This is a study of John that can be used as a devotional. I will go through each of the Gospels using the acrostic of HEAL to each Gospel. HEAL stands for:

H = Honour God with commitment of time to study His Word

E = Examine your heart and pray to invite Him into your study

A = Ask God to reveal His truths in each passage

L = Listen to what He says and write it down

Using these principals, we will go through each book together and see what we can gleam from God’s fantastic and infallible Word. May God bless you through His Word! He wants you to live a healthy and godly life – today…

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Part 1: Meeting John

“12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.“

John 15:12

“15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

John 15:15

Today’s tech-savvy folks frequently employ initials to express commonly osed phrases. One of the favourites used by those who share a bond of love is “B.B.F.” (i.e. Best Friend Forever). John was indeed Jesus’ B.B.F.! And he proved himself faithful to his Lord, Saviour and divine Friend by fulfilling His mandate to “love one another, as I have loved you” (15:12). It was in this spirit of love that he always addressed the recipients of his writings. John understood that the relationship between the divine Lord and those He calls to be one of sacred frienship.

We glimpse a hint that our Lord knew very well what that was like in John’s account of Jesus’ final discussion with all of His disciples – those He had chosen to be with Him, learn from Him, and carry on the work of His Father’s kingdom here on earth. Jesus said to them, without a hint of embarrassment: “I have called you friends” (15:15). Under the stress of anticipating what to coming days would bring, the Creator and Lord of mankind reached out to those closest to Him in this world for friendship.

Notice that it is only in this account of Jesus by John thar we find this heartfelt need recorded. John got it! The bond of love forged between himself and his Lord was so solid that later, in his own Gospel, rather than referring to himself by name, John simply recounts that it was “one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved” (13:23) that Jesus entrusted the keeping of His own mother, as He felt His life ebbing away on the cross.

Questions:

• Do you believe Jesus still desires to have frienss here on earth?
• How does your frienship with Jesus look?
• Do you believe tha He sant His Holy Spirit to enable you to live in a loving, saving, healing, eternal friendship with God Himself?

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Part 2: Too Much Information

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

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

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

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men 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 lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word was made 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.“

John 1:1-14

“1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.“

Genesis 1:1

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of information presented to you when you’re going through an illness? Technology has made information much more accessible to us, but that doesn’t necessarily make us more knowledgeble. The more information we gather, we often discover that much of it contradicts itself and we end up more confused and frustrated than when we first began.

The first verse in the book of John lets us know how to narrow the field; that is, where to find the most valuble information. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God” (John 1:1). The tangible bBible we can hold in our hands, the one laying on our nightstand, or one of the several translations we have on our favourite tech divice, contain the words that provide a way for us to know THE WORD and THE WORD is GOD HIMSELF! Since He is the Creator of our bodies, along with everything else that exists, it makes sense to consult Him when something goes awry. It’s a good thing that He’s so available AND all in one book!

Hold on, it gets more amazing! In verse 14 of the same chapter (John 1:14), we learn that the Word, as God, bacame flesh and dwelt among us – John is referring to Jesus! Jesus is God in flesh form. He is the very WORD of God. Let that sink in today. Today’s passage can be described visually as:

GOD = THE WORD = JESUS

So, the Bible teaches us that the way to obtain information from the One who created our bodies, and the One who loves us more than we can comprehend, is to spend more time with the Word. The enemy, however, wants to prevent us from knowing God, so he often tries to make us believe we can’t understand the Word. That, my friend, is a lie! Why would God reveal Himself in the written Word, yet make it so that we could not comprehend it?

Until the end of time, He will make sure that His Word is made available, to all who will pursue Him, in a language they can understand. Since the original texts were written thousands of years ago, there are new translations that are easier to understand, even if many important words have been removed from them. But it’s better to read newer translatuons than no Bible at all. Similar to an earthly relationship between friends, the more time we spend with the Word, the more familiar we will become.

Questions:

• What is the most helpful source of information fot your journey of healing?
• Who wants you to be ignorant of the Word? Who dispels darkness, brings light and made a way for you to be called “a child of God”?
• What does the passage that proclaims the Word became flesh and dwelt among us mean to you? Does it change your perspective on the value of and love of His Word? If so, how? What does this mean for you as you move forward in your walk with God?

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Part 3: Avoid the “It’s all about me” attitude

“15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.“

John 1:15-34

There’s no person who better exemplifies selflessness than John the Baptist. His whole ministry, even though short-lived, was to point people to someone else, Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. Clearly we see in the Scriptures that John the Baptist never focused on himself. He wasn’t concerned with his appearance (unshaven, untidy), his clothing (animal skins), ot his provison (locusts). He was driven solely by his passion for the coming of the Messiah.

While on a healing journey, sometimes we find ourselves being able to focus on nothing but ourselves, our health, our pain, our condition etc. Sometimes my “thought life” reminds me of an opera singer warming uå his voice before going on stage… “me Me ME ME Me me me.”

As a child of God, we are encouraged by Jesus Himself to bring our concerns to Him, and He will lead and guide us along the way. Our purpose is similar to that of John the Baptist: to prepare others for the coming of the Messiah. If we bring our concerns to Him, He’ll provide for us so that we can passionately pursue our purpose too. Let’s take time to look up from the circumstances that surrounds us and see what areas and opportunities Jesus is calling us to today.

Questions:

• How did John the Baptist know for certain Jesus was the Messiah?
• How can you be confident that Jesus is who He says He is?
• How does your life live out His purpose to point others to Him and His glory, nor your own? Are you focused on me, me, me, ot Him, Him , Him? How will focusing on Him be more health-inducing?

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Part 4: Come and see

“35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.“

John 1:35-42

Here we find Jesus spending an afternoon with His disciples, perhaps along the banks of the Jordan River where He recently got batized. John recorded for us the two things Jesus said to the group in this particular “teaching” session. In fact, these are the first words of Jesus (that appears as red letters in some translations) in the Gosprl of John.

Let’s eavesdrop. Jesus first asked those with Him, “What do you want?” or “What are you looking for?” That is a profound question. There is no record of the various responses the group may have given, but John tells us tha Jesus responded to them, regardless of their specific “wants”, with a beautiful invitation to “Come and see” (1:39).

Is He asking the same question to us tody – what are we really seaking or wanting? Often our focus shifts from the journey of walking alongside Jesus to pursuing potential benefits we could gain from our relationship with Him, that is, pursuing Jesus with an agenda. Let’s honestly ask ourselves if we are solely pursuing Him to be healed physically. Healing shouldn’t be the central focus of our accepting His invitation to “Come and see“.

The Word teaches us that the ultimate “want” for a Christ-follower is: more intimacy with Him, to seek Him and His righteousness, and to share Him with others. Is that what we’re doing? If so, then the next step is simply to look into the face of the One who loves us and accept His invitation to “Come and see“. Who knows, maybe physical healing will manifest itself in the “Come and see“.

Questions:

• Have you considered what it is that you really want from Jesus? Do you need to re-priotitize your “wants”?
• What would it mean for you to join Jesus, to “Come and see” what He has in store for you?
• When you recognize Jesus as the Messiah, that He IS the Word, should knowledge of Him alter your priorities? If so, how will you make the adjustments?

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Part 5: Creating community

“43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.“

John 1:43-51

“1 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.“

Psalm 23

We’re introduced to two more disciples in today’s passage, Philip and Nathaniel. Jesus suggested both to follow Him. This sounds like joining a small group.

Creating community is always important, but particularly during a healing journey. The Word teaches us: a cord of three strands is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12), together we are much stronger against the lies of the enemy, and we’re safer from the wolf when gathered in a herd.

In a very famous passage, Psalm 23, we learn that if we stay in the kerd, focused on the Shepherd, He will make us lie down in green pastures, lead us beside still waters, and restore our souls!

Simply put, we’re better together. While traveling this healing journey, let’s find ourselves some likeminded believers who will encourage us as we encourage them. For example, reminding each other of the thousands of promises God has made to us in His Word can be the most helpful medicine.

Often can illness bring us together in a community. However, it’s important that the focus of that community should be on pursuit of wholeness, not glorifying the disease. Are you in a community that is helping you pursue spiritual and physical wholeness and wellness by knowing more of Him?

Questions:

• How does focusing on your illness instead of His promises glorify the enemy?
• How can you encourage a fellow journeyman/woman today?
• What did Jesus promise Nathaniel at the end of this passage?

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Part 6: Crisis advice and servant’s response

“1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.“

John 2:1-12

Mary, the mother of Jesus, doesn’t “say” very much in the Scriptures, but when she does, we should certainly listen. Today’s reading describes the first miracle Jesus did during a wedding celebration in Cana – turning water into exceptionally good wine!

When the news is whispered among those close to the host that the wine is gone, panic breaks out. How did Mary, being a close friend to the host, respond to this “crisis”? She went to Jesus, had a conversation, then turned to those nearby and said “Do whatever HE says to do!” Brilliant advice, Mary!

Obviously, suffering and sickness are far more serious than running out of wine, but Mary’s sound advice applies to all occations. Jesus has promised to be available to us 24/7 so that we can consult Him about everything in our lives.

Certainly, we want His advice during times of crisis. Let us take advantage of that offer by spending time with Him (in the Word) so that we can hear His instructions, then take steps to follow His advice.

Questions:

• What can you learn from Mary’s reaction to a crisis?
• We read in the passage that the servants had to go and fill the jars with water. Jesus could have filled the jars Himself with wine straight away. Do you find it interesting or significant that the servants still had to “go and do” sometging that would play into the ultimate result? What are these actions a deomnstration of?
• What is our role today in service on God’s team? What are some of the attributes that the servants deomonstrated that are important for us to learn and put into action?

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Part 7: Seek Him for who He is

“43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.

44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

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

47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.“

John 4:43-54

“23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Jesus began His ministry by gathering His disciples and traveling throughout the land sharing the good news of God’s kingdom to all who would listen. In these passages, Jesus had left the Samaritan region and headed back toward His home turf, the area around the Sea of Galilee.

He and His disciples enden up going back to Cana, the place where He had preformed Hid first public miracle, turning water into wine. Many people had heard of Him as a result of the “wine miracle”, as well as witnessed the miracles He recently performed in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival.

So when He arrived back into the area, it was no surprise to see crowds gathering wherever He went. But it would have been shocking, in those days, for a Roman official to even speak to Jesus, much less beg Him for help. Remember, all the area within which Jesus travelled was governed by the tyrannical Roman regime at the time, and Jews were considered inferior in all aspects to Roman citizens. Despite all that, Jesus healed the Roman’s son immediately upon his request.

An important truth revealed in this passage is that Jesus came for ALL people, not just for the Jews or any other selected group. He came for whosoever!

Another truth we see here is that Jesus’ words are not constrained by time or space. The words Jesus spoke on earth thousands of years ago have the same effect today. He spke it, and it was done!

Both principals are mind-blowing, but perhaps they should also pay close attention to what Jesus said to the crowd when the Roman’s request for healing was made that day. Jesus said “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe” (4:48). All of His words are important, so why did He say this?

Again, He’s letting us know that we must be careful not to seek Him only for miracles and wonders. Of course, those are fantastic, supernatural characteristics of Him, but He is so much more. Seeking Him only forphysical healing, for example, may cause us to feel disappointed if our “healing” doesn’t manifest quickly or in the way we expect.

He wants us to seek Him for who He is – the Creator of everything that exists, and the One who loves us the most. While seeking ALL of Him, we may find that our whole being is in a much better place than if we simply seek “the miracle of physical healing” part of Him

The Bibel tells us is 1 Thessalonians 5:23 that we are all created with three basic parts: a spirit, a soul and a body: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Let us continue to seek all of Him so that our entire being (body, soul and spirit) will be whole.

Questions:

• Do you see Jesus’ ministry and His desire beyond physical healing? Why is wholeness important?
• Beyond the offering of physical healings, Jesus desires for us to see the fullness of who He is and believe upon Him not just because of what we can see with our own eyes. That’s faith! Why is this important to Him?
• Who is Jesus to you?

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Part 8: We must participate

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

2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.“

John 5:1-15

Jewish tradtional customs often involve immersion in water for purposes of cleansing and/or healing. In these verses, we approach the Pool of Bethesda in the city of Jerusalem, a pool in which many believed they could be healed if they were able to enter the water when an angel stirred it. (Remains of this pool is still visible today.)

Despite the likelyhood of there being many people at the pool that day with various ailments, John describes how Jesus directed His attention to one man, a man who had been lying beside the pool for 38 years!

When Jesus approached the man, the one simple question He asked him was “Do you want to be healed?” This may seem like a strange question to those nearby because it seems so obvious why the man was lying there.

Maybe we should look closely at the man’s initial response: “ Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me” (5:7). The guy made excuses that involved other people. Jesus simply commanded “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” (5:8). Miraculously, the man did just that!

During our healing process, let’s do what we can to participate in our healing. Let us not make excuses, or blame someone else, if there are things we can do for ourselves to promote healing. For example, God may encourage someone with Type 2 Diabetic to treat his or her body as the temple of God by eating “God-made” foods and exercising to become stronger.

It may not be in their best interest for God to miraculously heal rather than coach and teach him or her along the path to a healthier future. What we feast on, body and soul, will make remarkable impact on our overall well-being. Let’s be diligent in doing the obvious: making wise food choices, exercising regualrly, and leaving the supernartural in His hands.

Questions:

• What kind of excuse are you making for your own healing? What has God pressed on your heart to do?
• How can you improve your habits for a healthier future?
• What kind of help do you need from God that will help you make those changes?

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Part 9: The big picture

“16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.

32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

41 I receive not honour from men.

42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

43 I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?“

Johannes 5:16-47

In today’s passage, Jesus is telling His audience who He is and what His purpose is. It’s such a privilege to be able to hear from His own words! He tells us that He and the Father are together in all aspects. This is huge! Jesus and the Father act in the same way. They heal, they raise the dead, they acknowledge those who honour them, and eternal life is feely given to those who simply believe in them! How beautiful and simple is that?

So, no matter what we experience during this brief time on earth, if we believe the the Father and the Son, we will have ETERNAL LIFE! If we suffer, even though for extended periods of time here on earth, what¨s that in comparison to the joys we’lk experience in eternity?

Questions:

• Who wants you to focus on the “here and now” only?
• How may my perspective change if my focus is on eternity?
• What does vers 24 mean for me? How can I commit this passage to memory?

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Part 10: Thankful for what we do have

“1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,

9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.“

John 6:1-15

The disciples feeding thousands of people with only two fish and five loaves of bread one day on a hillside by the Sea of Galilee is described in the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It’s a BIG event. There are many observations of importance in this passage, of course, but let’s look at one in particular.

John’s passage says that a boy who had five loaves and two fish gave all he had to Andrew, then Andrew gave it to Jesus, and Jesus gave thanks for what was given to Him. Even though it was obvious to all that the food was insufficient in every way to feed so many, Jesus gave thanks for what He had in His hands.

The next thing we read is that the disciples began to distribute the food among the thousands of people! Imagine yourself in the crowd sitting with your family (Note: It’s a somewhat grassy hillside with a gentle slope leading to the water’s edge. The accustics on the hillside looking down upon the Sea of Galilee are excellent, likely all the people spread out on the hillside could hear Jesus’ voice clearly.) With a small amount of stinky fish and hard, crusty bread in His hands, Jesus was grateful!

None of Jesus’ actions or words go without meaning. So we must assume that it is important in the kingdom of God that His children are grateful for the good things they have been given. If we’re suffering in one part of our bodies, perhaps we should be grateful for the other properly functioning parts.

We can always find plenty to be thankful for if we try. After Jesus’ sincere gratitude was displayed, a manifestation of one of the most famous miracles ever began to unfold. Again, many believed in Him because of the miracles He performed. Purpose fulfilled!

Qustions:

• What are some things in your life, no matter how insignificant or small they may seem, for which I should voice gratitude to my Father?
• How does focusing on your blessings create an atmosphere of gratitude? Are you doing this in you day-to-day life?
• What was the ultimate purpose of the miracle?

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Part 11: Stormy weather

“16 And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,

17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.“

John 6:16-24

After witnessing thousands of people being fed with only a small amount of food, and tons being left over after everyone was full, let’s take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee back over to Capernaum along with the disciples.

The Scriptures says it was now dark, so perhaps we can take time rowing and napping while we glide over to the other side. We’re thinking “Too bad Jesus didn’t get on the boat with us, we could have asked Him a hundred questions about today’s miracle.”

Once we’ve rowed about halfway across, the winds begin to blow, the oat begins to rock, and the waves begin to roll. Note that the current residents around the Sea of Galilee cab describe how quickly a storm all of a sudden appears on that sea, which is actually no bigger than a lake.

To make matters worse, we see what appears to be a person walking on the top of the water coming straight toward us! To describe us as frightened is an understatement!

We automatically assume we’re going down, down, down. When we thought it couldn’t get anyy worse, we heard His voice, even above the sound of the wind and the waves, “It is I; be not afraid” (6:20).

Confused, but relieved, we take Him into our boat, and the next thing we know there is no storm, no further journey, and we’ve reached the other side! What a relief!

Questions:

• Do you invite Jesus and trust Him in your storms? How can this change your outcomes?
• How can you listen for HIS voice above the sounds of your storm?
• Do you trust that Jesus is with you during, and after, the storm? If so, how can this affect your attitude during the storm?

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Part 12: Our daily bread

22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.

42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?

43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.

44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

48 I am that bread of life.

49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?

53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.“

John 6:22-59

John is the only gospel writer who gives us a description of Jesus as The Bread of Life. Although this passage has some concepts which, upon initial reading. may seem strange, the more we read and study, the clearer the message becomes.

Bread was such an important part of daily life during the time in which Jesus spoke these words. It was likely served at every meal. Everyone could understand the importance ot having bread to sustain life. Jesus used this anolgy to explain to the people that He is all that we need in every aspect of our lives.

He is spiritually the Bread we need for the abundant life He died to give us. And what do we have to do to obtain this bread, they asked? His answer was, and still is “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (6:29).

Easier said than done, right? However, the more time we spend in the Word with Him, the more we will understand and be able to apply it in our daily lives. Remember frem John 1:1 that Jesus is the Word of God, and His Word is going to provide our perfect daily spiritual food.

Questions:

• How much time do you spend in the Word of God to nourish your spirit? Has your time been contaminated with other distractions? If so, what adjustments can you make to recieve some of Hid daily bread?
• Is the “Bread of Life” something that you have to work to earn? Explain your thoughts.
• How can you get better at simply receiving and believing what He has already said to you in His Word?

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Part 13: Where else are going to go?

“60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.“

John 6:60-71

This passage lets us know that some “believers” will fall by the wayside during their journey. In other words, they may have never really believed in the first place. In times when God is teaching us a hard thing, should we just give up and go search for another? Absolutely not, if we are true believers.

An illness, or other difficulties in our lives, could be a “hard thing” that we are experiencing, and we need to hold on tightly to the written promises in God’s Word. Let us respind like Peter did: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (6:68). There is no other way!

Questions:

• How does knowing thar “Jesus is the Word of God,” and that His Word brings life, impact how you read and receive God’s Word?
• What do you do when you feel like giving up? Do you believe that the greatest source of love and compassion is from your heavenly Father?
• What do you need in order to spend more time in His Word, learning more about the nature of your Father?

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Part 14: Listening to the father of the family

“1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

2 Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand.

3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.

6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.

9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.

22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

28 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.

33 Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

43 So there was a division among the people because of him.

44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.

50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

53 And every man went unto his own house.“

Johannes 7

One of the more subtile messages we hear in this passage, which we may find helpful while traveling through difficult times, is that Jesus did not rely upon the advice of His own family in a particular situation; rather, He relied solely on the instructions of the heavenly Father.

In almost every situation, in good times and in bad times, everybody’s got an opinion, and sometimes those closest to us want to voice theirs the loudest. When we’re facing an illness, for example, we may have a lot of people voicing a lot of opinions on a lot of topics a lot of the time! That’s a lot to deal with!

When those situations occur, maybe we should do as Jesus did. He listened to those around Him, then, calmly chose to follow Hid Father’s instructions. Godly advice from those who love us should always be welcomed. However, we should talk to our Father about the situation enough to hear His voice and ultimately follow His lead.

Without a doubt, Father knows best!

Questions:

• Are you listening to too many voices when trying to make decisions about your health?
• Where is the best source of all wisdom and knowlefge stored for my retrieval?
• If you believe He will listen and guide you, what difference will that make in your feelings, attitude and health?

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Part 15: He doesn’t condemn me

“1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.“

John 8:1-11

This is the famous story of when the religious leaders of the day brought a woman to Jesus who had, somehow, been caught in the very act of adultery. Jesus had a crowd around Him as usual, so the men probably broke through the crowd rudely and interrupted Jesus’ conversation to throw the woman in front of everyone. She may have landed at the feet of Jesus (in retrospect: not a bad place to be).

All dressed up in their self-righteousness, they asked Jesus what should be done with such a woman. They assumed Jesus only had two choices to pick from: 1) He would condemn her under the Mosaic Law and affirm the aquired punishment of death, or 2) He woul violate the explisit commandments of Moses by suggesting she would not be condemned, which would infuriate the crowd.

While all awaited His response, John tells us that Jesus doodled with His hand in the sand. Then, the third option was spoken: “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (8:7). This was followed by Jesus returning to doodling in the sand.

The Scriptures tell us that one by one the accusers walked away from the scene. More importantly, after they were gone, Jesus looked into the eyes of this woman and said “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (8:11). There was no condemnation found in Jesus. Istead, He gave her instructions for a better future.

Questions:

• Do you believe God is condemning/punishing you for your sin by allowing this illness?
• What does Scripture say about God’s condemnation of believers? How can you apply this to your own life?
• Is there anyome that you can thing of right noe that I have accused and need to forgive? If so, are you ready to take the steps to release them and forgive?

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Part 16: It’s hard to see clearly in the dark

“12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.“

John 8:12-20

John introduces us to another descriptive name of Jesus in today’s Scripture; “the Light of the World”. A small candle, when lit, can dispel a great deal of darkness. It’s as though light swallows up the darkness in a room. Light will always conquer darkness.

Imagine the darkness that can be dispelled by “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!” When we’re going through a trying time, we often describe it as a dark time. We must remember that He can provide more than sufficient light to bring us out of the darkness. Take advantage of the Light and “fab the flame!”

Questions:

• Who dispels darkness?
• Can you deal with your situation better in the dark or in the light?
• How can you open up and let more light in?

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Part 17: Free indeed

“21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

24 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.

25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.“

John 8:21-59

Let us look closer at one of the verses in today’s passage to make sure we don’t misunderstand an often quoted verse. In John 8:32 Jesus said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” We should’t read verse 32 without reading verse 31, right? Jesus said: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (8:31).

Again, we are encouraged by Jesus to know His teachings – that is, studying His Word. Being a disciple means that we have studied what He taught, and we’re making every effort to apply what we’ve learned to our own lives. When we do so, we will recognize what the truth is, and that truth will set us fee forom all kinds of things.

Sometimes poor health and illnesses may be the result or consequences of wrong beliefs or “untruths” that we have had for years. But, He assures us that when we learn His Word, we will learn the truth of His Word, and that truth will set us free!

Questions:

• What are some things that you have learned about God, by studying the Word for yourself, that has revealed wrong beliefs you have had in your life?
• Through this study, what truths and treasures have been revealed to you that you didn’t know before?

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Part 18: “No fault” illness

“1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?

28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples.

29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.

30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.

31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.

38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.“

John 9

Today we read John’s recollection of an occasion during which Jesus, while traveling with His dosciples, comes upon a blind man. The Scriptures says that “he saw a man which was blind from his birth” (9:1). The disciples, being eager to learn, asked Jesus who had caused the blindness. In a “matter-of-fact” manner, Jesus answered that neither the blind man nor his parents were to “blame” for the blindness – rather, his blindness was so that the works of God might be displayed on him.

This fellow had been blind since birth, and the Scriptures refers to him as a man. So, he had been blind for o long time. Notice thar Jesus did not seem apologetic that the man had been blind for a long time, He simply declared that the man’s ultimate purpose was about to be fulfilled.

Once the blind man followed the strange instructions Jesus gave him, he suddenly had his sight! This man couldn’t possibly have imagined that we would be reading about him 2000 years later!

If we find ourselves asking “Why am I suffering this way?”, He may whisper that it is ultimately for the purpose of glorifying Him.

Questions:

• Do you blame God for your illness because you can’t find an other reason for it?
• Has there been a time in your life where you felt like your suffering was used to God’s glory? List them up.
• How would healing in any area of your life – that is, body, soul and/or spirit – bring Him glory?

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Part 19: The GOOD Shepherd

“1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

42 And many believed on him there.“

John 10

Of all the animals God would have chosen to represent His children, He chose sheep. There’s no animal dumber than a sheep! (Just research sheep yourdself.) We can safely assume, then, that if He refers to us as sheep, He knew we could do little on our own! He wants us to rely solely on Him.

He explains to us in this chapter that He is our Good Shepherd – not just our Shepherd, but our GOOD Shepherd. If God calls something good, we should take Him at His word. Jesus said: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (10:10). ABUNDANT life! Who doesn’t want ABUNDANT life as the Creator defines it?

It’s also important to realize that if we don’t allow Him to be our Good Shepherd, then apparently we’re subjecting ourselves to our enemy. The choice is 1) a Good Shepherd who will lay down His life for us, OR 2) the enemy, also known as the one who comes to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY! Luckily, we don’t have to be very smart to make the choice to follow the Good Shepherd.

So, sometimes when we’re going through a difficult time, we may just need to lighten up on ourselves a little bit, We can’t figure out everything ourselves, and He never asked us to. Recognize that He has made Himself available to us, because we absolutely need Him, and we can rely solely on Him as our Good Shepherd to meet all our needs.

Questions:

• How are you trying to handle all your issues on your own?
• How can you better fall in love with and recognize the voice of your Good Shepherd?
• Do you think you know more than your Good Shepherd about what you really need?

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Part 21: Purpose in pain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 11

Thus far, the book of John has covered a time span of about three years, the length of Jesus’ earthly ministry.But the rest of the book takes place over about 7-10 days. It’s the week leading up to the annual Passover festival, and Jesus and His followers are headed back toward Jerusalem to “celebrate”, as was their custom.

Upon entering the city, Jesus¨’ fame had caused the people to gather in anticipation of His arrival. Scripture describes the “hero-like” welcome He received with palm braches being placed in the path of the little donkey He was riding, and the crowds were excited to se Him!

Sadly, however, we see that the people likely flocked to Jesus solely for His miracle.working power, because Scripture says that most people still didn’t believe His message. Not being deterred from His purpose, Jesus contimued to proclaim “He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me” (12:44). Belief = Rescue.

Jesus was fulfilling His purpose even though the weight on His shoulders was getting so heavy. In vers 27, “Now is my soul troubled“, He said “and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour“? It’s so magnificent that by reading His Word, we are shown Jesus’ audible cray “Is there another way, Father?”

The time of His great suffering had begun, and He knew it was going to get much worse. Yet, He laid down His will for the will of the Father so that all of us could be rescued, brought into the Light, and receive eterbal life! Jesus was not spared from pain and suffering in fulfilling His purpose, and neither are we.

Questions:

• In your own experience, have you ever seeen a purpose in pain?
• Under your present circumstances, are you willing to cry out to your heavenly Father and exchange your will for His?
• How might unbelievers be brought to the Light as a result of your suffering?

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Part 22: WWJD (What would Jesus do?)

“1 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.

2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 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.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10 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.

11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

12 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?

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16 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.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

18 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.

19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.

20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

21 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.

22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

25 He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

26 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.

27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.

29 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.

30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

33 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.

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

36 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.

37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

38 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

John, being with Jesus contiously throughout His ministry, had first-hand knowledge of Jesus’ pain and suffering. He could have given us a minute-by-minute account of being with Jesus. In today’s reading, we see that as Jesus and the disciples gathered for the evening Passover meal, John describes Jesus being in great pain, anguish, and heavy burdened. The atmosphere had turned somber, and everyone could tell that Jesus had important things to say. Let’s join them at the supper table.

Notwithstanding the great suffering Jesus was experiencing, and the huge amount of information He wanted to impart into those at the table with Him, John records the most humling experience, which we know took place ony hours before Jesus was to be crucified.

Despite His pain, and despite knowing what He was soon to face, Scripture says Jesus took the time and energy to get on the floor, og His prescious hands and feet, and begin to wash the dirty feet of those who were with Him. A pin drop would echo as He knelt to the floor. Stop what you’re doing and visualize yourself in the room.

Of course, in those days and in that culture and religion, foot washing was a daily practice, but it was the job of a servant or a slave, not honoured guests. It is hard to imagine the shock the disciples felt when they realized what Jesus was doing. Even though some protested, He washed the feet of them all, one by one. Then He imparted a mind-blowing attitude of His true indentity. He, as our Master, had come to be our “Servant”! He explained to them that we must do likewise. Serving others was absolutely required. Servanthood is a vital part of being a Christ-follower! Reading this out loud is follower by the echo of a pin drop.

Question:

• How could you consider someone else’s needs, even though you’re suffering greatly?
• In what way would your service be consistent with being a “Christ-follower”?
• Do you trust Him to meet your needs while you’re meeting the needs of others?

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Part 23: The Comforter has come

“1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye 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 unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.“

John 14

We could study the last few chapeters of John for the rest of our lives, and there would still be more treasures to find. For instance, look at the life-changing instructions Jesus gave in John 14:1 when Jesus looked into the eyes of those at the supper table and said: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.“

Imagine sitting there. If we turn our face toward Him, He’s speaking the same words to us. He’s telling us to rely on Him, believe in His promises, and NOT to be stressed out! These are not the cliche words of our family, friends, neighbours, co-workers etc. – these are the words of JESUS CHRIST, the One who IS before the beginning of time and IS throughout eternity. He’s a reliable source upon whom we can surely rely!

Later in the chapter, Jesus lets us know that He also is providing the ability to do what He has said for us to do. When we feel so overwhelmed that it seems impossible to “believe, trust and not worry” we must remember that He has provided Himels as Holy Spirit to enable us to do so. He gives us the promise AND the ability to trust in the promises.

In verses 23-24 we find another priceless principle. Jesus told them that if they loved Him, then they would obey His yeachings, and as a rresult He and the Father would dwell with them. Having our heavenly Father dwell with us would certainly improve our quality of life, wouldn’t it? So we should follow His teachings, but can we follow His teachings if we haven’t read them? Nor really. Simply put, in order to have a consistant relationship with the Father and the Son, we must study and apply the teachings of the Word.

Questions:

• Whe you feel that you are far from God, or that He isn’t even listening to you, could it be that you have not been spending time in His teachings?
• How much time do you spend each day learnig (and doing) the Word’s teachings compared to your other activities? How can you find or make more time with Him in prayer and in the Word?
• Do you believe Jesus’ promise that He will dwell in you if you obey His teachings?

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Part 24: “If”

“1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.“

John 15:1-11

In addition to the promise we highlighted in the last part, Jesus also told His disciples: “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love… that your joy might be full” (15:10-11).Full joy seems like something all of us could use! Jesus explained how we can experience our best lives with these instructions – abide in Him, know His Word, and do what the Word says.

Keep in mind that becoming a child of God only required our belief in Jesus Christ as our Saviour. That’s it – genuine belief! But being able to live out lives taking advantage of all privileges of being children in His kingdom often comes with conditions.

Notice that both promises in today’s reading begin with the word “If”. It’s a tiny word with huge consequences. It seems to boil down to this: Do I reallybelieve what He said, and if I do believe what He said, am I willing to follow His instructions? Assuredly, if we comply with His instructions, He will uphold His end of the promise. Bottom line: remain in Him by being in His Word.

Questions:

• How would it benfit you to spend more thime in the Word than I do with social media, watching TV, or tending to my favourite hobby?
• What is stopping you from experiencing your best life and complete joy?
• Are you willing to try Jesu’ promises by fulfilling the conditions?

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Part 25: Love is a verb!

“12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

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

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.“

John 15:12-27

Jesus speaks of love ten times in the last half of this chapter. He seems to really be trying to make the point of how inportant love is to those who call themselves His followers. He said things like: He loves us like the Father loves Him, we should remain in love, keeping His commandments is evidence that we love Him, we are to love each other just like He loves us, greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends, and in summary, He commanded “Love each other”love one another” (15:17). Okay, Jesus, we get your point! You have clearly called us to love You, and others, just like You have loved us.

When we’re experiencing a time of illness, let’s challenge ourselves to see how many new people with whom we can share His love. Physicians, nurses, health food store emplyees, pharmacists, holistiv miedicine professionals, herbs and oil sellers etc. all need love from us, not only love from us but also God’s love through us. We have a job to do, let’s just do it!

Questions:

• Do you understand how important love is to your heavenly Father?
• How can you learn more about how much He loves you?
• How would loving others be a good representration of Jesus, especially coming from someone they know is hurting?

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Part 26: Promise of peace

“1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.

19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.“

John 16

We should never cease to be astounded by, and grateful for, being allowed to hear the words of Jesus just as they came from His lips into the ears and hearts of those He loved. In this chapter, Jesus continued to share with His disciples about events which were about to take place. Undoubtedly, they could not comprehend all that His words contained, nor can we, but let’s absorb as much as we can.

Jesus explained how He was soon to go away, back to the Father, but that He also would send His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Himself without flesh and bones, to always be with them. The vastb\ness of that is yet to be revealed, but we can operate on the promises He has revealed to us.

In the last verse of this chapter, Jesus explained that they would experience some distressing times in the near future, but that they would always be able to find peace in Him.

Secifically, He said “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (16:33). Take heart, my friend, even though you may be experiencing great trouble right now, He will provide you with His peace, and ultimately, you will overcome!

Questions:

• In what or whom hare you searched for peace in the past?
• Do you trust in Jesus as your source of peace?
• Since peace is an attractive quality of a Christ-follower, how can that be a living testimony to others who are seeking peace in all the wrong places?

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Part 27: Jesus prayed for you!

“1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.“

John 17

John was able to provide us with so many incredible details because of his extraordinary intimacy wuth Jesus. This entire passage is a recorded conversation Jesus had with God only j\hours before His crucifixion. Isn’t that amazing? What’s more amazing is that Jesus was talking to the Father about those who believe in Him – that’s you and me! Let’s look at what Jesus prayed to the Father about us. He prayed that we would:

1. be one with Him and the Father,
2. be protected from the evil one,
3. receive the full measure of joy,
4. be sanctified by the truth of His Word,
5. be wherever He is,
6. be able to see His glory, and
7. have, in us, the same kind of love the Father has for His Son!

Since Jesus asked the Father for these things, we can be assured that they were granted. Accordingly, for you and me this means that we can be one with Jesus, we can be protected from the evil one, we can receive the full measure of His joy, we can be sanctified by His Word, we can be with Him, we can see His glory, and we can have the same kind of love that the Father has for Jesus in us! It’s up to us to apply these truths to our lives.

One final treasure from this passage, and perhaps the most mind-blowing of all, is in verse 23. Jesus says to the Father “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” He loves us as extravegantly as He loves Jesus! Let us be encouraged by that glorious news.

Questions:

• Are you aware of these gifts taking place in your life?
• Are you being set apart for God’s use?
• Who, in your life, needs you to love them just as your heavrenly Father loves you?

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Part 28: It is finished!

“16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.“

John 19:16-30

“46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?“

Matthew 27:46

“50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.”

Matthew 27:50

“34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?“

Mark 15:34

“32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.“

Luke 23:32-46

“1 (A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;“

Psalm 103:1-3

John may have been the only disciple (and/or Gospel writer) physically close enough at the final moments of Jesus’ life to hear clearly these definitive words of Jesus… “ It is finished” (John 19:30).

Matthew recorded what Jesus shouted from the cross in Matthew 27:46. Then, in Matthew 27:50, Matthew recorded that Jesus said something else in a loud voice – but, apparently, he was not close enough to hear what was said.

Mark only recorden the first loud cry, the same that Matthew recorded in Matthew 27:46. Luke recordede Jesus’ request to the Father for forgiveness for those who were crucifying Him, the conversation with the two thieves, and the words “ Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

However, John 19:25 says that Jesus’ mother was near the cross as well as the disciple “whom he loved” (19:26), which we see repeatedly in John’s Gospel that this is the way he referred to himself.

Then, in His final act of compassion, Jesus gave His mother to John and likewise gave John to His mother. After having put wine viegar on a hyssop stalk to touch Jesus’ lips, only those in close proximity could hear Him say “It is finished“.

What was finished? Whensin first entered the Garden of Eden by the choice of Adam and Eve to listen to the voice of the enemy rather than God’s, the relationship between God and man was severed, they were removed from the garden, and subject to the curse of death and destruction.

But, God had a plan from before the foundation of the world to rea\store that reltionship through the obedience of Jesus so that we could again have intimacy with the Father and experience the benefits of being in His kingdom.

It was the finished works of Jesus Christ who made this possible for us, and all we have to do is believe! It seems almost too good to be true, but the more we study and learn, the more we undersyand and can take advantage of this truth

We are incredible thankful to John, the beloved, for being at the foot of the cross, despite the obvious risks and dangers, so that we too can hear Jesus’ words to us – “IT IS FINISHED!”

Questions:

• Do you understand and believe that what Jesus did at the cross was sufficient to restore you to the Father?
• Do you continue to strive in your own efforts to earn this gift?
• Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross specifically for you and your sins? Have you asked Him to forggive you of your sins? If you haven’t asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life and to forgive your sins, I invite you to do that now.

Receiving God’s salvation – the gift of eternal life – is as easy as A, B, C.

A. Adimt that you’re a sinner

B. Believe that Jesus died for you on the cross

C. Confess that He is the Lord of your life from now on.

After we have received Jesus as our own personal Saviour, we still need to daily surrender to His will. Only a walk with Him (living close to Him, following Jesus will for your life) will give you His peace, love and healing.

THE END