotsavethem(John11:47ff.).

FaithinHismiraclesshouldleadtofaithinHisWord,andtopersonalfaithinJesusasSaviorandLord. JesusHimselfpointedout that faith inHisworks(miracles)wasbutthefirststeptowardfaithintheWordofGod(John5:36–40).Thesinnermust“hear”theWordifheistobesaved(John5:24).

There was no need for John to describe every miracle that our Lordperformed; in fact, he supposed that a complete record couldneverbewritten(John21:25).ThelifeandministryofJesusChristweresimplytoorichandfullforanywriter,evenaninspiredone,togiveacompleterecord.Butacompleterecordisnotnecessary.Allofthebasicfactsarehereforustoreadandconsider.Thereissufficienttruthforanysinnertobelieveandbesaved!

Thesubject of John’s gospel is “Jesus is theChrist, the Son ofGod.”He

presentedathreefoldproofofthisthesis:ourLord’sworks,ourLord’swalk,andourLord’swords.Inthisgospel,youseeJesusperformingmiracles;youwatchHimlivingaperfectlifeinthemidstofHisenemies;andyouhearHimspeakingwordsthatnobodyelsecouldspeak.

Either Jesus was a madman, or He was deluded, or He was all that Heclaimedtobe.WhilesomeofHisenemiesdidcallHimderangedanddeluded,themajorityofpeoplewhowatchedHimandlistenedtoHimconcludedthatHewasunique,unlikeanyoneelsetheyhadeverknown.Howcouldamadmanoradeludedman accomplishwhat Jesus accomplished?Whenpeople trustedHim,theirlivesweretransformed!Thatdoesnothappenwhenyoutrustamadmanoradeceiver.

HeclaimedtobeGodcomeintheflesh,theSonofGod,theSavioroftheworld.ThatiswhatHeis!

Johnwasnotcontentsimplytoexplainasubject.Hewasanevangelistwhowantedtoachieveanobject.HewantedhisreaderstobelieveinJesusChristandbesaved!Hewasnotwritingabiographytoentertainorahistorytoenlighten.Hewaswritinganevangeltochangemen’slives.

“Life”isoneofJohn’skeywords;heusesitatleastthirty-sixtimes.Jesusofferssinnersabundantlifeandeternallife,andtheonlywaytheycangetitisthroughpersonalfaithinHim.

Ifsinnersneedlife,thentheimplicationisthattheyaredead.“Andyouhathhe quickened [made alive, resurrected]whowere dead in trespasses and sins”(Eph.2:1).Salvationisnotresuscitation;itisresurrection(John5:24).Thelostsinnerisnotsickorweak;heisdead.

Thislifecomes“throughhisname.”Whatishisname?InJohn’sgospel,theemphasisisonhisname“Iam.”Jesusmakessevengreat“Iam”statementsinthisgospel,offeringthelostsinnerallthatheneeds.

Eternal life is not “endless time,” for even lost people are going to liveforeverinhell.“Eternallife”meanstheverylifeofGodexperiencedtoday.Itis

aqualityoflife,notaquantityoftime.Itisthespiritualexperienceof“heavenonearth”today.TheChristiandoesnothavetodietohavethiseternallife;hepossessesitinChristtoday.

The ten disciples were changed from fear to courage, and Thomas waschangedfromunbelieftoconfidence.Now,JohninvitesyoutotrustJesusChristandbechangedfromdeathtoeternallife.

Ifyouhavealreadymadethislife-changingdecision,givethankstoGodforthepreciousgiftofeternallife.

Ifyouhavenevermadethisdecision,dosorightnow.“HethatbelievethontheSonhatheverlastinglife;andhethatbelievethnot

theSonshallnotseelife,butthewrathofGodabidethonhim”(John3:36).

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Describeatimewhenyouhavebeenafraid.

2. Read John 20:19–31. Jesus transformed the disciples’ fear to courage bycoming to themandreassuring them.Is thereanything in thispassage thatgivesyoucourage?Ifso,what?

3.WhatdoyoulearnabouttheHolySpiritfromthispassage?

4.HowarebelieverspartofJesus’divineprerogativeforforgivingsins?

5.WhatroledoestheHolySpiritplayinyourlife?

6.Howreasonabledoyou think itwas forThomas towant firsthandevidencethatJesuswasalive?Why?

7.WhatwasJesus’attitudetowardThomas?

8.WhydidJohnwritethisbook?

9.WhydoyousupposeJesusgivesusJohn’stestimonyinsteadofthefirsthandevidenceHegaveThomas?

10.Whatdoyoulearnaboutbelievingfromthelastfewverses?

11.Whatkindoflifedoesfaithleadto?

12.InwhatareadoyouneedtoletJesustransformyourfearordoubtintofaith?

ChapterTwelve

TransformedtoServe(John21)

The average reader would conclude that John completed his book with thedramatic testimonyofThomas (John20:28–31), and the readerwouldwonderwhy John added another chapter. Themain reason is the apostle Peter, John’sclose associate in ministry (Acts 3:1). John did not want to end his gospelwithouttellinghisreadersthatPeterwasrestoredtohisapostleship.Apartfromtheinformationinthischapter,wewouldwonderwhyPeterwassoprominentinthefirsttwelvechaptersofthebookofActs.

John had another purpose inmind:Hewanted to refute the foolish rumorthathadspreadamongthebelieversthatJohnwouldliveuntilthereturnoftheLord (John21:23). Johnmade it clear that ourLord’swords hadbeengreatlymisunderstood.

IthinkJohnmayhavehadanotherpurposeinmind:HewantedtoteachushowtorelatetotherisenChrist.DuringthefortydaysbetweenHisresurrectionand ascension, our Lord appeared and disappeared at will, visiting with thedisciples and preparing them for the coming of the Spirit and their futureministries(Acts1:1–9).TheyneverknewwhenHewouldappear,sotheyhadtostayalert!(ThefactthatHemayreturnforHispeopletodayoughttokeepusonourtoes!)ItwasanimportanttimeforthedisciplesbecausetheywereabouttotakeHisplaceintheworldandbegintocarrythemessagetoothers.

I see in this chapter three pictures of the believer and a responsibilityattachedtoeachpicture.

1.WeAreFishersofMen—ObeyHim(21:1–8)TheLord had instructedHis disciples tomeetHim inGalilee,which helps toexplainwhy theywere at the Sea ofGalilee, or Sea ofTiberias (Matt. 26:32;28:7–10;Mark16:7).ButJohndidnotexplainwhyPeterdecidedtogofishing,andBiblestudentsarenotinagreementintheirsuggestions.Someclaimthathewasperfectlywithinhisrights,thatheneededtopayhisbillsandthebestwaytogetmoneywastogofishing.Whysitaroundidle?Getbusy!

OthersbelievethatPeterhadbeencalledfromthatkindoflife(Luke5:1–11)and that it was wrong for him to return. Furthermore, when he went fishing,Petertooksixothermenwithhim!Ifhewaswrong,theywerewrongtoo,anditisasadthingwhenabelieverleadsothersastray.

Bytheway,it isinterestingthatatleastsevenofthetwelvediscipleswereprobablyfishermen.WhydidJesuscallsomanyfishermentofollowHim?Forone thing, fishermen are courageous, and Jesus needs brave people to followHim. They are also dedicated to one thing and cannot easily be distracted.Fishermendonotquit! (Weare thinking,of course,ofprofessional fishermen,notpeoplerelaxingonvacation!)Theyknowhowtotakeorders,andtheyknowhowtoworktogether.

WhetherPeterandhisfriendswererightorwrongwecannotprove—thoughI personally think that they were wrong—but we do know this: Their effortswereinvain.HadtheyforgottentheLord’swords,“Forwithoutme,yecandonothing”(John15:5)?Theytoiledallnightandcaughtnothing.Certainly,Petermusthaverememberedwhathappenedtwoyearsbefore,whenJesuscalledhimintofull-timediscipleship(Luke5:1–11).Onthatoccasion,Peterhadfishedallnightandcaughtnothing,butJesushadturnedhisfailureintosuccess.

Perhaps Peter’s impulsiveness and self-confidence were revealingthemselvesagain.Hewassincere,andheworkedhard,buttherewerenoresults.HowlikesomebelieversintheserviceoftheLord!TheysincerelybelievethattheyaredoingGod’swill,buttheirlaborsareinvain.Theyareservingwithout

directionfromtheLord,sotheycannotexpectblessingfromtheLord.AfterHisresurrection,ourLordwassometimesnotrecognized(Luke24:16;

John 20:14), so it was that His disciples did not recognize Him when, atdawning, He appeared on the shore. His question expected a negative reply:“You have not caught anything to eat, have you?” Their reply was brief andperhapsabitembarrassed:“No.”

ItwastimeforJesustotakeoverthesituation,justasHedidwhenHecalledPeterintodiscipleship.Hetoldthemwheretocastthenet;theyobeyed,andtheycaught153fish!Thedifferencebetweensuccessandfailurewasthewidthoftheship!Wearenever far fromsuccesswhenwepermit Jesus togive theorders,andweareusuallyclosertosuccessthanwerealize.

ItwasJohnwhofirst realized that thestrangeron theshorewas theirownLordandMaster.ItwasJohnwholeanedontheLord’sbreastatthetable(John13:23)andwhostoodbythecrosswhenhisLordsufferedanddied(John19:26).ItislovethatrecognizestheLordandsharesthatgoodnewswithothers:“ItistheLord!”

With characteristic impulsiveness, Peter quickly put on his outer garment(“naked”simplymeans“strippedforwork”)anddoveintothewater!Hewantedto get to Jesus! This is in contrast to Luke 5:8, where Peter told the Lord todepartfromhim.Theothersixmenfollowedintheboat,bringingthenetfulloffish. In theexperience recorded inLuke5, thenetsbegan tobreak,but in thisexperience,thenetheldfast.

Perhapswecanseeinthesetwo“fishingmiracles”anillustrationofhowtheLordhelpsHispeoplefishforlostsouls.AllofoureffortsareuselessapartfromHisdirectionandblessing.Duringthispresentage,wedonotknowhowmanyfishwehavecaught,anditoftenappears that thenetsarebreaking!Butat theend of the age, whenwe see the Lord, not one fish will be lost andwewilldiscoverhowmanythereare.

Jesuscalledthedisciplesandustobe“fishersofmen.”Thisphrasewasnot

inventedbyJesus;ithadbeenusedforyearsbyGreekandRomanteachers.Tobea“fisherofmen”inthatdaymeanttoseektopersuademenand“catch”themwiththetruth.Afishermancatcheslivingfish,butwhenhegetsthem,theydie.AChristianwitnessseekstocatch“deadfish”(deadintheirsins),andwhenheorshe“catches”them,theyaremadealiveinChrist!

Nowwecanunderstandwhy Jesushad somany fishermen in thediscipleband.Fishermenknowhowtowork.Theyhavecourageandfaithtogoout“intothe deep.” They have much patience and persistence, and they will not quit.Theyknowhowtocooperatewithoneanother,andtheyareskilledinusingtheequipment and theboat.What examples forus to followaswe seek to “catchfish”forJesusChrist!

We are indeed “fishers ofmen,” and there are “fish” all around us. IfweobeyHisdirections,wewillcatchthefish.

2.WeAreShepherds—LoveHim(21:9–18)JesusmetHisdiscipleson thebeachwhereHehadalreadypreparedbreakfastfor them.This entire scenemust have stirredPeter’smemory and touchedhisconscience. Surely hewas recalling that first catch of fish (Luke 5:1–11) andperhaps even the feedingof the five thousandwithbread and fish (John6). ItwasatthecloseofthelattereventthatPeterhadgivenhisclear-cutwitnessoffaithinJesusChrist(John6:66–71).The“fireofcoals”wouldcertainlyremindhimof the fire atwhichhedenied theLord (John18:18). It is good for us torememberthepast;wemayhavesomethingtoconfess.

Three“invitations”standoutinJohn’sgospel:“Comeandsee”(John1:39);“Comeanddrink”(John7:37);and“Comeanddine”(John21:12).Howlovingof Jesus to feed Peter beforeHe dealtwith his spiritual needs.He gave Peteropportunity to dry off, get warm, satisfy his hunger, and enjoy personalfellowship.ThisisagoodexampleforustofollowaswecareforGod’speople.Certainly the spiritual is more important than the physical, but caring for the

physical can prepare the way for spiritual ministry. Our Lord does not soemphasize“thesoul”thatHeneglectsthebody.

Peter and his Lord had alreadymet privately and no doubt taken care ofPeter’s sins (Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5), but since Peter had denied the Lordpublicly,itwasimportantthattherebeapublicrestoration.Sinshouldbedealtwith only to the extent that it is known. Private sins should be confessed inprivate,publicsinsinpublic.SincePeterhaddeniedhisLordthreetimes,Jesusasked him three personal questions. He also encouraged him by giving athreefoldcommissionthatrestoredPetertohisministry.

Thekey issue isPeter’s love for theLord Jesus, and that shouldbe akeymatterwithustoday.ButwhatdidtheLordmeanby“morethanthese”?WasHeasking, “Do you love Me more than you love these other men?” Not likely,becausethishadneverbeenaproblemamongthedisciples.Theyall lovedtheLord Jesus supremely, even though theydidnot alwaysobeyHimcompletely.PerhapsJesusmeant,“DoyouloveMemorethanyoulovetheseboatsandnetsand fish?” Again, this is not likely, for there is no evidence that Peter everdesiredtogobackpermanentlyintothefishingbusiness.FishingdidnotseemtocompetewiththeSavior’slove.

The question probably meant, “Do you loveMe—as you claimed—morethantheseotherdisciplesloveMe?”PeterhadboastedofhisloveforChristandhadevencontrasteditwiththatoftheothermen.“Iwilllaydownmylifeforthysake”(John13:37).“Thoughallmenshallbeoffendedbecauseofthee,yetwillInever be offended” (Matt. 26:33). There ismore than a hint in these boastfulstatements that Peter believed that he loved the Lordmore than did the otherdisciples.

Manycommentariespointoutthat,inthisconversation,twodifferentwordsare used for “love.” InHis questions in John21:15–16, ourLordusedagape,which is theGreekword for the highest kind of love, sacrificing love, divinelove.Peteralwaysusedphileo,whichis the loveoffriendforfriend,fondness

foranother.InJohn21:17,JesusandPeterbothusedphileo.However,itisdoubtfulthatweshouldmaketoomuchofanissueoverthis,

becausethetwowordsareoftenusedinterchangeablyinthegospelofJohn.InJohn3:16,God’sloveformanisagapelove,butinJohn16:27,itisphileolove.TheFather’sloveforHisSonisagapeloveinJohn3:35butphileoloveinJohn5:20. Christians are supposed to love one another. In John 13:34, this love isagapelove,butinJohn15:19,itisphileolove.ItwouldappearthatJohnusedthesetwowordsassynonyms,whateverfinedistinctionstheremighthavebeenbetweenthem.

BeforewejudgePetertooseverely,twoothermattersshouldbeconsidered.Whenansweringthefirsttwoquestions,Peterdidaffirmhisagapelovewhenhesaid, “Yes, Lord!” The fact that Peter himself used phileo did not negate hiswholehearted assent to the Lord’s use of agape. Second, Peter and Jesusundoubtedly spoke in Aramaic, even though the Holy Spirit recorded theconversationincommonGreek.ItmightbeunwiseforustopresstheGreektoofarinthiscase.

Inspiteofhisfaultsandfailures,PeterdidindeedlovetheLord,andhewasnot ashamed to admit it. The othermenwere certainly listening “over Peter’sshoulder”andbenefitingfromtheconversation,fortheytoohadfailedtheLordafter boasting of their devotion. Peter had already confessed his sin and beenforgiven.Nowhewasbeingrestoredtoapostleshipandleadership.

The image, however, changes from that of the fisherman to that of theshepherd.Peterwas toministerbothasanevangelist (catching the fish)andapastor (shepherding the flock). It is unfortunate when we divorce these twobecause they shouldgo together.Pastorsought to evangelize (2Tim.4:5) andthenshepherdthepeopletheyhavewonsothattheymatureintheLord.

Jesus gave three admonitions to Peter: “FeedMy lambs,” “ShepherdMysheep,”and“FeedMysheep.”Boththelambsandthemorematuresheepneedfeeding and leading, and that is the task of the spiritual shepherd. It is an

awesomeresponsibilitytobeashepherdofGod’sflock(1Peter5:2)!Thereareenemies that want to destroy the flock, and the shepherd must be alert andcourageous(Acts20:28–35).Bynature,sheepareignorantanddefenseless,andtheyneedtheprotectionandguidanceoftheshepherd.

WhileitistruethattheHolySpiritequipspeopletoserveasshepherds,andgivesthesepeopletochurches(Eph.4:11ff.),itisalsotruethateachindividualChristianmusthelptocarefortheflock.EachofushasagiftorgiftsfromtheLord,andweshouldusewhatHehasgivenus tohelpprotectandperfect theflock. Sheep are prone to wander, and we must look after each other andencourageeachother.

JesusChrist is theGoodShepherd (John10:11), theGreatShepherd (Heb.13:20–21),andtheChiefShepherd(1Peter5:4).Pastorsare“under-shepherds”whomustobeyHimastheyministertotheflock.Themostimportantthingthepastorcando is to loveJesusChrist. Ifhe truly loves JesusChrist, thepastorwillalsoloveHissheepandtenderlycareforthem.TheGreekwordfor“sheep”attheendofJohn21:17means“dearsheep.”OurLord’ssheeparedeartoHim,and He wants His ministers to love them and care for them personally andlovingly.(SeeEzek.34forGod’sindictmentofunfaithfulshepherds,theleadersofJudah.)Apastorwho loves theflockwillserve it faithfully,nomatterwhatthecost.

3.WeAreDisciples—FollowHim(21:19–25)Jesus had just spoken aboutPeter’s life andministry, and nowHe talks aboutPeter’sdeath.ThismusthavebeenashocktoPeter,tohavetheLorddiscusshisdeath in such anopenmanner.NodoubtPeterwas rejoicing that hehadbeenrestoredtofellowshipandapostleship.Whybringupmartyrdom?

ThefirsttimeJesusspokeaboutHisowndeath,Peterhadopposedit(Matt.16:21ff.). Peter had even used his sword in the garden in a futile attempt toprotect his Lord.Yet Peter had boasted hewould die for the Lord Jesus!But

when the pressurewas on, Peter failedmiserably. (You and I probablywouldhavedoneworse!)AnyonewhoyieldshimselftoservetheLordmusthonestlyconfrontthismatterofdeath.

Whenapersonhassettledthematterofdeath,thenheisreadytoliveandtoserve!OurLord’sowndeathisarepeatedthemeinJohn’sgospel:HeknewthatHis“hour”wouldcome,andHewaspreparedtoobeytheFather’swill.WeasHisfollowersmustyieldourselves—justasHeyieldedHimselfforus—andbe“livingsacrifices”(Rom.12:1–2)whoare“readytobeoffered”(2Tim.4:6–8)ifitisthewillofGod.

Earlierthatmorning,Peterhad“girdedhimself’andhurriedtoshoretomeetJesus(John21:7).ThedaywouldcomewhenanotherwouldtakechargeofPeter—and kill him (see 2 Peter 1:13–14). Tradition tells us that Peterwas indeedcrucified, but that he asked to be crucified upside down, because he was notworthytodieexactlyashisMasterhaddied.

ButPeter’sdeathwouldnotbeatragedy;itwouldglorifyGod!ThedeathofLazarus glorified God (John 11:4, 40) and so did the death of Jesus (John12:23ff.). Paul’s great concernwas that he glorifyGod,whether by life or bydeath(Phil.1:20–21).Thisshouldbeourdesireaswell.

Our Lord’swords, “Followme!”must have brought new joy and love toPeter’sheart.Literally,Jesussaid,“KeeponfollowingMe.”Immediately,PeterbegantofollowJesus,justashehaddonebeforehisgreatdenial.However,foramomentPeter tookhiseyesoff theLordJesus,amistakehehadmadeat leasttwoother times.After that firstgreat catchof fish,Peter tookhis eyesoffhisLordand lookedathimself. “Depart fromme; for I ama sinfulman,OLord”(Luke 5:8).Whenhewaswalking on the stormy seawith Jesus, Peter lookedawayfromtheLordandbegantolookatthewindandwaves,andimmediatelyhe began to sink (Matt. 14:30). It is dangerous to look at the circumstancesinsteadoflookingtotheLord.

WhydidPeter look away fromhisLord and start to lookback?Heheard

somebodywalkingbehindhim.ItwastheapostleJohn,whowasalsofollowingJesus Christ. Peter did a foolish thing and asked Jesus, “What shall thismando?”Inotherwords,“Lord,youjusttoldmewhatwillhappentome;now,whatwillhappentoJohn?”

TheLordrebukedPeterandremindedhimthathisjobwastofollow,nottomeddleintothelivesofotherbelievers.BewarewhenyougetyoureyesofftheLordandstart to lookatotherChristians!“LookinguntoJesus”shouldbe theaimandpracticeofeverybeliever(Heb.12:1–2).Tobedistractedbyourselves,ourcircumstances,orbyotherChristiansistodisobeytheLordandpossiblygetdetouredoutof thewill ofGod.Keepyour eyesof faithonHimandonHimalone.

This does not mean that we ignore others, because we do have theresponsibilityof caring foroneanother (Phil. 2:1–4).Rather, itmeans thatwemustnotpermitourcuriosityaboutotherstodistractusfromfollowingtheLord.God has His plan for us; He also has plans for our Christian friends andassociates.HowHeworksintheirlivesisHisbusiness.OurbusinessistofollowHimasHeleadsus(seeRom.14:1–13).

I recall a critical time inmy ownministrywhen I was disturbed becauseotherministerswereapparentlygettingGod’s“blessing”inabundance,whileIseemed tobe reapingameagerharvest. Imustconfess that Ienvied themandwishedthatGodhadgiventheirgiftstome.ButtheLordtenderlyrebukedmewith,“Whatisthattothee?Followthoume.”ItwasjustthemessageIneeded,andIhavetriedtoheediteversince.

Jesusdidnotsay thatJohnwould liveuntilHis return,but that is thewaysome of themisguided believers understood it.More problems are caused byconfused saints than by lost sinners! Misinterpreting the Word of God onlycreatesmisunderstandingaboutGod’speopleandGod’splansforHispeople.

However,thereisasomewhatenigmaticqualitytowhattheLordsaidaboutJohn.Jesusdidnotsay thatJohnwould liveuntilHereturned,nordidHesay

thatJohnwoulddiebeforeHereturned.Asitwas,JohnlivedthelongestofallthedisciplesanddidwitnesstheLord’sreturnwhenhesawthevisionsthatherecordedinthebookofRevelation.

AsJohncametothecloseofhisbook,heaffirmedagainthecredibilityofhiswitness.(Remember,witnessisakeythemeinthegospelofJohn.Thewordisusedforty-seventimes.)JohnwitnessedtheseeventshimselfandwrotethemforusashewasledbytheHolySpirit.Hecouldhaveincludedsomuchmore,buthewroteonlywhattheSpirittoldhimtowrite.

The book endswith Peter and John together following Jesus, andHe ledthemright into thebookofActs!Whatanexciting thing itwas to receive thepower of the Spirit and to bearwitness of Jesus Christ! Had they not trustedHim,been transformedbyHim,andfollowedHim, theywouldhaveremainedsuccessful fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, and the world would never haveheardofthem.

JesusChrististransforminglivestoday.WhereverHefindsabelieverwhoiswillingtoyieldtoHiswill,listentoHisWord,andfollowHisway,Hebeginstotransform that believer and accomplish remarkable things in that life.He alsobeginstodowonderfulthingsthroughthatlife.

PeterandJohnhavebeenoffthescene(exceptfortheirbooks)forcenturies,butyouandIarestillhere.WearetakingHisplaceandtakingtheirplace.Whataresponsibility!Whataprivilege!

WecansucceedonlyaswepermitHimtotransformus.

BeTransformed!

QUESTIONSFORPERSONALREFLECTIONORGROUPDISCUSSION

1.Ifyouweregoingtopaintapictureofabeliever,whatwoulditlooklike?

2.ReadJohn21whereJohnpaintsthreepicturesofbelievers.HowdidPeter’sgoingfishingagainfithispersonality?

3.Whydidn’tthedisciplesrecognizeJesusonthebeach?

4.Whatdidthediscipleslearnaboutobediencefromthisincident?

5.WhatissignificantaboutJesussharingamealwithHisdisciples?

6.Whatdowelearnfromthesecondpictureofbelieversinverses9–19?

7.WhydidJesuscompareHisfollowerstosheep?

8.Howdoesthecommandto“feedmysheep”contrastandcomparewithJesus’previouscommandtobe“fishersofmen”?

9.WhydidJesusraisethematterofPeter’sdeathatthispoint?

10.What’swrongwithPeter’squestionaboutJohninverse21?

11.WhatisentailedinfollowingJesusasadisciple?

12.HowcanyoubeadiscipleofJesusthisweek?

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