The Carpenter's Chapel (6)

Friday April 22, 2005

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
(John 12: 20-28)
"The Hour is Come"
There is some question as to the background of these "certain Greeks" that desired to meet Jesus. Notice that they "came up to worship at the feast." They were most likely not Jewish people who lived in Greece, but Greeks who chose to follow God and observe the Passover. Some Bible teachers say that Jesus ignores their request to see Him yet the audience in 12: 23-50 is a mixture of believers and scoffers. This passage was probably spoken from one of the open forum areas of the Temple.
The message that Jesus gave that day is more important than its audience. Jesus declares that "the hour is come, that the Son of Man should be glorified." The "hour" refers to His departure back to the Father and therefore His death, burial and resurrection prior to that departure. Up to this point Jesus had walked away from His enemies on several occasions because His "hour" had not yet come (John 2:4; 4:21-23; 5:25; 7:6; 7:30). Also, realize that up to this point Jesus has come to do the work of the Father, pointing all glory to the Father. But now, as explained more fully in chapter 17, the time has come for the Son to be glorified which will, in turn, bring glory to the Father. (See 17:2)
Now Jesus gives another object lesson as the Great Teacher. The seed will not reproduce until it dies. But as a single seed is placed in good soil, it loses its original identity. It decays and is no longer a seed. But by the miracle of God, a dead seed can be transformed into a living plant which can produce hundred-fold! How many apples can an apple tree produce? Hundreds. How many seeds does it take to grow an apple tree? One. But if the seed refuses to die to self, it remains a single, solitary seed, destine for extinction. Jesus said "He that loveth his life shall lose it" (12:25). Many people will refuse the gospel because they have too much invested in this worlds goods. (Such as: The rich ruler in Luke 18:18-23). But to do so is to lose all (Mark 8:36).
Contrast now the man who is willing to give up his own will to serve God. Jesus proclaims that the obedient servant will be honored by God (12:26). Another was to contrast these two types of seeds (men) is to look at their legacy. The first seed gives up his life, dies, and loses his identity. He is transformed into a root which produces a mighty tree bearing fruit. It's legacy is continued on by its fruit. The second seed remains just a seed with a net worth of less than a penny. Eventually, the second seed decays and becomes extinct.
Now we see a glimpse of the awful pain that Jesus was about to accept as the "Suffering Servant" prophesied by the prophet Isaiah. Jesus declares "My soul is troubled." We can not comprehend the burden of sin that Jesus carried when He took our place on the Cross. The Old Testament picture of the scape-goat (Lev. 16: 8-22) which was to bear the sins of the people out into the wilderness.
(Isa 53:3) He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
(Isa 53:4) Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
(Isa 53:5) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
(Isa 53:6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
(Isa 53:7) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
(2Co 5:21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
(Gal 3:13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Jesus answers His own question to show that it is not a question of whether He would be willing to be our substitute. He declares "but for this cause came I unto this hour." (12:27). He then prays to His Father to "glorify thy name". The Father then answers from Heaven with an audible voice for one of the few times in the New Testament, such as Jesus' baptism in Mt. 3:17; Jesus spoke to Saul in Act 9.

 

Monday, 25th April, 2005

One of my favourite hymns is “Trust and Obey.” In our Kids Klub one of the favourite kids songs is:

“Obedience is the very best was, to show that you believe. Doing exactly what the Lord commands, doing it happily. Action is the key, do it immediately, and joy who will receive. Obedience is, the very best way, to show that you believe. O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E. Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.”

The Bible talks about obedience many times. “Obey them that have the rule over you. “Children, obey your parents...”

I think one of the key obedience verses is this.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
-Romans 6v16

What are you going to obey today? Hopefully, each of are commited to obeying the Lord. Just as important though is the question of “how” we will obey. When we tell our children to do something we expect a certain kind of obedience. It is not really enough just to obey, they are supposed to do so with the right attitude. God expects full obedience in heart, soul, body, and spirit. This writer captures the attitudewith these words:

May God stengthen each of us to obey His will today with sheer delight!


*Source – The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett

 

Tuesday April 26, 2005

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
(John 12: 29-50)
Jesus' last public message before the cross.
The people heard Jesus' lesson of the seed, then heard the voice from heaven. Some of them just heard a noise "it thundered", while others recognized it as a voice of an angel. When God spoke to Israel on Mount Sinai (Ex. 20:18) and the description of the throne of God (Rev. 4:5) God's voice is compared to thunder. Jesus quickly explains that the voice was for their sake, as on Mount Sinai, to give credence to what was being said. Then He declares two statements.
First, judgement has come to the prince of this world. Gen. 3:15 had told of a day when Satan's head would be bruised (lethal blow) by the seed of the woman; while Satan would bruise the heal (non-lethal) of the seed of he woman.
Second is the proclamation that gives witness to His coming death. "If I be lifted up from the earth" is now said publicly of what Jesus had explained to Nicodemus in John 3:14. As the great fulfillment of the picture of the brazen serpent of Moses, Jesus would soon be lifted up on a cross that whosoever would look to Him could be saved. (See also Num. 21: 4-9) John verifies that Jesus spoke of His coming death on the Cross (12:33).
The people that are gathered pick up where the Pharisees left off in displaying their unbelief. They refuse to believe Jesus' words because they do not line up with their preconceived notions about the Christ. They were waiting for a King to rescue them from being servants to the Romans, but Jesus keeps looking at a bigger problem-their sin condemning them to hell. Jesus challenges them to see the light while He is with them. It seems to be an evasive answer, but the writer explains that Jesus saw their unbelief. The many miracles had not convinced them. The blind man (chapter 9) or the raising of Lazarus (chapter 11) were not enough to cause them to believe. As Abraham had declared to the rich man in hell, unless they are willing to believe the words of Moses (law) and the prophets, "neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead" (Luke 16:31). It is a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:1 and 6:10 which tell of the spiritual blindness of the Jews. They have become no better example than Pharaoh.
John also mentions the struggles of several "chief rulers" who secretly believed in Jesus, yet would not publicly worship Him. They feared the Pharisees who would excommunicate anyone who held that Jesus was the Messiah (see 9:22,34). John then declares that "they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." (12:43).
Jesus now reaffirms His message of the past. First, to believe on Jesus is to believe on the Father that sent Him (5:19-23; 6:29; 8:15-19). Second, the Father can only be seen by seeing the Son (6:46; 14:7-9). Third, Jesus is a "Light" in the world, giving light to those who believe. (1:9; 8:12) Fourth, belief in Jesus brings salvation, but unbelief brings judgment (3:18; 5:22-27; 8:16; 9:39) Fifth, the commandment given of the Father is "life everlasting." (3:16; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40)

Jesus here finishes His contending with the Jews. He would speak no more to the Jews in trying to convince them that “I Am He”. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. The fact that the Jews COULD have received Him is evident: Jesus said, in another gospel: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that stonest the prophets, and killest them that are sent to thee; how I would have loved to have drawn thee as a hen gathereth her chicks under her wings, but ye WOULD NOT.
The Jews paid a terrible price in rejecting God’s Son. I pray that such is not the case with anyone reading this.

 

Wednesday, 27th April, 2005

Our thoughts for today come from the devotional book, The Valley of Vision.

There are so many scriptural references here that it is difficult to know where to start. I am only to take two such references.

Philippians 2v12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

The literal meaning of this passage is that we are to “out work” our salvation in “fear and trembling.” To live for the Lord is an awesome responsibility and a wonderful task, in the fullest sense of those English words. May the outworking of our salvation be such that it proves each of us “subjects of His salvation.”

1 Peter 3v15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

The second part of the devotional thought deals with how others see us. As we live our lives out for Him, may we always be ready to give an answer others are “impelled to ask the way to the Master.” If we are not “out working” our salvation others will have no need to ask the way to the Master. No one asks a directionless man for directions!

Lord, help us to live in a way that our direction is clear, that we prove our selves Yours, and that others may “ask directions” to You.

 

Thursday April 28, 2005

Chapter 13

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. (John 13:1)
Jesus Last Passover?
The scene changes as Jesus and His disciples are gathered for the last time. Chapters 13-17 will describe the events up to His betrayal and arrest in the Garden (Chapter 18). It is noteworthy to realize that this gospel places little emphasis upon the actual "last supper" but will magnify the Lord's last words to His disciples that night.
J. Vernon McGee said of chapters 13-17:
"When you come to chapters 13-17 you can write a sign over it, ‘For Believers Only’, and you could put under that, ‘All Others Stay Out.’ I don't think that section was ever meant for an unbeliever." (John p. xi)
He does indeed speak here in this section only to His disciples there then, but also, as we shall see, He is speaking to all of us that believe down through the Church age.
"Now before the feast of the Passover" is a problem for the harmony of the gospels as John describes it as the day before the Passover, while the other gospels declare it to be the actual day of the Passover (Mt. 26:17; Mk. 14:12; Lu. 22: 1,7,15) But remember that John's gospel was written several years later and many times clarifies details which were not focused upon in the earlier gospels. Now contrast the previous verses with Mt. 27:62; Mk. 15:42; Lu. 23:53 all of which speak of Jesus death on the Cross being the day after the "preparation" day. John 19:14 calls it "the preparation of the Passover." Matthew Henry declares:
"It was the preparation of the Passover, that is, for the Passover-Sabbath. It was when they should have been purging out the old leaven, to get ready for the Passover."
(Matthew Henry's Commentary Vol. One p. 1619)
Now in 19:31, it adds "The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day, (for that Sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away." Dr. John R. Rice suggests "That Sabbath was not the regular weekly Sabbath but 'an high day,' that is, an annual Sabbath. It is the Sabbath of Exodus 12:16, the day of the Passover supper and the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, a day of 'an holy convocation' and 'no manner of work shall be done in them-on the first day and the seventh day of this feast of unleavened bread. This was a high annual Sabbath." (Rice, John, p. 380)
Then 19:42 states that they had to hurriedly place the body of Jesus in the nearby tomb because it was "the Jews preparation day." The preparation day would be ending at sundown and the Passover-Sabbath would begin. Also, back in John 18:28 when the rulers brought Jesus to Pilate, we are told that the Jews did not enter Pilate's hall "lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover." If Jesus ate the "Passover" a few hours before His arrest in the garden, why are the priests and Pharisees waiting till the next evening? No, the word "Passover" used in the other gospels for the last supper of Jesus must be kept in context.
Dr. John R. Rice explains: "The Scofield Bible heads this verse: 'The Last Passover,' which is misleading. It was His last Passover season. In the accounts of the supper by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, nothing is said about a lamb. All they had was bread and wine. This was evidently a preliminary meal the night before the Passover night. From Exodus 12:19 we learn that the Jews were not allowed to have leavened bread, that is, bread made from yeast, in their houses through the entire seven days of the feast of unleavened bread, beginning with the Passover supper. In the time of Jesus, the whole period, including both the Passover supper and the feast of unleavened bread, took the name of the Passover, as you see in Luke 22:1. You see from John 11:55 that Jews were accustomed to come to Jerusalem several days ahead of time, do away with all leaven, and make themselves ceremonially clean, or purified, before the Passover supper itself. The supper which Jesus ate with His disciples was a preliminary supper the day before the Passover supper. The word 'Passover' in verse 1 seems clearly not to mean the same as the word 'supper' in verse 2. The supper was before the feast of the Passover. John 13:29 shows that the feast was still in the future." (Rice. John, p. 258)
R. A. Torrey in his sermon, "Christ's Crucifixion: Friday or Wednesday?" connects the death of Christ to the Passover lamb. Everything about the Passover lamb was a picture of Jesus: 1.) He was a lamb without blemish and without spot (Ex. 12:5) 2.) He was chosen on the 10 day of Nisan (Ex. 12:3), for it was on the 10th day of Nisan, the preceding Saturday, that the triumphal entry into Jerusalem was made. 3.) Not a bone of Him was broken when He was killed (John 19:36; Ex. 12:46; Num. 9:12; Psa. 34:20) 4.) And He was killed on the 14th Nisan between the evenings, just before the beginning of the 15th Nisan at sundown (Ex. 12:6) If we take just exactly what the Bible says, that Jesus was slain before the Passover Sabbath, the type is marvelously fulfilled in every detail; but if accept the traditional theory that Jesus was crucified on Friday, the type fails at many points." (Great Preaching on the Resurrection, p. 242-3)

 

Friday, 29th April, 2005

Revelation 21v4 “and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away.”
Oh my my heart was stirred as I read the “no mores” of this verse. God will wipe away the tears because there are:
</font>

• No more death</font>

</font>

• No more mourning</font>

</font>

• No more crying</font>

</font>

• No more pain</font>

We sometimes sing a song called “What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see...” and that will indeed my a wonderful day when Jesus comes for His saints. Another “wonderful day” will be the day when there is no more need for tears. Did you see why there are no more tears? Because the “first things are passed away!” Death, mourning, crying, and pain are all results of the Fall of man. They are all the result of sin, but now, finally in our minds, as the new heaven and new earth appear, all of these things are passed away! They are gone, wiped out, eliminated forever! Praise God indeed, what a day that will be!
There is another comfort here though. Since God has the power to overcome these things we can be assured that He has the power over them today. When He allows them to come into our lives we can be assured that they are there for a purpose. Praise the Lord that one day He will wipe all these things away, but praise God for the assurance that He is in control of them today.

 

Monday May 2, 2005

And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
(John 13: 2-17)
Jesus washes their feet
We will delay discussion about Judas' betrayal until later in this chapter so we can focus upon the central thought of this section. As Jesus knew it was His last meal with Hs disciples, instead of asking to be pampered with sympathy, Jesus begins to wash the disciples feet. Dr. McGee comments that "in the preceding chapter we saw that the feet of Jesus was anointed, Here, the feet of the disciples are washed" (p.450-451) The hot, dusty conditions led to the need for such. The washing of feet was not a fun chore and therefore was the job of the servants. In so doing, Jesus taught them two lessons:

1.) That saved persons still need cleansing from sin. When Jesus came to Peter, their discussion gives us an explanation for the foot washing. You see, Peter had a clean heart, but dirty feet. At first Peter refused to allow Jesus perform the duty of a slave, but then he was confused as Jesus told him the importance of being cleansed. The key phrase is "thou hast no part with me." Jesus was speaking of fellowship, not salvation. The Apostle John will later explain the importance of cleansing for fellowship in John 1:6-9. Peter then figured that if somehow the washing of his feet would help, then why not wash all the body?
But Jesus explains in 13:10: "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all." Dr. McGee states that the word "washed" is the Greek word louo = bathed, while the second word "wash" is nipto = washed. Therefore, "He that is bathed needeth not except to wash his feet." Dr. McGee goes on to say that, "In those days they went to the public bath for their bathing. Then a man would put on his sandals to come home...So even though he had just come from a bath, he had to wash his feet when he entered the house." (p. 452-453)
Compare to the picture of the brazen laver in the Old Testament tabernacle - It was a place for cleansing after the priest had already offered the sacrifice. Note: The washing of the disciples feet is a better understanding of Eph. 5: 25-26.
Some try to say we are cleansed by baptism, then making baptism a requirement for salvation. But baptism is a public declaration of the decision that has already occurred.
2.) Jesus' disciples needed a good lesson in humility. In contrast is Mt. 20: 20-28; Mk. 9:34-35 where the disciples battled over who would be the greatest. If the Son of God could wash their feet, the disciples could also serve each other. Now John r. Rice explains "not a mass footwashing, but a personal service. It was not to be a church mass ceremony, and we know that the apostles did not understand it to be so, and there is no record of and New Testament church having a footwashing ceremony." (p.263) Also notice that the Lord Jesus knew Judas' intentions, yet every indication is that He washed Judas' feet as well.

Jesus knew He had come from God and was going to God (v3)-the past and the future. He also understood principles that would successfully govern the lives of those who would follow Him. When He attempted to model one of His most precious life principles (servanthood), impetuous Peter said in effect, "Never! No way will you ever wash my feet!" (v.8).

Peter had several lessons to learn that day. Jesus, ever loving and ever wise, assured him that He had a plan which was far more than just he future-it even spanned the present. Peter obviously didn't understand in the "now" but he would understand "later."
Jesus added that growth in perception hinged on one thing-submission. "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me" (v.8). To Peter, submission was a humiliating price to pay-but the alternative was unbearable.
It's not easy to let the Lord do something strange and seemingly untimely in our lives or in another's. Sometimes He goes against reason-sometimes we think He has lost control. Has He forgotten what time it is? But just as He paused to remind Peter, Jesus might lovingly look up from His work and say to us, "You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later. Submit to me in this one thing now, so you can continue being My disciple." Our hearts may struggle momentarily, but the yearning to be His disciple cries out a glad "Yes! Yes! I will yield! Even though it doesn't seem right just now; even if I don't understand, Lord, you haven't forgotten the time. You alone can see from the perspective of past, present, and future, and I will only understand later, as you teach me. Lord, do what you want to do in my life."

 

Tuesday, 3rd May, 2005


Just one small phrase today from Revelation 21v23 – “…for the Lamb is its light.”

The context is that of heaven where there will be no need of the sun or moon for light. Then this appears, “for the Lamb will be its Light.” Today we live in a world of such heavy darkness. All around us sin abounds for the world has chosen to reject the “Lamblight” of Christ.

Let us just think of a few parrowphrased thoughts from the gospel of John this morning:

John came to tell the world about the Light, that all men through the Light might believe.
That was the true Light, to light every man that comes into the world.
This Light shines in darkness, but the world does not understand the Light.
The Light came into the world, but men love darkness more than light because their deeds are evil. Evil men hate the light, for under their light their deeds are exposed.

How sad it is that all around men reject the Lamblight of God today. One day we will truly be able to bask in that light. But the wonderful thing is that we can choose to look to the Light today. Jesus said this – “… I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8v12).

Father, thank you for the day when we will fully enjoy your Lamblight, help us to walk in the Lamblight today!

 

Wednesday May 4, 2005

I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
(John 13:18-30)
The Betrayal by Judas
In the midst of His conversation, Jesus begins to reveal the fact of His soon betrayal by Judas. The Lord distinguishes the division of the true disciples from the false disciple. Back in John 6:70, Jesus had stated that one was "a devil." Now the Master quotes from Psa. 41:9: "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."
Also notice that Jesus proclaims this as a way to restore their belief in Him after the betrayal would come to pass. Now He plainly declares, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me." (13:21) The disciple begin to look at one another and then pondered the question "Is it I?" (Mt. 26:22) Each of the disciples remembered the many times they all had been reproved for their lack of faith. None of them comprehended what transpired between Judas and the Lord that night. They assumed that he was sent on an errand for the upcoming Passover. Dr. McGee informs us that "It was the custom for the host at a banquet to take a piece of bread, dip it in the sauce, and present it to the guest of honor. The Lord makes Judas His guest of honor by this gesture. He is extending to him the token of friendship. Judas is at the crossroads. Christ keeps the door open to Judas up to the very last. Even in the garden Jesus will say, 'Friend, wherefore art thou come?...'" (p. 455). Judas would quickly make his way to the priests as being "found out" they would need to work quickly. This would force the hands of the religious leaders who wanted to wait until after the Passover was over.
As Judas passes off the scene into the night, Jesus returns His focus upon the remaining disciples disciples and begins what might be called His last night discourse. The remaining verses of this chapter contain a summary of the topics to be discussed in the next chapters; His glory will be scene in Chapter 17; His promise to return in chapter 14; and His "new commandment" to love on another in chapter 15. Notice that Jesus uses a new phrase to describe His disciples now that Judas has departed: "little children". It would be the same phrase that the Apostle John would refer to young believers 9 times in 1John. The one that caught Peter's interest was the thought that he was no better than the Jews, and he too, would be excluded from Jesus' soon journey. Peter declares his allegiance to Jesus, willing to die for Him. Yet Jesus proclaims that bold Peter, the leader would actually deny the Lord 3 times before the morning cock crows. The chapter ends with a contrast. Satan worked on both Peter and Judas, yet one was broken and the other destroyed. (Lu. 20:18; 22:31)

 

Thursday, 5th May, 2005

nai erchomai kurious Iesus

A man sat on a rocky island, exiled there for His faith in Christ, roughly 1900 years ago and penned those simple words. What are those wonderful words? In our King James Bible they are the memorable words – “even so come Lord Jesus,” from Revelation 22v20.

What do you think went through John’s mind as his quill scratched across the writing surface? The last words of Christ in the Bible had just been uttered, “Surely, I come quickly.” According to legend and tradition John had suffered greatly for his faith. We are pretty certain that he was forcefully exiled to this island of Patmos. Most church historians agree that he had been boiled alive in oil and was terribly disfigured. A young man when our Lord was alive he was now approaching the end of his life. Many may have been in despair, or full of anger at the Lord. Yet, what did John say? “nai erchomai kurious Iesus.” – “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

Our fellow Christians though the years have had the same yearning. St Patrick wrote almost 1500 years ago – “…in whom [Christ] we believe, and whose advent we expect soon to be.” And yet, here we stand, hundreds of years on, and we still have not seen our Lords return. Some have become disenchanted or discouraged. The news stories get worse and worse every day. Horrendous, unimaginable crimes are being committed. Our society at times appears to be coming apart at its very seams. Yet, we still await His coming. Whatever happened to, “Surely, I come quickly?”

The problem is that we think with our “man-mind” instead of the mind of God. Jesus ahs not broken His precious promise, He is coming quickly. We are to be ever ready, ever diligent, ever on guard as we await His appearing. Since He could say to John, “I come quickly,” and since St Patrick was eagerly awaiting His “soon advent,” how much closer is His glorious return today!

Lord, as we go about our task today, help us to do so with “one eye heavenward” as we look for your coming. Nai erchomai kurious Iesus! Even so, come Lord Jesus!

 

What a great day indeed! Thanks Roger.

 

Friday May 6, 2005

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:31-35)
No Christian could ever question the preeminent importance of love. "God is love (1John 4:8,16), and the greatest of the Christian virtues is love (1Corinthians 13:13). The first and second commandments of the law are love for God and love for one's neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). Christ's new commandment, however, gives us a definition of love. To love as He loved, we must observe how Christ loved.
In the first place, His love was not a temporary thing: "When Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end." (John 13:1)
The Lord Jesus Himself defined love this way: "Greater love has no man than this, than a man lay down His life for His friends." (John 15:13) However, Christ died not only for them back then, but for all of us: "But God commended His love for toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).
"In this was manifested the Love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him...Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." (1John 4:9,11)
The measure of love is undeserved, yet gladly offered, in the substitutionary death of Christ for our sins. Whenever we think the love commandment is demanding too much of us, we should compare our love to His. "For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. (2Corinthians 5:14-15)
"We love Him, because He first loved us." (1John 4:19). So it is that we must live for Him.

 

Monday, 9th May, 2005

“Behold, It was very good.” Genesis 1v31

In Genesis 1v1-2 we see the earth described as:
-without form
-void
-dark.

Then I verse 3 we read some amazing words, “And God said…” Throughout the chapter we see those words repeated – “and God said, and God saw, and God made, and God called.” Towards the end of every day we read these words. “And God saw that it was good.” After six days the work is done. What was without form now has mountains and valleys, rivers, streams, and oceans. Continents have taken shape. What was void is not full of life, plants, animals, and man himself. What was darkness now has the glorious sunshine by day and the wonders of the moon and stars by night.

What does God say when it is all done? “And behold, it was very good.” That word “very” always has the picture of exceeding greatness – “and behold, it was exceeding good!”

God says later in Scriptures, “I am the Lord, I change not.” The God of exceeding goodness in Creation has not changed one iota. He is still the same. He is still the God of goodness. Our God Who observed His Creation and proclaimed it “exceeding good” in Genesis 1v31 also said, “And we know that all things work together for good, to them who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8v28)

Who is the true judge of what is good? The answer is clear, the God Who created goodness. May remember today, that the God Who called His divine Creation good, says that all things work together for good for His people. Remind me today Lord, that You are the One who defines goodness!

 

Yes Roger, and when God is left out, there is no focal, or reference point as to what is good. It has led to the sad state the world is in when, "The world by wisdom knew not God."
Thank Roger.

 

Tuesday May 10, 2005

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
(John 13:36)
Notice the big difference here compared to what the Lord Jesus said to the Jews back in 8:34: “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”
But He now says to Peter, one of His own, “…but thou shalt follow me afterwards.”
What it all comes down to brethren is that there are only two types of people on this planet: the saved and the lost, or, if you will, the once born and the twice born. If you have come by faith trusting the Lord Jesus, your sins were dealt with there on His cross, if not and you die in that state, you “die in your sins” and the wrath of God abides on you (John 3:36). There is nothing more important for a lost world than trying to get them to grasp this very point. There are not “many ways to God, there is only one. There is a lot of talk nowadays about being intolerant and narrow minded. But, it occurs to this writer that when you open your Bibles to the New Testament, we are introduced to the most narrow-minded Person that ever walked the earth. Thou shalt not kill? Don’t even hate. Thou shalt not commit adultery? Don’t even look at another that way. Many ways to God? No, ONLY through Him He says.
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. (John 13:37-38)
Peter declares his allegience to Jesus, willing to die for Him. Yet Jesus proclaims that bold Peter, the leader would actually deny the Lord three times before the morning cock crows. The chapter ends with this contrast between Peter and Judas, one was broken, the other destroyed.

 

Wednesday, 11th May, 2005

“…I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself…” – Genesis 3v10

Adam and Eve had fallen into sin. The subtle one had come and shown them that which was “good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and that which would make one wise.” Choosing flesh over spirit, they gave in, Eve first and then Adam. Immediately they are filled with shame and attempt to cover their newly revealed nakedness by making coverings for themselves.

Later in the day it comes time to meet with God. There hear Him coming, but hide themselves. God, of course, as seen it all. He calls out “Where are you?” God is not fooled – He is forcing them to admit that they are hiding and explain themselves. Adam responds with the words above, “I was afraid, for I was naked, and I hid myself.”

It is very easy for us to look back at Adam and Eve and condemn them for their sin, and it is deserved. Yet, I think they have a lesson for us. Sadly the world around us have no problem walking about in the nakedness of their sin, but that is not the lesson for us. How often do we walk boldly before God in out own leaf coverings? How often do we sin as children of God and never deal with it, hiding the sin in our own pride? Often we don’t even have the decency to be ashamed of our sin as Adam and Eve were, We try to hide it, thinking that maybe God can’t see it.

Of course, as children of God our sin is covered by the blood of Christ. However, when we sin as Christians we must ask forgiveness to keep our walk with God pure and right. When we try to hide our sins in our own works, we are not better than Adam and Eve. In fact, we may be worse because we are children of God and are not even ashamed of our sin!

Father, remind me today of the immensity of sin as your child. Help me to remember that I am clothed in the righteousness of Your Son through His shed blood. Give me that shame of sin that Adam and Eve had, yet the knowledge that I need not try to hide. All I need is to come into your presence, admit my sin, and accept your glorious forgiveness.

 

Thursday May 12, 2005

Chapter 14

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
(John 14:1-3)
The world has not seen the last of Jesus Christ! He was in the world once, but the world would not have Him, even though He had created it (John 1:10). While He was on earth, He made it clear that He would be returning some day to judge the world.
But here, in the upper room, just before His arrest and crucifixion, He told His disciples, for the very first time, that He would be coming for them personally, not to judge them with the world, but to "receive you to Myself." The Apostle Paul would write of this wonderful promise: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we will always be with the Lord. (1Thessalonians 4:16-17)
When He comes again, we shall be where He is, forever. In the meantime, the "dead in Christ" are already with Him. At that time, "we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye...For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." (1Corinthians 15:51-53)

During this present time, He is preparing a place for us. All of this is what we might expect from such a gracious and loving Savior.
The remaining eleven disciples had just seen their worlds turned upside down. A few days ago they had watched the people cry "hosanna" and expected any day now that Jesus would begin to rule and reign. Then Jesus was anointed and He claimed that it was for His burial. Now the Master had declared that one of them would betray Him and that He would go away. Peter's call to arms was met with a prophecy of Peter's three denials. They are devastated.
Only the Lord Jesus knew of His busy night ahead, yet Jesus would take the time to comfort and challenge His friends. Chapter 14 begins this section with a word of comfort: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." (14:1) Note that 14:1-5 will describe the comfort of God and 14:16-18 will show us the source of this comfort. Jesus takes His disciples back to the foundation of their salvation: "ye believe in God, believe also in me." There is no comfort to be found beyond the foundation of salvation. Our salvation is eternally secure and compared to an anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:18,19). Yet many churches teach that we must depend upon the works of the priest or some other religious leader to be accepted by God. Also, realize that comfort is not just an emotional pat on the back, but is based on the promises of God's Word.
Notice the rebukes, the challenges, and the commands that are included in "His Comfort."
14:2 begins with a promise of a home in heaven. Some scholars say that "mansions" should be translated "dwelling places." But let's view it from that future day when we are walking the streets of gold. Do we have a big God that could make mansions for all of us? Will heaven be big enough for "many mansions"? Will we be worried about our dwelling places however big they will be? We serve a big God Who can make mansions if He chooses, but the key is that He is coming again to take us with Him to Heaven and that we will be dwelling with God!

 

Friday, 13th May, 2005

“…Enoch walked with God…for three hundred years…and he was not for God took him.” Genesis 5v22-23

Here in the midst of a series of “begats” we find an amazing testimony of an Old Testament saint. Seven generations from Adam we encounter a man named Enoch. We read very little of this man. Except for the fact that he was a prophet who told of the Saviour’s coming to vanquish sin and bring about final victory over evil (read Jude vv14-15).

What do we read about Enoch here in Genesis? We do not read that he was a famous political leader. We do not read that he was a successful businessman. We don’t even read about his spiritual work. We do know that he didn’t have to face death. God simply took him. His walk put him so close to God that God spared him a normal death. However, that is not the topic of our thoughts this morning.

Our focus is on these simple words – “Enoch walked with God.” For much of the world there is one measure of success – “He who has the most toys wins.” There is a mad rush to “make it” by having loads of money and loads of possessions. For some success comes in being famous and great accomplishments. Even preachers can mark their success by the size of their church or the number of converts. Often, if one is just that average, everyday Christian they can feel like they really are not that important.

I think we can take from today’s passage that God has a different measure of success. “Enoch walked with God.” What a blessing if, at the end of my life, the one thing that could be said of me is that “Roger walked with God.” If I indeed walk with God than everything else will fall into place. It may not be what I what, but it will be what God wants. As I walk by His side I am able to follow His plans and directions for me. We need never fear or falling short if we walk with God as Enoch did.

Lord, may it be said of each of us that “____________ walked with God.”

 

Monday May 16, 2005

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
(John 14:4-6)
Many times along life's way we face uncertainties, opposition, and even doubt; when we do, it is helpful to recognize that those who lived with Christ when He was here on Earth faced the same perplexities. His answers and assurances to them in John 14 are meant for us as well.
Let not your heart be troubled," as He said in verse one, could be rendered: "Don't continue to be troubled." The solution is given: "You believe in God, believe also in Me." (vs. 1). We believe God can supply all the answers to our troubles. But Christ is God! He is the solution. He is "...The way, the truth and the life." (vs. 6) and is the only solution, for: "No one comes to the Father except through Me."

He is the Way
"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I got to prepare a place for you. And If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (vs. 2-3)
Whatever else may befall us, our destiny is sure. His reputation is at stake, for He has promised a place in His Father's house.

He is the Truth
Peter had just been informed of his coming denial (13:38), that he would openly assert a lie. Jesus said He is "the truth." "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." (vs. 10) Words and thoughts not in accordance with His are not "truth," we can be sure of that.

He is the Life
Speaking of His imminent death, Christ said, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you shall follow Me afterward." (13:36). This indicated their own eventual persecution and martyrdom. Yet their ultimate victory, as well as comfort, were assured.

How can those things be? "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (vs. 13)
Now we have a series of questions by the disciples which lead us to on of the greatest statements in the Scriptures. As the Master rebukes their unbelief and ignorance, He stresses the simplicity of the gospel. We must also remind ourselves that the disciples had no doubt that Jesus was the Son of God; it's just that they were expecting Jesus to be a ruling King instead of a suffering "Servant" Who had come to die. Jesus answers Thomas' question by giving us a three-fold declaration of His Deity. "I am the way" is very exact and narrow. Dr. McGee states that "The article in the Greek is an adjective. Jesus said, 'I am THE way.' He is not just a person who show the way, but He, personally, is the way. No church or ceremony can bring you to God. He is the way." (p. 460).
Worldly philosophy tells us that there are "many ways to God", but Jesus has just narrowed the choices down to one way. If Jesus had walked on earth today this statement would be considered extremely intolerant of all the other religions. The second declaration is that He is the "truth.) Again, He is not just stating that He tells the truth, rather He is the definition of truth. As stated in the introduction, "truth" is one of the key words in the Gospel of John. Notice that Jesus is the source of truth (1:17); "the truth shall make you free." (8:32); The Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of truth" (14:17); Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified or set apart by His truth. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (17:17) Listen to His witness to the pagan ruler, Pilate (notice that He doesn't refer to His relationship to His Father, but to Pilate, He refers to "truth": "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (18:37) Realize that it is the "truth" of the Word of God that has given our country stability over the years. Now as America spurns the "truth" and openly rejects God, we are seeing the foundations of this country crumble.

The third declaration of Jesus is that He is "the life." Again He is not only alive, but it is declaring that He is the source of life.

 

Tuesday, 17th May, 2005

“…and the Lord shut Him in…and only Noah remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.” – Genesis 7v16,23

I am so glad to read these words – “And the Lord shut him in.” It is one of those phrases that we can just pass over as part of a very familiar historical event. There are many great lessons in the account of the flood, but today we are going to focus on this one thing – “and the Lord shut Him in.”

Why is this little phrase so important? I think it puts God’s role of deliverance in perspective. In 1 Peter 3v20 the ark is used to illustrate salvation. Noah and his family had faith in God, they acted upon their faith by building and boarding the ark as their only hope of deliverance. The way out of destruction was there, but only eight people trusted it enough to act. When they boarded the ark their role in deliverance was done. Then, God shut the door and they were the only ones to survive.

God does the same thing in salvation. He calls us to allow others to know they way if deliverance – in essence we “build an ark” when we share the gospel with others. Noah spent 120 years building an ark. At the end of that time only he and his family accepted God’s way of salvation. Today we know that strait is the gate and narrow is the path that leads to salvation and there are few that follow it.

The great comfort comes in the knowledge that those who enter in are sealed as assuredly as Noah and his family were when God shut the door. When God shuts the door it is shut, deliverance has been made. When I got saved God “shut the door” behind me. Praise God that He shut me in! The closing of the door was His work, not mine. Therefore I can be assured that His work was final – there can be no undoing on my part. That is why Jesus can say “I will never leave thee or forsake thee.”

Thank you Lord that you closed the door of my salvation. No matter what comes across my path that is not going to change!