John 18 The Strength of Love

John 18 – The Strength of Love

 

Judas depended on the strength of numbers, Peter on the strength of his arm, annas and Caiaphas on the strength of their position, but Jesus on the strength of love and devotion to the Father. Jesus had a cup in His hand, not a sword, but that cup was His scepter. He was in complete control.

 

On the other hand, Peter fought when he should have yielded and followed when he should have fled. Yielding and fleeing looked like defeat, but they were the Father’s will; and Peter should have obeyed. While Jesus was giving His witness to the High Priest, Peter was denying the Lord. He was not trying to fit in; he just didn’t want to stand out. Sadly, this is far too often the response of believers when they are put on the spot.

 

As a Roman governor, Pilate was worried about the threat of another kingdom. Pilate was a skeptic teaching that truth is unknowable and therefore a matter of opinion, so if such a thing as absolute truth existed, there would be no way to know it. Ironically, the answer to Pilate’s question – The truth was standing right in front of him. He did everything possible to avoid facing the issue of Jesus’ guilt. He was portrayed as a man who refused to take responsibility.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

John 17 Jesus Prays

 

John 17 – Jesus Prays

 

In this, his high priestly prayer, Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and His church.

 

The prayer reveals our Lord’s spiritual priorities: glorifying the Father, the unity of the church, the sanctity of the church, and the winning of a lost world.

 

It also reveals the gifts he has given His people: eternal life, the word, and His glory. But note that believers are the Father’s gift to Him, just as Jesus is the Father’s love gift to us. It is all of grace!

 

Everyone will live eternally somewhere, but for those who believe, the eternal life Jesus spoke of means living forever in God’s presence.

 

The way a person regards the Bible is the way they regard Christ, the Living Word.

 

The word world appears 19 times in this prayer, for this prayer tells us how to “overcome the world”. We must seek God’s glory first, experience His joy, be sanctified by the Word, seek to win the lost, and encourage the unity of God’s people. As long as believers are in this world but living for the Lord, they will be protected from the evil one and indelibly marked as His by the truth. God promises to one day take His children home with Him, but until then, Jesus prays for their spiritual well-being and pleads for their safekeeping.

 

Glory is another key word. Christ laid aside His glory to come to earth, glorified God on earth, and was glorified when He returned to heaven. Christ is glorified in His church and has shared His glory with the church. We already have the glory; we are just waiting for it to be fully revealed. (Rom. 8:18-21,30).

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible and J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

John 16 The World's Opposition, Joy, Defeat

 

John 16 – The World’s Opposition, Joy, Defeat

 

The Lord warned them about the opposition that would come. Do not be surprised when you are persecuted by religious people for this has been going on since Cain killed Abel (Gen. 4; Luke 11:47-51). The Spirit helps us witness to the world and glorify Christ before the world (Acts 4:8ff), so depend on Him.

 

When Jesus was arrested, crucified, and buried, the world system rejoiced because their Enemy was out of the way. But today he is alive, and we have every reason to rejoice! The Lord does not replace our sorrow with joy; He transforms our sorrow into joy. The same baby that gives the mother pain also gives her joy. The world’s joy does not last, but the believer’s joy is forever (Ps. 16:11).

 

In the next few hours, the disciples would watch their world fall apart; and yet Jesus assured them that He was the winner. “I have overcome the world” is a fact, not a promise, and it applies to us today. We are overcomers through Him (1John 5:1-5).

 

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

 

John 15 - Jesus' Life

 

John 15 – Jesus’ Life                                              

 

A branch is good for only one thing- bearing fruit. It may be weak, but it has a living relationship with the vine and can be productive. To abide in Christ means to be in communion with Him so that our lives please Him. We know that we are abiding when the Father prunes us, cutting away the good so that we can produce the best. We glorify God with fruit. Appearance can be deceptive. The ones not bearing fruit may look like the other branches for a while, but their failure to yield any harvest shows that they are not. These will be removed and thrown in the fire on the last day.

 

Abiding depends on obeying, and obeying depends on loving. Love and joy go together and make it easy for us to obey His will. We should love Him, love His will, and lone one another “fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, and peace (Gal. 5:22). A natural outgrowth of that abiding relationship is prayer. Jeus wants the Christians joy to be full!

 

We enjoy the love of Christ and of the brethren, but we also must endure the hatred of the world for His name’s sake. The more we are like Christ, the more the world system will oppose us. Depend on the spirit’s power and you will be a fruitful, faithful Christian. Jesus wants believers to bear fruit that is, live out the gospel, share the gospel, and win many to Him.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

John 14 Jesus and the Father

 

John 14 – Jesus and the Father

 

No wonder the disciples were troubled. Jesus was going to leave them, one of them would betray Him, and Peter would deny Him. Jesus encouraged them by telling them about Himself and the Father.

 

We have a home in heaven when life is over, and we shall meet Jesus and the Father. James M. Gray wrote, “who could mind the journey when the road leads home?” Blessed assurance!

 

Jesus reveals the Father in what He said and what He did during His earthly ministry. “I and my Father are one”. How can we not love the Father when He is like Jesus?

 

Jesus glorifies the Father through His people as they do God’s works and Keep His commandments. Apart from the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer, we could never glorify the Lord.

 

It is one thing for us to go to heaven and quite something else for heaven to come to us! There is a deeper fellowship with the Son and the Father for those who Love Him, seek Him, and obey Him. We experience His peace as we commune with the Father and the Son in love.

 

Jesus is the way to the Father; He reveals the truth about the Father; and He shares the life of the Father with us. Why should our hearts be troubled? Because He lives, we shall also live.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Nelson’s Quick Reference Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

John 13 - What Jesus Knew

 

John 13– What Jesus Knew

 

Because of what Jesus knew, He did what he did: He washed the disciples’ feet. Jesus knew where He came from and where He was going. He knew that the Father had given Him all things. If you have all things in your hand, you will have no problem picking up a towel (I Cor. 3:21-23). Jesus taught them a lesson in fellowship and in keeping themselves clean before the Lord (I John 1-5-2:1). Jesus knew every event that would transpire as the time drew near for Him to depart from this world to the Father. Even though His beloved disciples would abandon Him, and one of them would betray Him. He loved them to the end.

 

What the disciples knew. Jesus taught them a second lesson: true happiness comes from humble service. Jesus gave them an example that we must follow today (Phil 2:1-11). Soon after this lesson, the disciples began to argue over who was the greatest (Luke 22:24-30).

 

What Judas knew. Jesus did not reveal Judas’s secret; in fact, He treated him just like the others and they detected nothing amiss. What love that Jesus should not only protect the man who betrayed Him but even wash his feet! Jesus with the towel is the perfect example of humility; Judas with the bread is a perfect example of hypocrisy and treachery.

 

What the world must know. The distinguishing mark of true disciples is their love for one another (I John 2:7-11), and it is the kind of love that the world can see. He commands us to love, and He gives us the power to obey (Rom. 5:5).

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

John 12 Six Days to Live

 

John 12 – Six Days to Live

 

What would your plans be if you knew you only six days to live?  Jesus took time to visit dear friends and fellowship with them. Mary’s adoration not only revealed her love, but it brought joy to His heart, exposed Judas’s sin, and gave the church an example to follow. (2 Cor. 2:15-16)

 

Jesus took advantage of the large Passover crowd to present Himself as King (Zech 9:9). He was forcing the Jews to act, for it was the Father’s will that Jesus die on Passover. The crowd did not stay with Him. It is easier to shout in a parade than stand at a cross.

 

Jesus looked upon His death as an opportunity to glorify God. We must take that attitude when we face a time of trial. He saw Himself as a seed that would die and produce fruit as a conqueror who would defeat Satan (Col. 2:14-15). The Cross would open the way of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles.

 

In His words and works, Jesus showed Israel the light, but they chose to walk in darkness. The praise of men meant more to them than the praise of God. Be careful what you do with His words because you will hear them again when you see the Savior.

 

People can only experience life and joy when they decide to die to their self-centered existence and give control over their lives to Jesus (Matt. 10:39; 16:24).

 

Jesus’ final hours were reserved for His disciples. Jesus spoke like an ambassador on a short but urgent assignment. His mission was to undo the irresistible, enslaving force of evil within humanity and save the world. This ends the account of Jesus’ ministry.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.  J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

John 11 - God's Love Comforts

 

John 11 – God’s Love Comforts

 

This experience was difficult for the Bethany family but look at it in the light of God’s Love.

 

The sisters sent their message to the Lord because they knew He was concerned about them. God’s love keeps His ears open to our cries (Ps. 34:12-16).

 

We think that love must act immediately, but sometimes delay brings a greater blessing. “God’s delays are not God’s denials.” Jesus gave them a promise to encourage them while they waited. The promise seemed to have failed, but Jesus knew what He was doing.

 

It was dangerous for Jesus to return to Judea, but He went just the same. The raising of Lazarus helped to precipitate the plans that led to His death.

 

Jesus came to the sisters, listened to them, and assured them with His word. He cannot really help us until we move from “Lord if… to “Yes, Lord, I believe.”

 

Jesus identifies with our sorrows (Heb 4:15-16).  He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead, but He still wept with the sisters and their friend.

 

We today are not able to raise the dead, but we can serve others as they go through the valley (Rom. 12:15). A loving heart will always find a way to bear others’ burdens (Gal. 6:2).

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

 

John 10 - God's People

 

John 10 – God’s People

 

God’s people are His flock (Ps. 100:3; Acts 20:28), and they must beware strangers, thieves, and hirelings. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and speaks to them, so He is not like the strangers. He protects the sheep, so He is not like the thieves; and He gives His life for the sheep, so He is not like the hirelings who run away from danger.

 

A thief by nature persists in a lifestyle of stealing for personal gain. False shepherds steal the joy and security of God’s people, and through their false teaching, drive others away from God.

 

When you trust the Good Shepherd, He leads you out of the wrong fold and into the right flock. He goes before you and leads you by His Word, and He leads you in and out to find spiritual nourishment.

 

There are many churches but only “one flock and one shepherd”. Those sheep will be saved (Acts 4:12); they will go in and out in the secure provision of the shepherd; they will find pasture. Jesus said that His purpose as the Good Shepherd was that His sheep would have life more abundantly. Jesus’ sheep can be recognized because they hear and follow His voice.

 

Eternal life is not something believers receive when they die; they obtain it the moment they believe in Christ as Savior. No one will be able to snatch them out of His or the Father’s hand (Rom 8:38,39).

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J, Vernon McGee Through the Bible

John 9 - Irritation, Interrogation, and Identification

 

John 9 – Irritation, Interrogation, and Identification

By putting clay on the man’s eyes, Jesus encouraged him to obey and wash on the Sabbath. Sometimes the Lord irritates us before He illuminates us. His power is so great that He can use common things like dirt and water to produce a miracle. The man could hear but not see, and the Word produced faith (Rom. 10:17).

 

The man was questioned by the neighbors and by the Pharisees. Instead of seeking the truth and the freedom it brings, the Pharisees denied the truth and ended up in worse bondage. If we ask sincerely, with a willingness to obey, the Lord will lead us to the truth. If we are not honest with God, He will never show us His light.

 

The Pharisees were false shepherds who threw the man out, but Jesus the Good Shepherd took him in! The worst thing the Pharisees could have done was to assert that they were not sinners. (I John 1:8). The best thing they did was to cast the man out of the synagogue, where he saw Jesus with his own eyes and worshipped Him. The man knew that he was “a man called Jesus”, “a prophet”, and “a Man of God; but he needed to learn that He is “The Son of God”. He believed and was saved. Beware a spiritual experience that comes short of true salvation. As is often the case with those who reject Christ, the Pharisees were blinded by their pride, not by ignorance. They chose to not understand preferring the darkness of their own self-interests to the Light of Christ.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.      J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

 

John 8 Condemnation

 

John 8 – Condemnation

 

The woman was guilty, but where was the man? Both deserved to die (Lev. 20:10). It was a trap and Jesus knew it, but He ended up trapping the trappers. Did He write on the ground to remind them that He had written the Law (Exod. 31:18) or to refer them to Jeremiah 17:13? Often the greatest sinners are also the greatest accusers. Here is our wonderful assurance: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” Rom. 8:1.

 

The religious leaders did not know where they were going or where He was going because they were in the dark spiritually. They had the light of the Law (Prov. 6:23) and of conscience, but they did not have the light of life. Consequently, they did not know the Father or understand what Jesus taught them.

 

The people were in bondage to Rome and to the Law of Moses, yet they said they were free! Jesus may have been referring to Isaac and Ishmael (Gen. 21:8-21) since the Jews had mentioned Abraham. The Son makes you free, so trust Him and follow Him. His truth makes you free, so study it, believe it, and obey it. Satan imposes slavery that seems like freedom (2 Pet. 2:19); Jesus gives you a yoke that sets you free (Matt. 11:28-30). “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

 

One mark of a true believer is that Jesus’ words live within them. God’s Word either changes a person’s heart or causes internal conflict.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.                      

 

 

John 7 How the World thinks and Decides.

 

John 7 – How the World thinks and Decides.

 

Because He was doing the Father’s will, Jesus lived on a divine timetable, and so should we (Ps. 31:14-15). The world does not understand this and will give you advice contrary to God’s will. Live on God’s schedule and you will always have God’s help.

 

There was confusion and unbelief among the people. Some were for Him because of His miracles, while others opposed Him because He broke the Sabbath laws. Some waited to see what their leaders would do, and their leaders wanted to kill Him. They were judging by appearances and going astray. God’s people must look deeper - to the heart.

 

One ritual during the Feast of Tabernacle was the pouring out of water in the temple. It was a reminder that God gave Israel water in the wilderness. Water for drinking pictures the Holy Spirit who is given to those who trust Christ. The world is thirsty and can find its thirst quenched only by coming to Christ. Jesus quenches every thirst- He is knowledge to the thirsty mind, love to the thirsty heart, peace to the thirsty conscience, and holiness to the thirsty spirit. (Isa. 55:1)

 

 Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

John 6 three Tests

 

John 6 – Three Tests

 

The disciples faced three tests because of the great crowds that followed Jesus.

 

When they went about to feed the multitude Phillip thought the answer was money, but Andrew saw the answer in a lad with a lunch. When you face a seemingly unsolvable problem, claim the promise. Give what you have to Jesus and let Him tell you what to do. God can do anything, including multiply a person’s resources for His glory.

 

Leaving the multitude.  This incident occurred at the high point of our Lord’s popularity. The disciples (especially Judas) would have welcomed a kingdom, so Jesus sent them away into a storm. They went from popularity to peril, but they were safer in the storm than with the multitude; and Jesus came to them and met their needs (Isa. 43:2).  Can you obey His will even when you disagree with Him? The real proof of discipleship is how closely a person follows Christ when his or her needs are not immediately satisfied, and the winds start to blow. He comes to all His followers in their storms.

 

People want the Lord to meet their needs but not their spiritual needs. The manna (Exodus 16) came only to the Jews and sustained physical life, but Jesus came for the whole world and gives eternal life. Just as you take food into your body, so you take Christ into your life; and He becomes one with you.  The disciples had opportunity to follow the crowd, but they remained with Jesus. Jesus is the bread of eternal life in heaven, not just the source of abundant life here on earth.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

John 5 Works

 

John 5 – Works

 

The Father “broke” his Sabbath rest to help two sinners (Gen. 3:8ff), and Jesus followed His example. The man had no one to put him into the pool. Perhaps his all-but-hopeless condition prompted Jesus to set His sights on him while choosing not to heal anyone else there. God makes forsaken individuals His highest priority.

 

In the world of nature, the Father is healing bodies, multiplying food, turning water into wine, and so forth; but He takes longer to do those things. Our Lord’s miracles are the Father’s works done instantly. Whether instantly or gradually, they are wonderful works of God.

 

Today, Jesus is the Savior; tomorrow, He will be the judge (Rev. 20:11-15). Even death cannot keep lost sinners from the judgment, for He will raise them from the dead. There is no escape, except faith in Jesus Christ.

 

If you worship God the Father, you must also worship the Son, and if you dishonor the Son, you dishonor the Father. Those who claim to worship God but ignore the Son are not even worshiping god! They are only fooling themselves.

 

How can anyone deny that Jesus is the Son of God when so many witnesses affirm that he is: John the Baptist, the miracles, the Father; (Mark 1:11), and the scriptures? But when people believe in Him, they have the witness within themselves (I John 5:9-13).

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J Vernon McGee Thru the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

John 4 Jesus the Human

 

John 4- Jesus the Human

 

Because Jesus was truly human, He experienced weariness, hunger, and thirst, but His deepest desire was for the salvation of the sinful woman. He forgot His physical needs and concentrated on her spiritual needs. Patiently He revealed Himself to her: “a Jew,” “greater than Jacob,” “a prophet,” “Messiah”. She believed in Him, and her life was so changed that she immediately shared the good news with others.

 

The will of God should be food that nourishes us, not medicine that upsets us. The disciples were satisfied with material food, but Jesus wanted the satisfying spiritual food from God. The will of God gives us the strength we need to do our job in the great harvest all around us. By paying attention to what the unsaved say, Christians may receive exactly the cue they need to initiate a spiritual conversation. Today, believers need to lift their eyes and look at the fields, people near them are ready to be saved (matt. 9:37; Luke 10:2).

 

Salvation is to the inner person what health is to the body. The boy would have died had Jesus not intervened and given him health. The father heard, believed, and knew, which is a normal Christian experience. The father came to Jesus sincerely and with intensity; the journey to Jesus was a 20-mile trip from Capernaum to Cana over mountainous terrain. He had faith in Jesus and believed. Humans think seeing is believing, when believing is seeing in the spiritual realm. God is always working, sometimes 20 miles away; sometimes 2,000 miles away (Ps. 66:18,19). This is the second sign that John presents to prove Jesus’ divinity.

 

Jesus won the woman; the woman won many Samaritans; and the father won his whole household. We should be busy in the harvest.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

John 3 Born of the Spirit

 

John 3 – Born of the Spirit

 

In our first birth, we are “born of the flesh” and “born of water”; but in our second birth, we are “born from above and born of the Spirit”. Our first birth leads to death, but our second birth brings eternal life. The new birth is a new beginning that results in “newness of life” Romans 6:4. To be in the kingdom of God, a person must be born of God’s Word and His Spirit. No one can see the new birth happening, but the results of the Spirit’s life-changing work are evident.

 

Jesus is the Son of God come down from heaven. He is the Father’s love gift; He is the light in a dark world. He was lifted up, and He died on a cross for the sins of the world. All who look to Him by faith receive eternal life. Healing those who looked upon the bronze serpent was to foretell His death on the cross, where He would be lifted up. Anyone who looks on Him in faith receives eternal life. While God loves everyone, not everyone accepts that love.

 

John the Baptist’s ministry was given to him from heaven. His task was to bear witness to Jesus. Jesus is the Word, and John was only a voice proclaiming the Word. Jesus is the Bridegroom, but John was only the best man. John did no miracles, but his witness was used to win people to Christ, even after he was dead. He said, “He must increase, but I must decrease”. In the Christian life, the first priority is not the preeminence of one’s position but the performance of one’s assignment- magnifying Christ (col. 1:18). There is not room in the Christian community for pride in one’s popularity or personal accomplishments.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

John 2 Jesus is Joyous, Righteous, and Victorious

 

John 2 – Jesus is Joyous, Righteous, and Victorious

 

A Jewish wedding is a joyful event, and Jesus was very much at home there.  He was “a man of sorrows” (Isa. 53:3), but He also experienced great joy (Luke 10:21); and He can share the joys and sorrows of our lives. The joy the world offers will eventually fail, but the joy He supplies goes on forever. Jesus performed His first public miracle, not in the temple, but in a Jewish home in Cana; not at a funeral but at a wedding. Not at a fast but at a feast. This is a reminder that the life of a Christian should reflect the joy that characterized Jesus. Jesus’ actions show how vastly different God’s ways are from the worlds. The world starts with the better, which often becomes bitter in the end. But God starts with something ordinary and makes it extraordinary. Whenever Jesus enters a life, He transforms it.

 

The other gospels record His cleansing of the temple at the close of His ministry, but John tells us He started His ministry by cleansing the temple. Judgment begins at the house of God (I Pet. 4:17). The temple was then “a house of merchandise” three years later, it was “a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13). Outward reformation without inward renewal is a temporary thing. Jesus used the temple to represent His own body and His coming crucifixion and resurrection. At the same time, He signaled that He replaced the temple. God would now dwell with His people in Jesus Christ.

 

The Jews repeatedly asked Him for a sign (I Cor. 1:22) and then rejected the evidence He provided. His resurrection was the greatest proof of His deity (Matt. 12:38-40), but the Jews did not understand what He was talking about. They would destroy the temple by crucifying Him, but He would triumph over them in His resurrection. Only after Jesus rose from the dead would the disciples finally put the story together.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans for You. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

JOHN 1 the Creator, Savior, Master and King

 

John 1– The Creator, Savior, Master, King

 

Moses wrote about the old creation, but John wrote about the new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17). By calling Jesus the Word, John emphasizes that Jesus is the revelation of God.  Jesus is the creative Word and the living Word who reveals the Father to us.

In His many miracles Jesus showed His power as Creator.  He is a faithful Creator, and you can trust your life to Him (I Peter 4:19).

 

The Savior came with grace and truth, not law and judgment. He revealed the Father and gave the Holy Spirit to those who trusted Him.  He is the Lamb of God who alone can take away sins. The blood of lambs covered the sins of the Jews, but the blood of Christ takes away the sins of the whole world. Salvation is a grace gift from God (Eph. 2:8,9).

 

The Master called a few men to follow Him, and He transformed their lives and used them to transform the lives of others. Simon’s new name (Peter) symbolized a new beginning in his life.  He became a part of the new creation, sharing in the fullness of grace. Jesus calls each one individually and uses different approaches, but the same Master calls. Genuine followers of Christ are willing to submit themselves to Him (Matt. 4:20,22).

 

The King came to His own creation and everything in creation obeyed Him; but His own people did not receive Him. During His trial before Pilate, His kingship was the paramount issue; and it is still the issue today. Who is the king of your life?

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Thru the Bible. Nelson’s Quick Reference. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

Luke 24 forgetting His Word

 

Luke 24 – Forgetting His Word

 

The stone was rolled away, the body of Jesus was gone, and the women were perplexed. They had forgotten His word. Today, angels do not come to remind us of His word; the Holy Spirit has that ministry (John 14:26). Yield to the Spirit and let Him remind you of the promises that will encourage your heart.

 

Those two men could have walked and talked for days and never gotten rid of their disappointment. They lacked the key that unlocks the Old Testament: Messiah must suffer and die before entering His glory. Their hearts burned as they heard Him teach the scriptures; and soon, the mourners became missionaries and shared the good news with others. (John 16:13-15).

 

Their hearts were troubled, frightened, and doubtful; yet the Lord lovingly reassured them with His word. We today cannot see or feel His body, but we have the Holy Spirit to make Him real to us from the scriptures. When your heart is troubled or frightened, see Jesus in the Word (Jon 14:1-6). When your faith is weak, see Jesus in the Word (Rom. 10:17). The first step toward peace is receiving the Word.

 

God opens our eyes and opens our understanding so that when He opens the scriptures to us, we may open our mouths and tell others about Him. Jesus gives us the commission the power, and the message. There is no reason to be silent! When we experience joyful worship, we will have little problem giving the world a joyful witness.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Luke 23 - Condemning an Innocent Man

 

Luke 23 – Condemning an Innocent Man

 

Pilate wanted to get rid of Jesus as quickly and as easily as possible, but you cannot avoid making serious decision about Him. Pilate ended up condemning an innocent man, releasing a guilty man, and making friends with a wicked man. What a record for a Roman ruler whose responsibility it was to uphold that law and give people justice!

 

Herod wanted to see Jesus do a miracle. The evil king would make the Son of God into a court entertainer. Jesus performed no miracle; He spoke no word. Herod had silenced God’s voice, and there was nothing left for him but divine judgment.

 

Barabbas deserved to die but was set free because Jesus took his place. Did Barabbas go to Calvary and look at the Man who died for Him?? Probably not. He was glad to be free from the sentence of death so he could return to his old ways. He was free but still in the bondage of sin.

 

And for those people, and many more, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” What grace!

 

The thief exercised great faith when he asked Jesus to remember him, for Jesus did not look like He was able to save anybody.

 

Joseph exercised great courage when he openly took our Lord’s body from the cross. He defiled himself for Passover week, but it made no difference; He had met the Lamb of God, and that was all that mattered.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Luke 22 Satan in the Temple

 

Luke 22 – Satan in the Temple

 

Judas was energized by satan when he made his agreement with the religious leaders. Satan is a liar and murderer (Jon 8:44), and he helped Judas with his deception. But satan deceived Judas as well, and the former disciple ended up a suicide. It is dangerous to make deals with the devil.

 

Satan already controlled Judas, but he had to ask for permission to “sift” the disciples and to tempt Peter (Job 1:12, 2:6). Satan is not all powerful and must obey the limits set by the Lord (I cor. 10:13). The apostles had experienced some great blessings that evening, but danger was very near. Be on your guard when you have had a rich spiritual experience, for satan is about to attack. And especially beware when you are trying to decide who is the greatest!

 

Jesus said to those who had come to arrest Him “But this is your hour, and the power of darkness”. Because He had prayed and was yielded to the Father’s will, Jesus was prepared for the arrest, but the disciples were not. If ever the work of Christ appeared to be ruined, it was in the garden; but that was when Jesus was doing His very best in the Father’s will.

 

Satan was in the courtyard to sift Peter in the council chamber to lead the men astray. His victory over Peter was only temporary, for the apostle, wept, repented, and was restored. His victory over the religious leaders was complete, for he blinded their eyes to the truth (2 Cor. 4:3-6) and they condemned their own Messiah.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

Luke 21 Maintaining the Temple

 

Luke 21 – Maintaining The Temple

 

Many of the religious leaders were corrupt, but the temple was still the place where God put His name and where sincere people could worship Him. Jesus did not criticize the people for supporting the temple ministry (Matt. 23:1-3), but He did notice what they gave. The proportion, not the portion is important. Those who give “the widow’s mite” give their all, not their least. How a person gives indicates how much of their heart belongs to God. The widow gave far more than the rich.

 

Jesus sees with very different eyes; He recognized not only the temporary nature of human accomplishments but also God’s estimation of those accomplishments.

 

Even in Jesus’ day, many would-be messiahs appeared, attracting groups of followers, and then disappeared with the coming of persecution or the passing of time. By including this sign, Jesus was saying that as the time of God’s judgment approached, even more of these false christs would arise, and many people would be deceived (Eph. 5:6; 2 Thess. 2:3; I John 4:1).

 

While Christians will escape the tribulation itself, they will not escape the hardships that lead up to it, just as they are not exempt from the pain of living in a fallen world. God turns hardship and difficulty to good use in His kingdom. By relying on the Holy Spirit, these faithful believers will be able to speak like Jesus did when He confounded His accusers (Acts 6:10). While evil may prosper for a while, that time is short, but an eternity of glory with God lasts forever (Matt. 10:21).

 

As a boy of twelve, Jesus discussed the Word in the temple; and He spent the last week before His death teaching the Word in His Father’s house. He was hated by the religious leaders, and the temple was a den of thieves; but needy people were there, and Jesus taught them. He was quick to seize the opportunity, and the people were glad to hear Him.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah

 

Luke 20 Truth is Inconvertible

 

Luke 20 – Truth is Inconvertible

 

Despite their evasive and hypocritical reply, the leaders could not escape the past. They had rejected the ministry of John the Baptist, and that led to their refusal to trust Jesus Christ. You may forget your decisions, but they will not forget you. You may even try to bury them, but they will be resurrected to accuse you.

 

Nor could they escape future judgment. They would reject the Son and the Stone, and that would bring about their ruin. Christ either saves you or judges you; there is no middle ground. In the end God will see to it that He is fully honored by all of His creation, even those who opposed and killed Him.

 

The leaders even failed to escape present responsibility. In asking Jesus trick questions, they hoped He would say something they could accuse; but His answers only exposed their folly and increased their guilt. They were fighting a losing battle and would not surrender. The Scribes and Pharisees wanted Jesus to either declare an open tax revolt or publicize a pro-Roman platform. Jesus’ answer then and for today is to be loyal to the government but be more loyal to God. (Romans 13:7; I Peter 2:13-17).

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Luke 19 The Day of Salvation

 

Luke 19 – The Day of Salvation

 

Jesus came to Zacchaeus, sought him, and saved him. Though He was surrounded by a great crowd of people, Jesus took time for individuals, and He even saw a man in a tree! He is still the seeking Savior, but now He uses our eyes and lips. Everyone has the opportunity for a defining encounter with Jesus. When He calls and people respond lives will be changed.

 

There are three possible relationships with the King. You can reject His rule and be an enemy, but that leads to judgment. You can accept His rule and be unfaithful, but that leads to loss of reward. Or you can accept His rule, do His will faithfully, and receive His reward. You are not to protect what He gives you but to invest it for His glory. Jesus’ followers are expected to use whatever gifts they have for the advancement of His kingdom. The number of gifts is not as critical as their faithful use.

 

What a tragedy that the Jewish nation did not know their own King when He came to the earth. Our Lord wept, for He saw the terrible judgment that was coming to the city and the people. Jerusalem had abandoned its faith, rejected the Messiah, and would be laid waste with terrible judgment.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

 

Luke 18 Confident Prayer

 

Luke 18 – Confident Prayer

 

If an unjust judge helps a poor widow, how much more will a loving Father meet the needs of His children? We have open access into His treasury (Rom. 5:2) and can claim His gracious promises (Luke 11:9-10), so we ought to pray with faith and confidence.

 

True prayer should humble us and make us love others more. We should be like children coming to a Father and not like attorneys bringing an indictment. If prayer doesn’t bless the one praying, it isn’t likely to help anybody else.

 

Although the young man had many good qualities, one of them was not spiritual understanding. He did not really see himself, Jesus, or the peril he was in because of his riches. The publican went away justified while the young man went away sorrowful. The Pharisee’s prayer was meaningless before God. The tax collector would spend eternity with God.

 

Little children do not come with self-important airs; they instinctively trust loving adults and come with open arms, exactly the traits that Jesus said people need if they wish to enter the kingdom of God.

 

The blind man was not to be stopped! He had his great opportunity, and he would not let it pass. Our Lord stopped, looked, listened, and healed! Jesus is not too busy to hear you. Just be sure you pray earnestly. The blind man received both his sight and his salvation through faith in Jesus.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible and J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Luke 17 Faith

 

Luke 17 – Faith

 

Faith is like a seed; it seems small and weak, but it has life in it, and if it is cultivated, it will grow and release power. We need faith for many areas of life.

 

We need faith to forgive. When people sin repeatedly, giving up on them is easy; but we must forgive them and trust God to work in their lives. We must be steppingstones, and not stumbling blocks.

 

It takes faith to serve, whether tending a field or a flock or preparing a meal. It takes faith to do the extraordinary, like moving a mountain.

 

We need faith to pray. The ten men believed that Jesus could help them, and He did. The Samaritan not only brought joy to Christ’s heart but received salvation from His hand. “Your faith has saved you!” when God answers your prayers, be sure to tell Him “Thank You!”

 

We need faith to be ready when He comes. The important thing is not to set dates but to be ready when He comes, for true faith leads to faithfulness. To look around at the increase in sin will discourage you, and to look back may destroy you, so look up and eagerly expect the Lord’s return today!

 

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Luke 16 Being a Good Steward

 

Luke 16 – Being a Good Steward                                                Jan. 1, 2024

 

Stewards should use wealth for their masters’ good and not for their own pleasure,

(I Cor. 4:2). God wants us to enjoy His gifts (I Tim. 6:17), but He also wants us to enjoy them wisely. The wise and generous use of money yields much greater things in the future.

 

The man had a rude awakening: he had an account of his stewardship (Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10). Then he learned to be wise and to invest wealth in people and the future. We do not “buy” friends, be we can make friends for the Lord by the wise use of money.

 

The world measures people by how much they get, but God measures them by how much they give. You cannot serve both righteousness and unrighteousness, what is greatest and what is least, what God honors and what He abominates. The Pharisees tried it, but it cannot be done. They tried to amass as much money and power as they could without concern for others, while camouflaging their greed with religious words and practices (Matt. 6:19)

 

The rich man did not go to Hades because he was rich; he went there because riches were his god. Abraham was a wealthy man, and yet he was in paradise. Money can help send people to heaven or it can help send people to hell. The Bible clearly states that all people, created in the image of the eternal God, will be alive somewhere forever, either in the presence of Almighty God, enjoying endless fellowship with Him, or in the torment of hell. Those are the only two possibilities.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.