“Where there is no vision (revelation NKJV), the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” Pro.

29:18

“If a nation is not guided by God, the people will lose self-control, but the nation that obeys God’s law will

be happy.” Pro. 29:18

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give

you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29: 11

This year, our theme asks us to learn more of who God is, what He expects from us, and the great plans He has for us while here on His earth. Knowing that we were created by God and sent here to be His vessels one earth to fulfill His Will, it is important to know more of our God; our Creator and how powerful He is. Knowing more of who God is, reveals to us more of ourselves as we are made in that same image of God. We can do more for God by better understanding who it is we are living for.

To jumpstart our year’s study, we will begin in the Gospel of John where the writer John wrote to prove that Jesus is the Son of God. John, one of Jesus’ disciples and a member of His inner circle, had firsthand experience to the love and power Jesus displayed in His many encounters with people. John wrote his gospel to show that Jesus, though fully God, came in human form to reveal the true essence of God. As he puts it in his opening verses, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus is God revealed to humans so that we might see and believe in God. As stated in John 14:7, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

Join with us as we study together John’s gospel and learn more of Christ and His works. Our aim is to see more of who God is; His love and power. Prayerfully, we will come away knowing more of our Creator and Savior and trust and believe in Him more.

Lessons:

January 5 “Jesus, The Word, & The Light” John 1: 1-14January 12 “Water Into Wine” John 2: 1-11January 19 “Living Water” John 4: 5-15January 26 “Taking Jesus at His Word” John 4: 46-54

February 2 “Healing of the Lame Man” John 5: 1-15February 9 “Jesus is the Bread of Life” John 6: 22-40February 16 “A Savior who Forgives” John 8: 1-11 February 23 “The Raising of Lazarus” John 11: 17-27; 38-45

March 1 “Love and Servanthood” John 13: 1-17March 8 “Believe in Jesus” John 14: 1-14 March 15 “The Promise of the Holy Spirit” John 14: 15-26 March 22 “Stay Connected to Jesus” John 15: 1-8March 29 “Love One Another” John 15: 9-17

January 5, 2020 Lesson 1

“Jesus, The Word & The Light”John 1: 1-14 (NKJV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of everyone.

5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (and the darkness can never extinguish it. NLT).

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (They are reborn; not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God NLT).

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,

and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only

begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Commentary:

John begins his gospel by with a statement of truth, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Here we see the divinity of Jesus Christ; the equal portion with the other portions of the Holy Trinity (The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Jesus is there with the Father and the Holy Spirit as verse three says, “All things were made by Him.” Jesus serves as a true expression of the Father as He is God. The writer John states the fact that Jesus not only serves as our Creator, but also our Savior who takes us from darkness into His beautiful light.

Beginning in verse 6, John introduces his readers to a different John; John the Baptist. John, a cousin of Jesus (Luke 1), was born about six months before the birth of Jesus. John was chosen by God to bear witness and pointing others to Jesus Christ. John was the frontrunner; the announcer of the arrival of Jesus as the Son of God. Many people of that time held John in such high esteem that they distinguish a difference in the two. Thus, the writer John states that John the Baptist was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

Speaking of that Light, John states in verse 9, “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” Many in that day, as it is today, spoke of other personalities and avenues to receive enlightenment and understanding. John negates any such idea by saying Jesus Christ is the One who gives true enlightenment, understanding, revelation and rationale to people as He is the True Light. All others are “false lights” that only mislead and misguide people with false information.

In verse 10-14, John tells how Christ revealed Himself to God’s people. John says in verse 10 that Jesus was in the world and the world came into being through Him, yet the world did not know Him. Jesus was present from the very beginning and was here spiritually. However, the world, at that time, did not know Him. Jesus took on physical form by being born in human flesh and grew in statue, wisdom, and having the favor of God around Him and others. Yet, the world still did not recognize Him as the Son of God. Though the world came into being through Him, the world did not conceive the character and nature of God. Even with the promise of a Messiah, and Jesus being a descendent of both Abraham and David, thus leading evidence that Jesus was indeed both Messiah and the Son of God. However, His own people, the Jews, rejected Him as their Messiah and Savior.

John though do give hope to his readers in saying that all who do receive Christ and believe in His name shall receive power and the right to be call children of God. God “adopts” all who believes and receives in the name of Jesus. As Ephesians 1:5-6 (NLT) says, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.” And this gift, this adoption, only comes through our faith and belief in Christ. One does not become a child of God through their bloodline, by our works or by something someone does for us. Only through God and our faith in Jesus can we become a child of God.

Questions:

1. In looking at verses 1-4 again, how would you describe the personhood and purpose of Jesus Christ?

2. What is the meaning of verse 5? How can you apply this truth should you find yourself in a ‘dark’ situation?

3. In verse 11, who is John referring to when he said, “His Own?” Why do you think “His Own” did not receive Christ?

4. What promise did John state to those who do receive and believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?

What does that mean?

5. What does it mean to be “born of God” (verse 13)? How can we use this to help others, as well as ourselves, in affirming our salvation in Christ?

Daily Readings:

Monday, January 6, John 1: 15-28Tuesday, January 7, John 1: 29-42Wednesday, January 8, John 1: 43-51Thursday, January 9, 2 Kings 4: 1-7Friday, January 10, Isaiah 40:1-5Saturday, January 11, ReflectionsSunday, January 12, John 2: 1-11

January 12, 2020 Lesson 2

“Water Into Wine”John 2: 1-11 (ERV)

1 Two days later there was a wedding in the town of Cana in Galilee, and Jesus’ mother was there.

2 Jesus and his followers were also invited.

3 At the wedding there was not enough wine, so Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

4 Jesus answered, “Dear woman, why are you telling me this? It is not yet time for me to begin my work.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Do what he tells you.”

6 There were six large stone waterpots there that were used by the Jews in their washing ceremonies. Each one held about 20 or 30 gallons.

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them to the top.

8 Then he said to them, “Now dip out some water and take it to the man in charge of the feast.” So they did what he said.

9 Then the man in charge tasted it, but the water had become wine. He did not know where the wine had come from, but the servants who brought the water knew. He called the bridegroom

10 and said to him, “People always serve the best wine first. Later, when the guests are drunk, they serve the cheaper wine. But you have saved the best wine until now.”

11 This was the first of all the miraculous signs Jesus did. He did it in the town of Cana in Galilee. By this he showed his divine greatness, and his followers believed in him.

Commentary:

Today we find Jesus in the small village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus, along with His mother, Mary and His disciples are attending a wedding as both He and Mary were invited to the festivities. Some commentators suggest that they were attending a wedding of one of their family members or close friends, (evidence of this may be shown later). It also should be noted that early in His ministry, Jesus, along with His disciples, take time to attend a wedding which was a huge, celebratory event of that time. Furthermore, this will be the site of His first miracle.

In that culture, weddings were viewed as large social events where both families and their friends would feast and celebrate for two to three days; sometimes up to a week. In that culture, it was the groom and his family who provided the feast and entertainment as the bride was to come live with the groom and his family. For this great feast, it was considered embarrassing and shameful for the bridegroom and family if the party ran out of food and/or wine. Thus, when the wine ran out, notice who comes to try to solve the problem; Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary goes to Jesus and informs him that “they have no more wine.” Some sources suggest that Mary was a relative of the groom. Therefore, the success of the wedding and the happiness of the wedding couple would have been particularly important to her.

Mary goes to Jesus and informs him of the problem. Because of their relationship and trusting He could solve the issue; she turns to her oldest son and tells him what’s wrong. However, Jesus replies to His mother by saying, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” Jesus knew his purpose, his plan and the proper time to reveal who He was. Yet, in respect and reverence to his mother, Jesus used this situation as a revelation of His purpose and reveal His Kingdom teaching.

Jesus instructs the servants to fill six very large stone water jars with water and then miraculously transforms the water into fine wine. He then tells the servants to allow the toastmaster to taste the wine and to his surprise, proclaims, “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

This is known as Jesus’ first miraculous miracle (sign). The question some have is, why would Jesus choose this setting as His first miracle? Here are some implications from the setting to explain the meaning behind this miracle.

Verse 6 says that there were six stone waterpots which were used for purification; ritual cleansing. The number six stands for inadequacy, incompleteness, and imperfection. The six jars represented the Jewish Law that was powerless to completely cleanse and purify people from sin. In this miracle, Jesus symbolically replaced the Jewish law, that was powerless to save the lives of the people, with a more excellent and powerful Gospel. Jesus used old containers that were used in ceremonial purification and filled the containers with something totally new and good. Jesus turned the water into wine far more than any at that feast could possibly drink. Christ fulfilled the need with abundance and quality. Therefore, this miracle served as the prelude of His mission and purpose. He has come graciously and generously give to us the excellent gift of salvation and an abundant life.

Questions:

1. How would you describe Mary’s faith in her son to solve the problem of having no wine at the feast?

2. What did Jesus say to His mother in verse 4? What did He mean by that?

3. What symbolism can we pull from this first miracle by Jesus’ turning water to wine?

4. Do you have faith in Christ to supply your needs when all looks gone (no more wine)? Do you trust Jesus to turn something great and wonderful out of ordinary things? Explain your answers.

Daily Readings:

Monday, January 13, John 2: 13-25Tuesday, January 14, John 3: 1-12Wednesday, January 15, John 3: 13-21Thursday, January 16, John 3: 22-36Friday, January 17, 1 John 5: 1-21Saturday, January 18, ReflectionsSunday, January 19, John 4: 5-15

January 19, 2020 Lesson 3

“Living Water”John 4: 5-15 (ERV)

5 In Samaria Jesus came to the town called Sychar, which is near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

6 Jacob’s well was there. Jesus was tired from his long trip, so he sat down beside the well. It was about noon.

7 A Samaritan woman came to the well to get some water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”

8 This happened while his followers were in town buying some food.

9 The woman answered, “I am surprised that you ask me for a drink! You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman!” (Jews have nothing to do with Samaritans.)

10 Jesus answered, “You don’t know what God can give you. And you don’t know who I am, the one who asked you for a drink.

If you knew, you would have asked me, and I would have given you living water.”

11 The woman said, “Sir, where will you get that living water? The well is very deep, and you have nothing to get water with.

12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob? He is the one who gave us this well. He drank from it himself, and his sons and all his animals drank from it too.”

13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again.

14 But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life.”

15 The woman said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water. Then I will never be thirsty again and won’t have to

come back here to get more water.”

Commentary:

In our lesson today, Jesus enters into Samaria, in a city called Sychar; a place filled with great historical significance. This is where Abram first came when he arrived in Canaan. This is where God appeared to Abram and renewed the promise of giving land to him and his descendants. This is the location where Abram built an altar and called upon the name of the Lord. This is where Jacob built an altar and called it “El Elohe Israel” (the God of Israel) and as our text says, the location of Jacob’s well and the land Jacob gives to his son Joseph. (Historians also say that this is where the bones of Joseph were eventually buried and where Joshua made a covenant with Israel and renewed their commitment saying, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”)

Being tired after a long trip, Jesus sat by the well hoping for one to come and give him something to drink. Verse six states that it was around noon when Jesus arrived at the well, during the heat of the day. Our lesson continues saying a woman of Samaria came to get some water when Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” Notice, both Jesus and the woman are alone. Our text tells us that Jesus’ disciples were gone in the city to buy food. The woman however is alone as well. Typically, women came for water earlier in the day and traveled in groups. Perhaps she is alone as she went to get water from a sudden need or perhaps, she was an outcast; shunned and rejected by the other women in the community. Jesus asked her for a drink of water. By tradition, a rabbi would not have spoken to a woman in public. Further, a Jew would have no dealings with a Samaritan; much less a Samaritan woman. For this, the woman was in total surprise as she responded, “I am surprised that you ask me for a drink! You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman! (Jews have nothing to do with Samaritans.)” Unbeknownst to her, Jesus was opening the door to a life-transformation conversation.

In verse 10, Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” Here, Jesus mad her curious in finding out who He is. With them being by the well, the Lord is drawing her in to receive a different type of water; spiritual water.

The woman, not knowing what Jesus is referring to at this point, says that He does not have a rope or a bucket to draw any water from the well. She then asks if He thinks He is better than Jacob who provided the well in the first place. How could this man give better water than the great Jacob? Jesus answered, in verse 13, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again.  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.” Jesus was offering something that gave everlasting satisfaction. The key though is to drink of the water that Jesus give.

Questions:

1. What tradition(s) did Jesus “break” in having a conversation with the woman?

What are some “traditions” the church may need to “break” in order to win souls for Christ and expand His Kingdom?

2. In verse 10, Jesus said to the woman “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

How much do we know of God?

How much do we inquire of Him and send time with Him?

3. What did Jesus mean when He said, “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again”?

4. What is something that you are hungry and thirsty for?

What is something that you desire, long for, searching for but only Jesus can satisfy?

Daily Readings:

Monday, January 20, John 4: 16-26Tuesday, January 21, John 4: 27-45Wednesday, January 22, 1 Kings 17: 1-16Thursday, January 23, Matthew 8: 5-13Friday, January 24, Luke 17: 11-19Saturday, January 25 – ReflectionsSunday, January 26, John 4: 46-54

January 26, 2020Lesson 4

“Taking Jesus at His Word”John 4: 46-54 (NKJV)

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

47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”

49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”

50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the

word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!”

52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour (1:00 pm) the fever left him.”

53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.

54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.

Commentary:

In our lesson today, Jesus returns to Cana where he is greeted by a nobleman; an official from Capernaum. The gentleman, one who probably worked for Herod was more than likely a wealthy man as verse 51 tells us, he had servants working for him. But despite his wealth, his position and his title, this man

was in great need and therefore traveled over 20 miles from Capernaum to Cana to meet Jesus. Though he could have sent his servants to go for him, the man traveled himself, over great distance to meet and inquire Jesus’ assistance as his son was very sick. Verse 47 says that the man heard that Jesus was in the area and it is apparent that he has heard of the great things Jesus has already done for he traveled such distance to request the Lord to heal his son.

This nobleman, official, was probably used to having things his way; giving orders and being in charge. However, due to the condition of his son’s illness, the man now finds himself in a desperate situation where money, power, or authority could not help him. The only thing that can solve his problem is in Jesus. Therefore, the man traveled over 20 miles and pleads for the Lord to help him and heal his son.

However, in verse 48, Jesus says, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” When Jesus said this, He was addressing the man as well as the crowd standing there. The reason, because in verse 45, it says, “the Galileans welcomed him, for they had been in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and had seen everything he did there.” The people were spectators and wanted to see signs and wonders from the Lord. They were not interested in being in His presence and hearing His Word but to see a show. Their response to Jesus contrasted against how the Samaritans responded to Jesus’ message earlier in chapter 4. In John 4:42, the Samaritans said, “Now we believe … because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” All it took for the Samaritans was just to hear Jesus Word and to hear Him teach. But for His own people, the Jews, they wanted to see signs and wonders.

After being mildly rebuked by Jesus, the nobleman persists and asked the Lord to come to Capernaum to heal his son. The man came too far, and his prayer concern was too urgent to turn around. He believed that Jesus could do it and persisted in his request for his son to be healed. However, instead of going with the man, Jesus answered him by saying, “Go your way; your son lives.” Though the man asked Jesus to go back with him to Capernaum, Jesus told him it's already done; go back home as

your son is well. The question comes, will the man take Jesus at His Word and go back in faith knowing his son is well or does he leave despondent believing nothing has changed.

The Bible says there in verse 50 that the man believed what Jesus said and heads home. On the way back, some of his servants approached him saying that his son is alive and well. And when he asked about what time did his son start feeling better, he realized that it was the same time Jesus told him.

Questions:

1. At what lengths did the man take to get to Jesus and asked Him to heal his son?

Describe a time you made great lengths to go before the Lord in prayer.

2. What was Jesus’ point in verse 48?

3. Do you think people will generally believe if they see signs and wonders?

4. How would you describe faith?

Did the man demonstrate faith? If yes, explain.

5. What does it mean to take Jesus at His Word?

Describe a time you took the Lord at His Word and He worked things out on your behalf.

Daily Readings:

Monday, January 27, Matthew 9: 1-8Tuesday, January 28, Mark 1: 40-45Wednesday, January 29, Mark 2: 1-12

Thursday, January 30, Luke 5: 17-26Friday, January 31, Acts 9: 32-34Saturday, February 1, ReflectionsSunday, February 2, John 5: 1-15

February 2, 2020 Lesson 5

“Healing of the Lame Man”John 5: 1-15 (NKJV)

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

2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.

4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.

5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to

put me into the pool when the water

is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”

8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”

9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.

10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’

12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk?”

13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had

withdrawn, a multitude being in that place.

14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no

more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

Commentary:

In our lesson today, we see Jesus in Jerusalem to observe one of the Jewish feasts. While in the city, the Lord passes by the pool of Bethesda where he sees a multitude of sick people sitting by the pool waiting for an angel to come and stir the waters. The pool was located by the sheep gate which was built when Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:1-2). This was the gate through which the animals were brought into the city, including those used for temple sacrifices which were slain for the sins of the people. It is said that this gate is the only gate recorded that was sanctified, dedicated to God in a special way. Here at the sheep stood Jesus, the Lamb of God. Further, the name of the pool is Bethesda which means, “the house of mercy.” Here at the pool were a multitude of sick people waiting to encounter the mercy from God through an angel “stirring the waters” which they believed brought healing.

There was one specific man there who had been sick for 38 years. Jesus approached him knowing of his condition and how long he suffered with his illness. Jesus asked the man did he want to be well? The man responded that he had no one to put him in the pool. The man was in need for 38 years yet no one, passing by, came to assist him. Yet, here is Jesus, stopping, showing compassion to the man and asking him if he wanted to be well.

Jesus goes and speaks to him saying, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” The “challenge” here is that the man has not walked in 38 years. The man though, exercised faith in doing what Jesus said. The man obeyed the command of Jesus and immediately he was well. The man took up his mat and started

to walk. He heard what Jesus said, believed in Him and His Word, and moved on that faith.

The lesson continues saying that Jesus did this on the Sabbath. The Jewish religious leaders constantly looked for a reason to attack Jesus and His healing on the Sabbath gave them a reason to confront Him. They were strict on what could be done on the Sabbath. By being so strict and legalistic on the laws, they lost the real meaning and spirit of the law that they made the law a burden instead of the freedom to serve and worship the Lord.

The leaders approached the man and asked since it was the Sabbath, was it not lawful for him to carry his bed. The man answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ They then asked him who was the Man who told him to get up and take up his bed to which the man responded, “I do not know” as Jesus slipped away after healing the man.

A little later, Jesus found the man in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” Jesus often used physical healing as a means to spiritual healing. Jesus’ chief purpose was to save people and He would sometimes bring about physical healing to open the door for spiritual healing. After Jesus came back to the man, the man went out and told others that it was Jesus who saved him. The man went from not knowing who He was to being a witness for the Lord.

Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus asked the man did he want to be made well? How can we apply this about our choice to be well “spiritually?”

2. The man obeyed Jesus’ command knowing he has not walked in 38 years. How easy do we take and obey Jesus at His command knowing what we may perceive to be our limitations and struggles? Explain your answer

3. Why were the Jewish leaders upset and questioned the man who was healed?

What are some “traditions” of the church today that some have misused that may have prevented others from getting closer to Christ.

4. What do we learn in verse 14 about Jesus’ motive for healing the man? What does this tell us about what should be our motive; main focus as a disciple of Jesus?

5. In verse 15, the man goes and tells the Jews that it was Jesus who healed him. When was the last time you witnessed and testified about what the Lord has done for you?

To who did you share your testimony with?

Daily Reading:

Monday, February 3, John 5: 16-32Tuesday, February 4, John 5: 33-47Wednesday, February 5, John 6: 1-14Thursday, February 6, John 6: 15-21Friday, February 7, Isaiah 55:1-3Saturday, February 8, ReflectionSunday, February 9, John 6: 22-40

February 9, 2020Lesson 6

“Jesus is the Bread of Life”John 6: 22-40 (NLT)

22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the far shore saw that the disciples had taken the only boat, and they realized Jesus had not gone with them.

23 Several boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the Lord had blessed the bread and the people had eaten.

24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him.

25 They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

26 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs.

27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of

Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

28 They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”

29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

30 They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do?

31 After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.”

32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven.

33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

36 But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me.

37 However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.

38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.

39 And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day.

40 For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.”.

Commentary:

Earlier in chapter 6, Jesus fed a multitude which included 5,000 men with 5 barley loaves and two fish. Jesus blessed the meal, divided the lunch so that all ate and instructed the disciples to gather up the leftovers which came to fill 12 baskets. The people were amazed and recognized Him as the one Moses written about in Deut. 18:verse 15 and 18 saying, “The Lord will raise unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee…I will put my words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” However, the mistakenly thought that His mission would be similar to Moses in that they thought He would be their earthly king who would miraculously free them from their enemies, miraculously feed them and restore their land. Here in our lesson, Jesus tells them that He is the true Bread of Life.

Our lesson begins with the crowd leaving to meet Jesus. They sailed in their boats to Capernaum where they assumed Jesus

and his disciples would be. When they found him, they asked, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs.” Jesus knew their motives. He knew they were looking for an earthly king, miracles, and perhaps another free meal. Jesus wanted them to recognize Him as the Bread of Life.

Jesus continues speaking to them, telling them not to be so concerned about perishable things like food. Rather, they are to spend their energy seeking the eternal life that only He offers. He told them that the Father has given Him the seal of His approval. The Jews at the time were very poor and they sought on ways to ensure they were taking care of (food, money, etc.). Jesus told them that they had their priorities wrong as they should focus more on Him and seek eternal life. He told them the God the Father has authorized, certified Him with His seal of approval. This was shown at His baptism when God spoke and said, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” The seal was further shown when the dove (a symbol of the Holy Spirit), descended from heaven and landed on Him.

The crowd asked Jesus, “What must we do to also do the work of God?” Jesus responded that the only thing that is required is that they believe in Him whom God has sent. Sadly, the crowd told Jesus that for them to believe in Him, they wanted Him to perform signs for them. Despite the fact that Jesus previously fed the crowd with a little boy’s lunch, the crowd asked for further signs so that they would believe. They mentioned to Jesus that their ancestors ate manna in the wilderness and stated that Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat. Jesus told them that true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Jesus was telling them that the bread Moses gave in the wilderness was not the same as the “Bread of Life.” Though God provided the bread, it was for their natural body and though they received it daily, it was not eternal as it did end. Jesus was trying to get them to focus on the “True Bread of Heaven; true bread of Life” that He was offering. The people responded, “Please, give us that bread every day.” Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will

never be thirsty.” Jesus is the One who fills spiritual hunger and thirst.

Questions:

1. Why do you think people seem more interested in material things, worldly things rather than the things of God?

2. What is the “bread of life” and what is the benefit in partaking in this bread?

3. How is Jesus like bread?

4. In verse 37, what promise did Jesus give?

5. What was the Father’s will for Jesus and what was His will for those who believe in Him?

Daily Readings:

Monday, February 10, John 6: 41-59Tuesday, February 11, John 6: 60-71Wednesday, February 12, John 7: 1-18Thursday, February 13, John 7: 19-39Friday, February 14, John 7: 40-53Saturday, February 15, ReflectionsSunday, February 16, John 8: 1-11

February 16, 2020Lesson 7

“A Savior Who Forgives”John 8: 1-11 (ERV)

1 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 Early in the morning he went back to the Temple area. The people all came to him, and he sat and taught them.

3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought a woman they had caught in bed with a man who was not her husband. They forced her to stand in front of the people.

4 They said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.

5 The Law of Moses commands us to stone to death any such woman. What do you say we should do?”

6 They were saying this to trick Jesus. They wanted to catch him saying something wrong so that they could have a charge against him. But Jesus stooped down and started

writing on the ground with his finger.

7 The Jewish leaders continued to ask him their question. So he stood up and said, “Anyone here who has never sinned should throw the first stone at her.”

8 Then Jesus stooped down again and wrote on the ground.

9 When they heard this, they began to leave one by one. The older men left first, and then the others. Jesus was left alone with the woman standing there in front of him.

10 He looked up again and said to her, “Where did they all go? Did no one judge you guilty?”

11 She answered, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “I don’t judge you either. You can go now, but don’t sin again.”

Commentary:

John opens chapter 8 with Jesus teaching in the Temple to a crowd of people. As the Lord is teaching, the people gathered more and more to hear Him expound more on God, the Scriptures and His Kingdom. However, as the crowd grew and His popularity rose, the Jewish religious leaders became very unhappy at the attention Jesus was getting. And so, they began looking for ways to discredit Him and His teachings.

Beginning in verse 3, the Jewish religious leaders set a trap to accuse Jesus. They brought a woman before Jesus who was caught in the act of adultery. In those days, according to Jewish law, adultery was considered one of the worst sins one could commit as adultery violates the marriage bond. They said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” However, since adultery, by definition, requires two people, where is the man involved. The religious leaders should have brought the man as well who had broken the law just as much as the woman as the law states in Leviticus 20:10, “If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife, with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.” But with them bringing just the woman, their intentions were to use her to trap and accuse Jesus and question His teachings? If Jesus said, “Forgive her,” then they would have accused Him of going against the Law. But, if Jesus said, “Stone her,” they would have accused Him of going against His own teaching on mercy and forgiveness. And so, in using the woman, they placed a trap for Jesus and waited to see what the Master would do.

As the Jewish religious leaders waited for His response, Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with His finger as if to ignore them. After beckoning Jesus for an answer, Jesus stood up and said to the religious leaders, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” With that response, Jesus accomplished two things: (1) He avoided their trap and (2) He exposed their hypocrisy. Jesus said that only those who are sinless was worthy of throwing the first stone. With that, Jesus was telling them to put down their stones. Only Jesus is one who is without sin and is the only one that is

qualified to condemn the woman. Those religious leaders who came to condemn the woman, ended up condemning themselves by not throwing their stones; showing that they had sinned.

After the accusers left, Jesus spoke to the woman and said to her, “Where are your accusers; didn’t one of them condemned you?” After answering Jesus that no one was there to condemn her, Jesus said to her, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” Why didn’t Jesus condemn her? It is because His purpose was not to condemn sinners but to forgive and save sinners. Her accusers wanted to use her; make her a public spectacle in their ploy against Jesus while exposing her sin. But Jesus, showed her love and forgiveness which lead to her freedom. Jesus said to her, “Go and sin no more. Go and leave your life of sin.” Jesus did not condemn the woman to death, nor did He say that her adulterous deed was no longer a sin. He openly revealed her sin when He told her to leave her life of sin and pointed out that she had sinned by committing adultery. However, He let her go because He forgave her sin.

When Jesus told the woman to go and sin no more, He was not expecting her to be perfect. Jesus was asking her stop making sin the habit of her life. The Lord forgave her of her sin and asked her to live a life of holiness. And this is what the Lord wants to do for us. Jesus desires to forgive us of our sins and in return, expects that we not continue with our habitual sins but live in holiness with Him in our present and future. We are to receive Christ’s forgiveness and allow Him to free us of our sins and live with freedom in our futures.

Questions:

1. What problem did the religious leaders present to Jesus in 8:1-6?

Describe how this problem was a potential “trap” for Jesus.

2. How did Jesus respond to the accusers’ question?

What can we learn from Jesus in handling heated accusations?

3. Have you ever been quick to punish someone; accuse someone knowing you have not been perfect yourself? How does this lesson challenge such thinking and behavior?

4. What did Jesus say to the woman and her guilt?

From His response to the woman, what message is the Lord saying to us about our sins?

5. How can we use this lesson to help someone who is struggling in their sins and telling them about Christ’s forgiveness?

Daily Readings:

Monday, February 17, John 8: 12-29Tuesday, February 18, John 10, 1-22Wednesday, February 19, John 10: 22-42Thursday, February 20, John 11: 1-16Friday, February 21, John 11: 17-27Saturday, February 22, ReflectionsSunday, February 23, John 11: 38-45

February 23, 2019 Lesson 8

“The Raising of Lazarus”John 11: 17-27; 38-45 (NKJV)

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days.

18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away.

19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.

21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.

22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

----38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.

39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.”

43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with

a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!”

44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him.

.

Commentary:

In chapter 11, we see that one of Jesus’ dear friends, Lazarus is very sick. His sisters, one of which, Mary, anointed the feet of Jesus with her hair, sent a message to the Lord to come as their brother is ill. However, when Jesus received the message, He stays a few extra days saying, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” After two days, Jesus makes the trip knowing that Lazarus has died. Jesus tells His disciples that He was glad He wasn’t there so that they will really believe in Him.

In verse 17, Jesus arrived in Bethany and is told that Lazarus had already been in the grave for four days. It is believed that Jesus waited four days because He knew the Jewish superstition of that day that said a soul stayed near the grave for three days, hoping to return to the body. Therefore, it was accepted that after four days there was absolutely no hope of resuscitation. Many people came to console his sisters, Mary and Martha. When Martha heard that Jesus was in town, she goes to meet him. Mary however stayed in the house. It is believed that Mary was so distressed and filled with sorrow that she stays home rather than go out with her sister.

Martha goes out to meet Jesus and says to him, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” Martha stated her disappointment in Jesus’ late arrival. She believed that Jesus was able to heal her brother while he was sick. Yet she said she would still trust Jesus despite her disappointment. Jesus told her that her brother would rise again to which Martha responded, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Martha understood that Lazarus would rise with all the righteous on the last day. She did not consider that Jesus could bring Lazarus back form the dead immediately. Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Jesus challenged Martha to trust that He was the source of life and eternal life. He was saying to Martha that He is victorious over death. The believer will never die, but simply make an instant transition from an old life to a new life. Martha said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Beginning in verse 38, Jesus arrives at Lazarus’ tomb where he tells the people to remove the stone from the opening of the tomb. Martha tells the Lord that her brother has been dead for four days and his body already has a smell. Some believe this was part of the plan to show that Lazarus’ body was dead. Jesus says to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”

When they removed the stone from the tomb, Jesus lifted his eyes and prayed to the Father. He then cried with a loud voice for Lazarus to come forth. Jesus spoke to the dead body as if Lazarus were alive because He has power and authority to give life to the dead and call those things which do not exist as though they did (Romans 4:17). When Jesus spoke, Lazarus came out of the tomb wrapped in his grave clothes. Jesus then instructed those there to loose him and let him go.

Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus waited until after Lazarus died before coming to Bethany?

2. What did Martha say to Jesus in verse 21 and 22?

Have you ever felt that the Lord was slow to move, respond and act in a situation you were going through?

What does it mean to trust Jesus even when it looks hopeless?

3. Explain Jesus’ statement: “I am the resurrection and the life.” In what sense will believers never die?

4. For whose benefit and for what purpose did Jesus say what He said in verses 40-42?

5. Looking at verse 45, What effect did the miracle have on the people?

6. Looking back at your life, what event caused you to believe in the Lord as your God; your Savior.

What message(s) can we share to others so they too can believe and know the power of Jesus.

Daily Readings:

Monday, February 24, John 11: 47-57Tuesday, February 25, John 12: 1-11Wednesday, February 26, John 12: 12-33Thursday, February 27, John 12: 34-50Friday, February 28, Luke 22: 14-27Saturday, February 29, ReflectionsSunday, March 1, John 13: 1-17

March 1, 2020Lesson 9

“Lesson on Love and Servanthood”John 13: 1-17 (ERV)

1 It was almost time for the Jewish Passover festival. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. Jesus had always loved the people in the world who were his. Now was the time he showed them his love the most.

2 Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot to hand Jesus over to his enemies. (Judas was the son of Simon.)

3 The Father had given Jesus power over everything. Jesus knew this. He also knew that he had come from God. And he knew that he was going back to God.

4 So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist.

5 Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash

the followers’ feet. He dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around his waist.6 He came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to him, “Lord, you should not wash my feet.”

7 Jesus answered, “You don’t know what I am doing now. But later you will understand.”

8 Peter said, “No! You will never wash my feet.”Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people.”

9 Simon Peter said, “Lord, after you wash my feet, wash my hands and my head too!”

10 Jesus said, “After a person has a bath, his whole body is clean. He needs only to wash his feet. And you are clean, but not all of you.”

11 Jesus knew who would hand him over to his enemies. That is why he

said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When Jesus finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and went back to the table. He asked, “Do you understand what I did for you? 13 You call me ‘Teacher.’ And you call me ‘Lord.’ And this is right, because that is what I am.

14 I am your Lord and Teacher. But I washed your feet. So you also

should wash each other’s feet.

15 I did this as an example for you. So you should serve each other just as I served you.

16 Believe me, servants are not greater than their master. Those who are sent to do something are not greater than the one who sent them.

17 If you know these things, great blessings will be yours if you do them.

Commentary:

It’s close to the Passover festival and Jesus and His disciples were having an evening meal. Jesus knew that His time on earth was coming to an end and so, He wanted to share a moment with His disciples as well as teach them a valuable lesson on love and servanthood. This lesson will serve valuable as Jesus knew that one of His disciples, Judas, had already set a plan in motion to betray Him over to the enemies. However, Jesus still was going to show Him the same love as He would the other disciples.

Verse 4 says that while they were eating, Jesus took off his robe and wrapped a towel around his waist. Some say He did this to dress Himself down as a servant. The Lord poured water into a bowl and started washing His disciples’ feet. He then dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around His waist. In those days where many people walked as a means of

transportation, one’s feet became very dirty. It was considered unthinkable for a Teacher; a rabbi to wash the feet of their disciples. Yet, here is Jesus, the Son of God, washing the dirty feet of His disciples. According to Luke chapter 22, this event takes place as the disciples have a dispute on which one of them is considered the “greatest.”

As Jesus was going around and came to Simon Peter, Peter said. “Lord, you should not wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “You don’t know what I am doing now. But later you will understand. Peter continues and says, “No! You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people.” Peter had to accept this from Jesus. He became a pattern for us. If we do not accept the humble service of Jesus to cleanse us, we have no part with Him. This foot washing was a powerful lesson in humility but even more, it shows us that Jesus has no fellowship, no deep connection with those who have not been cleansed by Him.

Peter then says to Jesus, “not just my feet but my head and hands as well.” Jesus said to him, “After a person has a bath, his whole body is clean. He needs only to wash his feet. And you are clean, but not all of you.” Jesus taught there is an initial bathing that is different from an ongoing washing. We need to be bathed; cleansed by our trust in Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. This is called salvation. There is a sense in which that is done once for all. However, afterwards we must continually have our feet washed in ongoing relationship with and trust upon Jesus. This is called sanctification.

After washing their feet, Jesus then explained the point He was teaching to them. He said, “You call me ‘Teacher.’ And you call me ‘Lord.’ And this is right, because that is what I am. I am your Lord and Teacher. But I washed your feet. So you also should wash each other’s feet. I did this as an example for you. So you should serve each other just as I served you. Jesus commanded them to show the same humble, sacrificial love to one another. A disciple of Christ should be seen in one’s attitude and action. Charles Spurgeon once said, “If there be any deed of kindness or love that we can do for the very meanest and most obscure of God’s people, we ought to be willing to do it; to be servants to God’s servants.” We, like the

disciples, are to “wash each other’s feet.” Anything we can do for one another that washes away the filth of the world; the dirt of defeat and discouragement is “foot washing.”

Jesus tells His disciples that they are to serve one another. As He gave them an example of being a servant, so too should we never be too proud, too high on ourselves, too narcissistic, and selfish that we cannot be used by God to help and serve someone else. As disciples of Jesus, we are to be willing to allow ourselves to be instruments in His Kingdom and be a vessel of servanthood.

Questions:

1. How would you describe Jesus’ example of love shown by washing Judas’ feet giving the knowledge that He knew what Judas was going to do?

Are you able to show true love; genuinely serve one you know is against you? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think Peter initially told Jesus not to wash him?

Why do you think Peter said, “not just my feet but my hands and head as well?”

How did Jesus respond and what did He mean by that?

3. What are some practical ways we can be servants to others today?

4. Summarize what Jesus said in verses 16 & 17. Who has the greater position according to verse 16 and what

lesson should this teach us?

Daily Readings:

Monday, March 2, John 13: 18-30Tuesday, March 3, John 13: 31-38Wednesday, March 4, Acts 4: 1-12Thursday, March 5, 1 John 5: 1-10Friday, March 6, 1 John 5: 11-21Saturday, March 7, ReflectionsSunday, March 8, John 14: 1-11March 8, 2020

Lesson 10

“Believe in Jesus”John 14: 1-14 (NKJV)

1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.

11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me

for the sake of the works themselves (because of the miracles I have done ERV).

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

Commentary:

Today’s lesson takes place as Jesus is sharing with His disciples as He is preparing Himself to head to the cross. Judas Iscariot had just gone to go prepare to betray Him. In our lesson, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the time where He will not be with them (His death and His ascension) but speaks encouraging words of hope and comfort to His disciples.

Verse 1 says, “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me.” Jesus told them in the previous chapter that one of them would deny Him. In chapter 13 verse 33, He tells them that He is going to leave them for a while saying, “My children, I will be with you only a short time more. You will look for me, but I tell you now what I told the Jewish leaders: Where I am going you cannot come.” Even Peter is told he was going to deny knowing Jesus before morning breaks. A lot is about to happen to them and Him in the next few days; next few hours. And so, Jesus tells them to not be troubled. Christ is consoling them that despite how bad it may appear; He gives them an assured Word that He is not that far

from them. He said, “You believe in God, believe also in Me.” Jesus told them to put their trust in Him; just as they would trust in God.

Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Jesus, knowing what heaven is like and what the Father has for His children in heaven, speaks with confidence of what awaits all believers; a permanent dwelling place with the Father. Jesus said, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” Like a loving host, Jesus prepares a place for His people and has gone to greet us at our arrival. He said, “I will come again to receive you to Myself; that where I am, you may be also.” Not only is Jesus going to prepare a place for them, but will come to receive them.

In verse 5, Thomas speaks and asks Jesus a question, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Perhaps Thomas was thinking Jesus was going to another place; city that they have not visited. Yet, this question prompted a famous quote from Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The great medieval Christian writer, Thomas A. Kempis once wrote, “Without the way there is no going; without the truth there is no knowing; without the life there is no living. I am the way which thou must follow; the truth in which thou must believe; the life for which thou must hope.” Jesus adds, that He is the only way to the Father. This statement is one of the foundations of our Christian Faith. We can only receive access to a relationship with the Father and salvation of our sins through Jesus.

In verse 7, Jesus said, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” Here Jesus further explained why He is the only way to the Father. Jesus is the perfect representation of God as to know Jesus is to know the Father. Philip, one of the disciples asked, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Though Philip had been with Jesus and saw His

many miraculous works, Philip wished to see the glory of God. He wanted to see God, the Father, with his physical eyes. To this request Jesus responded by reemphasizing to him that to see Christ is to see the Father. The things that Jesus was doing was to see the Father in motion as well. Jesus tells him in verse 11, “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” Jesus gave two fundamentals for our faith and trust in Him: Either we can believe in Him because of His person and Words, OR we can believe Him for the sake of the works He did. Either way, we are to believe in Him.

If we believe in Him, Jesus tells us that we have the capability to work greater miracles than He is through His power. Jesus expected those who believe in Him to carry out His mission and work on earth and further expand His Kingdom. Jesus knew that after His resurrection from the grave and ascension back to heaven, that His disciples would form churches across the land and spread His gospel to other areas. He knew through the Holy Spirit that so many people would receive His Salvation and there would be great works and miracles performed in His name.

Jesus continues in saying that for those who believe in Him, that they can ask for anything in His name and He would do it so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Jesus promised to act on behalf of those who had faith in Him and the Father, who sought after Him and trusted Him as Lord. Our prayers should not be for personal gains or ambition, but that God Himself receive the glory. We are to believe in Him and trust in His name.

Questions:

1. Why does Jesus tell His disciples to not let their hearts be troubled? What has Jesus been telling His disciples that might cause them to be troubled? (Refer to John 13: 21-22, 33, 36-38)

2. How does believing in God and in Jesus give the disciples peace as they face the troubled days that is about to come?

How can this same belief in Christ give us peace in our ‘troubled’ situation?

3. Jesus said in His Father’s house are many mansions. Does this thought give you hope? Explain

4. Describe how Jesus personifies the following:

- The WAY

- The TRUTH

- The LIFE

5. What promise does Jesus emphasize to his disciples in verses 1-11?

Why is it so important to Jesus that his disciples understand the connection between the promise and his own identity?

6. Beginning in verse 12, what did Jesus promise those who believe in Him could do and under what circumstances could this be done?

Daily Readings:

Monday, March 9, 1 John 2: 3-5Tuesday, March 10, 1 John 2: 15-27Wednesday, March 11, Romans 8: 1-9Thursday, March 12, Romans 8: 10-16Friday, March 13, Acts 1: 1-8

Saturday, March 14, ReflectionsSunday, March 15, John 14: 15-26

March 15, 2020Lesson 11

“The Promise of the Holy Spirit”John 14: 15-26 (ERV)

15 “If you love me, you will do what I command.

16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever.

17 The Helper is the Spirit of truth. (He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth NLT). The people of the world cannot accept him, because they don’t see him or know him. But you know him. He lives with you, and he will be in you.

18 “I will not leave you all alone like orphans. I will come back to you.

19 In a very short time the people in the world will not see me anymore. But you will see me. You will live because I live.

20 On that day you will know that I am in the Father. You will know that you are in me and I am in you.

21 Those who really love me are the ones who not only know my commands but also obey them. My Father will love such people, and I will love them. I will make myself known to them.”

22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “Lord, how will you make yourself known to us, but not to the world?”

23 Jesus answered, “All who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them. My Father and I will come to them and live with them.

24 But anyone who does not love me does not obey my teaching. This teaching that you hear is not really mine. It is from my Father who sent me.

25 “I have told you all these things while I am with you.

26 But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the

Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name.

Commentary:

Our lesson continues from last week with Jesus having an intimate conversation with His disciples as He is preparing them of the events that is to take place; His death, resurrection and ascension. The conversation continues with Jesus saying in verse 15, “If you love me, you will do what I command; keep my commandants.” As disciples of Jesus, we must follow His instructions; do as He say do and not as we wish to do. Our love for Jesus comes not by attending church services, reading our Bibles, listening to sermons, etc., but by obeying what Christ say do. If we do not keep His commandments, we do not really love Him.

Jesus continues with the promise of the sending of the Holy Spirit. He said He would pray to the Father that He will give them another Helper who will be with them forever. This Helper is the Spirit of Truth. If we recall, in verse 6, Jesus said that He is the Truth. Here, Jesus said the Helper is the Spirit of Truth. Simply put, the Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus or as we call Him, the Holy Spirit. The people of the world cannot receive Him as they do not wish to know Him or believe in Him. However, the Helper will live in all who believe and receive in Jesus and will be with us forever.

In verses 18 and 19, Jesus speaks of His resurrection and ascension by telling His disciples that though He will be apart from them shortly, He is coming back to them. After Christ rise from the grave, He will appear to them so that they will know that He is alive. After appearing and being with them for a short period, He tells them that He has to return to glory, but He will be with them in the Spirit; through the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Unlike His days on earth though, they only ones who will recognize Him will be His disciples and followers.

In verses 20 and 21, Jesus shows the unified relationship of love between Him and the Father and His disciples. He said, “I am in the Father … you are in me and I am in you.” We are

made right with God through Jesus Christ. Through our love, faith, belief, and relationship with Jesus, we receive the power and traits of the Father. God pours Himself into us through Jesus Christ and we receive power in the form of the Holy Spirit.

To show that we do love Jesus, we not only must know His commands, but obey them. Jesus said that His Father will love those who follow His commands and He will make Himself known to them. Jesus continues in verse 23 saying that He and the Father will come to those who love and follow His commands and live with them.

Our lesson ends with a promise from Jesus saying that the Helper will teach His disciples all we need to know and cause us to remember the things taught in its proper time. The Holy Spirit was to be given to serve as our Instructor, Counselor, and Advocate (Supporter). This empowers us to speak and witness in boldness and confidence knowing that the Spirit will give us more understanding of what we learned from God’s Word and bring back to our remembrance that which we studied.

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Questions:

1. What reason is given why the world could not receive the Helper (the Holy Spirit), and why the apostles could receive Him?

Have you received the Helper? Explain if your answer is either yes or no.

2. In verse 21, who did Jesus say loves Him?

What blessings are given to those who love Him?

3. According to verses 23 and 24, what indicates if a person loves or does not love the Lord?

What will Jesus and the Father do for those who love them?

4. What work(s) with the Helper; the Holy Spirit do for the apostles? Why would they, and we need this?

5. As a disciple of Jesus, how are you allowing the Holy Spirit to assist you in being a witness about Christ more effectively? Give personal examples.

Daily Readings:

Monday, March 16, John 14: 27-31Tuesday, March 17, Colossians 1: 1-14Wednesday, March 18, Colossians 1: 15-29Thursday, March 19, Colossians 2: 1-7Friday, March 20, Matthew 5: 13-16Saturday, March 21, ReflectionsSunday, March 22, John 15: 1-8March 22, 2020

Lesson 12

“Stay Connected to Jesus”John 15: 1-8 (ERV)

1 Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

2 He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims every branch that produces fruit to prepare it to produce even more.

3 You have already been prepared to produce more fruit by the teaching I have given you.

4 Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You

cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me.

5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.

6 If you don’t stay joined to me, you will be like a branch that has been thrown out and has dried up. All the dead branches

like that are gathered up, thrown into the fire and burned.

7 Stay joined together with me and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you.

8 Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father.

Commentary:

In our lesson today, Jesus speaks of Himself as a vine. Jesus used the example of the vine to illustrate connections and relationships between Him, the Father and we, His disciples. In those days, there were many grapevines throughout the area and so this lesson would have been easy to grasp as they could easily make the connections.

Jesus said He is the true vine. We must be rooted and connected in Him if we are to bear fruit for God. We are to be identified to Christ and not to anyone else; even in the church itself. Jesus used the word “true” to recognize that He Himself was the true Israel of God; the seed of Abraham through whom all the prophecies were to be fulfilled. Jesus said while He is the true vine, His Father is the gardener. God is the One who plants, manages, tends to and supports the vine.

The gardener, God, “cuts off” every branch that does not bear fruit. These branches were never properly abiding in the vine by the fact that they did not bear fruit. However, as some

commentators put it, God, the Father and Gardener, carefully lifts the unproductive vines off the ground (as was a common practice in vineyard care) so that they may get more sun and bear fruit better. Moreover, the gardener trims and prunes the branches that bears fruit so that it can bear more fruit. The vinedresser prunes away everything that might hinder effective growth of the branch. Jesus told His disciples that they have already been prepared to produce more fruit by the teaching He has given to them. They had heard and received much of His teaching and were in some sense already clean because of the word.

Jesus told His disciples to stay connected to Him as He would stay connected to them. He said that no branch can produce fruit on its own and must be connected to Him; the vine. It is impossible to bear fruit if the branch is not connected to the vine. Same with a believer and a disciple. A disciple will not be effective for God or His Kingdom if we do not intentionally connect with, stay and abide in Jesus.

Jesus said, “If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.” All of our power, strength and life comes from Christ. Through our relationship and union with Jesus do we bear fruit. Once our union with Him is broken, the sap no longer flows thus making it impossible to be fruitful.

Jesus said that for those who do not abide in Him will be thrown out. The lifeless branches will be gathered and thrown into the fire where they will burn. However, for those branches that do stay and abide in Him, they can ask what they desire, and it shall be done for them. Those who stay connected to Jesus will have access to answered prayer.

Our lesson ends with Jesus commanding His disciples to show that they are His disciples by producing fruit. This will bring glory to God. The purpose of bearing fruit is to bring glory to God and not to ourselves. Our job is to make more disciples of Christ that resemble His traits, just as we ourselves are displaying.

Questions:

1. What does it mean to abide, stay in Jesus?

Why is it necessary for us to abide; stay in Jesus?

2. Why does the Lord trims; prunes the branches that bear fruit?

3. What are some things a vine does for branches and explain how Jesus does these things to make His disciples fruitful?

4. When Jesus says “separated; apart from me you can do nothing,” what is He referring to?

How does being connected to Jesus help us accomplish things for Him?

5. Would you consider yourself a fruitful branch or a fruitless branch? Explain.

Daily Readings:

Monday, March 23, 1 John 3: 1-10Tuesday, March 24, 1 John 4: 11-24Wednesday, March 25, 1 John 4: 1-6Thursday, March 26, 1 John 4: 7-21Friday, March 27, 1 John 5: 1-12Saturday, March 28, ReflectionsSunday, March 29, John 15: 9-17March 29, 2020

Lesson 13

“Love One Another”John 15: 9-17 (NKJV)

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s

commandments and abide in His love.

11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does

not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

Commentary:

Our lesson picks up where we left off last week with Jesus in a deep, intimate conversation with His disciples. Last week, we looked at Jesus urging His disciples to stay and abide with Him so that they could bear fruit for Him and His Kingdom. Our lesson today starts in chapter 15, verse 9 where Jesus said, “As the Father loved Me, I also loved you, so abide in My love.” Jesus purposely loved His disciples according to the way the Father loved Him. Jesus taught them, protected them, guided them and served them. Jesus told them that He loved them just as the Father loved Him so now, they are to stay in His love. This is done by keeping and obeying His commandments. True discipleship and love come through complete obedience to Christ and His Word. Jesus said that just as He was obedient to His Father’s commands, we His disciples are to be obedient in following His commands.

Speaking of His commands, Jesus said that His command is that we love one another as He has loved us. Jesus expects His disciples to love one another; be unified with other believers, help each other out and work together as brothers and sisters. What better place to show this than here on earth where we live in a world that stresses competition, rivalry, division, prejudices, and separation. Jesus desires that we love one another just as we love Him.

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Here, Jesus again foretells what He came to earth to do; to sacrifice His life and die on the cross for our sins. Jesus gave of His live so that we could have a relationship with the Father. Jesus proved His love for us by willingly giving up His own life to serve as a redemption price for our sins. He died so that we might live.

Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” The Lord continues saying, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” Here, Jesus described the quality of His love for His disciples by saying they are not His servants but friends. He does not think of them as beneath Him but as His partners. Jesus did not keep any of the secrets of the Kingdom from them but openly revealed what He had received from the Father to them as they would soon be the preachers and teachers of the Gospel and further expand the Kingdom.

Our lesson ends with Jesus telling His disciples that He choose them and not them choosing Him. We are in Christ not because of something we did, but because of something He has done. And the reason Christ chose and appointed us is that we should go out and bear fruit. We, like the early disciples, are to go out and spread His love and Word and make disciples. The things we learned for God and His Word, we are to go and share and make disciples.

Questions:

1. According to verse 11, why does Jesus tell His disciples to remain in Him? What is produced in the life of a disciple that stays with Jesus?

2. How can we love others the way Christ loved us?

3. What is the difference between a servant and a friend?

According to verse 15, what does our position as a friend of Christ give us the right to know? Does this help you appreciate your friendship with God? Explain

4. Why did Jesus choose us to be His disciples?

5. What ways will you show and spread God’s love to others this week knowing that Jesus chose you and gave of His life for you?

Daily Readings:

Monday, March 30, John 15:18 – 16:15Tuesday, March 31, John 16:16-33Wednesday, April 1, John 17:Thursday, April 2, John 18: 1-27Friday, April 3, John 18: 28-40Saturday, April 4, ReflectionsSunday, April 5, John 19: 1-16

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