Update

All lessons written in the study of the Gospel of John have now been copied to my new domain AnchorMyFaith.com along with the index to the lessons. To view this index go here.

At that domain location you can view the lessons being written for a single story line through the four gospels. Take a look by going here.

It has been so encouraging to see the number of readers from many countries continue to grow. It is my prayer that God will bless them with the Word of God as they read; that they will grow spiritually as they study. It is my prayer that any needs that they might have will provided in such a way that it will draw them closer to the Lord Jesus. I pray specially for those who live in areas of persecution. I pray for their protection, encouragement, endurance and steadfastness of faith. You are an encouragement to us here in the west.

Reminder

Lesson #343

This is the last post to this blog. All future post will be made to anchormyfaith.com, not to anchormyfaith.blogspot.com. All of the gospel of John Bible studies are now available at that location. That is also where the gospel harmonization Bible studies are being posted. If you haven’t already visited that website, please do so now using the above link.

It is my prayer that you have found these Bible studies helpful. 

The End of a Great Study (John 21:24-25)

Lesson #342

On February 22, 2015, we started this study and now over two years later we are looking at lesson #342, the last lesson. We have two verses to cover to close this study: “This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true” (John 21:24 ESV). It is understood that “the disciple who is bearing witness about these things” is John. He is the disciple who Jesus loved (John 21:7) and is a firsthand witness of the ministry of Jesus. The things he saw Jesus do and say, he has written them down for us to learn from. He and others who were with him declare that these things are true.

In addition to the things John wrote about “. . . there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25 ESV). As the Son of God, Jesus has always existed and has done many things. The sum total of all things done by an infinite being would, if written down, fill a very large space.

We have come to the end of our study, but just a few more words about what is next. I have not taken this task of deciding lightly. I knew it would have to be another verse by verse study of a book of the bible, but which book? There are so many good choices. As I looked at various possibilities I kept thinking about a gospel harmonization. A search of the Internet for source material produced several ideas, but the one that stood out for what I wanted to accomplish was the work done by Jerry Peyton and copyrighted in 2015 by Jerry Peyton and Biblical Studies Press L.L.C. Follow this link to review “The NET Bible Synthetic Harmony of the Gospels - Study Edition”. I am carefully reading through his materials and to be sure I understand his results I am developing a parallel version of his work using the ESV translation. This work is for my own personal use in establishing the background I feel I need. The order of verses selected for our Bible studies comes from his work found at the link above. You may follow his work to see where the order of verses is coming from. I will say more about this at the beginning of our study, titled, “Gospel Harmonization Bible Studies.” These studies can be found at AnchorMyFaith.com, starting Wednesday, March 22, 2017.

At that website you will find many lessons from our study of John there. As time permits, the entire study will be duplicated there. I have noticed that many of you have already started coming to the new website.

Prayer

Father, this has been an exciting adventure to look at each verse in the Gospel of John and write something about it; nearly 210 thousand words it total. I have learned much from this study and seen my life change as a result. Father, I look forward with great anticipation to our next study. I pray for the health and strength to endure the many years it will take us to complete that study. 

Lord, What About Him? (John 21:20-23)

Lesson #341

After helping Peter through his guilt over his denial and telling his how his life would end, “Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?”” (John 21:20 ESV). Jesus told Peter to follow him. It appears that John also gets up and follows Jesus, but behind Peter. Peter turns around and sees John following them. Since Peter knew how he was going to die he wanted to know how John’s life would end: “When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” (John 21:21 ESV).

That was none of his business and “Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”” (John 21:22 ESV). Jesus wanted Peter to keep his focus on following him and serving him, not in knowing what might happen to someone else. This is also a warning to us as it is easy to get distracted by other things and allow our focus to drift away from doing kingdom work as we follow the Lord’s lead.

Another concern is over the statement “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” This was not a statement about John not dying, but simply used to emphasize to Peter to mind his own business and stay focused. This is a warning to us to be careful not to lift a verse out of its context and draw some conclusion that was not intended. This is how false doctrine gets passed around, as we see in the next verse: “So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:23 ESV).

It seems natural to compare ourselves with others so as to make some kind of assessment of our importance. For example, one day a dispute arose among the disciples as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves” (Luke 22:25 – 26 ESV). It is natural to feed our pride by accomplishing all we can and gathering the best things we can around us. As a result, I have envied those who are more gifted than me who can accomplish more than I can, but during the last two years of writing Bible studies, I have come to realize, with Paul, that my accomplishments and abilities are of little importance. That which I accomplish in the world will all pass away, but that done for the kingdom as assigned to me (Ephesians 2:10) will last forever. I find that my abilities are not all that important either and have come to understand that they set limits to what I can do or not do. That is God’s way of keeping me focused on his will for my life. If he wanted me to do more or something different then he would have gifted me differently. I have also learned that what is much more important is learning to form a partnership with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. As I am crucified with Christ it allows Jesus to life his life in me more fully and as I am broken before him he can use my brokenness to touch the lives of many around the world. As I seek the mind of Christ and study the word, I am nourished by it and guided by the Holy Spirit in writing these lessons. The Holy Spirit then draws people to read them to the glory of our Father. Writing these studies in partnership with Jesus and the Holy Spirit and maintaining my website so people can access them is where I believe God wants me during this later season of my life.

We have just two verses left, but I want to leave them for the last lesson because they provide an opportunity to write about out next study and new website, which is anchormyfaith.com.

Prayer

Father, I hope in future studies to spend some time looking at the kingdom work we are called to do. Peter looked back and asked Jesus about John. Jesus made it very clear that he didn’t need to know, but that he was to stay focused on his assignment and follow Jesus. Father, I am afraid that we are much too busy with the things of the world and not focused in following you and doing the assigned kingdom work. These last two years in John has shown me the importance of doing my share of kingdom work. I believe writing these Bible studies is part of that work I was called to do. 

Are You Willing to Die for Your Faith? (John 21:18-19)

Lesson #340

In the previous lesson the question of how much Peter loved Jesus was looked at with the application to us and our love for Jesus. That love was then related to obedience when Jesus gave Peter, and thus us, three commands: “Feed my lambs.”, Tend my sheep.” and Feed my sheep.” Before Peter denied Jesus he boasted that he would die before he would do that, but we know that didn’t happen. We will learn in this lesson that Peter will have another chance to make that boast good.

Jesus continues his conversation with Peter and says: “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (John 21:18 ESV). Jesus now compares the younger years of Peter to his older. When he was young he had freedom to go and to do what he pleased, but when he is older that will not be true. As an example, Peter chose to go fishing, with the other six disciples joining him, and when at the request of Jesus, they put down their nets and made a great catch. Peter girds himself, gets out of the boat and pulls the catch up to the shore.

Later in life, Peter will not have this freedom. In his obedience to feed and tend the flock and in going to make disciples, he will face persecution and will eventually have to stretch forth his arms and be bound to a cross and be forced to carry it to a place where you do not want to go. Earlier in life Peter had the freedom to choose whether he would deny or not deny Jesus and he chose to deny. When older and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, he would be compelled, out of his love for Jesus, to face death before he would deny Jesus again. My observation of my brothers and sisters who live under persecution for their faith, face the same choice and some like Peter, when he was younger, and not mature enough in their faith, deny the Lord, while many others are willing to suffer and even die for their faith. Most believers in the west, who do not face persecution, do not understand the importance of preparing for this possible choice to happen to them later in life. My time serving in China and from what I have learned from VOM, I have come to understand the importance of being ready to stand for my faith.

“(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:19 ESV). From this statement, and the verse before it, we know that Peter would suffer a violent death and that his death would bring glory to God. It is believed that Peter was crucified upside down about 34 years later. This should be an encouragement to those who deny Jesus, like Peter did, that they can be forgiven and enter back into service and possible have other chances to stand in their faith with the Lord.

Prayer

Father, in many counties, many face suffering and even death for their walk with Jesus. We in the west do not as yet face such persecution. We do not face the possibility of actual crucifixion, but we do have the opportunity to take up our cross daily. How well we live out Galatians 2:20, may well indicate how well we might do when facing real persecution. Father, we have much to learn about our walk with the Lord and how much we are willing to suffer for our faith. 

Are We Feeding and Tending? (John 21:15-17)

Lesson #339

At the end of the previous lesson it was mentioned that we would come back to the following verses to consider expressions containing love and also look at the meaning of lambs and sheep that Jesus told Peter to care for. “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15 – 17 ESV).

When Jesus asked Peter the first time if he loved him he used the word “agapao” and Peter responded with the word “philo”. The definition for “agapao” given by the Strong’s Concordance is: “agapáō – properly, to prefer, to love; for the believer, preferring to "live through Christ" (1 John 4:9,10), i.e. embracing God's will (choosing His choices) and obeying them through His power. 25 (agapáō) preeminently refers to what God prefers as He "is love" (1 John 4:8,16).” “Phileo”, given by Peter in response, is defined in the Strong’s Concordance as: “philéō (from 5384 /phílos, "affectionate friendship") – properly, to show warm affection in intimate friendship, characterized by tender, heartfelt consideration and kinship.” Jesus is asking Peter if he is willing to live through him, obeying his will through his power. Thinking about his betrayal, Peter responds with love limited to intimate friendship.

Jesus repeats his question and Peter responds with the same answer. After Peters’ first response, Jesus said to go and feed his lambs, but this time he tells Peter to go and tend his sheep. The third time Jesus asks the question he uses the word “phileis” for love, which has the same definition as “phileo”. Peter responds the same and Jesus tells him to feed his sheep. The three love questions asked yield three commands: “Feed my lambs”, “Tend my sheep”, and “Feed my sheep”.

What is the difference between lambs and sheep in the commands Jesus gives Peter? Lambs and sheep are the same animal but different in age; a lamb is a young sheep, usually under the age of 12 months. Insight on these two words, lamb and sheep, can be obtained from Isaiah 53:7 (NLT): “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.” A lamb is slaughtered for its tender meat, but the larger older sheep provides wool for making clothing.

The commands that were given to Peter are also given to us. We need to stop and evaluate how well we are doing at feeding and tending.

Prayer

Father, I believe the commands given by Jesus to feed and tend assume that we are spiritually mature enough to know how to properly feed and tend. Having grown up on a farm around animals I know how important this is. Father, it seems that we should “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB) and as we grow as his workman we have a greater responsibility to feed and tend. Father, how much better life would be if we were obedient to these commands. 

How Much Do You Love Me? (John 21:15-17)

Lesson #338

At the end of the previous lesson, we left Jesus and the disciples enjoying a breakfast of fish and bread. They should be finished by now: “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”” (John 21:15 ESV). It is now time for Jesus to help Peter through a difficult time, just as he helps us through difficult times when we need help. Out of pride, Peter had boasted that even in the face of death he would not deny Jesus, but in the courtyard, outside where Jesus was being tried, he denied him three times. Peter was devastated when he realized, as the roster crowed the second time, that he had denied Jesus just as predicted, and now Jesus wants to restore him because there is some important work for Peter to do after Jesus ascends into heaven.

Peter had professed a closer and a more affectionate relationship with Jesus than the other disciples, and yet no one, other than Judas, had treated Jesus so severely. Jesus is now going to confront Peter and determine what his love for him really is and so he asks Peter if he loved him more than the other disciples did. That is a question that Peter could not answer because he could only account for his own love for Jesus. Thus, Peter responds with, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus responds with, “Feed my lambs.”

The meaning of the Greek word from which feed comes, portrays the duty of a Christian teacher to promote in every way the spiritual welfare of the members of the church. Jesus asks Peter the same question again: “He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”” (John 21:16 ESV). The answer Peter gives is the same as the first time, but Jesus gives a different command. He tells Peter to tend his sheep. The meaning of the Greek word from which tend comes, denotes rather the care, guidance, and protection which a shepherd extends to his flock. Jesus then asks Peter the third time, “. . . “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”” (John 21:17 ESV). In his response to Peter, Jesus returns to the first command to feed his sheep.

In the next lesson we will return to these verses and consider the expressions containing love and also look at the meaning of lambs and sheep.

Prayer

Father, this lesson raises some important questions we each need to consider. Jesus asked Peter how much he loved him. If he were to ask you, how would you answer? Each time Jesus asked that question he followed Peters answer with a command to do something as a validation of his answer. If our level of obedience determines our love for Jesus, then what can we say about how much we love Jesus? Love is not a feeling; it is a sacrifice that benefits the one being loved. Jesus loved us so much he was willing to ie for our salvation. How much are we willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the kingdom of God? Father, encourage our hearts and direct our focus on that which is important and eternal. 

Come and have Breakfast (John 21:12-14)

Lesson #337

At the end of the previous lesson, we left the disciples on shore with their great catch of fish. “Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord” (John 21:12 ESV). A warm invitation from Jesus to the disciples to come and bring some fish to add to what is already cooking and let us have a time of fellowship. Maybe the light was poor yet, but the disciples knew it was Jesus and thus had no reason to ask.

“Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish” (John 21:13 ESV). This verse does not indicate that Jesus ate with them. His purpose was to appear again to them and show evidence by his miracles who he was and to enforce that truth. He wanted to be sure that they knew he was the same friend who had died on the cross.

“This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead” (John 21:14 ESV). John reports that this is the third time that Jesus had revealed himself to the disciples, but what about to others? Depending on what sources you look at, it is possible to come up with twelve appearances. Let us finish this lesson with a partial list of scriptures that supports these twelve appearances.

1. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11 – 18)
2. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (Matthew 28:1 – 10)
3. Jesus Appears to Peter in Jerusalem (Luke 24:33 – 34)
4. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples on the Road (Mark 16:12 – 13)
5. Jesus Appears to Ten Disciples Behind Closed Doors (John 20:19 – 25)
6. Jesus Appears to Eleven Disciples with Thomas (John 20:26 – 29)
7. Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1 – 14)
8. Jesus Appears to Eleven Disciples on the Mountain (Matthew 28:16 – 20)
9. Jesus Appears to a Crowd of 500 (1 Corinthians 15:6)
10. Jesus Appears to his brother James (1 Corinthians 15:7)
11. Those Who Watched Jesus Ascend to Heaven (Acts 1:3 – 8)
12. Jesus Appears to Paul on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1 – 8) I don’t think this should be counted because it occurred after the ascension. People today in various places are seeing Jesus in dreams and visions and being prepared to come to Jesus in salvation

Prayer

Father, what a picture of life these verses are. We can work in our own strength and accomplish little, but with Jesus we can bear fruit. It is easy when going through a dry period in life, like the disciples were in, to revert to old ways of thinking and doing things, but we need to remember that it is during the dry times that we are being prepared for a period of growth to follow. Jesus provided the fish for breakfast and then they sat around and ate and had fellowship. We need to do more of that with Jesus and others today.

Obeying Jesus to Produce Results

Lesson #336

The disciples are now on the beach with a full catch of fish. “When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread” (John 21:9 ESV). There is disagreement over whether the fire, fish and bread were a miracle. I believe they were. We know that Jesus fed the five thousand by multiplying five loaves and two fish. Surely, he would have no problem producing fish and bread for the disciples and a fire to cook the fish over.

“Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” Jesus started breakfast with little and asks the disciples to bring some from their catch. As these fish were cooking the disciples could start eating with the little Jesus had prepared and have a time of conversation. By starting with little and then taking from the large catch was a parallel of the feeding of the five thousand. At that event they started with little and ate from the abundance.

Since doing these studies and publishing this blog, I am humbled by the growing number of countries with readers. It reminds me that as I humble myself, broken before Jesus, he can take my brokenness and multiply my writing to feed a multitude with the word of God. I am learning that out of brokenness comes much. Jesus was broken and out of it came our salvation. It is an amazing thing that the more we are poured out the more we can receive and the more we are broken the more we can be multiplied. The goal is to be as completely poured out and as completely broken as possible. That way God can reveal much more and use us to accomplish much.

In response to the request of Jesus, “. . . Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn” (John 21:11 ESV). Maybe the 153 fish indicates a full catch and Jesus ensured the nets would not tear. The point being made is that we can toil for long periods of time, working in our own strength, and accomplish little or nothing of value, but if we would yoke ourselves with Jesus we would be so much more successful and would come to better understand our working relationship with him. Here in the west we take pride is what we can accomplish, but if we would simple humble ourselves and partner with Jesus, life would be so much more productive and enjoyable. I speak from personal experience as I enjoy my time with Jesus as we write these studies and then watch the Holy Spirit take them and multiply the number of readers from a growing number of countries.

Prayer

Father, as I ponder over this lesson I sense the application, at least for me, is that we can work in our own strength in our own way and accomplish little, like the disciples who fished all night and caught nothing or we can join hands with you and bear fruit. If we are willing to be broken before him and agree to submit to his urgings, we find a different picture emerges. Not only is there success, but we have the enjoyment of being with Jesus. Father, I don’t think many in the western culture think very highly of being yoked with Jesus in our everyday assignments. We are too proud for that. If we are not careful, you may allow suffering to enter the picture to break our pride down into useful humility. 

The Large Catch of Fish (John 21:3-8)

Lesson #335

We ended the previous lesson with the seven disciples returning to shore after fishing all night, but catching nothing. The same thing happened in Luke 5:4 – 6 at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. “Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus” (John 21:4 ESV). There is nothing mysterious here as some people think. John reported that day was just breaking and as a result there was not enough light to clearly make out who was on shore. In the minds of the disciples it could have been almost anyone.

“Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.”” (John 21:5 ESV). Calling out “Children”, Jesus is expressing friendship and affection to those in the boat. Jesus was probably not asking them for food, but helping them realize that they were not successful in going back to their old way of life. Now that he has their attention, “He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish” (John 21:6 ESV). No reason is given why Jesus instructed them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. In the Luke account they argued with Jesus telling them it was a waste of effort, but here they responded and were quickly rewarded with a large catch of fish.

That large catch of fish must have really caused them to think back several years when they had the big catch and needed help bringing them in because: “That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea” (John 21:7 ESV). John was the first to recognize Jesus, maybe because of his close friendship with him. When this announcement from John was made, things quickly came together for Peter and he took action by putting on his outer garment and getting into the sea.

Being stripped for work meant that he had removed his coat and maybe his shirt. These he put back on and went overboard. They were close to shore, which allowed Peter to walk in because he would not try to swim ashore from farther out wearing a coat. Casting himself into the sea may have been a way of expressing that Peter was excited and in a hurry to get too short to see Jesus.

“The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off” (John 21:8 ESV). Finally, they were all back on shore with a great supply of fish that they could sell and make some money to live on for a while. Being on shore together with Jesus sets the stage for the next lesson.  

Prayer

Father, the disciples must have been very tired and discouraged from working all night and catching nothing. How special it was of Jesus to show up at this time of need, provide the necessary food for breakfast, which he enjoyed with them. How often Jesus shows up during our time of need and discouragement to help us. Father, I can’t begin to imagine what it will be like to spend an eternity with you, free from sin and enjoying everything we need. What joy that given me in just thinking about it.

Jesus with the Seven

Lesson #334

When we finished the previous lesson, one might have thought we were at the end of the Gospel of John because the last two verses stated the purpose of the book; that the reader may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in his name. But we have one more chapter to go and some unfinished business to attend to. Peter denied Jesus even after promising he would die first and Jesus wants to help Peter recover that denial and by doing so he gives an example for those who face death today for their faith and deny Jesus and need help recovering from their shame.

“After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way” (John 21:1 ESV). After Jesus had appeared several times to the woman, and to the disciples, and at the tomb, he told them to go into Galilee and he would meet them there. This promise is fulfilled here and what he does will be explained in the following verses. Galilee was a place where they could meet away from people in a safe and quiet setting where Jesus could give them his last instructions.

“Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together” (John 21:2 ESV). These were together in one place waiting for another appearance of Jesus. Those present were Simon Peter, who had denied the Lord, but stayed with the disciples. There was Thomas, who for a while did not believe; he had to see before he would believe and Jesus honored that request. There was Nathanael of Cana in Galilee and the sons of Zebedee, who were James and John the writer of this gospel. There were two others, who were thought to be Andrew and Philip. That makes seven with the other four missing. Those four would be James the brother of Jesus, Judas called Lebbaeus and surnamed Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite, or zealot, and Matthew the publican.

“Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing” (John 21:3 ESV). Before the death of Jesus, when the disciples were traveling with him, they were supported by the kindness of the people, but now there was need for them to support themselves. Simon Peter, a former fisherman, announced that he was going fishing and was joined by the others. They spent all night out on the water, but caught nothing. Luke records that happening once before: “And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking” (Luke 5:4 – 6 ESV). In the Luke account there was a large crowd to which Jesus was teaching. Here, the disciples and Jesus are alone, but Jesus is going to do something to remind them of something that happened before at the start of his ministry.

Prayer

Father, chapter 21 seems so out of place; kind of like a P.S. at the end of a letter. It looks like John finished up at the end of chapter 20 and then realized later that he had left out a few important details and so he adds them here after his closing, which became chapter 21. Father, there have been times when I thought I was finished with a lesson, only to come back to it and either modify it or add to it. That is how life is: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 ESV). Here lies the problem; our will verses God’s will. Father, help us bring the two together. 

Being Poured Out to Receive More

Lesson #333

We kind of rushed through John 20:29 in the previous lesson and so we will go back for a few more comments. The verse was: “Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” In the matter of faith and unbelief, how might people be divided? There are those who have been with Jesus, heard him speak and seen his miracles, but will not believe, like those who came to arrest Jesus in the garden. As Jesus declares who he is they fall down before his words, but even at this demonstration of his power, his uniqueness, they still take him away to be crucified. Of the disciples, Judas was in this group. As an example from the Old Testament, consider Pharaoh. He witnessed the power of God through various miracles, but would not let Israel go until the country was ruined and the first born of every Egyptian was dead. Even after he then let them go he went after them and his army was destroyed.

There are those, like Thomas, that will not believe unless they see. Along with Thomas the other ten disciples were in this group for a while. They lived with Jesus, listened to him and watched him, but they could not believe until they saw him after his resurrection. In a way this is true for many people today. For years the Jesus file has provided a way for people to view the life of Jesus; to hear him speak, to see him perform miracles, to see him suffer and die for them, and then to rise from the dead. There are many in various parts of the world who are having dreams and visions in which they see Jesus and then soon hear a testimony from someone about him and then believe.

There are those who, like most of us, have not seen and yet have believed. It is this kind of faith that pleases God. It is this kind of faith that allows God to do the impossible in and through us. It is with this kind of faith that one can read or hear the word of God, believe it and apply it to their lives and enjoy its benefits.

Whether we see in some visible way or we simply believe the word of God, each believer is blessed by God. How we come to belief is not important. The important thing is that once we do believe and are born spiritually, how then do we live out that new life in Christ? Is it clear to those around us that by our speech and our behavior we are children of God?

 “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30 – 31 ESV). Along with what John has written, we have the writings of Matthew, Mark and Luke. These writings make up the Gospels and provide sufficient evidence as to who Jesus was, why the Son of God came to earth, and what Jesus Christ accomplished while here. From this evidence, those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, receive the blessing of eternal life in his name.

Prayer

Father, we have come to the end of another exciting chapter in the life of Jesus. We could end here and have all that is needed for salvation, but there is some unfinished business with Peter that need some attention and that we will learn about in the next chapter. Father, I know there are lost sheep scattered all over the world, held by the power of darkness, who need to be found by sharing the gospel that we have studied for the past two years. I pray for those who suffer and even die as a result of living out their faith in search for these lost sheep. I pray that we will obey the command to go and make disciples. We must be poured out and keep being poured out so that God can keep filling us up with his blessings. That is the Christian life; to be continually poured out that God can continually fill us with newness of life. What a marvelous life that is! 

Doubting Thomas Believes

Lesson #332

We left Thomas saying to the other disciples, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” But then, “Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”” (John 20:26 ESV).

Eight days later is the way Jews spoke of a week; like counting from Sunday to Sunday, starting with Sunday as one. Jesus appeared to Mary and then to the ten disciples on Sunday and then one week later, on Sunday, Jesus appeared to the eleven as Thomas was with them this time. Why was Thomas among them? Maybe the ten who believed felt it was important to meet on Sunday and maybe they believed Jesus might appear again, so maybe they persuaded Thomas to join then that day.

As before, the disciples were in a room behind locked doors for fear of the Jews as well as privacy for their time of conversation and possible devotion. Jesus promised that “. . . where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20 ESV). The disciples were together and Jesus appeared in their midst physically because he had not yet ascended to his Father. When we come together, Jesus is in our midst in the Spirit.

Gathered together in that room were ten believers and one of unbelief with set conditions to be met before he would believe. Jesus was willing to appear with Thomas there and meet his conditions. We might be surprised how many people have barriers set up that God has to overcome to reach his loss sheep. As before, Jesus simple appeared and said, “Peace be with you.”

It is now time for Jesus to deal with doubting Thomas. “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20:27 ESV). This appearance of Jesus was primarily for the sake of Thomas. Jesus knew the conditions of belief Thomas had set up and he now addresses them. He instructs Thomas to do exactly what Thomas had required and as a result the impact would be immediate and powerful. “Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28 ESV). Without examining his hands and side, Thomas stood there, ashamed of his unbelief, he now responds in belief, referring to Jesus as his Lord and his God. Thomas did not doubt now that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he said he would.

“Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29 ESV). Thomas believed because he physically saw Jesus. Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and many in the middle east are encountering Jesus in dreams and visions, but most will come to belief upon hearing the gospel. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Prayer

Father, if there are readers of this Bible study, like Thomas, who have conditions that need to be met before they would believe, I pray that they would ask the Lord to show them what they need to see or hear to believe. Father, for those who believe, I pray that these studies are found to be helpful in learning more about Jesus and growing spiritually. Thank you for teaching me as I study and write and that I can share these studies with people found in many different places and many different conditions around the world. Father, I pray for any needs they have at this time. 

The Arrogant Unbelief of Thomas

Lesson #331

When Jesus appeared among the disciples and he showed them his hands and his side and breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit”, one of the disciples was missing. “Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came” (John 20:24 ESV). Why was Thomas not with the disciples? Possibly he figured that since Jesus was dead there was nothing else left to happen. Jesus said he would rise from the dead, but apparently Thomas wasn’t willing to believe, even after all he experienced living with Jesus for three years.

By separating himself from the rest of the disciples, he missed the opportunity to experience Jesus alive and receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit. When we are together as believers, Jesus Christ is in the midst of us just as he appeared in the midst of the disciples in that locked room. What was the effect on Thomas by not being there? How were the other ten disciples now different?

Later, the other disciples found Thomas and told him, “. . . “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”” (John 20:25 ESV). Ten brothers witnessed to Thomas that they had seen Jesus, but he refused to believe them. He was determined that he would not believe any evidence presented to him. He would believe only if his conditions were met and no other way. Consider how much Thomas had lost by not being with the other disciples and now not believing and consider how evil and darkness is creeping into his life. We must remember what was said in Hebrews about this: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24 – 25 ESV). As we see in the case of Thomas, it is important that we spend time in fellowship with other believers. We can learn from each other and be held accountable.

Thomas is in a very dangerous place. With his unbelief and his attitude, no amount of witness will ever penetrate his heart if God does not intervene. In the beginning, God chose twelve disciples; eleven lost sheep and one goat, that being Judas. Ten of the twelve have seen Jesus and have received the Holy Spirit, but Thomas is still a lost sheep. Thomas is yet to be found, but we can be certain he will be, just as anyone chosen by the Father will come to salvation. We will see this in the next lesson.

Prayer

Father, this unbelief held by Thomas was also seen in Paul before his encounter with Jesus on the way to Damascus.  Many in the middle east are encountering Jesus in dreams and visions and hardened evil men, who torture believers for their faith, are encountering Jesus through the supernatural witness of those they are torturing. Father, without your touch, not a one of us would ever respond on our own. Father, thank you for that touch. 

Sent Out with Power

Lesson #330

We ended the previous lesson with a command from Jesus: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” This was a command to his disciples, but as they go and make disciples, then those disciples are to make disciples and thus we are to go and make disciples. Jesus knows them, and us, will need help in being a witness and so he provides that help.

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22 ESV). In Genesis 2:7 (ESV) “the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. Here Jesus breathed on them, possibly to suggest a new creation as in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” That new is very special because of what it is and who dwells in it. In 1 Corinthians 6:19 (ESV) we find out what that is: “. . .  do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” God used to dwell in a temple of stone built by men, but now God dwells within this new creation in Christ. We are a new creature, empowered by the Holy Spirit, setting us apart from unbelievers, able to understand spiritual things, which are foolishness to those without the Spirit. With this understanding and power, we are equipped to go and share the gospel and make disciples of those who believe. The question is, “Are you willing to be obedient and Go?”

The instruction Jesus gave to the disciples had another part to it. He said: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld” (John 20:23 ESV). What did Jesus mean by this statement? One thing is clear from Mark 2:7 that only God can forgive sins. If we say we can then we are guilty of blaspheming. So then, what is the meaning? “The expressions ‘they are forgiven’ and ‘it is withheld’ both represent perfect-tense words in Greek and could be translated, ‘they have been forgiven’ and ‘it has been withheld’, since the perfect gives the sense of completed past action with continuing results in the present.” (Footnote on John 20:23 in the ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008 by Crossway Bibles). The idea is that as the gospel is proclaimed, those who believe and are born again are forgiven their sin, but those who do not believe remain in their sin, unforgiven, under the wrath of God. Since we are chosen by God the Father before the foundation of the world, and then through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our being forgiven or not has already been determined. Our part in this is to share the gospel to find these lost sheep who are granted forgiveness. I pray this gives some understanding.

Prayer

Father, I find it interesting that in the creation of man, Jesus breathed life into that physical body and here with the disciples he is breathing spiritual life into them, and thus us, as a new creation in Christ. It is that second breath that is so critical, for without it we are left spiritually dead. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that life is breathed into us as the Father causes one to be born spiritually. That breath is the gift of eternal life. Father, thank you. 

It Is You! You are Alive!

Lesson #329

We finished the previous lesson with the appearance of Jesus to his disciples who were hiding behind closed and locked doors. “Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John doesn’t explain what he means by “Jesus came” and stood among them and as a result there is a difference of opinion about how Jesus got into the room. It is very simple. He just appeared and he said to them: “Peace be with you.” “When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20 ESV).

In a kind, tender and affectionate manner, Jesus instructs them to be at peace and come and look at his hands and side to see the marks of crucifixion. Except for the nail marks and the spear wound, Jesus stands before them with a restored physical body, but not yet clothed with glory. He wants his disciples to be sure they understand this is the same body that hung and died on the cross and is now alive. Having those marks is important as they are evidence that this resurrected Jesus is the one who was crucified on the cross for their sin. This evidence will be very important when the Jews will one day see and realize that the One they hung on the cross for blasphemy and crucified was indeed their Messiah. The disciples saw the marks and were glad to know that the person they had lived with for three years and explained to them that he would die for their sin and would rise again. He now gives them proof that he has overcome death and that anyone who is born spiritually will also rise from the grave.

“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”” (John 20:21 ESV).  Jesus knows there are difficult times ahead for the disciples and so he again said to them, “Peace be with you.” But just as Jesus, God’s Son, was sent on assignment with a message and a job to do, so he sends his disciples on assignment and thus us also. Paul makes this very clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8 – 10 ESV). Jesus will strengthen this command later, but for now he tells them there is work to do, which can’t be done filled with fear sitting behind closed and locked doors. What closed and locked door are we sitting behind or are we out on our assignment?

Jesus was sent by the Father to explain in word and by miracles that he was the way and the truth and the life, and that he was going to the cross as God’s perfect sacrifice to purchase our salvation. As believers, we are to go and explain to others this message.

Prayer

Father, what an amazing moment that must have been for the disciples to have Jesus appear in the room with them. I wonder what they had to say. What assurance that must have given them; what hope. Jesus appeared to them once before, like a ghost, walking on water during a great storm, but now their assurance of eternal life stands before them as their resurrected savior. Father, what joy and excitement to have spent two years of study and walked with Jesus and now meet him in the room with the disciples. Father, I must go and write more Bible studies to send out into the world, where I can’t go now, to share the message of salvation and help train up disciples. 

I Have Seen the Lord! Have You?

Lesson #328

We need to finish up John 20:17: “Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”” Jesus gave Mary the instruction to tell the disciples, now referred to as his brothers, where he was going.

At the darkest time in the life of Jesus, he calls out from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). This was the only time Jesus did not refer to God as his Father, but now on the other side of the resurrection, Jesus again refers to God as his Father, but he doesn’t say our Father and our God because he needs to distinguish what God is to him and to us. The Father is his God only in the connection of Jesus with us and our God only in out connection with him. The Father and the Son are one in essence, but Jesus steps in between us and God in his relationship with us.

In obedience, “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her” (John 20:18 ESV). I am sure Mary would like to have stayed there and have conversation with Jesus (I know I would have), but with a willing and excited heart, she needed to share the good news. When we come to know Jesus for who he is, do we get excited like Mary and want to go and tell others or is Jesus just another friend to us?

Mary goes, knowing that Jesus has risen from the dead, not because the angels said so, but because she actually had conversation with him. She has firsthand experience and a firm belief that has given her confidence, assurance, pleasure and great joy. Mary was deeply emotionally connected to Jesus and stayed with him through the crucifixion and for her faithfulness, she was rewarded by being the first to see him alive and gets the opportunity to report to the disciples that what Jesus said about rising from the dead is true and they are considered as brothers of Jesus.

Mary is filled with excitement, but what about the disciples? “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19 ESV). This event occurred on the same day that Mary met Jesus alive at the tomb (John 20:1). The resurrection of Jesus from the dead establishes Sunday, the day following the Sabbath, as the most important day of the week and thus the first day of the week from that point on. This is seen in Acts 20:7 (NLT): “On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper. Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight.” Sunday is the day we are to come together for worship, in celebration of our Lord’s resurrection and to learn from the word.

John seems to make it clear that the doors were closed and also locked to prevent entry of others. Because of what the Jews did to Jesus, they probably feared that they may be next on their list. Jesus comes and appears in the room with them. If Moses and Elijah were able to appear on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, Peter, James and John, and if Philip, after baptizing the eunuch, was carried away by the Spirit, then why would anyone question how Jesus got into the room with the disciples hiding behind locked doors. I can imagine when Jesus appeared and said, “Peace be with you.” the disciples were probably speechless not knowing what to say.

Prayer

Father, we found Mary at the empty tomb, wanting to honor Jesus with a proper burial, but the disciples were hiding behind locked doors in fear for their lives. What a contrast in faithfulness between the two. Mary was out having conversation with angels and with Jesus and the disciples were living in fear because of their relationship with Jesus. How true that is today. Some are willing to give their lives to remain faithful to Jesus and others sit behind closed doors in soft chairs, afraid to share the message Mary was told to share with the disciples. Father, have mercy on us! 

From Grief to Ecstatic Joy

Lesson #320

At the end of the previous lesson, we left Mary facing Jesus through eyes blurred with tears of grief, not realizing yet that it was Jesus. Then “Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”” (John 20:15 ESV). In John 2:4, Jesus referred to his mother as “woman” and here he is referring to Mary as “woman”. As we said earlier, this was not out of disrespect, but was like us saying “madam”. Woman was used then as madam is used by us today to address or refer to a woman in a polite or respectful way.

Notice that Jesus asks Mary the same question the angels asked, but added “Whom are you seeking?” Not only was Mary weeping over the death of Jesus, but she was concern that someone took the body from the tomb and is not properly caring for it. Mary assumed the person she was talking to was the gardener and for some reason he took the body and put it someplace else and she wanted to know where so she and close by friends could take it and prepare it for a proper burial.

At this point “Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).” (John 20:16 ESV).  Jesus breaks through to her by speaking her name in a way she was very familiar with and she explodes with expression and responds with “teacher!” What a change of emotion; from grief, born out of the death of Jesus and his missing body to ecstatic joy of him standing before her in a body full of life. This will surely cause her some deep reflection as to how this happened and some great conversation starters with others.

“Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”” (John 20:17 ESV). This is another one of those difficult verses and is open to discussion as to why Jesus asked Mary to not cling to him when later Jesus will tell Thomas to touch him so as to believe that it was him. Maybe it was because Jesus wanted her to go quickly to the disciples “and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

It is significant that Mary was instructed to go to his brothers, the disciples, because just a short while ago Peter denied him after boasting that he never would, even in the face of death, and all had fled during the crucifixion. Jesus now refers to them for the first time, not as his disciples, but as his brothers, as fellow heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) and now qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:12).

We still need to comment on the phrase “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” We will start the next lesson with those comments.

Prayer

Father, in this lesson we witnessed Mary coming from a position of no hope to that of ecstatic joy when she sees Jesus alive. For her it was a life changing experience, just as it is when anyone comes to salvation out of a desperate situation. Her love has deepened as living hope floods her soul, just as happens to so many coming to salvation in Jesus Christ from another religion. Father, I pray for a growing number to find salvation in Jesus, who are currently without hope, enslaved in the bondage of religion. Thank you for salvation, so rich and free to us as a gift, but which cost you the sacrifice of your only Son.

Mary Is Overcome with Grief

Lesson #326

We ended the previous lesson with the disciples going back to their homes, “But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb” (John 20:11 ESV). Mary apparently followed Peter and John back to the tomb, but when they left and went back to their homes, Mary stayed at the tomb and wept, but why? According to Matthew, Mary and two other women saw an angle remove the stone and said that Jesus had risen. John reports Mary saying that someone had taken the body from the tomb. Remember, neither Matthew or John were eye witnesses and what they are reporting is second hand information. So, what really happened at the tomb?

“Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb,” “And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet” (John 20:12 ESV). It appears that Matthew reported the appearance of the angles too early. Mary was at the tomb twice and if both had reported Mary seeing the angles on the second visit then the reports would have been less confusing. We will go with the version John gives and place the visit with the angels at the second visit to the tomb.

As she wept, Mary stooped to look into the tomb for the second time, but is met with a surprise; she sees two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain. “They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”” (John 20:13 ESV). John didn’t record the angels telling Mary that Jesus had risen as Matthew did. He covers this in a different way in the next verse.

Before looking at that verse, consider the two angels and where they were sitting. Jesus died in payment for our salvation so that God could have mercy on us and extend grace to us. In Exodus 25 the mercy seat is mentioned in relation to two angels: “And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends” (Exodus 25:18 – 19 ESV). I find it interesting that John reports two angels sitting at the two ends of where Jesus lay, like the two cherubim of gold at the ends of the mercy seat.

Back to Mary: “Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus” (John 20:14 ESV). John didn’t tell us that the angels told the women that Jesus had risen. Instead, he presents Jesus alive to talk to Mary, but she was so absorbed in grief that she didn’t realize at first that it was Jesus, because she probably had no expectation of seeing him there. As of yet, she probably had no concept of what the resurrection was like and so was unprepared to recognize the person standing there as Jesus.

Prayer

Father, we have come to a special place in our study of John where a great mystery is about to be understood. Up to this point no one has yet understood the meaning of rising from the dead. When Mary turns, absorbed in grief with eyes blurred by tears, she sees a man standing near her, but does not realize it is Jesus. Father, in the next lesson is the excitement of her realizing that she is talking with Jesus and he is alive. 

Jesus Is Alive!

Lesson #325

We ended the last lesson with a report from Mary that Jesus had been taken from the tomb. “So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first” (John 20:3 - 4 ESV). Upon hearing the report from Mary, Peter and John decided to go to the tomb to see for themselves. They were in a hurry to get there and so they ran. It is interesting that John reveals that he is like us in saying that he outran Peter.

They arrived at the tomb to check things out, “And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in” (John 20:5 ESV). Since we know that John got there first, we know that it was he who looked in. John may have gotten there first because some think he was younger than Peter. Was it possible that Peter held back a little because of apprehension over the possibility of meeting Jesus there, remembering that he had denied him earlier.

John stopped at the entrance and looked in, but “Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself” (John 20:6 – 7 ESV). Visualize what Peter saw and what it means. The linen cloths that Jesus was wrapped in for burial were lying there where Jesus was laid. This would strongly suggest that Jesus rose through the linen cloths just as he will later appear in a room with the disciples behind closed doors. Indeed, Jesus did rise from the dead as told by the angel in Matthew 28:6.

“Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed” (John 20:8 ESV). John then follows Peter into the tomb and he saw the evidence before him and he believed what Jesus said about rising from the dead and also believed what the woman reported. Up to this point the disciples did not understand what Jesus meant about rising from the dead: “for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead” (John 20:9 ESV). Things that were written in the Old Testament and things that Jesus said simply did not have meaning to them, but now John is beginning to understand.

Having heard the report of the women and seeing, for themselves, the empty tomb, “. . . the disciples went back to their homes” (John 20:10 ESV). It is uncertain what is meant by “their homes” here so we will not speculate along with others.

Prayer

Father, the struggle the disciples are going through in trying to understand, to believe what Jesus has been saying about rising from the dead is not unlike the struggle many go through in accepting salvation in Jesus Christ. The marvelous thing is that Jesus did die on the cross for our sin and he did rise to obtain victory over death and insured our salvation; a salvation that is a free gift to us, but a gift that required the sacrifice of the true Lamb of God. Father, thank you. 

Jesus Is Gone

Lesson #324

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb, along with Mary the mother of James, and Salome, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. “So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”” (John 20:2 ESV). In the previous lesson we made reference to Matthew 28:1 – 6 to learn that an angel came and rolled back the stone, sat on it and told the women that Jesus was not there, but had risen. They were instructed to look inside and see that he was gone. In Luke 24:3 – 4 they went inside and did not find the body. They found this perplexing and then two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. Luke continues: “And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, . . .” (Luke 24:5 – 8 ESV).

John leaves much detail out and simply states that Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and John and explained to them that “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” When you compare the witness of Mark, given above, with what John says, you have an example of how two witnesses seem to remember things differently after the passing of several years. However, we must remember that neither Peter or John were at the tomb and what they are writing is from what they heard from Mary and probably the other two women who were there. Each shares what they remember and stress what they feel is important in the story they are telling.

John indicates that Mary told only Peter and John, but Matthew states that she told the disciples. It appears that since only Peter and John went to the tomb to check on what Mary was saying, that may have been be why he only mentions the two being told. The rest of the disciples either did not care or didn’t believe and were willing to, maybe, sleep a little longer and wait for a report from Peter and John. Another interesting point is about who is meant by “they” in reference to removing Jesus from the tomb. Was Mary referring the two men in dazzling apparel or maybe someone else?

This lesson is a bit short, but this is a good break point because the next several verses are about Peter and John going to the tomb to investigate the claims of Mary.

Prayer

Father, the fact that Jesus is not in the tomb is a big problem for many because it validates the claim Jesus made about rising from the dead. If Jesus actually died on the cross and then rose from the dead, then his claim that he is the only way to obtain eternal life is also validated. Father, I believe another validation of this is the fact that the Bible has been translated into more than 2000 languages, that it can be studied for a lifetime and still not be completely understood and that there has been since the time of Jesus, persecution against those who claim to be his followers. Without the death and resurrection of Jesus there is no hope beyond the grave. Father, thank you that we have a living hope today.

The Tomb was Open

Lesson #323

With this lesson we begin chapter 20 of the Gospel of John. We ended chapter 19 with Jesus being placed in a tomb, but there is hope because of an event that took place at the tomb. Let us find out what that event was. “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb” (John 20:1 ESV). The first day of the week is what we call Sunday; Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, which means we can’t count Sunday as a day that Jesus was in the tomb. Tradition has been established that Jesus died Friday afternoon. If that is true then Friday and Saturday are the only two days that Jesus was in the tomb, but Jesus himself said that he would be buried for three days. That means he would have died on Thursday, because he had risen before daylight on Sunday.

John speaks of only Mary Magdalene coming to the tomb, but Mark gives more details: “When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him” (Mark 16:1 ESV). These three woman brought spices with the intension of embalming Jesus again and in a more complete manner than Joseph and Nicodemus had done because of their shortness of time. But when they arrive at the tomb they found that someone had apparently rolled the stone back. It is important that we stop here and consider what took place.

According to Matthew 27:62 – 66, The chief priests and Pharisees requested that the tomb be sealed and a guard posted to ensure that no one would come and remove the body, claiming that he had risen. Pilate granted permission, so they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. It would have taken several men with tools to break the seal and roll the stone away from the entrance. To do that at night with a guard standing watch would have been impossible.

Matthew continues by saying: “Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men” (Matthew 28:1 – 4 ESV). That is how the tomb was opened.

Matthew continues by saying: “But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:5 – 6 ESV). This explains how Jesus left the tomb.

 In the next lesson we will learn what the women did.

Prayer

Father, I think I have said enough about the possibility of the crucifixion of Jesus being on Thursday instead of Friday as tradition holds. Like the Pharisees, who held to tradition and rejected truth from Jesus, we at times are enslaved to our tradition and are not willing to look into it further. I don’t think it is really important on what day Jesus died, but it is absolutely important that he rose from the dead and on that the Scriptures are very clear. Father, thank you that the women experienced the tomb being opened by an angel, and the angel declaring that Jesus had risen. 

Laid to Rest for a Time

Lesson #322

Our previous lesson ended with the assurance, by John, of the death of Jesus. “After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body” (John 19:38 ESV). After it was determined that Jesus was dead, Arimathea who was a wealthy member of the Jewish ruling council, came to Pilate and asked permission to take away the body of Jesus. Permission was granted “And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away” (Matthew 27:59 – 60 NLT). This fulfills the prophecy found at Isaiah 53:9 (ESV): “He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.”

Joseph takes the body and now “Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight” (John 19:39 ESV). We met Nicodemus in Lesson #33 when he came to speak privately with Jesus and during the conversation Jesus told him he had to be born again, causing confusion for Nicodemus. Now Nicodemus comes to Jesus again, this time to show his respect, bringing with him that which is necessary for embalming. Seventy-five pounds is a rather large quantity for embalming just one person, but it is believed that large quantities were used for important people.

It appears that they met at the cross because “. . . they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews” (John 19:40 ESV). They covered the body with the mixture of myrrh and aloes and as they did they wrapped his body with a clean linen cloth. Joseph and Nicodemus were good friends of Jesus and if there was life left in him they would have detected it during this process. Even if there was life, it would have been impossible for that life to have continued for the time Jesus laid in the tomb wrapped the way he was.

“Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid” (John 19:41 ESV). It is interesting to note that the fall of Adam occurred in a garden and Jesus, the second Adam, was laid to rest in a tomb in a garden. The wage of sin is death and that was committed in a garden by Adam and Jesus who paid that wage on the cross was brought to a garden and placed in a tomb.

Joseph and Nicodemus were running out of time, “So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there” (John 19:41 ESV). They probably intended to place Jesus into a more magnificent tomb, but because of time constraints and since Joseph had a tomb there they chose to use it.

Because of space constraints, we will end our lesson here and begin our next lesson at the beginning of chapter 20.

Prayer

Father, so many people of the world simply see Jesus as a historical person of influence like many other historical people. They fail to see him as the perfect sacrifice that was offered for their sin and refuse to believe that he rose from the dead to provide eternal life for those who embrace him in belief. Father, if the story ended here with Jesus in the tomb, then there is no hope and we all remain under the wrath of a holy God, but it doesn’t! Father, thank you for the resurrection, which we will study about in our next lesson. 

Blood and Water

Lesson #321

We encountered a certain amount of speculation in the previous lesson about which day Jesus was crucified on, which side was pierced, and the meaning of the blood and water. Our conclusion is to be careful to determine what is important and true, embrace that and leave the rest as simply observations that were recorded. John continues with what he witnessed: “He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe” (John 19:35 ESV).

John must have been fairly close to the cross if he was able to identify both blood and water coming from the side of Jesus. John wants his readers to be sure they understand that the wound inflicted by the spear was serious enough to ensure death because our salvation is dependent on it. Jesus must die as payment for our sin.

In the next two verses, John draws our attention to two Scriptures that were fulfilled: “For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”” (John 19:36 – 37 ESV). At the time of the first Passover, when blood from the lamb was placed on the doorpost and the lintel, instruction was given not to break any of the bones of the lamb: “It shall be eaten in one house; you shall not take any of the flesh outside the house, and you shall not break any of its bones” (Exodus 12:46 ESV). This was stated again in Numbers: “They shall leave none of it until the morning, nor break any of its bones; according to all the statute for the Passover they shall keep it” (Numbers 9:12 ESV). These verses apply to Jesus because he is considered the Passover lamb who is being offered for our sin. A more direct reference to Jesus is: “He (Jesus) keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken” (Psalm 34:20 ESV).

A scripture that relates to: “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” is: “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10 ESV). The day will come when the Jewish people will realize that the one they pierced is indeed their Messiah and they will embrace him in belief.

With this lesson we come to the end of the witness of John concerning the death of Jesus. With our next lesson we will look at what John has to say about the burial of Jesus.

Prayer

Father, there should be no question in anyone’s mind that Jesus is dead as he hangs there on the cross with blood and water running out of his side. If Jesus were to stay dead, then there would be no hope for any of us.  We would all remain under God’s wrath. Father, thank you that we will see in a few lessons that Jesus overcame death and rose to victory and provides us with a living hope. 

The Day of Crucifixion

Lesson #320

In the previous lesson we ended with Jesus receiving the sour wine and said, “It is finished,” and then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. “Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away” (John 19:31 ESV). According to John 19:14, the day of Preparation of the Passover began about the sixth hour the day before the Sabbath. Some translations say about the ninth hour or at three PM. Since there is confusion on this time I didn’t comment on this when we covered John 19:14, but I will comment now.

There is no question that Jesus was crucified on the day of Preparation, the day before the Sabbath, but there is some evidence that this was not an ordinary Sabbath, but as John says, a high day. Indications are that one such day of preparation began on Thursday. If that is true then Jesus would have been crucified on Thursday, not on Friday. In that case Matthew 12:40 makes more sense: “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” I say this only to show that not all agree that Jesus was crucified on Friday. For more reading on this you might go to this link and this link as a starting point.

Because of instructions given in Deuteronomy 21:22 – 23, the Jews wanted Pilate to have their legs broken so they would suffocate and die and could be taken down from the cross and buried before the Sabbath, or high day, started.

Pilate agreed to the request and “. . . the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him” (John 19:32 ESV). At this time the two that were crucified with Jesus were still alive and as a result their legs were broken to hasten their death. “But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs” (John 19:33 ESV). It appears that the soldiers may have intentionally left Jesus until last to allow him a longer time to suffer, but when they came to him and found that he was already dead they refrained from breaking his legs as it would not incur any further suffering. If they had broken his legs, then Psalm 34:20 (ESV) would not have been fulfilled: “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”

The next four verses go together, but we will start here. “But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water” (John 19:34 ESV). Someone might ask which side was pierced as there are paintings showing either side. There are discussions about this, but since we are not told we do not know and leave it as not being important. Piercing the side of Jesus released both blood and water. This has led to other discussions about the meaning of blood and water. Some say the blood is an emblem of the Eucharist and the water as emblem of baptism. Others say they represent the old and new covenants. Protestants see them as emblems of justification, which is through the blood of the Lamb, and sanctification, which is through the washing of regeneration. The only point John is making is that blood and water came from the side of Jesus and that the soldiers verify that he is dead.

Prayer

Father, I find it interesting to consider the possibility that Jesus was crucified on Thursday and not on Friday as tradition supports. I like to approach such ideas with an open mind but embrace that which is important and true. The day of death is not critical to our salvation, but the fact that he died for our sin and rose from the dead is. From my research, I can easily embrace Thursday, but I am going to wait and ask Jesus when I am with him in heaven. 

It Is Finished

Lesson #319

Now that Jesus has entrusted the care of Mary into the hands of John he now considers his own need. “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”” (John 19:28 ESV). Jesus came into the world to live a sinless life and without guilt be nailed to a cross and take upon him our sin and die in our place. In just a short time, Jesus will surrender to death, completing the work he was sent to accomplish. Jesus knows the exact time he will do this and so now he speaks at though his work was finished. Now that the end was so close, Jesus says, “I thirst.” Psalm 22:15 speaks of this thirst: “My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.” In response to this request, “They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink” (Psalm 69:21 ESV). Surely he was thirsty, but I think he also had a great thirst and desire for the salvation of his people.

A soldiers responded to his thirst. John 19:29 (ESV) informs us that “A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.” The sour wine that was offered to Jesus was probably there for the soldiers use and is different from that which was offered to him on the way to the cross. That drink was wine mixed with myrrh to reduce his pain, which Jesus refused to take. At the cross the sponge full of the sour wine was lifted up to Jesus using a hyssop branch, which was mentioned in 1 Kings 4:33 as a simple shrub that could grow out from a crack in a wall. In Exodus 12:22 we find a bunch of hyssop was dipped in blood and then used to place the blood on the lintel and the two doorpost of a home at the original Passover.

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30 ESV). Since this wine was not mixed with Myrrh, Jesus accepted it and then made his final statement, declaring that he had finished the work that his Father had sent him to do. The wage of sin is death and Jesus took upon him our sin and he died in our place. Justice has been served and we can now be forgiven and receive eternal life and be clothed in his righteousness, allowing us to come into God’s presence.

Jesus was in complete control of his death. He received the sour wine, made his statement, bowed his head in surrender to death, and gave up his spirit. Many thought this was the end of him, just as the world thought it was the end of the two witnesses in Revelation 11, but in three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them and they stood up on their feet. Jesus would be placed in a tomb and after three days he would be raised from the dead and have a most profound effect on humanity.

Prayer

Father, it is very clear that the death of Jesus was not just a normal death. The obvious control that he had on when he would die, the darkness that covered the city, the earthquake, and the tearing of the curtain, bear witness that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. Father, you had a plan for our salvation and now the death portion of that plan is complete; Jesus died for our sin. We will soon see the life portion be completed when Jesus rises in victory over death to provide us with the availability of eternal life. What a journey it has been to see this plan unfold, but there is more to come.